BUNGLING racecourse officials wasted a "licence to print money" at a special Abba night, claims a disgruntled visitor.

Christopher Catchpole says organisers were overwhelmed by the response to a special promotion, resulting in chaos as punters queued 10 deep for refreshments.

New managers Arena Leisure plc say they were overwhelmed by the response to the meeting, which drew a record 4,600 visitors.

They say it is a sign of the racecourse's burgeoning success, with attendance up by 35 per cent.

The massive draw for the Abba concert at last Friday's meeting was helped by a two-for-one voucher offer in the Evening News, which drew 700 entrants alone.

It easily eclipsed a similar event last year that attracted 2,000 less visitors.

St Peter's parish councillor Mr Catchpole said race-goers looking for refreshment had just one bar and a burger van to choose between.

"It was appalling," said Mr Catchpole, of Eagle Close, St Peter's, a mortgage adviser and former licensee.

"You were looking at around 10 deep at the bar - these were numbers I would have dreamed of having as a tradesman.

"People were willing to throw their money over the bar to get a drink. They wanted refreshments, but no one could spend money.

"The staff were totally inept. I called the management on my mobile phone, having waited 20 minutes and they managed to get some admin staff in."

Mr Catchpole said the group he was with would have spent around £200 in total, but spent a fraction of that because they gave up waiting.

"Next time I'll pack an ice box and load it into the boot," he added.

David Roberts, of Arena Leisure, admitted the firm was a victim of its own success and "should have anticipated the crowds".

He said it was unable to extend the number of bars for the event.

But, he said, its plans to develop the racecourse with marquees, new bars, and a hotel would ultimately transform catering arrangements.

"I'd apologise if anyone didn't get served but we have plans at the moment to improve service," he said.

"I don't think anyone who puts £12m investment into something could expect such encouraging signs so soon."

Criticism of the catering follows a Jockeys Association survey of Britain's 59 courses, which rated Pitchcroft's facilities as poor.