And they’re off – on New Year’s Day!

With the Hogmanay celebrations still ringing in ears, thousands of people will carry on partying as they head to one of Edinburgh’s largest New Year’s Day gatherings.

For those in the know, the Virgin Bet New Year’s Day meeting at Musselburgh Racecourse, is the perfect way to see in the New Year and has become for many a must-attend fixture.

Top class racing featuring a £100,000 prize pot included the feature £40,000 Auld Reekie Handicap Chase, supported by the £30,000 Hogmaneigh Hurdle and off track there is a host of free entertainment and top food operators helping to keep the party going.

With strong ticket sales for the traditional 1 January meeting, boss Bill Farnsworth is confidently looking forward to a repeat 6,500 sell-out, with additional covered tented facilities being added in case the weather fails to keep its part of the deal.

Two races feature on ITV1 and highlights include the £40,000 Virgin Bet Auld Reekie Handicap Chase and the equally competitive £30,000 Virgin Bet Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle.

“We expect it will be another sell-out so the message is, if you want to welcome in 2025 in the most exciting fashion and plan to celebrate New Year with us at Musselburgh, buy your tickets in advance,” said general manager Farnsworth.

For those travelling from Edinburgh, the racecourse has put on a special bus service leaving from and returning to Waterloo Place at 10.30am and 11.15am. Tickets are priced £15 and travelers must have a valid entry ticket to the racecourse.

Spotters will be scouting the racecourse and handing out 10 tickets to the best dressed racegoers to participate in the Tiger Lily style awards, hosted by former Miss Scotland finalist and showjumper Ailsa Black. Prizes include an annual membership to Musselburgh Racecourse, a £150 Tiger Lily Boutique voucher, Pommery champagne and race day tickets.

Following the last race at 3.30pm the celebrations continue with two after-racing marquee parties, one hosted by popular FunkWagen playing classic anthems and the other featuring a live ceilidh band.

Racegoers who book in advance and before midnight on 31 December will save £5 on the on-the-day £47.50 admission price.