HARNESS racing at Musselburgh Racecourse – a tradition in the town for more than a century – has come to an end after a decision by bosses at the East Lothian track.
Craig Stevenson, of Musselburgh Fair Day Association (MFDA) and a member of the British Harness Racing Club, said they had been told that the annual sporting event, which was to be held over two days in June, would no longer go ahead at the racecourse.
He said the association was not invited to discuss the future of harness racing at the track, the reins of which were handed over by East Lothian Council to Chester Racing Company, operating as Musselburgh Racecourse Ltd, in 2020.
Mr Stevenson said: “I feel so sad to think Musselburgh might be lost as I have been going there since a small child and have been on the MFDA committee for over 20 years. Records of this racing at Musselburgh would go back to 1893.
“With the Famous Musselburgh Pace being the most prestigious harness race in the UK calender, many families use this as a holiday and spend a few days in the Musselburgh area.”
He said the economy needed “a boost” having endured a “shocking” two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Stevenson added: “While the racing was on there was no way you could get into a hotel or restaurant – the amount of business it brought to the town was unbelievable.”
He said that a rent was paid to the racecourse each year to hold the event, which attracted competitors from Ireland, Wales and England as well as Scotland.
Mr Stevenson, from Stirling, said that harness racing took place at Musselburgh last June, although the number of spectators was restricted to 500.
He said: “Over 200 horses race at the event.
“Bookmakers say that this meeting is one not to be missed as it’s always good trade.”
Harness racing takes place at other venues including York, Towyn in North Wales, Portmarnock at Dublin, and Haugh Field near Stirling.
John Caldwell, a local resident and former East Lothian councillor, said: “I am very disappointed to learn that Musselburgh Racecourse is no longer intending to run the annual harness racing event.
“This has been a tradition in the community going back over 100 years and it is a shame if it has to be stopped.
“People who follow the harness racing circuit come from all over the country, staying in the hotels and boarding houses, spending lots of money in the community.”
Dougie McLean, from the Pinkie area of Musselburgh, has been harness racing for about 25 years, and told the Courier he was “very angry” at the decision to stop the event. He called for the decision to be overturned, stressing that the racecourse was Common Good land.
He said: “Musselburgh Racecourse is unique in that it is the only right-hand track in Britain – every other one is left hand – and everyone wants to win the Famous Musselburgh Pace.”
Ewan Mclay, a lifelong Musselburgh resident and harness racing fan, said the Musselburgh meeting was “a very prestigious event”, adding: “The harness racing guys base themselves in Musselburgh for two days, paying for stables and hotels – they spend money in East Lothian.”
A spokesperson for Musselburgh Racecourse said that Chester Racecourse was aware of the decision, which was taken locally by the management team/board.
Bill Farnsworth, Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, said: “We recognise the passion of the harness racing community and its long history of racing at Musselburgh but we took this decision after long and careful consideration over the past year.
“The management of a racetrack has changed considerably over the last 10 years and there are more challenges to meet exacting high standards of animal welfare, health and safety regulations, and to keep the racing turf and grounds in prime condition.
“With a packed programme of flat and national hunt racing comprising 28 annual fixtures, Musselburgh is one of the busiest turf racing tracks in the UK. Many of those fixtures are over weekends, bank holidays and peak periods, which puts an increasing strain on our staff and resources.
“The month of June, when harness racing has taken place, offers a gap in the horseracing schedule where we can allow staff to take annual leave and time in lieu for working weekends, while also allowing ground staff to catch up on non-raceday maintenance projects.
“Taking all of this into account, we felt it necessary to concentrate on horseracing activities so that we can continue to deliver a five-star visitor experience and we sincerely hope the harness racing organisers will find a suitable replacement venue.”
Councillor Andy Forrest, ward member, said: “I am very disappointed that we are losing another traditional event in Musselburgh.
“The trotting has been part of the town for the last 100 years. We have come through this pandemic and we are trying to get things back to as normal as they can be with the strong traditions of the town with the festivals and galas, and to lose this will be a big blow to the town.”
A council spokesperson said the course operators were now independent of the council so it was “not appropriate” to comment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel