A Scottish racecourse is bringing a touch of Munich to Musselburgh in hosting its first Oktoberfest Raceday this month.
Bavarian beer steins will clink to the tunes of one of the UK’s top oompah bands at the raceday on Saturday 14 September, which also features seven top Flat races, including the Musselburgh Gold Cup.
Taking its lead from the famous Munich Oktoberfest, now in its 189th year and which runs from September into October, a Bavarian marquee will be the focal point for the East Lothian track’s festivities.
Stein holding and keg rolling competitions are planned and Oktoberfest themed street food vans will offer a range of bratwurst, pretzels and German beer, and following the last race the celebrations continue with an After Racing Party.
The Jager Maestros – a German Oompah Band – features seven of the country’s finest brass players and will get the afternoon underway with a mesmerising journey through Oktoberfest songs and games.
A past sell-out act at the Edinburgh Fringe, they are in demand at Oktoberfests throughout Europe and have been a hit with audiences across the UK.
The feature race of the day is the £20,000 Musselburgh Gold Cup over 2m 2f which is supported by six other competitive races, with the first contest provisionally timed for 4.10pm.
Musselburgh Racecourse Head of Marketing, Aisling Johnston, said: “Oktoberfest is a phenomenon and anyone who has been fortunate to visit Munich or other events will know how much fun they are.
“We wanted to introduce a taste of Munich to Musselburgh and our own Oktoberfest promises to be a brilliant afternoon and evening out as we finish off our summer season. We are encouraging racegoers to don their finest lederhosen – but it is not essential!”
Gates open on 14 September at 1.30pm and tickets bought in advance are reduced by £5 for a limited period.
Provisional first and last race times are 4:10pm and 7.20pm respectively.
Musselburgh Racecourse’s hugely popular Ladies Day is heading for an 8,000 capacity sell-out with fewer than 300 general admission tickets remaining.
Ladies Day, in partnership with Pommery Champagne, is one of Scotland’s most glamourous sporting and fashion events, and with luxury fashion prizes valued at more than £4,000 the Friday 9 August race day is the place to be.
This year’s style awards is sponsored by Tiger Lily Boutique and the “best dressed” top prize includes an invitation to visit Champagne Pommery in France – with the winner enjoying two nights at four-star hotel accommodation in Reims and £1,500 spending money.
The East Lothian course are delighted to welcome TV and radio personality, Rylan Clark, who will be behind the decks for the popular After Racing Party which is open to all Ladies Day ticket holders following the last race.
Musselburgh Racecourse marketing manager, Aisling Johnston, said: “The popularity of our five star Ladies Day meeting never wanes and we are confident that 2024 will be yet another sell-out.
“With only one table available in our VIP Marquee and less than 400 general admission tickets remaining, we are looking forward to a fantastic atmosphere and when the racing finishes, firm favourite Rylan will keep the party going.
“Around 50-100 tickets are sold each day so for anyone thinking of attending Ladies Day our advice would be to snap up a ticket now or risk being disappointed.”
Gates open on Friday 9 August at 11.30am, and provisional first and last race times are 2.20pm and 4.50pm.
Presenter set to DJ Scotland’s most fashionable raceday
TV AND RADIO personality Rylan Clark has been announced as the star entertainment for the crowds at one of Scotland’s most glamourous summer events on Friday 9 August.
The Radio 2 DJ and Eurovision commentator will entertain crowds with a memorable DJ set at Musselburgh Racecourse’s Ladies Day.
Rylan said: “I’m so excited to perform for the Ladies Day crowds at Musselburgh Racecourse.
“It’s going to be a glamorous day to celebrate in style with your mates and hopefully I can help to bring the perfect party atmosphere for everyone.”
Video of Rylan chatting about his excitement for the day can be found here:
Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “Rylan is a real star household name and a lovely person too.
“He’s the perfect mix of glamour, showbiz and humour for Ladies Day and I know that the crowds will go wild for his DJ set. We can’t wait to welcome him to Musselburgh.”
General admission tickets are selling fast, with over half already gone. Adult tickets are currently £55, but act quickly – purchase before July 17th to save £5. After this date, prices will rise to £60.
For the best seats in the house, the VIP Marquee offers racegoers the chance to enjoy the day with a touch of luxury.
Set inside a hand-crafted sailcloth marquee, racegoers can enjoy a unique dining experience, with a private Champagne reception, high-end grazing buffet and an exclusive VIP afterparty for £350 per person.
Following the success of last year’s Style Awards sponsored by Tigerlily Boutique, this year’s “best dressed” top prize includes an invitation to visit Champagne Pommery in France.
Provided by Pommery, the winner will enjoy two nights at four-star hotel accommodation in Reims, £1,500 spending money.
The racecourse is located only six miles from Edinburgh city centre, and less than two miles from the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass. There are direct transport links and a courtesy bus from Wallyford (connecting to Edinburgh) and Newcraighall (connecting to Galashiels) train stations. For those travelling by car, there is free parking available at the venue.
Hannah Smith from Dalkeith wins the Style award.
Ladies Day at Musselburgh Racecourse on Friday 11th August 2023
Picture: Alan Rennie
Gates open at 11:30, with the first race starting at 2:20pm, the last race at 4:50pm, the after-racing party (open to all Ladies Day racegoers) starts at approximately 5.00pm. All race times are provisional and may be subject to change.
Guests can purchase adult tickets now for general admission at £55 per person. Purchase your ticket before 17th July and save £5.00 The next ticket price is £60.00.
Musselburgh is one of Scotland’s most admirable horse racing venues with a history of delivering exceptional race day experiences with stunning surroundings.
For further information on Musselburgh Ladies Day or to purchase tickets, visit:
Musselburgh Racecourse is gearing up for one of its biggest events of the year, The Edinburgh Cup, sponsored by Edinburgh Gin, on Saturday 1 June.
With more than £150,000 in total prize money up for grabs across seven races, in addition to the highly anticipated £50,000 The Edinburgh Cup Handicap Stakes feature race over 1m 1 furlong, racegoers can look forward to the seven furlong £40,000 The Edinburgh Gin Queen of Scots Listed Handicap.
With top class action on the turf guaranteed, the Edinburgh Cup is also a social event where guests are encouraged to dress to impress, and a fashion competition will celebrate the most stylish racegoers.
Following the final race (provisionally 5.20pm), Forth One favourite Boogie in the Morning will host the After-Racing Party, which includes a surprise guest appearance.
Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “The Edinburgh Cup sponsored by Edinburgh Gin is undoubtedly one of our premier racedays, attracting strong crowds eager to soak up the party atmosphere and excitement of the races, and this has been confirmed by very positive ticket sales which points to an expected record attendance.”
Musselburgh Racecourse is also partnering with The Scottish Open golf tournament, held at North Berwick’s The Renaissance Club from 11-14 July, to celebrate another prominent East Lothian sporting event, and on-course activations and a competition is planned.
And for racing fans who want to catch the famous Epsom Derby, the 4.30pm race will be shown on screens throughout the racecourse.
Hospitality packages are already sold out, but a limited number of Edinburgh Gin Lawn experiences are still available. These exclusive packages, bookable in multiples of four, offer dedicated tables and chairs with parasols close to the parade ring action, an Ibiza chill vibe with a private DJ, and access to the Edinburgh Gin bar.
To make the day even more convenient and accessible, a special bus service will operate, offering a £10 return fare from Waterloo Place in Edinburgh departing at 11.15am and returning from the racecourse at 6pm.
“The Edinburgh Cup promises to be a day filled with excitement, fashion, and entertainment, and we would urge those still to obtain tickets not to leave it too late,” added Aisling Johnston.
Book your raceday ticket before midnight on the 31 May and save £5 per person.
For more information and to secure your Edinburgh Gin Lawn experience, visit the Musselburgh Racecourse website www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk
Racegoers go corgi crazy at Musselburgh Racecourse
A NEW four-legged champion has been crowned for the Corgi Derby at The Sky Bet Sunday Series Raceday, Musselburgh Racecourse.
Amidst the revelry, racegoers went wild for the 12 competing Pembroke Welsh Corgis dashing down the grassy 70 metre course, in what was the biggest race to date.
In a thrilling photo finish that had spectators on the edge of their seats, it was four-year-old Beckett who nosed ahead of the pack to capture the coveted title of Fastest Corgi of 2024.
The chestnut, black and white pup edged out ahead of the competition beating year one winner Georgie by a nose, taking his claim as the new king of the racetrack.
Renowned ITV racing presenter Oli Bell had the honour of officiating the third edition of the event and presenting Beckett and his owner Heather Sliman with his winner’s trophy and treats.
The Corgi Derby, first launched in 2022 for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, has quickly become one of the most anticipated and beloved traditions at Musselburgh’s Easter Saturday festivities – which was rescheduled this year due to inclement weather.
Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Musselburgh Racecourse said: “The Corgi Derby is such a unique and fun tradition that keeps growing every year, attracting media attention from across the globe.
“We’re thrilled that the Corgi Derby could be rescheduled. Kicking off a day of high-quality racing with these adorable corgis always provides an unbeatable atmosphere.”
Following the exhilarating Corgi Derby, the event transitioned to a seven-card of top horse racing action broadcasted on ITV 4. With a staggering £225,200 prize money up for grabs, this is one of the richest racedays at Musselburgh course with the feature race of the day, The Sky Bet Acca Freeze Handicap Stakes, worth £75,000.
The next sensational raceday at Musselburgh Racecourse will be one of the most prestigious days of the Scottish Summer racing calendar. The Edinburgh Cup Raceday sponsored by Edinburgh Gin will take place on Saturday 1st June 2024, a celebration of Edinburgh with a day full of entertainment, music, food and competitive horse racing.
Musselburgh Racecourse kicks off the £1.3 million Sky Bet Sunday Series tomorrow (21 April) with a seven race card worth more than £225,000.
The £75,000 Sky Bet Acca Freeze Handicap over five-furlongs (6.45pm) sees Equality conceding weight all round. Trained by Charlie Hills and ridden by Saffie Osborne, he has been competing in Grade 2 and Grade 3 events in Dubai during the winter.
Silkie Wilkie is well-known to regulars at the East Lothian track as he scorched home by a wide margin in last season’s Scottish Sprint Cup over course and distance, while Zarzyni is another course and distance winner, in his case in the 2022 Holyrood Handicap, and is a father and daughter training combination from David and Nicola Barron.
Ice Max has already won easily at Bath this term and he represents Clifford Lee and Karl Burke in the £30,000 Sky Bet Extra Places Every Day Handicap (5.45pm).
The card gets underway at 3.45pm tomorrow with the Sky Bet For The Fans Handicap, which sees Hawick-born Roman Scott ride Newcastle November winner Paddy’s Day for Malton trainer Nigel Tinkler.
Musselburgh Racecourse director, Bill Farnsworth, said: “With a Class 2 sprint handicap over five furlongs worth £75,000 and more than £225,000 in prize money we can expect a highly competitive day on Sunday and conditions-wise the ground is drying out nicely. We are also delighted all races will be screened live by ITV.”
Other racecourses taking part in the Sky Bet Sunday Series, which runs through the summer until 18 August, are Newmarket, Hamilton, Thirsk, Haydock Park and Pontefract.
Sky Bet, along with charity partner Cure Leukaemia, are offering £60,000 in prize money across the six fixtures in the Jockey Cup competition, with the jockey who amasses the most points at each fixture scooping £10,000.
A £100,000 bonus is also up for grabs for connections of the first horse to win three races across the Series.
The Series, in its third year, is an industry-wide collaboration between ITV, Racecourse Media Group, Sky Betting and Gaming and the participating racecourses, which will showcase the sport in a Sunday twilight slot on terrestrial television during the summer.
Musselburgh Racecourse has ABANDONED today’s (30 March) Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Race Day.
The East Lothian track took the difficult decision to call off the meeting after further rainfall this morning which made the course unsafe for jockeys and horses.
All ticket holders will be contacted with information on how to transfer their booking to another meeting or to receive a full refund.
Racecourse director Bill Farnsworth said: “Unfortunately racing has been abandoned. We had 15mm of rain yesterday and a further 3.25mm of rain this morning between 5am and 6am.
“It has been an incredibly wet winter and the ground is very wet. Normally Musselburgh could handle this kind of weather but the water table must be so high, that this has not happened.
“The ground is saturated in places and our priority must be the safety of the jockeys and the horses. It is very disappointing, we had a brilliant day lined up for our race goers and we are sorry to have to abandon racing.”
Musselburgh Racecourse’s 16-fixture Flat season gets under starter’s orders this weekend with the Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Raceday.
With increased prize money of £295,000 – up £65,000 on the 2023 race day – the feature race is the £100,000 Virgin Bet Queen’s Cup, which has attracted quality entries from the leading UK training yards. Meanwhile, the £45,000 Virgin Bet Scottish Sprint Cup – Scotland’s fastest horse race – remains an attractive proposition for the five furlong specialists.
Last year’s Queen’s Cup narrow runner-up Metier, will bid to go one better in Saturday’s big race (3.35pm). Trained in Dorset by Harry Fry, he was only half a length by Wise Eagle in the 1m 6f Heritage Handicap twelve months ago, and the Grade 1 winning hurdler also landed the 2023 Chester Cup after his excellent second-placed effort at Musselburgh.
Callum Shepherd has only recorded one winner at the East Lothian track, and Newmarket trainer George Scott has booked him for the mount on Prydwen, who was only touched off by a neck at Lingfield nearly a month ago.
Berkshire Rocco was a gallant fifth in last year’s Ebor Handicap at York and Berkshire handler Andrew Balding has already secured David Probert for the ride, while Mark Johnston – who won two of the last four runnings – and his son Charlie have five entries including Yorkindness, who landed the Musselburgh Gold Cup over two miles last September.
Scottish interest centres around Jim Goldie-trained Faylaq and Lucinda Russell’s Evaluation, while Ian Jardine has three entries from his Dumfriesshire stable.
Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup at Ayr Racecourse
In the Virgin Bet Scottish Sprint Cup Handicap (3.00pm), John and Sean Quinn could have one of the favourites in the shape of Jm Jungle. The Malton raider stopped a valuable prize in Bahrain in February when partnered by his regular pilot Hawick-born Jason Hart.
Silky Wilkie (2023) and Zarzyni (2022), winners of the last two renewals, are also among the entries for Karl Burke and David and Nicola Barron, respectively.
In the 2.25pm Virgin Bet Silver Arrow Handicap, last April’s winner, Gweedore, was successful for the second year running, and his Galashiels trainer, Katie Scott, is preparing her stable star for the hat-trick.
Musselburgh’s Flat season – which stretches to 6 November – includes the Edinburgh Cup sponsored by Edinburgh Gin on 1 June, Friday Night at the Races on 2 August, and the hugely popular Ladies Day on Friday 9 August, which typically is a sell-out event.
Racecourse director, Bill Farnsworth, said: “Sales for Easter Saturday are ahead of forecast so we are sure of an excellent atmosphere for our curtain raiser to the Flat season.
“Not surprisingly, the £100,000 purse for the Virgin Bet Queen’s Cup has caught the attention of some of the leading trainers and we can expect a very competitive contest. The fast and furious Scottish Sprint Cup will have the crowd on their feet as always.
“We have an excellent Flat racing programme evenly spread throughout the summer and autumn months which cements Musselburgh’s reputation as one of the UK’s most innovative and attractive racing venues and we look forward to welcoming guests old and new.”
Gates open on Saturday (30 March) at 11.30am, the first race is off at 1.50pm, and the last race at 5.20pm. Tickets booked before midnight on 29 March are reduced by £5 per person. Children aged years and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
TV star and mother of tennis greats will be VIP at Musselburgh Racecourse
JUDY MURRAY OBE will start the third annual Corgi Derby – the popular “four-legged sprint with a difference” that kicks off The Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Raceday at Musselburgh Racecourse.
Taking place after 2023’s hotly contested race, the event will see the return of reigning champion Rodney, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi who saw off 13 other competitors, including a distant relative of one of the late Queen’s beloved pets.
First launched as part of the racecourse’s Jubilee celebrations, the event was moved to the annual Easter Saturday Raceday as a nod to the event’s royal connections, which include the £100,000 Queen’s Cup race named after Elizabeth II.
It has subsequently become hugely successful, attracting global media coverage and attention – and will once again hopefully be televised on ITV Racing.
Judy Murray, said: “It’s going to be a tough job to match the excitement of last year’s photo finish, but I know the dogs and their owners have been putting in the hard work behind the scenes, so I have very high hopes.
“The racecourse team have thought of everything to make this day a perfect Easter outing, whether you’re going for the family-friendly entertainment, the fun, food, friends and fizz, the top-quality racing or – like me – a combination of all of those.
“It’s one of my favourite days of the year!”
Following the Corgi Derby at 12pm, a Mini Queen’s Cup will feature local audiences of all ages from Musselburgh before an action-packed schedule of racing, including the Scottish Sprint Cup – regarded as Scotland’s fastest race.
The Queen’s Cup will see riders bid for a share of a £100,000 prize pot, with high-calibre racing from 1:50 through to 5:20.
There is an abundance of activities too available for everyone looking for an Easter get-together with a difference, including action-packed mini-events and activities for the whole family.
Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development with Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “We couldn’t have predicted how popular the Corgi Derby would become, they have such a great character.
“It’s the perfect way to kick off Easter Saturday, which is one of our biggest annual events, even gaining the royal seal of approval along the way. There really is something for everyone.”
Racegoers will be met with an abundance of quality food and drink offerings, from a hand-picked selection of Scotland’s best street food stalls to formal drinks and dining packages.
With an after-racing party the event promises to be one of the biggest social gatherings on the Easter social calendar.
The Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Raceday on 30th March 2024 will open doors at 11:30 am, and the first race is off at 1:50 pm (subject to change). Book your tickets before midnight on the 29th of March and save £5.00 per person with under 17s going free when accompanied by an adult, T&Cs apply.
For more information and to book tickets now for Easter Saturday, visit:
VIRGIN BET has been announced as the headline Easter Saturday Raceday sponsor at Musselburgh Racecourse – ahead of one of the biggest days of racing in the Scottish calendar.
Featuring the £100,000 Queen’s Cup and The Scottish Sprint Cup – regarded as Scotland’s fastest race – The Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Raceday will see some of the country’s top horses, trainers and jockeys converge on the East Lothian course on Saturday 30th March.
Bill Farnsworth, Racecourse Director with Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “In Virgin Bet we have a headline sponsor that matches our ambitions, to continue growing our Easter event and building its reputation as the pinnacle of horse racing in Scotland.
“We have a packed programme for avid racing fans. The £100,000 Virgin Bet Queen’s Cup, a Heritage Handicap staged over 1m 6f, is the feature race. With total prize money nudging £300,000, there is also a superb supporting card boasting contests such as the Virgin Bet Scottish Sprint Cup and Virgin Bet Silver Arrow, which are run over five-furlongs and seven-furlongs, respectively.
“Last year’s winner of the Queen’s Cup, Wise Eagle, went on to finish second in a Group 3 contest at Ascot while the 2022 hero Enemy was a close runner-up in a race in Saudi Arabia worth a whopping £1.2 million.
“The Scottish Sprint Cup attracts some of the fastest horses in the country, and twelve months ago, was won in blistering style by Silky Wilkie, who, just four weeks later, was just pipped by a short-head at Epsom on Derby Day. He was also second twice in Listed grade at Beverley and York.
“Musselburgh’s five-furlong track record was set in this race by 2018 winner Caspian Prince, who stopped the clock at 56.77sec, and meant he was travelling quicker than the cars on the adjacent road!
“Top jockey Hollie Doyle landed the 2019 renewal with Saheeq, who, like Caspian Prince, was trained by Mick Appleby. Last year’s Silver Arrow winner, Gweedore, was successful for the second year running, and his Galashiels trainer, Katie Scott, reports that she is preparing her stable star for the hat-trick!”
The high calibre of flat racing will be captured and broadcast across the UK by ITV Racing, with the racing programme starting at 1:30 and the final race getting underway at 5:20.
Ric Leask, Marketing Director at Virgin Bet, said: “We are thrilled to announce Virgin Bet as the headline sponsor for Easter Saturday Raceday at Musselburgh Racecourse.
“We are passionate about delivering an unparalleled sports betting experience, and there’s no better way to showcase this commitment than by supporting one of the biggest days of racing in the Scottish calendar.
“Musselburgh holds a special place in the hearts of racing enthusiasts, and we are excited to be a part of the excitement and tradition that the Easter Saturday Raceday brings.
“This sponsorship reflects our dedication to being a leading player in the horseracing world, and we’re delighted to continue to be deeply embedded within the highlight moments of the sport.”
Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development with Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “Easter Saturday is one of our biggest annual events that has grown over the years, gaining the royal seal of approval along the way.
“Virgin Bet coming on board is helping us to be even more ambitious with our plans, so that we can put on the perfect holiday weekend event for all manner of racegoers.
“This includes us expanding the off-track entertainment and hospitality offering. We believe it will be our best easter raceday to date.”
With the top-quality racing matched by a wide-ranging food and drink offering, plus an after-racing party, the event promises to be one of the biggest social gatherings in the Easter social calendar.
The Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Raceday on 30th March 2024 will open doors at 11:30 am and the first race is off at 1:50 pm (subject to change).
Book your tickets before midnight on the 29th of March and save £5.00 per person with under 17s going free when accompanied by an adult, T&Cs apply.
For more information and to book tickets now for Easter Saturday, visit:
