A drop in distance by just three furlongs could make a huge difference to the prestigious £40,000 Edinburgh Cup at Musselburgh Racecourse on 3 June, believes track boss Bill Farnsworth.
The feature race on a £139,000 seven race card has been shortened from 1½ miles to 1⅛ mile, with an eye to attracting a larger quality field of three year old entries.
“At this time of year the pool of three year old horses who can run 12 furlongs is quite small so by reducing The Edinburgh Cup to nine furlongs, that little drop in distance could lead to a bigger quality field,” explained Farnsworth.
“By changing the distance the race now provides the ideal steppingstone to the Britannia Handicap for 3 year olds over 8f (1 mile) or the Golden Gates Handicap for 3 year olds over 10f (1 ¼m) at Royal Ascot in mid-June.”
The second £40,000 race, The Queen of Scots Stakes, is Musselburgh’s only Class 1 Listed Flat race of the season and is open to fillies and mares aged three years and older.
Probably the best race in Scotland for fillies and mares according to Farnworth, the seven furlong contest has previously attracted horses which are dropping down a level following a previous tilt at the first Classic of the season for fillies and mares, the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket.
He said: “The Queen of Scots is a good race for horses which perhaps didn’t stay the mile in the Guineas and which are looking to get back to winning ways, so we expect a strong field with some very nice horses.”
The Edinburgh Cup Raceday, sponsored by Edinburgh Gin, is also Derby Day and Musselburgh’s first race has been brought forward to the slightly earlier 1.15pm slot in support of the main Epsom classic, which is off at 1.30pm and will be shown throughout the East Lothian track.
“Derby Day is a huge day for racing and it adds an extra dimension to our own fixture, with an extra buzz around the place and everyone gathered in front of our big screens,” added Farnsworth. “For those unable to be at Epsom itself, Musselburgh offers a great experience to soak up the unique atmosphere that turf racing creates and we expect a big crowd next Saturday.”
Gates open on 3 June at 11.30am, the first race is at 1.15pm and the last race at 4.50pm. Off track Musselburgh has curated a plentiful array of quality food options and entertainment, culminating in a racing After Party featuring a trio of popular bands and headlined by Chameleon Lady.
Tickets will cost £40 on the day for adults, while children aged 17 and under go for free. Those who book before June 2 will save £5. Concession tickets will cost £25 on the day for those who are eligible. For more information and to book tickets please visit here.
