Chester Race Company set to take over at Musselburgh and end long-running saga

Chester Race Company has formally taken over the running of Musselburgh racecourse, with Tuesday's meeting at the track set to be the first to take place under the new regime.

The news ends a long-running saga over the governance of the course, with its recent history beset by a civil war between East Lothian Council, which owns the venue, and racing representatives.

That led to the BHA stepping in to demand an independent governance review that resulted in the council deciding to bring in a third-party operator, with the Chester Race Company beating off opposition from Jockey Club Racecourses and Arena Racing Company to be named as the preferred bidder for an initial ten-year period in October.

The coronavirus pandemic had caused further delays to the agreement being completed, but Musselburgh can now join Chester and Bangor-on-Dee as the third racecourse in the Chester Race Company portfolio.

Richard Thomas: chief executive of Chester Race CompanyCredit: Chester racecourse

Chester Race Company chief executive Richard Thomas said: "We are committed to the long-term running and success of the racecourse and ensuring its reputation within the local community and Scottish racing is upheld.

"The entire team is excited to begin this new chapter and deliver proposals to maximise the available opportunities for the racecourse. We will look to build upon the pre-existing successes in ensuring Musselburgh continues to deliver an integral experience for visiting horsemen, racegoers and members of the local community alike."

Councillor Fiona O’Donnell, chair of the Musselburgh Racing Associated Committee (MRAC), offered an olive branch to those with whom the council has had fraught relations in the past.

She said: "I want to thank all the members of MRAC, and its predecessor, MJRC, for their contributions over the years – both councillors and representatives of the Lothian Racing Syndicate.

"It is their work and the staff team which has transformed the racecourse into a five-star visitor attraction."

Bill Farnsworth said he was delighted to be working with ChesterCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Musselburgh's general manager Bill Farnsworth, who had taken the MRAC – on which councillors held a majority – to an employment tribunal over salary deductions which was settled in March, said Chester Race Company's appointment marked a new chapter for the course.

He added: "Chester's management team has an excellent track record and we are delighted to be working with one of the best racecourse teams in the country.

"They share the same values as Musselburgh in their ambition to provide a five-star racing and hospitality experience, to host quality horseracing, offer excellent customer service and to invest where possible to improve the racing and customer infrastructure."

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Musselburgh faces losing licence to race with takeover deal still not in place

Chester victory has them cheering at Musselburgh with 'bright future' ahead

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