Musselburgh Racecourse: Big Races, Facts and Betting Guide
Musselburgh, six miles east of Edinburgh, is Scotland’s capital course, with Flat and jump racing all year, including a New Year’s Day meeting. Here are the big races, the history, how to get there and how betting works on course.
Biggest races at Musselburgh
Musselburgh races through the year, from New Year’s Day to the summer sprints.
Summer Flat
- Scottish Sprint Cup
- Edinburgh Cup
Holiday racing
- Queen’s Cup on Easter Saturday
- A popular New Year’s Day raceday
Jumps
- Scottish Cheltenham Trials weekend, ahead of the Festival
- Jump racing at Musselburgh since 1987
Musselburgh facts and history
Racing by the sea since 1777.
The track
Musselburgh is right-handed and sharp. The Flat circuit is about 1m 2f, with a 5f straight that joins it four furlongs from home. Big, long-striding horses can struggle on the round course. The course drains very well.
The jumps course is an almost flat oval of a little over 1m 2f, with eight fences per circuit. On the straight course, fields usually race towards the stands’ rail.
Getting to Musselburgh
By train
Wallyford station is on the Edinburgh to North Berwick line. A free raceday bus runs from Wallyford Park & Ride and from Newcraighall.
By road
The course is less than a mile from the A1 and under 2 miles from the A720 City Bypass.
There is free parking at the top of Balcarres Road, about a 5-minute walk.
Betting at Musselburgh
You can bet at Musselburgh with the bookmakers, on the Tote, or on your phone.
On your phone
Your usual app works on course just as it does at home. On big days, set your account up, verify it and add funds before you travel, so you can bet straight away.
Compare the odds in the app with the boards in the ring before you bet. The best price is not always in the same place.
On course
There are several bookmakers on site, plus Tote betting. There is no cash machine on site, so bring cash if you want it. Card and contactless are preferred around the course.
Read our guide to betting at the racecourse for how the Tote and the ring work.
Betting on your phone at the track?
Compare UK racing apps by their real App Store and Google Play ratings.
Musselburgh FAQs
Where is Musselburgh Racecourse?
Musselburgh Racecourse is on Linkfield Road, Musselburgh EH21 7RG, about 6 miles east of Edinburgh city centre.
Is there a cash machine at Musselburgh Racecourse?
No. There is no cash machine on site, so bring cash if you need it. Card and contactless are preferred.
What is the nearest station to Musselburgh Racecourse?
Wallyford station, on the Edinburgh to North Berwick line. A free raceday bus runs from Wallyford Park & Ride.
Does Musselburgh race on New Year’s Day?
Yes. Musselburgh holds a New Year’s Day raceday.
Is Musselburgh Flat or jumps?
Both. Musselburgh stages Flat racing and has held jump racing since 1987.
Who owns Musselburgh Racecourse?
East Lothian Council owns the course. It is run by the Musselburgh Joint Racing Committee.
Sources: Musselburgh: find us · Musselburgh FAQs · Wikipedia: Musselburgh Racecourse · At The Races: Musselburgh. Facts checked October 2026; fixtures and travel details can change, so check with the course before you go.
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