On the eve of the European Championships, GMB can reveal almost 1,000 public football pitches have been lost in the UK since 2010.
As England and Scotland get ready to kick off their campaigns in Germany, new figures show there are 846 fewer local authority owned or operated football pitches today [based on the latest figures available] than there were in 2009/10.
Councils said that a further 80 pitches had also been closed – meaning at least 926 pitches have gone.
The worst hit part of the UK was Scotland, which lost a massive 271 pitches during that period.
All the other worst hit areas were all in Northern England and Wales.
The figures come from a Freedom of Information request made by GMB to local authorities in the UK and we’re revealed at GMB’s annual conference, which concludes in Bournemouth today [Thursday].
Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said:“The England and Scotland men’s teams are about to begin their European Championship campaigns, with the hopes of the two nations resting on their shoulders.
“Yet before a ball has even been kicked, the next generation of footballers have already lost.
“Losing almost 1,000 council football pitches could crush grass roots football in the UK and is yet another deeply depressing legacy of the Conservative’s austerity mission.”
First Minister to attend opening match between Scotland and Germany
First Minister John Swinney will join fans in Germany and at home cheering on the Scotland Men’s National Football Team in their first match of the tournament.
Scottish Ministers will attend Scotland’s three group stage matches of the UEFA European Football Championship.
The First Minister will attend the opening game with hosts Germany in Munich on Friday and attend the official opening ceremony of the UEFA Fan Zone in the Olympic Park stadium in Munich alongside the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and Mayor of Munich.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Football has a marvellous way of bringing people together, of all ages, of all nationalities, both women and men and it is a privilege to be heading to Munich to join them in supporting our national team and experiencing the warm hospitality of our German hosts.
“The tournament has an even more profound meaning for Scots this year as not only has our national team made it to the finals, but this year also marks the 70th anniversary of the twinning of the cities of Edinburgh and Munich.
“Celebrating the diversity within our democracies through sport strengthens our societies and improves our resilience as nations.
“I am honoured to be able to attend the opening game between Scotland and Germany and I wish our national team, led by Steve Clarke, the best of luck but most importantly I hope all of our travelling fans have a thoroughly good time.”
Sport Minister Maree Todd and Culture Secretary Angus Robertson will also attend Scotland matches with Switzerland and Hungary respectively.
They will each undertake a series of engagements in Cologne and Stuttgart focussing on culture and sport, sports diplomacy and Scottish-German relations as well as discussing opportunities for Scotland and Germany to collaborate more closely on energy research.
Come and try some orienteering with us in some of our lovely Edinburgh parks in June. It is free, fun and family-friendly and everyone is welcome to give it a go.
Special event sees walking rugby clubs from across Scotland come together to play at the home of Edinburgh Rugby
Ex Scotland caps Jim Hamilton and Tim Visser played alongside six local teams
Former Edinburgh and Scotland winger, Tim Visser said: “It’s harder than it looks!”
Scottish Building Society hosted a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity for walking rugby teams across Scotland to play alongside Scottish rugby legends.
The seven-team event saw clubs from across Scotland come together to play a tournament celebrating rugby and how walking rugby allows everyone to keep fit regardless of their age or ability.
A team of Edinburgh Rugby Legends competed alongside, Ayr RFC, BATs, Kelso, Midlothian Uncoachables, Midlothian Unpickables and Murrayfield Wanderers in a celebration of rugby.
The Edinburgh Rugby legends team had past players such as Dave Denton, Andrew Easson, James King, Jim Hamilton, Lewis Niven, Conan Sharman, Hugo Southwell, Steven Turnbull, Tim Visser all playing alongside local teams from across Scotland.
Walking Rugby follows a similar format to traditional rugby except there is no sprinting, meaning passing accuracy and positioning are key.
It is a more accessible game as tackling is much lesser part of the game and requires greater tactical knowledge. The more social format of the game is growing in popularity because of its accessibility and social nature which is bringing people together from all backgrounds, age and abilities.
The festival was held on the pitches outside of BT Murrayfield, before Edinburgh’s home victory against Zebre.
“I loved that. It was great fun,” said Jim Hamilton, the former Edinburgh Rugby second-row turned podcaster and broadcaster.
“We don’t do it enough and everyone says the same thing. I joked with Hugo Southwell that we’ll do it again in ten years’ time and it’s one of those that you want to be out with your mates catching up and enjoying a laugh together.”
Walking rugby has found an audience of former and new to rugby players as a way to come together and keep fit, especially for older fans.
“It’s harder than it looks,” said former Edinburgh Rugby wing Tim Visser. “I was definitely out of breath a couple of times but I enjoyed it.”
Paul Denton, CEO, Scottish Building Society said: “Our sponsorship with Edinburgh Rugby is far more than the professional players on the pitch. It’s a great platform to work together on amazing community programs, like this Walking Rugby tournament, which makes a real difference to those who take part.
“Walking rugby is so important in supporting people to keep active and helping to get them out the house, whilst making a few friends along the way. It was great to meet the teams, and there was a real spirit of rugby, teamwork and friendship, which was brilliant to see.
“Scottish Building Society was proud to be a part of it. Walking rugby isn’t just about the actual game, it’s about embracing inclusivity, being sociable and building connections through a shared love of the sport.”
Musselburgh Racecourse is gearing up for one of its biggest events of the year, The Edinburgh Cup, sponsored by Edinburgh Gin, on Saturday 1 June.
With more than £150,000 in total prize money up for grabs across seven races, in addition to the highly anticipated £50,000 The Edinburgh Cup Handicap Stakes feature race over 1m 1 furlong, racegoers can look forward to the seven furlong £40,000 The Edinburgh Gin Queen of Scots Listed Handicap.
With top class action on the turf guaranteed, the Edinburgh Cup is also a social event where guests are encouraged to dress to impress, and a fashion competition will celebrate the most stylish racegoers.
Following the final race (provisionally 5.20pm), Forth One favourite Boogie in the Morning will host the After-Racing Party, which includes a surprise guest appearance.
Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “The Edinburgh Cup sponsored by Edinburgh Gin is undoubtedly one of our premier racedays, attracting strong crowds eager to soak up the party atmosphere and excitement of the races, and this has been confirmed by very positive ticket sales which points to an expected record attendance.”
Musselburgh Racecourse is also partnering with The Scottish Open golf tournament, held at North Berwick’s The Renaissance Club from 11-14 July, to celebrate another prominent East Lothian sporting event, and on-course activations and a competition is planned.
And for racing fans who want to catch the famous Epsom Derby, the 4.30pm race will be shown on screens throughout the racecourse.
Hospitality packages are already sold out, but a limited number of Edinburgh Gin Lawn experiences are still available. These exclusive packages, bookable in multiples of four, offer dedicated tables and chairs with parasols close to the parade ring action, an Ibiza chill vibe with a private DJ, and access to the Edinburgh Gin bar.
To make the day even more convenient and accessible, a special bus service will operate, offering a £10 return fare from Waterloo Place in Edinburgh departing at 11.15am and returning from the racecourse at 6pm.
“The Edinburgh Cup promises to be a day filled with excitement, fashion, and entertainment, and we would urge those still to obtain tickets not to leave it too late,” added Aisling Johnston.
Book your raceday ticket before midnight on the 31 May and save £5 per person.
For more information and to secure your Edinburgh Gin Lawn experience, visit the Musselburgh Racecourse website www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk
Local rugby club, The Boroughmuir Banshees, had a once in a lifetime opportunity to train with Scottish internationalist Pierre Schoeman.
The programme was launched by Scottish Building Society when it became the main club partner of Edinburgh Rugby and sees youth rugby teams apply for a training session with various rugby stars.
Held on Monday 6 May, the team were put through their paces by the loosehead prop alongside Glen Young, lock, Harri Morris, hooker and Sarah Denholm, fly half from Scotland and Edinburgh Rugby women’s team.
Training at Hive Stadium, they were joined by Howe of Fife under 18’s girls team, Muntly under 15’s boys club and Falkirk Rugby Club under 15’s for an incredible opportunity to train with their heroes.
Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland, prop, Pierre Schoeman said: “It was an incredible day out and it was great to see all the teams come along to Hive and give their all in the training sessions.
“There are a few players who I will need to keep my eye on in the coming years. This might be the first of many games they play here at Edinburgh!”
“I would like to thank Boroughmuir Banshees for all their effort and wish the girls all the best in their upcoming games”.
Paul Denton, chief executive, Scottish Building Society said:“When we first launched this programme back in 2022 we wanted to give youth teams a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience to train with rugby players who are at the top of their game.
“We have now held three sessions with 10 teams joining Edinburgh Rugby stars for an inspiration level of access to elite athletes that would otherwise not be possible.
“We at Scottish Building Society hope all four teams had a fantastic day and thank them and of course Pierre Schoeman and the rest of the Edinburgh Rugby players for hosting this session for us.”
8,256 horses were registered during Britain’s first ever Thoroughbred Census, of which 5,566 were previously unrecorded
The 2023 Census, undertaken by Hartpury University, has disclosed invaluable information on the lives Thoroughbreds lead after leaving racing
New insight confirms the remarkable versatility of horses bred for racing as they move into a range of second careers
Results found that a third are aged 15 years or over, and even more are still with their original owner post-racing
Combined with data obtained from equestrian association bodies, there is now a level of knowledge on an estimated 80% of the former racehorse population
The Horse Welfare Board outlines future plans to achieve complete traceability of racehorses at their first step out of the sport
The Thoroughbred Census was funded by The Racing Foundation as part of its 3-year, £3million grant supporting the work of British racing’s Horse Welfare Board
Details of 8,256* former racehorses were submitted by their owners during Britain’s first-ever Thoroughbred Census, 5,566 of which were previously unrecorded.
The initiative was launched last year by British racing’s Horse Welfare Board (HWB) to generate important intelligence on the lives Thoroughbreds lead after leaving the sport.
A key aim of the Thoroughbred Census was to help bridge the intelligence gap between the current estimate of the British Thoroughbred population and the reality. Through its work, Hartpury University has now sized the former racehorse population at 33,600**.
When the new Census data is combined with information from the 13,000 members of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), plus data from equestrian associations, the intelligence bank on former racehorses residing in Great Britain now covers an estimated 80%*** of the population.
Dr Neil Hudson MP, the only veterinary surgeon in the House of Commons, said: “This is a very welcome and crucial step in closing the gap in traceability.
“It is vital that the Government continues to work with the racing industry to implement important initiatives that will improve the welfare of all Thoroughbreds, both during racing, and once they leave the sport. Vital to that will be the progressing of a central Digital Equine Database.”
FUTURE PLANS TO IMPROVE TRACEABILITY
Whilst there was strong participation from people connected to racing, the Census identified gaps in contributions from wider equestrian communities and disciplines. As a result, the Horse Welfare Board, in collaboration with RoR, is now developing tailored plans to better connect with these underrepresented groups and will work with equestrian member bodies and associations to ensure any knowledge gaps continue to reduce.
Other recommendations set out by the report to increase traceability going forward include:
A repeat Census – The HWB has set an ambition to repeat the Census again within 3-5 years.
Develop a mechanism to ensure 100% of horses can be traced at the first step out of racing – The aim is to link the sport’s National Racing Administration System data with the RoR database so that all Thoroughbreds retiring from racing, and their new owners, are automatically enrolled with RoR when they leave the sport.
Central Equine Database (CED) – Racing will continue to lobby Government to further develop a Central Equine Database that can successfully operate as a repository for data on all Thoroughbreds throughout their life to increase traceability.
Defra Digital Equine ID – Lobbying work will continue with the Government to move away from the traditional paper passports and legislate a mandatory Digital Equine ID.
Tracey Crouch CBE, MP and independent member of the Horse Welfare Board, said: “We are delighted that Britain’s inaugural Thoroughbred Census has enhanced our intelligence on the country’s Thoroughbred population.
“The report has also generated valuable recommendations for further improvements, some of which we will be pushing Government to support.”
THE REMARKABLE LIVES AND VERSATILITY OF THE FORMER RACEHORSES
Analysis of the data collected by the inaugural Thoroughbred Census identifies that almost two-thirds (62.9%) of the former racehorse population are aged between 5 and 14. Roughly a third (31.2%) are aged 15 years or over, including 739 Thoroughbreds aged 20 years or older, illustrating the long lives that racehorses enjoy beyond the sport.
The majority of those registered (74%) are geldings, which is believed to be because mares and fillies often move from racing into stud as their second careers and are therefore not eligible to the Census, and the most common reason owners stated their horse had left racing was due to poor performance and/or lack of aptitude for the sport.
Thoroughbreds engage in wide and varied activities after racing, such as dressage (11%), showjumping (8%) and eventing (8%), whilst the majority are enjoyed for leisure riding, hacking, and unaffiliated competing (36%). The range of activities is broad and reflects how well a racing career prepares Thoroughbreds for other disciplines, with almost as many moving into equine assisted activities, such as therapy, as those moving into endurance riding.
Helena Flynn, Programme Director, Horse Welfare Board, said: “The Thoroughbred Census represents an important milestone in British racing’s commitment to improve the traceability of all former racehorses after they leave the sport.
“It also enriches our intelligence about what these horses go on to do. It is often misperceived that Thoroughbreds who are not successful in racing are discarded as they are unable to adapt to other roles, however the Census results showcase their incredible versatility and their ability to thrive in a host of new careers.”
Racing owners, as a whole, are careful and conscientious and frequently take all the necessary steps, often at personal cost, to ensure racehorses move to good homes. The Census findings reflect this, with more than a third of the horses submitted (38.6%) still with their original post-racing owner, demonstrating that post-racing owners care for their horses for long periods of time, and racing owners and trainers effectively and carefully select the next step out of racing for their racehorses.
Furthermore, a vast majority (87.3%) of former racehorses have been owned by three or fewer owners. Just under half of the owners have owned at least one Thoroughbred previously (43.2%).
The primary reasons for Thoroughbred ownership include for them to be used as a project to train and compete, companionship, and because of their characteristics as a breed (temperament, athleticism, versatility).
There is also evidence that owners who are, or have previously, worked in the industry have a personal connection with the horses in their care and want to give something back by looking after them once their racing careers have ended.
In terms of geographical spread, the highest population of former racehorses included in the Census were based in the South West (19.1%), South East (13.2%), East of England (12.9%), West Midlands (11.4%) and North East (10.6%).
USE OF EQUINE PASSPORTS
The primary source of traceability for all horses in Great Britain is the equine identification document (passport), which new owners of any horse are legally required to update within 30 days of new ownership.
During their racing careers this information is regulated and meticulously maintained with the Weatherbys General Stud Book via breeders, owners, and trainers. However, data for former racehorses reduces significantly when they go into private ownership after, and beyond, their first step out of racing.
Whilst most Thoroughbred Census respondents (64%) had changed the ownership details on their horse’s passport to their own name, considerably higher than the 20% average across all equestrian disciplines, there is still work to be done to ensure improved owner compliance in the future.
The Census has uncovered that the reasons owners don’t update their horse’s passport with new ownership details include an attachment to the horse (worried the passport will get lost), lack of knowledge, circumstance (didn’t seem worth it at the time), process (complexity, time it takes), procrastination and expense.
Furthermore, almost a third (30.8%) weren’t aware of the requirement to update an equine passport to notify a death, whilst most (75.4%) also weren’t aware they could be fined for not doing so in this instance.
Despite low compliance, most owners (83.5%) said they would be willing to use a new e-passport system to register a change of horse ownership rather than the existing postal system if it was free, or a minimal fee was charged.
Helena Flynn, continues: “Once retired from racing, these horses move out of the regulated space and into private ownership, and it’s clear that many owners need better education around their responsibility to keep every horse’s ID document up to date.
“Moving forward, the Horse Welfare Board and RoR will implement a communications plan to ensure owners of former racehorses are made aware, and reminded of, their responsibilities.”
Whilst there was no correlation in terms of passport possession in relation to the competitive disciplines undertaken, owners who kept their Thoroughbred as a field companion, broodmare, or engaged in equine assisted activities were less likely to have their horse’s passport in possession, presenting a need for increased education on the importance of equine passports and ensuring they’re always up to date.
This was partially achieved through the Census campaign, with Weatherbys General Stud Book reporting a 34% increase in passport updates compared to the same period the previous year.
Roly Owers OBE, CEO, World Horse Welfare, said: “It is encouraging to see the positive strides in intelligence made as a result of the Census, as well as the industry’s commitment to achieving complete traceability in the future.
“This is a fundamental goal for the future of the industry, both for the sake of the horses and industry’s reputation in light of the growing license to operate debate.”
The Census was undertaken in partnership with equine research experts at Hartpury University. The data, obtained following independent analysis by the University, will enable British racing and its aftercare charity, Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), to better support owners, as well as continue to build informed and helpful communities.
In addition, data about this stage of a Thoroughbred’s life will be used to improve and adapt welfare initiatives and will, most importantly, enable fast and effective contact in the event of an equine disease outbreak.
The six-month census was funded by the Racing Foundation in partnership with Retraining of Racehorses and supported by World Horse Welfare and Weatherbys General Stud Book.
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.
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:
