Tag: Saturday 14 September

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 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.

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

Scottish yard opens free to the public to celebrate National Racehorse Week

  • Jackie Stephen Racing is one of three yards open to the public in Scotland to showcase what life as a racehorse is really like   
  • Free tickets are available for Saturday 14 September 2024 (10am – 12:30pm) to celebrate National Racehorse Week – via nationalracehorseweek.uk/yard/jackie-stephen/ 
  • Activities include a yard tour, live demonstrations, and a chance to meet the racehorses  
  • Address: Firth Farm, Lilliesleaf, Melrose, Scottish Borders, TD6 9JW 
  • National Racehorse Week runs across Britian between 7th – 15th September  
  • Watch here 

Jackie Stephen’s Firth Farm training yard in Melrose to open its doors free to the public on Saturday 14 September to show what life as a racehorse is really like, with free tickets available via nationalracehorseweek.uk. 

The event, taking place between 10am – 12:30pm, will showcase the inner workings of a racehorse yard to allow people to experience the life of an equine athlete in training. Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to meet the stars of the sport up close, talk with the trainers and ask questions of the staff who care for the horses 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

Jackie Stephen said: “We take a very hands-on approach, working with each horse individually over a period. Learning to understand its temperament, how to get the best response from each one and to gain its confidence and trust to get the best out of them, while keeping them fit, healthy in body and happy in mind.” 

Jackie has been working with horses all her life. Following many years caring for thoroughbreds for other yards, she took the decision to take out a full license in 2015. Since then, she has been successfully training racehorses initially from Aberdeenshire, and now from the Scottish Borders. She continues to ride out every day and is very hands on, planning a programme for each individual horse for every day of the week. 

The event is part of the week-long National Racehorse Week programme, with over 100 open days taking place across the country between 7th and 15th September.

Great British Racing, who run National Racehorse Week, will also be carrying out more than 50 community events over the week. 

Community events will include racing yards hosting school visits, youth groups, charities and urban equestrian centres. Many trainers and owners of former racehorses will also take horses into schools and care homes, offering those who would not ordinarily have the chance to see a racehorse up close the opportunity to be part of the weeklong initiative. 

TV personality Chris Hughes, who is a racehorse owner and ambassador for National Racehorse Week said: “The impact of getting up close to a horse cannot be underestimated.

“And racing has created a unique opportunity through National Racehorse Week to help people meet these incredible animals, experience the life of a thoroughbred and talk to the dedicated teams who care for them 365 days a year.

“There is nothing quite like this in any other sport. It is fantastic that the events are free to attend with everyone welcome to join.” 

To find out more and to claim your tickets, visit nationalracehorseweek.uk.