Opening the jumps season at Musselburgh

Kicking off the nine-fixture season with an afternoon curtain raiser, Musselburgh then warms up in December with two Christmas-themed meetings on 8 and 22 December as a prelude to the traditional New Year’s Day Raceday in partnership with Virgin Bet on 1 January.

Indications are that the first meeting of 2026 will be another sell-out fixture with a capacity of around 6,500 and with more than £125,000 in prize money on offer trainers have their eyes firmly on the £50,000 feature Auld Reekie Handicap Chase and supporting Hogmaneigh Hurdle worth £30,000, which both feature live on ITV1.

Always looking to improve the racing experience, Musselburgh has increased spending to add a touch of Christmas and New Year glamour to the grounds, and plenty of marquee facilities will keep racegoers dry and warm.

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said:

“The course is in excellent condition and after a brief lull following the end of our Flat season we are raring to go and ready to welcome visitors old and new over the winter and spring jumps season.

“Our 1 January meeting is firmly established as one of Scotland’s most popular New Year sporting and entertainment events and that is reflected in advance ticket sales which I am happy to say points towards another sell-out occasion.”

Likewise, the bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials weekend - Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February - is another Musselburgh Racecourse perennial which attracts the cream from the UK stables along with frequent Irish raiders.

With more than £400,000 in the two-day prize pot, high quality entries are guaranteed for the £80,000 bet365 Scottish Champion Chase on the Saturday, and next day’s £60,000 bet365 Edinburgh National Handicap, which at around four miles is Scotland’s longest horse race.

Bill Farnsworth added:

“Scottish Cheltenham Trials weekend is loved by our racegoers as it gives everyone a chance to see for themselves potential future champions who are preparing for the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals.

“There is a great atmosphere about the course over this weekend and it is a highlight of our season which has developed naturally into one of the premier fixtures of the Scottish jumps racing season.”

The Go North Finals Race Day on Friday 20 March, which features four finals with £40,000 prize money for each, round off the jump racing programme at Musselburgh.

For full fixture details and to book tickets, visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk