Breakthrough at Musselburgh raises hopes of securing track's future

Members of East Lothian Council approved new governance proposals on Tuesday that could secure the future of the racecourse after months of disagreement and uncertainty.

A full meeting of the council agreed proposals for the establishment of a new Minute of Agreement between ELC and the Lothian Racing Syndicate and to seek an appropriate long-term working model for the track.

As a result a new joint working group, comprising representatives of ELC, the LRS and racecourse staff, will be formed to determine the most appropriate long-term model, which it is hoped would be acceptable to the BHA.

Musselburgh lost its licence to race this month after the BHA rejected the council's plans to run the track it owns through an associated committee made up of four councillors and two racing experts.

Recent developments appear to signal a more harmonious relationship between the rowing groups that could enable the course to stage its next schedule fixture on May 3.

'A clear commitment'

Cllr Fiona O’Donnell, chair of the Musselburgh Racecourse Associate Committee, said: "In recent weeks representatives from East Lothian Council have held a number of meetings with members of the LRS and also with representatives from the British Horseracing Authority [BHA] that have been very constructive.

"All parties have demonstrated a clear commitment to securing the best long-term future for the racecourse, which will draw upon the considerable experience already available from both organisations and individuals in East Lothian.

"I firmly believe the proposals agreed today, including the establishment of a new joint working group, fairly reflect the views and aspirations of all actively involved in the continued success of Musselburgh racecourse and, in turn, will be recognised by the BHA as fulfilling the conditions for renewal of the racing licence.

"I would like to thank the racecourse staff for their continued patience and commitment to securing a positive outcome for the future operation of Musselburgh Racecourse."

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