Tag: horse racing

Corgi Derby: Beckett crowned king!

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.

To find out more about the Edinburgh Cup, please visit: https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/sensational-7-highlights/highlight/the-edinburgh-cup-raceday

For more information and to book tickets for other race-days at Musselburgh Racecourse, please visit: https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/

Musselburgh Racecourse opens the £1.3m Sky Bet Sunday Series

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.

Gates open at Musselburgh on Sunday at 2pm. For more information and to book tickets visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Musselburgh racing ABANDONED

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.”

Virgin Bet Easter Saturday curtain raiser for Musselburgh Racecourse Flat season

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.

For more information and to book a ticket visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Judy Murray to get tails wagging at Musselburgh’s Corgi Derby

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: 

https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/view-fixture/easter-saturday-30-03-2024#tickets-header

Easter at Musselburgh a strong favourite with Virgin Bet

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: 

https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/view-fixture/easter-saturday-30-03-2024

#tickets-header

Musselburgh Racecourse promises egg-citing Easter weekend

Top racing and entertainment makes for the hottest ticket in town

MUSSELBURGH Racecourse is set to serve up a weekend of exciting horse racing and top-class entertainment, cementing its status as one of Scotland’s premier destinations this Easter Saturday.

Racing enthusiasts can soak up the action as the East Lothian course launches its 2024 Flat season with the Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Race Day.

Featuring the coveted £100,000 Queen’s Cup and Scottish Sprint Cup- also known as Scotland’s fastest race- those in search of a great day out will find no lack of entertainment.

Featuring live music and plenty of dancing, the event promises to be one of the biggest social gatherings in the Easter calendar.

With a full day of entertainment lined up, Musselburgh Racecourse promises to be the hottest ticket in town this Bank Holiday weekend where racegoers can soak up the party atmosphere while enjoying spectacular top-class racing.

The variety of street food and drink vendors will tickle everyone’s tastebuds. Offerings include everyone’s favourite Nee Naw Pizzeria, run by Edinburgh firefighters from a converted fire engine and Cheese on Coast.

The popular Corgi Derby is also making a return, which will see spectators witness a four-legged race like no other with a distant cousin of one of the late Queen Elizabeth’s corgis in the running, Paddy.

Aisling Johnston, Musselburgh Racecourse Head of Marketing and Business Development, said: “Whether you’re a racing fan or just looking for a fantastic day out, we’ve got something for everyone.

“Make sure you bring your dancing shoes as the Funkwagen DJs will be heading keep the atmosphere going at the after-racing party.

“With prestigious races, live music and delicious food, it’s the perfect chance to meet up with friends or family this Easter.”

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:

https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/view-fixture/easter-saturday-30-03-2024#tickets-header

Musselburgh makes hay this weekend with The Farmers Raceday

Musselburgh Racecourse’s next raceday will raise funds for a charity set up in memory of young farmer George Crawford.

The Farmers Raceday on Sunday (18 Feb) is run in partnership with The George Crawford Trust which helps young people from all walks of life and all abilities to reach their full potential.

George, the late son of Melrose farmers Cameron and Mary Crawford, had a glass-half-full attitude to life and was described as a “natural leader” when he passed away aged only 20 following a road accident in 2018.

The East Lothian course has also partnered with The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Club (SAYFC) and is set to welcome young farmers from across the country for the seven-card £54,000 fixture.

Feature race of the day is the £10,000 Join Tote.co.uk the cream of the crop handicap hurdle (2.45pm) which is followed by the Watch Racing TV Now handicap chase (3.20pm) also worth £10,000. Gates open at noon and the first race is at 1.45pm.

SAYFC members can take advantage of a Young Farmers admission package costing only £15 if booked in advance and £2 from each ticket will be donated to The George Crawford Trust.

Musselburgh Racecourse Head of Marketing, Aisling Johston, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming all our racegoers, including Young Farmers and all farmers alike.

“In addition to the exciting action on track, we will have music throughout the day as well as an after-racing party, so this is the perfect opportunity to mingle and have fun with fellow SAYFC members.”

For more information and to book tickets, please visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Musselburgh’s £430,000 Scottish Cheltenham Trials attracts top trainers this weekend 

Confirming the appeal of Musselburgh Racecourse’s bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials which benefits from a significant increase in prize money, legendary trainer Paul Nicholls is expected to make his first appearance at the East Lothian course this weekend.

Little wonder the two-day fixture, (3 and 4 February) which includes Musselburgh’s first £100,000 jumps race and a total £430,000 prize fund, has caught the eye of the 14 times champion trainer and his contemporaries.

In Saturday’s big ticket race, the bet365 Edinburgh National which at over 4 miles is a top draw for the country’s leading stayers, last year’s comfortable winner Magna Sam is among the thirteen declarations. Trained in Shropshire by Alistair Ralph, the ten-year-old will be looking for his fourth victory on this fifth visit to the track.

Liam Harrison and Fergal O’Brien, the Edinburgh National winning combination in 2022 with Captain Cattistock, are represented by Landen Calling, who won the Lincolnshire National at Market Rasen on Boxing Day.

Paul Nicholls, who boasts a 33 per-cent strike-rate with his Somerset raiders and has close to 150 Grade 1 winners to his credit, is double-handed with Truckers Lodge and Enrico, while Irish handler Gavin Cromwell saddles Peaches And Cream under rising star Ben Harvey and local favourite Lucinda Russell is responsible for another of the market principals, Inis Orr, who was fifth in the Lincolnshire equivalent.

The opening contest at 1.40pm, the £25,000 bet365 Frodon Novices’ Handicap Chase, carries the name of the horse ridden to so many memorable triumphs by Bryony Frost (course figures 6-16), who partners likely favourite Monmiral for Paul Nicholls.

Frodon actually won this contest under Sam Twiston-Davies in 2017 and is now spending his retirement with Bryony, who recorded a treble on this card in 2020 after enjoying her first strike under Rules on the same day five years earlier.

In the bet365 Scottish County Handicap Hurdle (2.50pm) Nicholls also runs Afadil, successful in last year’s Scottish Triumph Hurdle, but shouldering top-weight is Sandy Thomson’s Benson, a recent all-the-way winner of the Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle on New Year’s Day over 2m 4f.

Donald McCain’s Collingham and the Nicky Richard’s trained Parisencore, first and second twelve months ago, are also in a typically-competitive line-up for this £30,000 challenge.

Nicky Richards-trained Florida Dreams, a Grade 2 bumper winner at Aintree on Grand National day last season, carries the colours of Dundee United director Jimmy Fyffe in the bet365 Scottish Stayers’ Novices’ Hurdle (3.25), while Midlothian owner Lynne Maclennon is represented by Got Your Back, an impressive maiden hurdle winner at Musselburgh in December for Donald McCain.

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “We are delighted with the quality of entries over both days and are looking forward to an excellent weekend of quality jumps training at what is now established as one of the UK’s premier National Hunt festivals.”

Gate open on both days at 11.30am and provisional times for the first races are 1.40pm on Saturday and 1.20pm Sunday with the last race on both days at 4.35pm.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Musselburgh to host its most valuable jumps meeting

£430,000 bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials

Musselburgh Racecourse’s first ever £100,000 jumps race will be the centre piece of the £430,000 bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials next weekend which will attract some of the country’s best trainers and horses.

Long established as the premier trials for horses preparing for a tilt at the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree’s Grand National festive, the East Lothian course is in excellent condition for welcoming aspiring champions on 3 and 4 February.

Recently retired Frodon (King George VI Chase), Mighty Thunder (Scottish Grand National) and Greaneteen (Celebration Chase and Tingle Creek) are just three fine examples of Grade 1 champions who featured at previous Scottish Cheltenham Trials festivals.

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “Jumps fans will struggle to find a better prospect next weekend than the bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials, which is one of the most ambitious programmes ever staged at Musselburgh.

“The £100,000 Edinburgh National (Saturday) is our richest ever jumps race and at over 4 miles it fits nicely in to the stayers’ programme for trainers eyeing up the Grand National and the Scottish Grand National.”

The same seven fixture card also features the £25,000 bet365 Frodon Novices’ Handicap Chase and the £30,000 bet365 Scottish County Hurdle, with ITV covering the first three races live and going better on Sunday with the first five contests broadcast.

On the second day of the festival Musselburgh debuts a new race, the £80,000 bet365 Scottish Champion Handicap Chase, which is aimed at the top two-and-a-half mile handicap chasers.

Farnsworth added: “We are excited to see the entries for this new race and also on the Sunday we have one of our most popular fixtures, the £40,000 bet365 Scottish Triumph Hurdle, which is Musselburgh’s only Class 1 race and is a proper test for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.

“This weekend is by far the most valuable fixture yet staged at Musselburgh so we are expecting it will catch the attention of trainers the length and breadth of the country and we anticipate quantity and quality in the entries.”

Gate open on both days at 11.30am and provisional times for the first races are 1.40pm on Saturday and 1.20pm Sunday with the last race on both days at 4.35pm.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk