Grand modern course
The padddock with runners going down
Le Garcon D’Or
A racing plate worn by record breaking racehorse Legend mounted together with a signed letter of authenticity from trainer Jack Ormston who was the winner of 34 races between 1960 and 1972 a record still standing in GB for flat racing and was sold at auction by Sotheby’s for £130. The trainer was also an accomplished sportsman and ex speedway champ. For many years there was an annual handicap run in early July in memory of the famous racehorse hut the seams to have slipped of the list in last year or so which is a great shame. There is however a fine bar and carvery in recognition as it is always good to see heritage such as this marked as it is this linage which helps build the horseracing brand but is often allowed to pass by. These middle rankers and selling platers have a place in the memory and it was the same in greyhound racing as well. I well remember there was a portrait of a dog trained by Hugo Spencer which ran unlit I think seven or eight which had the legend ‘Only A Grader But...’
All weather and Edinburgh
Here is an interesting article which set the scene a couple of years ago to the aspects of development and the history of the racecourse at Musselburgh
OVER the next two to four weeks, a hearing will take place in Musselburgh which could well decide the direction of Scottish racing. A public inquiry into Musselburgh racecourse's plans for an all-weather racetrack plus improvements to the historic golf links within the course will hear arguments for and against the developments.
Philip Hutchinson, the reporter, is a highly-experienced official who has handled several contentious inquiries, and it
is to be hoped that he can give ministers at the Scottish Executive a recommendation as soon as possible. An election is looming in May, and if the decision is not made before then, it will be put back many months, and the racecourse will lose its chance of gaining some extra all-weather fixtures, which will become available next year.
I have made my feelings known: I believe that the all-weather track is vital for the future of the sport in Scotland, and the plans, which have the approval of the local planning department and East Lothian Council as a whole, should be allowed to proceed forthwith.
The serious objectors consist mainly of NIMBY types whose main fear, if they are being honest, is that the value of their homes will be reduced because the plans involve erecting retractable floodlights on pylons to allow more meetings to be held on winter afternoons and during evenings throughout the year. Objectors can dress up their arguments as they like - concerns about bird sanctuaries and so on - but they are worried that properties will lose value, despite the absence of evidence that this will happen.
If they would admit the true basis for their opposition, the antis would gain more respect, from me at least. It's an honest argument, for in days of soaraway house prices, people have a right to object to developments that they believe will materially affect property values. Indeed, I believe that compensation should be paid where loss is proved.
But to claim that there is a massive groundswell in the Honest Toun to "save the Links" for reasons of history, wildlife and scenic value is so much tosh. More than 22,000 people live in Musselburgh, and I doubt if 20% of them could state why the golf course, for example, is deemed historic. It hosted six early Opens before 1890, the standard golf hole worldwide derives its diameter of 4.25 inches from Musselburgh, and the oldest recorded women's golf competition was held there in 1811.
The anti-campaigners also include people who have been scared into objecting because of misleading reports that the golf course will be altered beyond recognition. Yet curiously, the golf club whose members play on the course is not listed among objectors, and senior members are looking forward to improvements, such as a new six-hole course and practice area.
It is the golf course itself which provides evidence on why the racecourse developments should go ahead. Musselburgh Links was once a home of golf, a significant place where pioneers such as Willie Park senior and junior plied their trade. Though the original seven holes were extended by two in the 19th century, the course declined in the next century after tenant clubs, such as Royal Musselburgh and the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers moved elsewhere.
Musselburgh racecourse also went into decline, until the past 15 or so years saw a remarkable alliance develop between de-facto owners East Lothian Council and enthusiastic professional managers, such as Mark Kershaw and incumbent Bill Farnsworth, which has transformed the venue.
The racecourse is thriving, but it could be even better. An all-weather track, which would be the first in Scotland, would deliver a huge boost to Scottish racing and to East Lothian's economy, as many more racing opportunities would be created for Scottish-based trainers and owners, and pubs and hotels would benefit from increased visitor numbers.
If the developments do not go ahead, it is easy to conclude that the racecourse will stagnate, as the golf course did. A chance to make history would also be lost: Musselburgh could become the first major racecourse in the world to offer turf racing on the Flat and over jumps and all-weather Flat racing.
It boils down to going forward and making history or staying still and being trapped by history. I know which course I prefer.
Musselburgh Links lies to the east of Musselburgh. At one time the Links were covered by the sea and an old feu charters the sea covered the low grounds of Pinkie to Inveresk Hill. (In 1856 a well was being sunk in the grounds of the nearby school (Loretto) and the remains of an old oak ship were discovered. This would suggest that the sea was 1/2 mile further south of where it is today.) The Links is common land and was granted to the people of Musselburgh from time immemorial for recreation and leisure purposes. It is land which for years Musselburgh people grazed their goats and geese. land which their womenfolk would dry their washing and it was land where they would play football, practice archery and play the ancient game of golf.
While the golf course was being prepared for one of the Open Championships in the 19th century, human remains were found near to the first green (now the second). It was thought that these were mid 16th century remains from the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh which took place near to the Links in 1547. A battle plan of that dates shows English ships landing(?) on the shore at the Links.
In 1650,Musselburgh was taken possession of by Oliver Cromwell, who encamped part of his foot on Musselburgh Links, where they remained for nearly two months—the site of his own tent being, according to a report in the Second Statistical Account of Scotland, supposedly opposite Linkfield House. Use of the Links was interrupted again in 1803 by a military camp established during the Napoleonic Wars.
The name ‘Musselburgh Links’ appears on John Adair’s map of Midlothian of 1682.
In the late eighteenth century the Links were used for drilling and training the 2000 soldiers based in barracks on Linkfield Road. The barracks were located in a large field adjoining Pinkie Mains. When the barracks were full, the soldiers were billeted on the inhabitants of Musselburgh or accommodated in tents on the Links.
In 1906, WC Maughan wrote “The links of Musselburgh enjoy a peculiar charm of their own... where can you find a finer breadth of delightful old turf, sprinkled over with clusters of bluebells, perchance single flowers peering from the grasses beside tufts of whins vainly struggling for a precarious existence, while the modest yellow trefoil and scented wild thyme, give touches of colour”.
Musselburgh Racecourse
Racing has taken place on the Links for many years. It is reported that a maximum value of £50 was placed on all horses entering races in 1680. In 1711, the winner received the prize of a saddle. In 1816, the racecourse was built around the golf course - no opposition to this event is recorded. Racing, apparently, moved from Leith Sands, near Edinburgh, because of rowdy spectators. The first recorded meeting, a six day meeting, took place on the present course on 7th October. In 1987 the first National Hunt meeting took place on 5th January.
In the 1800’s the September Races were the principal event with a mixed company of gentry and local people. Two hundred bookmakers were said to attend. Visitors were entertained by ‘jugglers, organ grinders, fortune tellers, acrobats and itinerant musicians’. Fishwives sold shell-fish, oysters and crabs; loaves called “penny bricks”, ice cream and sweetmeats.
The New Year Sprint
The New Year Sprint, formerly known as the "Powderhall", is a unique event in the annals of sporting history being the last of the old time pedestrian galas. It has been an annual New Year event since 1870, the heyday of pedestrianism (professional footracing) then the sport of the people.
A handicap race held over 110 metres, the Sprint has been staged in Scotland on or around New Year's Day annually since 1870. Competitors, both amateur and professional, vie for prize money totalling over eight thousand pounds.
The 131st New Year Sprint held in December 1999 was held at Musselburgh Racecourse - the first time the Sprint had ever been staged at such a venue. Bad weather thwarted attempts to stage the final alongside the Christmas National Hunt meeting, as it did the following year. In December 2001, for the 133rd New Year Sprint, runners and horses finally competed in the same meeting.
£11m Musselburgh all-weather racing plans denied
Published Date: 15 August 2007
CONTROVERSIAL plans which would have allowed floodlit racing to be held at Musselburgh Racecourse have been turned down by the Scottish Executive.
Ministers refused to grant the racecourse planning permission for a new all-weather track and floodlighting amid fears that the development would dwarf neighbouring listed buildings and lead to unacceptable noise during night meets.
The news, which was announced this morning, comes after the Executive released the findings of a three-week public inquiry into the development.
Officials also said that the expansion would have a “serious impact” on the historic Musselburgh Old Golf Course, whose first green would have been moved under the plans.
Philip Hutchinson, who compiled the Executive’s report, said: “The proposed development is at odds with the local development plan and it would be very detrimental to the settings of several listed buildings.
“The development would also adversely affect the character and appearance of the local Musselburgh Outstanding Conservation Area, to which this site makes an important contribution.”
Ministers agreed with the findings of the report and have refused to grant the scheme planning approval.
The £11 million expansion was expected to lead to 30 extra race meetings a year and generate an estimated £12m every year for the local economy.
A spokesman for the racecourse said that they were “disappointed” with the decision and added that they would make a full comment once they had seen the Executive’s report.
The Racing
The racing started off with a class five handicap over nine furlongs. There were no three year olds, no CD and one course winners. Of the course winners Ra Junior has won over a mile and has tried this trip before. Style over the mile gives impression may well stay but mark of 66 is still a bit high was on his toes in the paddock beforehand and was made too much use of for a doubtful stayer. Is best confined to mile races. There were four distance winners. Top weight Marvo has not won for two years and his nine furlong win was at Hamilton in a class 3. Was running in much better races than this last season but has been frankly awful this season in which he has been dropped from 78 to 68 but making the long trip from Newmarket was in his favour as a pointer. Looked well in the paddock today and ran a much better race than of late when staying on from two out after having been held up to take second close home but was left too much to do as winner had poached a nice lead approaching the furlong pole . Nonetheless this was an encouraging run. Petomic is a true nine furlong horse and is only four pounds up on a previous winning mark. In good form at the moment with 13312 for runs over this trip and in good heart as bit of an unlucky loser being squeezed for space last run when second. Was off the pace and held up but was running on all too late and eased a touch close home where he got nutted for runner up. Sweated up beforehand and got a bit restless at the post he does look a bit of a stuffy sort and may have had enough of it for a while. Gumnd had finished last in all his last five races since they took the pieces off him. Yet first time on the pieces nearly did the trick at Goodwood over this trip when a decent second. His mark has fallen 20 pounds this year since that run and now over the trip he has won at (his form over the 9f is 12) had a shout today as still only a four year old. However yet again was hopelessly last despite being in touch till two out. Either there is something physically wrong with him or he needs the cheek pieces again. The final distance winner was Mangham who had not won for two and a half years. Enterprisingly ridden today being placed close up and then produced to lead approaching the furlong pole to pull clear quickly. Suited by today’s softish ground and appears inconvenienced by fast surface..
Petomic on the way down to the starrt got a bit stewed up and looks a stuffy type
Race 2 is a two year old maidens stakes over seven furlongs. I will start off with the Mark Johnson early foal Courtesy Call who was a debutante. He is stoutly bred which is no shock for a Johnson horse and closely related to Arc winner Three Troikas. Got stewed up beforehand (coltish in the ring) and dwelt running very green for much of the race. Stayed on a bit but is immature and I would not be surprised if we do not see him until next year as I thought his action indicated a preference for faster ground. I have him as a negative for the remainder of the season but I thnk he will be a much better proposition as a three year old and would not have him negative when older as he is sure to score next season. Storm Fairy had been improving a little bit and the step up to seven on racing style seemed sensible as pedigree suggests she should stay this trip. However dropped right out of the race after being close up till halfway indicating that she either is useless, didn’t like the ground or something was amiss. Comanche appeared to thrive on this step up from six to seven furlongs as was always close up, took control of the race two out and the jockey had time to check all the others progress at the pole before easing him home for an easy and impressive win. He has got the hang of things now and can step up in class. I think he is one to watch particularly as we go into autumn and we get this softer ground I think he prefers. Daddy Warbecks ran green as expected on debut but did plug on once got the hang of things. Back over the seven again today with that experience under his belt I thought he could be interesting. Pedigree does not scream 7f at this stage of development. He ran with a great deal of promise today being clear of the remainder, is still green but learning and I think he has a great chance of picking up a maiden next run if not too highly tried and is a positive coming out of this race. Karma Chameleon has winners in the family and although sure to come on for his debut he ran so green and without much promise that I gave him little chance today. In fact he showed a little improvement to finish fourth but still looks backward in condition. Villa Reigns has a very decent middle distance pedigree but is still backwards and ran a bit all over the place so best watched. Rosies Lady on the face of it was promising on debut when third, but I tempered that with the fact that the cantering winner was clear by seventeen lengths! was then a distant seventh. Showed a little improvement today finished third but was well behind the runner up and she does not look to have shown enough ability yet to indicate that she has the ability to win a maiden any time soon.
Race 3 class 6 handicap over five furlongs for three year olds. This was difficult race as all are pretty well exposed maidens. However Green Warrior, who had only run twice over five, last run was from a hopeless box at Beverley and the other was a good second at Leicester off similar mark when held up. On the basis of this promise it was no surprise to see Paul Hanagan hold him just behind the leader and then punch him through from approaching the furlong pole for a comfortable victory. Clearly a five furlong horse and I would think he can follow up. These Dreams has gone up 10 pounds without winning which must always be a bit of a bind for the connections. But now on 51 after a 56 top and has run close off this mark before over her favoured five trip. Held up and ran on well but could not quite get second and is one to keep a bit of an eye out as this was indicative of further progress. Tancred Spirit was made favourite. Is exclusively a five furlong sprinter but just cannot find his way to putting his head in front where it matters most and again faltered inside the distance almost being nutted for runners up. Ideally suited by half a mile! She bang out but gets caught as even Catterick appears a test. Bygones For Cash was a bit disappointing off a decent mark. Majestic Millie was doing her best work late on but is not up to much in my view of the form. Pieces did no good last time. Face East makes a hash of the starting gate to make too much appeal and was never a factor today.
Useful Green Warrior heading back to his stable after comfortable victory
Race 4 1m4 class 5 handicap. No three year olds. One CD three C and three D. The CD is Birkside who races regularly here. But has only one win here despite regular attempts with a 10% strike rate. Again hopelessly detached today and is best left. Three distance winners are headed by recent hat-trick winner Fossgate under Amy Ryan all over this trip. For a ten year old clearly has a new lease of life over his favourite trip and despite a weight hike cannot be discounted. Ran with credit yet again to finish fifth and I think that he is unsuited by this track despite running very well in the past at another sharp right hander Ripon. Bring Sweets was used as a pacemaker today to give Dane Cottage’s stamina maximum advantage. She needs to drop to class 6 or selling company soon as I still think there is a win in her. Merrion Tiger has shown all his best form at Southwell and although suits this trip is probably better off racing there as was thrashed today. Of the course winners Persian Peril only ran here twice and both as a juvenile. Won well yesterday over 1 mile 2 and my comments were ‘It was won from off the pace by top weight Persian Peril who is suited by cut and goes in the mud. Won this with a little bit in hand but needs going his way to be a confident selection in subsequent races.’ Again with a bit of cut in his favour and looking in very good condition was ridden with confidence to again score. As the announcer stated there is plenty of evidence that horses can hold and even improve their form is running within 24 hours and especially handicappers you would have thought that where possible bringing them out again makes sense even with the six pound penalty. With Ayr and Mussel burgh being relatively close in geography it was not a shock to see a few follow up and race today having run the previous day ay Ayr. In terms of Persian Peril I think the handicapper will note this improvement and I think we may see a significant hike which will make winning yet again difficult. Pokfulham has won here but that was in a selling hurdle. Favourite when good second at Ayr over a furlong further but idled and may not be entirely genuine. Had chances entering the straight was soon put in his box and was a disappointing 5/2 favourite today who sweated up a little bit beforehand.
Persian Peril wins two in about 24 hours
Returning victorious
Race 5 five furlong claimer as a class6. Ridley Didly is one of the CD and did nothing wrong in winning a class 6 on his last run. But has never won above class 6. Was easily beaten in this claiming stakes today. Old favourite Strike Up the Band group 3 winner back in 2005 and suited the Goodwood sharp sprint. Not sure he is quite up to winning again and it is a bit of a downer to see very decent horses scraping around in claimers at the end of their careers. Still I do not pay the bills. Sandwith only one win since July 2008 did not auger well for today and recent form very poor in class 6 events. In the event was never dangerous. Angelo Poliziano headed the claiming weights and is far better in the pieces. He is best suited by five furlongs. Ran particularly well at Haydock in a class 4 when was nutted on the line when I am sure the jockey felt he had the race won then Taurus Twin came flying down the stands rails out of eyeline. Was bandaged all round today and did not look in top condition. Ran OK to be third being scrubbed along and I think he did not act on the ground so a return to faster ground would make him a positive next run. The winner was the under exposed ex Irish flashy chestnut filly Atlantic Cycle only win at Down Royal. Best run was two efforts back when staying on well without getting too hard a time of it over five at Haydock. Entirely resolute racing off a good mark of 69. She might not look like a sprinter in terms of size and shape but she has speed and is resolute so do not be surprised if she wins in handicap company soon for new connections (J M Bradley) having been claimed. As only a four year old that may just have been a decent £7000 purchase and she rates a positive.
The filly Atlantic Cycle turns the odds on favourite over in the claimer
Race 6 was a three years old 1m5 handicap class 6. Cotton Grass was a disappointing favourite when holding every chance in the straight in most recent Hamilton run and at the weights I think she is held at the moment. She looked well and tried to make all but that was not necessarily the right tactics as was easily picked off in the straight. Needs to be reassessed and is a genuine 1m4 filly but I am also not convinced she stays the 1m5. On the basis of the recent Hamilton run I would have to say that Hal of a Lover had the edge over Cotton Grass especially when considering was reunited with De Sousa who was successful in partnering over 1m4. He was produced into the straight and kicked clear. May have idled a little bit but it was a comfortable win. Of the two maidens that completed the line up Purkab looked mulish and ran no sort of race really and will find winning difficult. The other maiden was a neat grey filly Silver Tigress who looked in good nick today. Very unfortunate to snap reigns exiting the stalls. P J MacDonald did very well to correct her and then was able to ride a fine race to stay on in eyecatching manner to finish a two and a half length runner up. Sometimes this sort of incident is exaggerated in terms of its impact but I would have been positive about the filly’s run even if the tack had stayed intact so with that additional factor I think she is clearly on a good mark and is an improving filly.
Great ride with a broken reign from PJ MacDonald on Silver Tigress
Halofalovekicks clear to win if a little on the workmanlike side
The final race was won by another horse who came straight over from winning at Ayr the day before. Sabratha had a six pound penalty but was actually only three pounds worse off because her jockey carried three pounds overweight the day before. In contrast to Ayr she was encouraged to make all and she stayed on well to hold on by a length. It was a good battle with Istiqdaaam who was a short priced 5/4 favourite. He comes out of this very well and although his mark has been upped to 63 before today I think he may go close again as in good form at present. Old English is a funny horse as either runs well finishing close or winning or ends up at the tail. Maybe he is a bit of a tools down merchant and when room gets short hasn’t the guts to go for gaps preferring to give up. That is just my impression and as such I see him a negative out of this race.
Old Englsh did not run too well today and I rate him as a bit of a negative
Sabratha (yellow) wins again 24 hours after an Ayr victory
Notebook
Petomic (N) up £100
0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 0
Is pretty well hopeless and I have been able to lay him all autumn but as the season is over I will bin him
Courtesy Call (N) up £60
2 0 0 2 0 0
Useless really and has been layed without too much angst but end of season so binned
Daddy Welbecks (P) level
0 0 1 2/1
slight drop in wieght gave him chance in nursery which he took and is now binned
Green Warrior (P) down £30
0 2 0
Not run too bad but three losing races without much drop in the weights leads to withdraw
Angelo Poliziano (P) level
not seen out since so off the list now
Atlantic Cycle (P) down £30
0 0 3
Ran well and a decent each wayer at 25/1 on third effort. Left alone after that
Silver Tigress (P) up £4
1 11/8 0
As expected won well next run. Up a bit but backed when unplaced however continued to pushed up by more than 10lbs and was shelved
Old English (N) up £60
0 2 0 P 0 P
As expected he was useless for the remainder of the season and was continued to be layed