horse racing – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Under Barker’s Orders – Corgi Derby takes centre stage at Musselburgh Racecourse on Easter Saturday

Mussleburgh Racecourse Easter Saturday 2025

The race distance is only 70 metres but for the packed field taking part in Musselburgh Racecourse’s famous Corgi Derby on Easter Saturday it will take a marathon effort to claim victory.

Now in its fifth year, the hotly-contested event returns on Musselburgh’s opening Flat fixture of the season on 4 April, bringing together 15 dogged rivals in a race that has grown from a one-off Jubilee celebration into an event with genuine international interest.

First staged in 2022 to mark the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and her well-known love of corgis, the race has taken on a life of its own, attracting entries from across the UK.

More than 50 dogs were entered so a ballot was held, but among those lining up are familiar faces including former champions Georgie Rumbles (2022) and Rodney (2023) – returning to try to recapture their titles – while ever-present contenders Toffee and Pippin maintain their record of having competed in every race so far.

Last year’s top dog and local hero Juno, will be looking to retain the crown, fresh from a training routine that including chasing down seagulls on nearby Portobello Beach. The race is scheduled for 12.15pm, with the runners gathering beforehand in the racecourse parade ring where the 2026 champion corgi will return for a trophy presentation.

While the corgis may grab the headlines, the day itself offers the highest quality Flat racing with a £300,000-plus card, featuring the Virgin Bet Scottish Sprint Cup, the historic Queen’s Cup and the introduction of a new £80,000 Listed contest – the Virgin Bet Goliath Cup.

Off the track, Musselburgh lives up to its reputation as one of Scotland’s best family day-out venues, with live music between races provided by Banjo Lounge, a wide range of street food and bars, and a lively after-racing party hosted by Forth One’s Garry Spence, ensuring the fun continues after the final race.

For families, the popular Kid’s Clip Clop Zone returns, complete with free fairground rides, face painting and the Easter Bunny who will be handing out free chocolate eggs, while children aged 17 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development, at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “The famous Corgi Derby has become something of a runaway hit and what started as a bit of fun has grown into a real highlight of the Easter weekend for thousands of our visitors.

“It’s a perfect fun start to what is a high-quality day of racing and it underlines that a day at the races can combine both top-class competitive sport and great entertainment.”

Admission tickets purchased before midnight on 3 April benefit from a £4 discount. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Musselburgh Racecourse adds Irish accent to season’s premier jumps meeting

The pinnacle of Musselburgh Racecourse’s jumps season takes on a distinctive Irish theme this weekend.

The Bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials Weekend over Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February will celebrate the spirit and heritage synonymous with the famous Cheltenham Festival staged every March at the iconic racing venue.

With more than £400,000 in prize money over the two days, the East Lothian track’s standout jumps fixture typically attracts the UK and Ireland’s leading trainers, owners and horses to what is now established as the largest Cheltenham Trials weekend in Scotland.

Racegoers can enjoy the infectious sounds of traditional Irish music bands, including Savage Cabbage and The Good Roosters, and spontaneous pop-up Irish dance performances across the racecourse, filling the day with colour, rhythm and the unmistakable energy of the Emerald Isle.

Musselburgh has partnered with famous Edinburgh Irish pub Dropkick Murphy’s to add to the Irish-inspired atmosphere, piper Lewis Saunders will play on the Saturday and Irish dancers will perform. On the opening day there will also be an After Race Party following the final race (4.11pm) with live music providing a fitting finale to round off celebrations.

Racegoers booking admission tickets before midnight on Friday 30 January can save £3 per person on the normal admission price, which is £35 on Saturday and £30 on Sunday.

Saturday’s card is headlined by the prestigious £80,000 bet365 Scottish Champion Handicap Chase and the £50,000 Listed bet365 Scottish Triumph Hurdle Trial, races that regularly unearth future stars bound for glory at the Cheltenham and Aintree spring festivals.

On Sunday, elite jumps racing continues with the bet365 Edinburgh National run over 3 miles 7 furlongs, and which attracts quality stayers being prepared to challenge at the premier spring jumps meetings.

Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “The road to the Cheltenham and the Grand National Festivals starts here at Musselburgh with our bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials weekend.

“With an electric atmosphere, an excellent choice of places to eat and drink, and the opportunity to see the country’s top owners, trainers, jockeys and horses in action, this is a must-attend event for all jumps racing fans.

“This year we are imitating the unique Irish-influenced atmosphere prevalent at the Cheltenham Festival proper, with quality entertainment and by partnering with Dropkick Murphy’s to add to the enjoyment and spectacle of what is one of Scotland’s premier racing events.”

Musselburgh will also welcome students from across Scotland to the Sunday meeting, carrying on the tradition of introducing younger racegoers to the sport.

Following feedback from last year, the raceday experience will be enhanced with additional bars for students, while guests holding regular raceday tickets can enjoy dedicated facilities, including The Rockavon bar and Café 1816.

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

PICTURES: Alan Rennie

Putting on the Style at Musselburgh Racecourse Ladies Day

More than 8,000 glamorous racegoers enjoyed a sun-kissed start to the weekend at Scotland’s most stylish race day.

Musselburgh Ladies Day, in partnership with Champagne Pommery, rolled out the red carpet for another sell-out event combining horseracing and high fashion, which was rounded off with an After Party hosted by DJ and former JLS band member Marvin Humes.

The Style Awards fashion show, sponsored by Tiger Lily Boutique and hosted by River City star and BBC Scotland present Grant Stott, drew huge crowds around centre stage as the best-dressed ladies and gents competed for more than £6,500 in prizes.

Winner Erika Paterson (TOP, CENTRE)was judged to be the best attired and returned home to Peterhead with a £5,000 trip to France to visit the Champagne Pommery Domaine, £1,500 in spending money and a voucher for Tiger Lily Boutique.

The judging panel for the Best Hat Award, sponsored by Sally-Ann Provan Millinery, included the first winner of TV’s hit show The Traitors, Meryl Williams.

The judges put their faith in winner Jayne Kirk from Dundee who collected a £300 voucher for Sally-Ann Provan Millinery, a bottle of Champagne Pommery and a cut, colour and styling session at Edinburgh’s Charlie Miller Salon.

Musselburgh Racecourse Head of Marketing, Aisling Johnston, said: “Everyone makes a huge effort for Ladies Day and that was borne out again this year with many stunning racegoers taking the opportunity to dress to the nines.

“So many of our Ladies Day guests return year in year out and that is great testament to the popularity of the event which has sold out for more than 20 years, but we are not complacent and always try to freshen things up and improve the offering.

“Erika was a worthy winner of the Style Awards but the lovely thing is the effort that all racegoers have gone to dress up for the day. It was a hugely successful day and we can’t wait to do it all over again in 2026.”

PICTURES: Alan Rennie / Jess Shurte

Edinburgh Cup Raceday is weekend tonic for Musselburgh racing fans

Musselburgh Racecourse is preparing for one of its most competitive race days of the summer season – The Edinburgh Cup in partnership with Edinburgh Gin – on Saturday 7 June.

A thrilling day of top-class horse racing, live entertainment, and premium hospitality is on the cards at the seven-race meeting with prize money of almost £160,000 on offer.

The feature race, the £50,000 Edinburgh Cup, run over 1 mile 1 furlong, is complemented by the equally prestigious £50,000 Edinburgh Gin British EBF Queen of Scots Stakes, which showcases the finest fillies and mares over seven furlongs.

The Queen of Scots event – a Class 1 Listed race – has become a key stepping stone for horses targeting Royal Ascot and the major summer festivals during the flat racing season and this year’s renewal is expected to attract another stellar field.

Musselburgh Racecourse director, Bill Farnsworth, said: “The Edinburgh Cup has established itself as one of the standout fixtures in Scotland’s racing calendar, consistently attracting high-quality fields from leading trainers across the UK, and this year promises to deliver the same exceptional standard of racing that has made this meeting so popular with both racing enthusiasts and social racegoers alike.”

For racing fans keen to keep up with the action at the Betfred Derby, screens around the course will show the world’s greatest Flat race live from Epsom Downs.

Away from the track, Musselburgh’s Main Stage will feature live music entertainment, building up to the legendary After Racing Party hosted by Forth One’s popular Boogie in the Morning, which is open to all racegoers after the final race.

Best dressed racegoer of the day could win a £500 clothing voucher and four Pimm’s Enclosure tickets to Musselburgh’s sell-out Ladies Day on 8 August, courtesy of Slater Menswear, who are the official Men’s Fashion Partner to The Edinburgh Cup Raceday.

Open to both ladies and gents, other prizes include £250 and £150 Slater gift vouchers and admission tickets to the popular Oktoberfest Raceday or Friday Night at the Races events. Head to the Style Standout fashion wall by the Main Stage to enter and the winner will be announced before the final race by radio presenter Boogie.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in offerings from Scotland’s finest street food vendors, with options carefully selected to cater to all dietary requirements and The Edinburgh Gin Botanical Bar will serve refreshing, botanical-inspired cocktails, perfectly complementing the summer racing atmosphere.

“We’ve created an event that appeals to everyone – from serious racing fans who appreciate the quality of our racing, to groups of friends looking for a fantastic day out,” added Bill Farnsworth.

“The combination of top-class sport, excellent food and drink, live entertainment, and our beautiful Links setting makes for an unbeatable experience.”

Gates open at 11.15am, and the first and last races are scheduled for 1.20pm and 4.55pm, respectively.

Tickets and hospitality packages are available through the Musselburgh Racecourse website www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Musselburgh Racecourse weighs in with £240,000 investment

New Weigh room at Musselburgh 13th April 2025 Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography 0771 046 1723

Musselburgh Racecourse has invested £240,000 to upgrade its jockey’s weighing room into one of the most modern in UK racing.

A weighing room is regarded as one of the most important areas on a racecourse and is best known as the place where jockeys prepare for competition and relax between races but also acts as the hub of operations for raceday officials, valets, racecourse teams and medical staff.

The sports governing body, the British Horseracing Authority, is supporting a £40 million-plus project to modernise all 60 UK racecourses and Musselburgh is the latest to comply with measures to enhance the raceday experience of elite jockeys.

The upgrade provides the jockeys who compete at Musselburgh each year with first-class changing and shower facilities, a larger warm-up room and physio facilities alongside an improved canteen area.

Musselburgh Racecourse director, Bill Farnsworth, said: “We are grateful for the support of Chester Race Company who have made this significant investment to transform our weighing room into one of the most modern in the country.

“It was not without its challenges in agreeing a design within a limited footprint, but the feedback from jockeys and officials has been overwhelming positive and we are pleased with the result.”

Professional Jockeys Association Racing Director, Dale Gibson, added: “On behalf of our members under both codes, we applaud the team at Musselburgh who have facilitated an impressive upgrade, providing equal facilities and services for both sexes.

“The venue upgrade includes an improved rest area, gender-neutral valet room, modernised changing rooms and dedicated warm up area.

“The updated facilities were very well received by our jumps members recently so a big thank you to Musselburgh and the team is very much in order.”

Dogged determination will win the day at Musselburgh’s Famous Corgi Derby

Seventeen runners including two previous champions will battle it out in Musselburgh Racecourse’s Famous Corgi Derby on Easter Saturday.

A competitive canine field will set off over a lengthy 70 metres – lengthy for their short legs – with tennis coach and former Strictly Come Dancing star Judy Murray on her toes and raising the starting flag.

All eyes will be on Rodney (no 8), the 2023 Champion Corgi, who is described by owners Matt Kendall and Nicole Whiteside as “always hungry, always smiling” and who likes to cheer on the horses as they roar past the winning post.

The 2022 champion, Georgie Rumbles (no 11), is also in the mix and while the four-year-old Welsh Corgi is said to be “full of lots of mischief” by owner Alison Rumbles, it remains to be seen if she can cause enough upset to reclaim the crown.

Local interest will be with Honest Toun entry Merlin (no 12), who can often be found patrolling the lagoons which sit next to the racecourse. A “shameless flirt”, owners Sam Benson and Andrew Marks will be hoping Merlin has the magic to take number one spot but say his biggest challenge will be “resisting telling off the other racers for having too much fun”.

Two entries who may benefit from a Chariot of Fire style training regime on St Andrew’s famous beaches are Teddy (no 1) and Tommy (no 2). When he is not having his belly rubbed and chasing cuddly toys, Welsh-born Teddy “has most fun running up and down the West Sands in St Andrew’s” said owner Will Lamond.

Number two entry Toffee, wearing appropriate brown colours, has a passion for chasing pigeons and also “loves to sprint on the beach at St Andrews”, when she is not toasting herself by the fire, according to owner Mia Anderson.

The poshest-named entry is North Yorkshire-based Chester Barkington (no 7) who wears red colours and “enjoys sampling foods of the land and diving into any water source”, claim owners Rhiannon Lister and Mike Kilroy.

A dark horse contender – er, dark dog! – could be number nine Nash who may well live up to her and sprint ahead of the pack. Owner Thomas Wilson from Gourock admits the five-year-old loves sleeping on the floor, on the couch and in her bed – but is also “a zoomy wee legend who is incredibly fast and always smiling”.

Betting fans can probably avoid losing a few quid by giving ominously numbered Pennybun (no 13) a wide berth. Owner Xander Elliards admits the two-and-a-half year old resembles the plump little mushroom after which she is named, and that despite intensive training with her long-suffering Golden Retriever sister Dilly-dally, “enthusiasm is guaranteed but Derby victory may be a long shot”.

Musselburgh Racecourse Head of Marketing and Business Development, Aisling Johnston, said: “Just like the equine entries in our seven Flat races on Virgin Bet Easter Saturday, our Famous Corgi Derby has attracted a top class field and leading trainers from all over the UK.

“It may be only 1/3 of a furlong in distance but our 17 corgis will be going to great lengths to be crowned Champion Corgi and racing and dog fans alike would be barking mad to miss out on this unique event.”

The Corgi Derby is off at noon and will be run in front of Musselburgh Racecourse’s historic grandstand.

Official starter Judy Murray will also be on hand to send off the Mini Queen’s Cup at 1pm with young children competing on Happy Hoppers for Easter prizes.

Families can also enjoy a dedicated kid’s Clip Clop zone featuring the return of the hugely popular Easter Bunny, free game stalls, free fairground rides for all ages and free face painting, with kids aged under 17 admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Musselburgh maintains it’s reputation for excellent street food and vendors with children’s options include Well Hung & Tender, The Chippy, Dog N Bon, Wicked Pizza and Dippin Doughnuts, while the racecourse’s own Pinkie’s Deli, Café 1816 and Harris Tweed Bistro all have kid’s packed lunch and meal offerings.

On the turf, a highly competitive seven-card fixture boasts prize money of almost £300,000, with the feature race the £100,000 Virgin Bet Queen’s Cup which is supported by Scotland’s fastest horse race, the £45,000 Virgin Bet Scottish Sprint Cup over a pacey five furlongs.

The After-Racing Party, open to all race goers, will be hosted by Forth One evening show host Callum Gallacher on the decks for one hour after the last race.

Gates open at 11.30am and the first and last races are scheduled for 1.50pm and 5.17pm, respectively. Book tickets before midnight on 18 April to save£6 per person. On the day price will be £38 per person.

Visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk for more information.

Quality assured for race goers at Musselburgh with new AA grading

Musselburgh Racecourse underlined its position as one of Scotland’s leading racecourses with an “exemplary” rating in four categories of a leading quality assurance scheme.

The East Lothian track received top tier rankings in the AA’s Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme, with an impressive overall score of 94.03% across all judged categories.

The AA’s Quality Assured Scheme has replaced the previous VisitScotland Quality Assured Scheme in which Musselburgh consistently achieved five star status each year.

The AA assessor found Musselburgh to be “exemplary” in four categories – Spotless and Sparkling, Staff Customer Services, Warmest Welcome and Taste of the Racecourses – Food.

The report said: “Musselburgh Racecourse is an appealing venue that offers regular racegoers, families, and casual visitors an excellent day out. The course is immaculately maintained, with a stunning coastal and countryside backdrop that creates an excellent first impression.”

The racecourse achieved a score of 94.4% in the general Racecourse assessment, 94.6% for its Catering, 95.2% for Bars, and an outstanding 98.8% for its Staff, which included customer care, efficiency and knowledge of the racecourse. In all other categories – Pre Arrival, Arrival & Departure, Cleanliness and Toilets, it was given a 90% approval rating.

The AA assessor said: “The staff at Musselburgh Racecourse play a significant role in creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for visitors.

“From the moment visitors arrive, they are met with friendly and professional team members eager to assist and ensure everything runs smoothly throughout the visit. The level of customer service is impressive.

“The staff are approachable, polite, and well-informed about the races and the venue. Their warm and approachable nature makes visitors feel comfortable and well looked after. The hospitality staff, including those at the bars and restaurants, provide excellent service. They are attentive and ensure that food and drinks are served quickly and to a high standard.”

Musselburgh Racecourse Commercial & Operations Director, Sarah Montgomery, said: “The consistently high scoring across key categories underlines our commitment to giving race goers, owners and regular and casual visitors alike, an experience to remember when enjoying a day at the races at Musselburgh.

“The overall rating of 94% and 90% plus ratings across all categories in the AA’s Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme is the icing on the cake of another successful year for the racecourse.

“These ratings speak to the wonderful efforts of racecourse staff at all levels who pull together each and every race day to provide excellent service, value for money, and an enthusiasm which translates into a hard-to-beat visitor experience.

“We, of course, will take on board all of the AA’s recommendations and pointers to ensure we improve year on year and continue to perform at the highest level.”

Musselburgh Racecourse has consistently been recognised for the high standards it sets and in 2023 was named the UK’s Champion Racecourse in the industry-wide Racecourse Association’s Showcase Awards.

Musselburgh tunes up for Oktober oompah raceday – in September

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 189^th 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.

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

Ladies Day at Musselburgh: Tickets now sold Out

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.

For further information on Musselburgh Ladies Day or to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/view-fixture/ladies-day-2024

TV personality Rylan Clark to headline Ladies Day at Musselburgh

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:

https://we.tl/t-BmfHPERLfX

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:

https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/view-fixture/ladies-day-2024