Spend New Year’s Day at the races!

On New Year’s Day keep up the festive party atmosphere into 2017 – by joining the ideal event at Musselburgh Racecourse, which is set to be bigger than ever before.

Organisers at the five star attraction have promised to kick start the New Year in style and the forecast is that the January 1 event will be the best to date as the racecourse has capped tickets at 6,000 to provide attendees with an exclusive top quality day to remember.

Early birds are encouraged to pick up a special advanced ticket price, by booking before 1^st January to get £5 off on advance admission tickets. And with ticket sales for the event up by more than 70% on last year, racecourse bosses are urging racegoers to book fast.

The race meeting itself is one of the Feature Fixtures at Musselburgh and attendees will enjoy six thrilling National Hunt races, heated bar marquees, hearty street food and a fantastic party atmosphere to continue to festive celebrations into the New Year.

Sarah Montgomery, Senior Operations and Commercial Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “It is a fantastic day out for families, groups of friends, sports lovers and anyone looking for a great way to bring in 2017. It’s already one of the most popular dates in our busy racing calendar and on January 1 there will be plenty for our visitors to see and do.

“After being shortlisted for Best Visitor Attraction at the Scottish Thistle Awards, we decided to cap tickets at 6,000 to offer an exclusive and more personal experience to attendees on the day.”

A seasonal twist to the afternoon is the chance to soak in the atmosphere of one of the most historic athletic events in the world, the 148th New Year Sprint, which last year saw the first ever female winner. The race attracts athletes from across the country to compete for the £4000 prize money. The 110m race is the most enduring open athletics event in the UK and has been staged in Scotland annually since 1870.

Added to the wealth of attractions on the day, a number of lucky racegoers won’t even have to worry about transport on New Year’s Day – as the racecourse has laid on special First Foot double decker buses from Edinburgh city centre and from Galashiels.

There is limited availability and bookings are strictly first come, first served. Places can be booked online for £5 return (Edinburgh) and £10 return (Galashiels) with the purchase of admission tickets. The shuttle services will deliver racegoers to the venue ahead of the first race at 12.25pm and will depart the racecourse for the return journey following the final race which takes place at 3.20pm.

Sarah Montgomery added: “The New Year’s Day fixture is always a fantastic way to usher in the New Year and this promises to be the best yet. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone on the day and starting 2017 with a bang.”

The event will take place on Sunday, January 1. Doors open at 11am, with the first race under starter’s orders at 12.30pm and the final event of the afternoon starting at 3.25pm.

Musselburgh is firmly established as one of the UK’s most stylish racecourses, hosting on average 28 Flat and Jump meetings each year, including the hugely popular Stobo Castle Ladies Day.

The 5 star VisitScotland venue is popular with racing enthusiasts and is also firmly established with both families and corporate clients. There’s something for everyone.

For further information and to book tickets now to save £5 on admission, visit the website.