MUSSELBURGH Racecourse has been singled out for innovation and marketing excellence in Racing for Change’s new British Showcase and Awards.
The East Lothian track was praised for its introduction of a new racing fixture, the Edinburgh Cup, which resulted in a 33 per cent jump in spectator numbers and was one of only four UK racecourses to receive ‘distinction’ awards.
Musselburgh’s inaugural Edinburgh Cup in June pulled in a 7,000 crowd and was an outstanding success in attracting some of the UK’s best trainers and stables.
Long-term plans are to increase the £80,000 prize pot to £100,000 and establish the race as one of Scotland’s major flat fixtures.
Chris McFadden, chair of Racing Enterprises Ltd, which runs the awards, said: “In pressing economic times, racecourses have increasingly relied on their commercial enterprise and flair to maintain their successes.
“There were a large number of very strong entries for this inaugural showcase of initiatives from racecourses. Many were fantastic ideas, so choosing those to receive ‘distinctions’ was a difficult task. New ideas must be driven by everyone, and the racing industry has to be willing to try new things and take risks.”
Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “We are delighted our efforts to improve racing and make it more appealing to the public is being recognised by our peers.
“This award is a tribute to all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes by a dedicated team at Musselburgh. The Edinburgh Cup meeting got off to a cracking start and we are determined to build on this in the coming years to make it one of the highlight of the Scottish racing calendar.
“It’s nice to receive awards but we can’t rest on our laurels and are always looking for fresh and innovative ways to improve the racing and general facilities that we put on at Musselburgh.”
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