Musselburgh Horse Racing Tips

This racecourse is located in Scotland and is the second largest. Musselburgh hosts both National Hunt and flat races for 28 days spread out throughout the year. It presents itself as a top-class venue with excellent facilities and great transport links.

In 2016, this racecourse was one of the four in the UK to be nominated for three categories in the RASA (Racing Association Showcase Awards). It came highly recommended and was dubbed the best Dual Purpose course in the Neil Wyatt Racecourse Groundstaff Awards in 2011.

Musselburgh Racing Tips

Find all today’s latest free racing tips, including our Musselburgh horse racing tips from the most respected professional tipsters from the UK and Ireland.

Musselburgh racecourse history

The first time races were held in Musselburgh was in 1777, and the Royal Caledonian Hunt organized them. However, the racing events were sporadic from 1789 and 1816, with most of the races held at Leith. After 1816, the racecourse became the racing home in the area, on a track that the town council laid out.

After the war, it enjoyed a boom since racecourses were the sole source of legal wager. The races had an attendance of 15,000, contributing to its popularity. In 1963 betting shops became legal, so the situation changed for Musselburgh racecourse. Additionally, there was a spike in the popularity of other leisure activities.

These two factors threw many racecourses, including Musselburgh, into financial turmoil. Luckily, the situation took a turn for the better, albeit slightly in 1987 when extra revenue was made from selling race pictures to betting shops. Though the racecourse was still making losses well into the 1990s, East Lothian Council took over. They changed the racecourse operations, which saw the venue break even in the first year they took over.

The new management and Musselburgh Joint Racing Committee formed in 1994 made efforts to improve the situation at the racecourse. Things started picking up fast. From 1999, attendance rose from 38,000 to 70,000+ every year, and the prize money doubled.

The racecourse has also seen over £7.5m invested in facilities over the years. Some facilities built included a hospitality stand, a weighing room, an entrance complex, a parade room, improving the Edward Grandstand, and other public spaces.

These improvements have ushered the course into the 21st century, and the future looks even brighter with more developments. Musselburgh definitely provides a great option for a day out, so give it a try.

The course

Musselburgh’s Flat course

The track is right-handed and has some sharp corners, especially the ones at the end. Given the sharp corners, jockeys must develop their bend negotiation skills. Initially, the bends were tougher, but with some work, jockeys can negotiate them a little faster. For small-distance races, there are no bends. Instead, horses compete on a straight track that has a slight rise.

Jump course

The jump course had obstacles evenly laid out. There are four stiff fences or three hurdles on both straights. When approaching the home straight and when conditions are good, the jockey should remain closer to the front since it can be difficult to gain ground.

Musselburgh’s Main Racing Events

Maggie Dickson Stakes

This is a flat horse race that’s open to horses over three years old. The race is run over 1,438 meters and is scheduled to take place every year in June. The race was introduced as a listed race in 2017, and it was first sponsored by Edinburgh Gin. Since 2019, Stobo Castle has sponsored the race.

This race was named after Maggie Dickinson, who was born in 1702 in Musselburgh and became a local celebrity after surviving her own execution.

Royal Mile

This is a Class 2 1-mile handicap that’s open for three-year-old horses. It is the main attraction on Easter Saturday and boasts over £100,000 in prize cash.

Queen’s Cup

This is a handicap race that is held every year in April. Horses compete over 1 mile and 4 furlongs.

Edinburgh Cup

This is a class 3 handicap race where horses compete over 1 mile and 4 furlongs. It’s held every year in June.

Edinburgh National

This is a class 2 handicap chase where horses compete for over 4 miles.

Where to Bet on Musselburgh Races

Online betting sites

Though traditional bet shops still have their place in the horse betting space, below are some of the benefits online betting sites have over traditional betting shops:

Virtual horse race betting

Online betting sites have a range of horse races you can bet on from across the world. However, if no real race is taking place, you can wager on the virtual horse races. Virtual horse races are stimulated, but computer programs and you can wager on the outcome. Unfortunately, this option isn’t available in all countries. Luckily for you, virtual horse racing is common in Europe.

Sign-up bonuses and free bets

Many online racing sites offer free bets or bonuses. How online betting sites give these varies. However, it’s important to take note of the wagering requirements and other fine print. That said, the free bets and sign-up bonuses increase your winning potential.

Flexibility with bets

Some traditional bet shops only offer options for betting on the race winner. But if you are looking for a little more fun and betting options, you should try online betting sites. Some of the betting options most sites have include:

•       Combination Straight Bets
•       Straight Bets
•       Exotic Multiple Bets
•       Exotic Single Bets

Exceptional customer support

Horse racing betting happens quickly, and there are a couple of minutes between the races. If you have a problem you need help with, you should have it sorted as fast as possible. Otherwise, it’ll not only irk you but cost you loads of money.

The beauty of online betting sites is that they have great customer support. Their support teams are available 24/7, fluent in English, solve problems fast, and have extensive FAQ options for common problems.

How to Get to the Musselburgh Racecourse

Car

The Musselburgh racecourse is one mile from A1 and has clear signposts. The sat nav details are Linkfield Road, Musselburgh, and East Lothian, EH21 7RG.

Train

Wallyford Station is the closest, but you might have to change trains to access the station.

Air

Edinburgh Airport is the closest airport to the racecourse.

Musselburgh is one of the best Scottish racecourses. It is packed with events throughout the year. Whether you are looking for a fun day out or serious top-end racing, this racecourse offers you all you need.