An Army doctor and his new bride got married life off to a winning start as they tied the knot at Musselburgh Racecourse – in the first wedding of its kind in Scotland.

Major Chris Baird-Clarke and Shelley Clark tied the knot while sitting astride their Arab and Irish Draught horses in the ceremony last week.

Assistant registrar Jan Boyd oversaw the wedding vows in a ceremony which was held at the winning post on the course.

And the newlyweds were given permission to celebrate with a gallop along the home straight after taking their vows.

Chris, who often visited the racing at Musselburgh during a three-year posting with The Royal Scots in Edinburgh, said the couple had originally considered marrying at Gullane Beach but thought they would try and have the ceremony at the course itself.

He said: “We originally thought of getting married on the beach at Gullane and having our reception at the racecourse but then got round to wondering if we could do something at Musselburgh with our own horses.

“Compared to down south where there are quite strict rules about where, when and how you can marry, we have been very impressed at how unbelievably hospitable and accommodating everyone has been in making this all come together.” The new Mr and Mrs Baird-Clarke were toasting a triple celebration. In addition to becoming man and wife, the couple are moving to a new home in Edinburgh from Exmoor in Somerset, as the Major is promoted to Lieutenant Colonel as Head of Defence Occupational Medicine for the Army in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Chris has served in Iraq with The Royal Scots, including a seven-month stint near Basra during the Second Gulf War, and in Germany, Canada, Iraq and Afghanistan with the 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

His new wife Shelley is a respected horse trainer and specialises in the rehabilitation of psychologically damaged horses.

She has worked for a number of racing stables, including champion trainer Martin Pipe, the late Lambourne-based John Hill and show jumping trainer Andy Reeves.

Shelley said: “Jane Walker from the racecourse and the Registrar’s Office have been very supportive and we are thrilled the racecourse has allowed us to canter down the home straight, adding to our special day.

“It is the second time married for both of us and we wanted to do something out of the ordinary, which was just for us, and this was perfect.” Musselburgh Racecourse marketing manager Aisling Thornton said: “We do receive some left of centre requests from visitors to Musselburgh and we always do our best to accommodate within reason. We are delighted Chris and Shelley chose the racecourse to hold their wedding and hope the setting and special arrangements will bring happy memories for years to come.”