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
