The Horse Comes First

Please watch our behind the scenes video which gives you insight into the love and dedication of the racehorse.

We want to get it right for every horse that competes at Musselburgh. This starts with producing the best possible racing surface and providing five star, modern facilities.

Our team of experienced and dedicated ground staff ensures that horsemen, stable staff, jockeys, owners and trainers can be confident in running their horses at Musselburgh. Knowing that every effort has been made to provide the best possible racing surface for their horses.

On arrival, our horses are stabled in Musselburgh’s modern stable yard, with hot and cold wash down facilities. All horses are monitored before, during and after racing by vets from the world renowned Royal Dick Vet teaching hospital just outside Edinburgh, with dedicated vet nurses to help. If any horse is injured and needs to be assessed further they are taken to the brand new, state of the art, Equine Hospital 20 minutes away. (www.ed.ac.uk/vet). For every race meeting, Musselburgh racecourse’s permanent veterinary boxes are supplemented with a lightweight portable X-ray machine that can be used at the treating veterinary surgeon’s discretion to assist a swift diagnosis before treatment on site or movement to any nearby equine hospitals. We understand how important it is that stable staff and horses who stay overnight are comfortable and safe. Our stable manager, Brian Melrose provides overnight supervision of all horses. He ensures their horses sleep well, on deep shavings or paper beds. Stable staff, who travel with their horses, are provided free accommodation in our local award winning Premier Inn.

We are passionate about providing a 5 star service to everyone, this includes the racehorses. After all, without them, we would not be able to stage this fantastic day of sport.

If you would like to learn more about the horse racing industry, please visit British racing’s hub dedicated to the Thoroughbred racehorse, the ultimate equine athlete -> https://horsepwr.co.uk. 

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is British horseracing's official charity for the welfare of horses who have retired from racing. Their mission is to safeguard the wellbeing of all former racehorses. In early 2023, they launched an exciting new initiative called Horses for Courses to showcase the care given and opportunities available to racehorses once their racing days come to an end. 

The RoR Horses for Courses programme has so far seen 25 racecourses adopt an equine ambassador, who they invite to attend racedays and provide updates to racegoers about their lives after racing. View their short Horses for Courses film, click here. We are thrilled to announce that former racehorse Nine Alters has become our first equine ambassador, further developing our partnership with Retraining of Racehorses. Nine Altars will be joining us on-course thoughout the year. Please keep an eye on our social channels for more information.