Musselburgh unveils richest-ever meeting

The totepool Edinburgh Cup will be the second-richest flat race in Scotland and is the jewel in a 200,000 racecard that should have turf enthusiasts flocking east on Saturday, 5 June. The meeting coincides with Epsom Derby Day and the new race will be run over the same mile-and-a-half distance as the Epsom Derby itself. It is hoped that Channel 4 will televise the action from East Lothian as well as the Epsom Downs.

"They have already expressed real interest in covering our big day," said racecourse boss Bill Farnsworth who hopes that the new race will soon be built up to a 100,000 event.

The new race is for three-year-olds rated 0-105 and is supported by the 50,000 totescoop6 Scottish Sprint Cup as well as several other new races, including the 30,000 Edinburgh Castle Stakes over the minimum trip for juveniles and which is expected to act as a preparatory race for two-year-olds with Royal Ascot on their agenda.

"In previous years our first June fixture has also incorporated our Ladies' Day and has been a complete sell-out," said Farnsworth. "So we have switched the Ladies' Day to Friday, 18 June this year and plan to make it much more of a social and fashion event as it falls during Royal Ascot week

"That cleared the way for us to build up the Derby Day fixture and the Tote, who have supported us for many years, have very kindly agreed to sponsor the new race.

"With their support we have been able to put together a tremendous card with more than 200,000 in prize money and, although we cannot compete with the Derby itself, we feel it really will be a day for the discerning racegoer to savour."

Jason Bautigam, sales and marketing director for totepool said: "We have a long-standing relationship with Musselburgh and have worked together to help build the Derby day fixture over the past four years.

"We are delighted to be involved in this high-profile initiative which will really give Scottish Racing another boost and we anticipate a great deal of betting interest."