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The racecourse at Musselburgh is often described as Edinburgh racecourse, but the original Edinburgh races actually took place on the coastal sands at Leith.
Once Lord Rosebery became involved with racing in Edinburgh, he concentrated all racing activity at the meadows at Musselburgh, and by 1816, the current site at Linkfield had already established itself as a centre for horseracing in Scotland.
With its close proximity to the transport hub at the centreof Scotland's capitol city, the course has become a favourite with the race goers of Scotland and northern England.
As a result of local corporation involvement, Musselburgh is run on a non profit basis, with all proceeds being re invested in the course facilities. Over the last 20 years, this has manifested itself in multi million pound refurbishments, and in December 2006, the course was awarded five star Visitor Attraction Status, an award it has maintained ever since.
The current racing programme includes twenty six meetings of flat and national hunt racing in each calendar year. Highlights include the John Smiths Hurdle Race day in February, and the Scottish Sprint Cup meeting, held in June of each year.
Musselburgh stages both flat and national hunt racing.
The flat course is run right handed over a compact oval measuring one mile two furlongs in circumference, with a home straight measuring four furlongs.
In races up to a mile in duration, high drawn horses have a statistical advantage.
The national hunt courses are built on the flat course during the winter months. So this means the chase and hurdles courses are also around a mile and a quarter in circumference. The two courses are both run right handed, and are generally flat with tight bends, and a run in of around one hundred and fifty yards from the last obstacle in the long home straight.
The steeplechase course has eight fences. Due to their removable qualities, the fences are fairly small, but still provide good practise for novices. There are four fences in both the home and back straights, and they are laid out in the following circuit pattern: a plain fence, the first open ditch, four plain fences, the second open ditch, and a final plain fence.
The hurdles course has six flights, with three on both the home and back straights. These removable hurdles are normally made up of six units, but they can be widened for larger fields of runners.
Although the national hunt courses have sharp bends, they also have long back and home straights, so gallopers are not inconvenienced by the shape of the course.
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, Owners and Trainers, and Corporate Guests. These can be obtained by contacting the racecourse.
There is communal ticket entrance to both grandstands, plus access to the parade ring and winners enclosure. The grandstands provide close up views of the winning post and home straight.
However, there are considerable choices to be made from the enclosures various food and drink options, and on the ground floor of the grandstands, facilities include:
The Old Weighing Room Bistro Serves carvery food and freshly prepared dishes, and is very popular, so advance booking is strongly advised. Also, the popularity of the Old Weighing Room Bar, means access has to be controlled so as to prevent overcrowding.
The Pinkie Bar serves drinks and snacks, including a dish of the day.
The Rosebery Hall Café serves tea, coffee, and snacks.
The Rockavon Bar is located next to the betting shop.
When considering the first floor of the grandstands, the choice of facilities is equally abundant, as follows:
The Epperston Suite houses the premier restaurant on the racecourse. Diners have access to there table for the full duration of each days racing. They enjoy wonderful food and full table service, while simultaneously observing all the racing action. Due to the popularity of this restaurant, advance booking is essential.
La Garson Dor Bar and Carvery, was recently refurbished to the highest standards, and offers great views of the parade ring.
Dizzys Bar is a modern facility which provides views of the racecourse.
Freddies Bar is a popular bar overlooking the race track.
The newly opened Pommery Champagne Bar serves a selection of champagnes and champagne based cocktails.
At the larger meetings, this enclosure provides car seat viewing of the racing action.
Bar, food and toilet facilities are available in the picnic enclosure.
By attending in person, and displaying their special parking permits, disabled race goers can use the designated disabled car parking spaces, which are located near to entrance gates.
Viewing ramps are located in the enclosures of both Grandstands. In addition, lifts also supply access to the upper floors of both buildings.
Specialist toilet facilities are located in the Pinkie Bar, the Old Weighing Room Bistro, and the Queens Grandstand.
Friday 20 May
Friday 03 June
Saturday 04 June
Friday 17 June
Musselburgh racecourse is located around seven miles East of Edinburgh city centre, just off the Tranent junction of the A1 and the Edinburgh city by pass.
Race goers from the North of Scotland should join up with the Edinburgh city by pass, and then follow the signs to Musselburgh and the racecourse. Traffic from the West of Scotland is advised to use the M8, and then the afore mentioned by pass. From the South, the best route is the A1 and the A198, but borders traffic may prefer to use the A7, A68, or the A702.
There is ample free car parking next to the racecourse.
The nearest railway station is at Wallyford, on the Edinburgh Waverley to North Berwick line.
Wallyford railway station is just over a mile from the racecourse. A shuttle bus service operates before and after racing. For full details on operating times of the courtesy buses, please contact the racecourse office.
There are four relevant local bus services which operate out of Edinburgh Princes Street. The 15 and 15 a, both stop outside the course. However, on the 26 and 44 services, it is necessary to alight in Musselburgh high street.
For full timetable details, contact Lothian Buses, or First Group.
Edinburgh airport is on the north side of the city, and about twelve miles from Musselburgh racecourse. The airport has good access to the city by pass, and the racecourse is well signposted. Subject to traffic conditions, journey time is around half an hour.
Musselburgh Racecourse,
Linkfield Road,
Musselburgh,
East Lothian,
EH21 7RG.
Tel no: 0131 669 0444.
The Best Western Kings Manor Hotel is situated on the east side of Edinburgh, and is only 200 metres from the main route of the A1 South. Musselburgh racecourse is a little over a mile away, and Edinburgh city centre is easily accessible, and it is only a short walk to Portobello Beach and nearby golfing facilities.
As a family run hotel, we pride ourselves on our hospitable welcome. There are 95 en suite guest rooms, including; standard, family, Club, and specialist rooms for guests with low mobility. For Musselburgh race goers who want to sample a touch of luxury during their stay, our Club rooms offer; king size continental beds, large flat screen televisions with freeview and satellite channels, play station\CD\DVD facilities, wi-fi internet access, and a range of other luxury amenities.
The Best Western Kings Manor boasts the newly refurbished Barzest offering the same range of refreshments but with a more intimate contemporary feel. Options Bistro offers a wide range of meals from 10am to 10pm seven days a week. While Lauders Restaurant serves high quality cuisine from an a la carte menu, and offers an excellent selection from an extensive wine list.
Best Western Kings Manor also offers superb health and fitness amenities. The Fountains Spa Leisure Club incorporates a 20 metre swimming pool, tennis court, gym and fitness suites, and for guests seeking a pamper, there is the Balcony Health and Beauty Centre.
The Macdonald Holyrood Hotel is the perfect venue for discerning race goers who are seeking to combine attendance at Musselburgh races with a leisurely visit to Edinburgh. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is just 15 minutes drive from Musselburgh racecourse, and just a few minutes walk from Edinburgh’s major attractions.
The Macdonald Holyrood Hotel offers superb accommodation, and during your stay, you can be sure of exemplary service from our experienced and dedicated staff. The hotel offers 156 spacious and well appointed en suite guest rooms. All have air conditioning, comfortable beds, cable television, wi-fi internet access, mini bar upon request, and the standard room amenities of a top quality hotel. For extra luxury, why not stay on our Club Floor. Apart from accommodation in our superbly appointed Club rooms and suites, there is access to the Club Lounge and Library. Every morning guests can enjoy continental breakfast in the library’s dining area, and in the evenings, a champagne reception is offered.
Macdonald Hotels take great pride in their cuisine and the Holyrood Hotel is a shining example. Naturally, we offer a quality 24 hour room service menu. Alternatively, guests can enjoy breakfast and dinner in our award winning Opus 504 Restaurant. The head chef is painstaking in his search for the freshest, and most natural ingredients, and this manifests itself in a fine choice of creative and delicious dishes. In addition, the Piano Bar and Lounge serves light snacks from 11 am, and is the perfect venue to enjoy a cocktail or drink with friends.
Residents can also use the facilities of the Vital Health and Fitness Centre, including; a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and fully equipped gymnasium. While guests seeking a pamper can consult our professional beauty therapists.
For more details, or to book directly with the Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, use the link below.
http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/holyrood/