Musselburgh Racecourse – 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 boosts Flat season with £80,000 Goliath Cup Listed staying race

Revamped Easter Saturday meeting now exceeds £300,000 prize money

Musselburgh Racecourse has strengthened its position as a leading Flat racing venue with the introduction of the Virgin Bet £80,000 Listed Goliath Cup, a new Class 1 contest to be staged on Easter Saturday. (4 April)

Run over one mile six furlongs for four-year-olds and upwards under weight-for-age conditions, the Goliath Cup becomes the second Class 1 flat race on Musselburgh’s annual fixture list and a new centrepiece of its most important Flat meeting of the year.

The race transfers to Musselburgh following its previous incarnation as the Further Flight Stakes at Nottingham and the East Lothian course has boosted the Listed minimum prize money by £20,000 to £80,000 – underlining the racecourse’s long-term ambition to attract and retain high-quality Flat racing.

The former Queen’s Cup, previously an open £100,000 Class 2 handicap, will now run as a £50,000 Class 3 handicap, (open to horses rated up to 97) creating a clearer distinction between elite horses and handicappers and broadening the opportunities across the card for stayers.

The Easter Saturday meeting also includes the Virgin Bet Scottish Sprint Cup, an open Class 2 handicap over five furlongs – with prize money increased from £50,000 to £70,000. The Class 2 Silver Arrow Handicap over 7 furlongs, for older horses rated 0-105 will be run for £50,000, and the Royal Mile Handicap (8 furlongs) for 3yos only rated 76-95 will be run for £30,000 – taking total prize money on the day to more than £300,000.

The addition of the Goliath Cup provides trainers with a valuable early-season Listed opportunity for stayers at the beginning of the turf flat racing season. The new race reinforces Musselburgh’s growing reputation as a venue capable of hosting Class 1 Flat racing, while anchoring Easter Saturday as a nationally relevant fixture.

With black-type on offer and a strong ITV Racing platform, the race is expected to appeal to yards with upwardly-mobile stayers looking to build a campaign around premium middle-distance and staying races through the season.

Musselburgh Racecourse Director Bill Farnsworth said: “This is a very significant upgrade for Musselburgh and for Easter Saturday, with the Goliath Cup giving us a Listed staying race on a major ITV Racing day, which is exactly where a contest of this quality belongs.

“It’s good for the racecourse, it’s good for the programme, and most importantly it’s good for trainers and owners who now have a valuable early-season target offering European Pattern black-type and meaningful prizemoney.”

The race’s position on Easter Saturday places it neatly between Doncaster’s Lincoln Handicap opening weekend and the spring Classic trials period, offering a stepping-stone for horses with higher-level ambitions.

The introduction of the Goliath Cup has allowed Musselburgh to rebalance its Easter Saturday card to greater effect. Rather than concentrating prizemoney in a single race, the fixture now offers £130,000 across two feature staying races, providing better opportunities across the ratings spectrum.

“The Listed race gives us quality and profile, the Queen’s Cup handicap gives us depth and competitiveness, and together they make the whole card stronger.” added Farnsworth.

Ruth Quinn, Director of International Racing and Development at the British Horseracing Authority said: “The British Horseracing Authority and Flat Pattern Committee are delighted that Musselburgh racecourse has stepped in to host the Listed race formally known as the Further Flight Stakes from 2026.

“This 14-furlong race for four-year-olds and upwards is an important stepping stone into the Flat season for Pattern-class staying horses. The Flat Pattern Committee was committed to finding a new venue for the race once it became clear that staging the race at Nottingham racecourse was no longer a viable option.

“We hope that the newly named Goliath Cup will be a great addition to the Musselburgh Easter Saturday fixture, and we wish it every success.”

The changes have also helped secure expanded ITV Racing coverage, with five races broadcast live from Musselburgh on the day.

Hibs community charity under starter’s orders at Musselburgh Racecourse

HIBERNIAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION RACEDAY

SUNDAY 15th FEBRUARY

Musselburgh Racecourse has teamed up with Hibernian FC to launch a new raceday which support the Edinburgh club’s highly respected community charity.

The Hibernian Community Foundation Raceday on Sunday 15 February echoes the proud charitable heritage of the Leith club which was formed in 1875 to help support local communities through match gate receipts.

The raceday features seven jumps races and opens with the £10,000 Sunshine on Leith maiden hurdle over two miles, and the three mile Famous Five handicap chase has been named after the legendary Hibs team of the 1950s.

A special admission ticket will donate £2 from each sale to the Hibernian Community Foundation and as with all Musselburgh racedays, children aged 17 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

The Hibernian Community Foundation focuses its attention on two key components – community football and community development.

The charity aims to provide footballing opportunities to all, regardless of background, skill level, or ambition to progress in the game, while its community outreach development programmes provide safe and warm spaces, hearty and healthy meals, activities for the elderly, and a welcoming community for all.

Musselburgh Racecourse Head of Marketing and Business Development, Aisling Johnston, said: “Whether you’re coming to support a great cause, celebrate the club, or simply enjoy a brilliant day out, The Hibernian Community Foundation Raceday promises excitement, pride, and community spirit in equal measure.

“This new event recognises the incredible work the Foundation does across Edinburgh and beyond – and you may even catch a glimpse of some of the club’s footballing legends.

“The racecourse is sandwiched between Easter Road Stadium and the magnificent club training centre in Ormiston, which provides amazing access to East Lothian residents, so we were delighted to support the charitable foundation by hosting this special raceday.”

Hibernian Community Foundation Head of Community and Depute CEO, Katie Stewart, said: “The Hibernian Community Foundation is extremely excited to partner with such a prominent member of the Edinburgh community in Musselburgh Racecourse.

“The day will be a great opportunity for racegoers to learn about the Foundation and support our numerous activities, while taking in all the exciting action on the track. We are really looking forward to working closely together in the future on premium events that gives a platform to our community programmes and activities.”

Gates open at noon on 15 February, first race is scheduled for 1.50pm and last race 4.50pm (provisional).

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

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.”

Prize money up and record attendances as Musselburgh Racecourse bucks national trend

Increased prize money, record attendances at its New Year’s Day and Edinburgh Cup meetings, and a boost in hospitality guests underlined a successful 2024 for Musselburgh Racecourse.

An annual report on the East Lothian track’s performance showed prize money at the East Lothian course totalled £2,429,600 – up by 6.3% on the previous year – and an 14.6% increase on prize money in 2022.

Musselburgh also attracted more hospitality guests – 3,938 last year compared to 3,587 in 2023 – and Annual Membership grew by 16% from 263 in 2023 to 306 in 2024.

The racecourse would have recorded an increase in total attendance for the year if it had not been forced to abandon its hugely popular Easter Saturday fixture due to weather and which usually attracts a 5,000 strong crowd.

With two less meetings run in 2024 (25) compared to 2023 (27), total attendance was a healthy 58,744, down from 60,294 in 2023, but average attendance at meetings run was up from 2,319 to 2,448.

Across its premium race days, Musselburgh enjoyed significant crowd increases with a 11.5% jump and an extra 653 racegoers on New Year’s Day (6,289 compared to 5,636 in 2023) and almost a 20% boost at the Edinburgh Cup fixture (5,966 compared to 5,048 in 2023).

Musselburgh’s annual Friday Night at the Races fixture in early August enjoyed it’s largest crowd to date of 4,375, while Ladies Day was an 8,000 capacity sell-out – an increase of almost 600 on the previous year – and the 20^th year in succession that Ladies Day has sold out.

A new Oktoberfest themed race day in September was a huge hit with racegoers and compared to the 2023 meeting held on the same date there as a 1,600 bump in attendance.

Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “The figures show a strong performance with significant increases in attendance at our key meetings and it could have been even better if we had not lost our Easter Saturday meeting, which was very disappointing.

“Our ground staff worked exceptionally hard in 2024, often in adverse conditions, to keep the track and facilities in tip-top condition, and the commercial team achieved outstanding results by increasing like-for-like attendances, which bucked the national trend.

“With family budgets under pressure and lots of competing sporting and entertainment options, we are constantly upping our game to ensure that Musselburgh Racecourse remains a compelling offering for those looking for an exciting and enjoyable day, afternoon or evening out.”

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.

Musselburgh’s richest meeting of the year under Starter’s Orders

Musselburgh Racecourse’s richest racing festival of the year in under Starter’s Orders with an impressive £430,000 on offer over the bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials weekend.

On Saturday (1 February) with £230,000 in prize money on offer, the £100,000 bet365 Scottish Champion Chase takes centre stage at the six-card meeting.

And if the East Lothian course plays its cards right, the BHA have indicated that in time this 2m 4 furlong handicap chase could be elevated to Listed status alongside other Class 1 event the bet365 Scottish Triumph Hurdle.

Scottish-owned The Kalooki Kid heads the betting in the Champion Chase (2.50pm). The Nicky Richards-trained gelding, who carries the colours of Kirkcaldy businessman Eddie Melville, has been raised 7lbs for an impressive strike at Doncaster in December.

Last year’s winner Corrigeen Rock defends his crown with Milnathort-based trainer Lucinda Russell also set to saddle Traprain Law. Minella Drama, trained by Donald McCain, is top-weight on a BHA mark of 150 while Marble Sands, the winner of last year’s Frodon Novices’ Chase, represents joint-trainers David Killahena and Graeme McPherson.

Paul Nicholls, who has a tremendous record at the Scottish Cheltenham Trials, is set to be to have runners from his Somerset stable on both days. The 14-time champion trainer is bidding for a hat-trick of wins in the opening race, the bet365 Scottish Triumph Hurdle (1.42pm) and he relies on once-raced €135,000 purchase Nardaran, who is prominent in the market along with Maitre En Science, trained by his nephew and former assistant Harry Derham.

Nicholls, who last year enjoyed five winners over the two days at Musselburgh, could again be the one to beat in the bet365 Scottish County Hurdle with Afadil, a previous winner of the Scottish Triumph Hurdle, bidding to repeat his victory of twelve months ago. A wide-open race sees Dundee United director Jimmy Fyffe double-handed with Florida Dreams (Nicky Richards) and Maghlaak (Adrian Keatley).

Sunday’s feature race of a seven-card meeting with prize money totalling £200,000 is the £75,000 bet365 Edinburgh National Handicap Chase over a marathon 3m 7f (2.25pm)

Top-weight King Turgeon could be an interesting runner for his West Country trainer David Pipe as his three wins in the autumn included a strike over the Grand National fences at Aintree. Last year’s hero Iris Oirr (Lucinda Russell) and Magna Sam (Alistair Ralph), the 2023 winner, are also among the entries.

Classy Flat recruit Wise Eagle, winner of the 2023 Queen’s Cup at Musselburgh, is a fascinating entry for the bet365 Scottish Supreme Novices’ Hurdle for Northumberland handler Adam Nicol.

In the bet365 Frodon Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (1.55pm), Benson, successful over hurdles at the track’s New Year’s Day meeting in 2023 and 2024, has been pencilled in by Borders trainer Sandy Thomson and he could be joined by Breizh River, trained by former jockey Paul Robson.

Musselburgh’s February racing festival is long established an important staging post for leading trainers looking to compete at the famous Cheltenham and Aintree festivals in the Spring and the coastal track has hosted some great prospects over the years, with many of the country’s top trainers happy to make the trip north to take on Scotland’s best home-trained horses.

With seven races screened lived on ITV, racecourse general manager Bill Farnsworth is delighted with the quality of runners. He said: “Each year we aim to attract the most progressive racehorses and the country’s leading trainers and this year’s bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials will not disappoint.

“The track is in excellent condition, we have no weather concerns with a forecast of dry and sunny spells, so the stage is set for an excellent weekend of first class national hunt racing. We hope racing fans will take advantage of the opportunity to get up close to the next generation of potential Cheltenham and Aintree champions.”

Gates open on Saturday at 11.30am with the first race scheduled for 1.42pm and Six Nations rugby fans will not miss out with the Scotland v Italy match screened in all bars. On Sunday gates also open at 11.30am with the first race scheduled for 1.22pm

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

Harness racing trots back to Musselburgh Racecourse

Harness racing will return to Musselburgh Racecourse this year after a revised format was agreed between the British Harness Racing Club (BHRC), Musselburgh Racecourse Committee and East Lothian Council.

The one-day fixture on Saturday 14 June will feature the famous Musselburgh Pace – the most important race in the harness racing calendar – equivalent to the Epsom Derby in horseracing.

The BHRC is a member of the governing body of the International Trotting Association which consists of all the key countries staging the sport and includes the likes of France, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, where the sport enjoys the status of being a multi-million-dollar industry.

The Musselburgh fixture was the pinnacle of the harness racing calendar in the UK but it ended in 2022, partly because it clashed with Musselburgh’s sell-out Ladies Day meeting and it was also scheduled in middle of the track’s busy summer race season.

A reduction in the number of race meetings held at Musselburgh each year and moving Ladies Day to August has relieved pressure on the East Lothian facility, and a gap in the fixture list in June has provided an opportunity for a revival of the premier harness racing meeting.

BHRC director, Julie Park, said: “The British Harness Racing Club is pleased to see the return of harness racing to Musselburgh and would like to thank Musselburgh Racecourse, The Chester Race Company, Musselburgh Golf Club and the BHA for making this possible.

“The Musselburgh Meeting has a rich tradition and attracts the best pacers and trotters, with the Group 1 Famous Musselburgh Pace the flagship race.

“This has always been an integral part of the British harness racing year and traditionally the fixture attracts harness racing followers and competitors from all over the UK and Ireland.”

In the UK, there are approximately 500 licence holders involved in harness racing, with a great many depending on it for their livelihoods, and in addition there are many breeders and buyers investing in bloodstock

Previously, the event was mainly run by the racecourse management team but the new format will see the BHRC hire the racecourse and a special Committee set up by the BHRC will manage the event.

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with the BHRC to welcome British harness racing’s most important event back to Musselburgh.

“With a less congested fixture list than in previous years, which reduces the pressures on our staff, the facilities and the track itself, the new one-day format is a solution which all parties will work towards making a success.”