Musselburgh Races

For nearly 200 years, historic Musselburgh Links have been a spectacular racing venue and host to the Musselburgh Races, and since it's first races in 1816 has undergone a vast transformation - especially so in the last 15 years which cumulated in the course being awarded with the 5 Star Visit Scotland Visitor Attraction status in December 2006. By achieving this award, the Musselburgh course has been able to maintain its prestigious title as Scotland's only five star accredited racecourse. Musselburgh host many race days throughout the year, with 25 in total in 2008 for both flat racing and jump meetings. In addition to this, they also offer other special events and entertainment - with great nights out available with an excuse to dress up. The Musselburgh Races are a great host for race lovers young and old - there are even family friendly Christmas race-days, with this years being held on Sun 14th Dec 2008. As well as being a popular race course, Musselburgh is also open all year round as a venue for conference and business events, with free parking, stylish new facilities and communication links. The race circuit covers just over a mile and a quarter, with racing never far away no matter where race-goers stand. In addition to this, there is also the Tote's Big Screen in the very centre of the course which can be seen easily from nearly anywhere in the venue - bringing the racing action even closer. Musselburgh and the Musselburgh Races are run as a not for profit organisation, which means that everything which is earned by the course is invested back into the races.

Getting There

Whether by road or rail, it is easy to attend the Musselburgh races. By rail it is essential you change at Edinburgh's Waverley station for Walleyford - on race days there is often a bus provided from Walleyford Railway Station to the course which is about 1.1 miles, but it is advised that you phone the course in advance for details. Driving from the west, it is advised you take the City bypass after the M8. From the south, take the A7 then the A68 and the A720, and from the east the A1 and A198. Free parking is provided for all race goers upon arrival at the course.

Musselburgh Races Facts

The Musselburgh Races course is a compact, right handed track of just over a mile and a quarter round in total. Because of the compact nature of the venue, wherever you are, the racing will never be far away. Unlike many race courses, there is no enforced formal dress code at Musselburgh, but they do request that all guests in the Queens Stand and the marquees endeavour to dress in a smart casual manner. Of course, on the Musselburg Races Ladies Day many race goers will often make more of a special effort - with men in suits and ladies in frocks and hats a common feature. Children are welcome at the course, with children ages 16 and under able to enter free when accompanied by an adult. Facilities for children include a bouncy castle, a play-bus crèche, stilt-walkers, magicians, clowns and rides available at special weekend and holiday race fixtures.