Extra Flat Fixture for Musselburgh Announced This Monday

Musselburgh Racecourse has been given approval by the British Horseracing Authority to stage an extra race meeting on Monday 9 October.

The East Lothian course stepped in after the unfortunate abandonments of the Ayr Gold Cup three-day meeting and the loss of Hamilton Park’s last meeting (25 Sept) due to adverse weather conditions.

Gates will open at 2pm for Musselburgh’s twilight fixture with the first race off at 3.40pm. There will be a one-off special admission price of only £10 and tickets are available on the website and on the day.

The six-race card, which may be upped to seven races if a division occurs, will have prize money of £55,500 and has been aided by contributions from the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) and the European Breeders’ Fund as well as support from the BHA Development fund.

The race programme will feature the £30,000 Listed Arran Stakes, which was originally due to be run at Ayr on 22 September.

Paul Johnson, Head of Racing at the BHA said: “The recent fixture abandonments at Ayr and Hamilton have meant a loss of opportunities and income in Scotland. Monday’s fixture should be a help in both regards and I would like to extend my thanks to Musselburgh, The Levy Board, and the European Breeders’ Fund for their assistance in making this happen.”

Musselburgh Racecourse chief executive Bill Farnsworth said: “It was very bad luck for Ayr and Hamilton Park to lose those meetings but we are pleased to be able to put on this extra fixture to give owners, trainers and bookmakers another opportunity to race in Scotland as the Flat season comes to a close.”

The extra fixture sits between Ayr’s last Flat meeting of the season on 6 October and Musselburgh’s Flat finale on 16 October.

 For further information please visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk