Referendum Race at Musselburgh

The race to be first past the post in the Scottish Referendum will be run in a special one-off horse race just days before the Scottish Referendum vote on 18 September 2014.

The two horse Ladbrokes Referendum Race at Musselburgh Racecourse on Monday 15 September has the endorsement of the Yes and No camps which have chosen the names of the runners.

Following a marathon political campaign the five furlong sprint will see ‘Yes We Can’ carry the colours of Yes Scotland and line up against ‘Neigh Thanks’ in the Better Together silks.

First Minister Alex Salmond is a keen racing fan and is sure to take a strong interest in the race while those on the opposing No side will want to grab a win on his home turf. The race will go down in history as the first political contest forecast using thoroughbred racehorses.

The race which is due to be run at 1.40pm will be broadcast live on Racing UK while those wishing to cheer on their runner in person will benefit from free entry at Musselburgh on the day which features a full card of Flat racing.

Musselburgh Racecourse commercial manager, Sarah Montgomery, said: “We are in the final straight of the Referendum debate and we thought this one-off race would be a great way for our racegoers to share in the excitement of this historic occasion, regardless of their political views.”

Both horses have been provided by Renfrewshire trainer Jim Goldie, with the horses equally handicapped in order for the race to be as competitive as possible. At present, Ladbrokes can’t split the horses in the betting for the race, offering odds of 5/6 a piece for each runner.

The Scottish independence referendum has now become the most popular political betting event of all time with over £25 million to be wagered on the outcome across the industry. The odds of a ‘Yes’ outcome have collapsed from 5/1 to 7/4 in just over a week, with Ladbrokes reporting peaks of over £10,000 a day bet on the breakaway in Scotland alone. A no outcome, however, remains the odds-on favourite at 2/5.

Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes said: “History will be made on the turf as we enter the final furling to polling day. The betting suggests the political race is getting ever tighter and we’re confident the campaign groups’ equine equivalents will contest just as close a race.

“Mr Salmond is a keen fan of the turf and we’re sure he’ll be watching and hoping Yes We Can gets his head in front where it matters, but it’s sure to be as close as the Referendum itself.”

Ladbrokes latest betting

Ladbrokes Referendum Race – Musselburgh Racecourse – 1.40 Monday 15 September

Yes We Can 5/6

Neigh Thanks 5/6

Independence referendum

No 2/5

Yes 7/4

 

Photos Rob McDougall