Love was in the air at Musselburgh race course at the St Andrews Day meeting on Friday after a man fancied his chances and got down on one knee.
Racegoers watched open mouthed as Scott Cunningham took centre stage in the parade ring after the opening race to ask Danielle Anderson, his girlfriend of just over one year, to marry him.
Although the couple are big fans of watching horse racing on TV, The Saltire Race Day at Musselburgh was the first time they had been to a race meeting and Scott chose to make it an event that they will never forget.
The 26-year-old student from Falkirk, said: “I wanted to do something original and make everything perfect for her.
“It took me ages to plan exactly what I was going to say as I wanted to make sure I got it perfect. I was unbelievably nervous and my whole body was trembling, but Danielle said yes and that’s all that mattered.
“I kept it a secret as I really wanted to surprise her. I asked permission from her Mum, Dad, Nana and Grandad for her hand in marriage, but they are the only ones who knew. I didn’t even tell my family but I know they are delighted for us.”
Scott, met his fiancé Danielle, 27 from Cumbernauld, at Barleystone Care Home in Falkirk where Scott worked as a Care Assistant and Danielle attend on a placement from New Lanarkshire College where she studied nursing.
Scott, who is now studying professional cookery at New College Lanarkshire, said: “We hit it off immediately. It became clear early on that we were extremely happy, we are made for each other and it has all led up to this moment.”
“I couldn’t have asked for it to go any better. I really want to thank everyone at Musselburgh Racecourse who helped make it all possible, they went above and beyond to ensure everything went smoothly and I am so thankful to them.”
Danielle, a nursing student at University West of Scotland said: “I was totally shocked, I had no idea what was going on.
“I could not have asked for a more perfect day and I just want to thank everyone who was involved – but especially Scott, I cannot wait to start planning.”
The award winning Musselburgh Racecourse is firmly established as one of the UK’s most stylish racecourses, hosting 27 flat and jumps meetings each year, including the hugely popular Stobo Castle Ladies Day.
The 5 star Visit Scotland venue is popular with racing enthusiasts and is firmly established with both families and corporate clients. Events such as and the imminent Totepool New Year’s Day Race Meeting and the Scottish Cheltenham Trials are helping it attract a more diverse audience.
For racegoers travelling by train, Musselburgh Racecourse provides a free bus shuttle service to and from Wallyford Station and for people using the Borders Railway line, a new shuttle service will operate from Newcraighall Station.
For further information and to book tickets visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk
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