THE Queen visited Mussselburgh Racecourse today (Friday) to help celebrate its 200th anniversary, but found little to cheer on the tracks as her horses failed to come first past the post.

Queen Elizabeth watched keenly as Forecaster took to the course for the Bi-Centenery Cup race, in the Royal colours.

But in a close finish, the filly came in third.

Earlier, another from Her Majesty's stables, Elementary, also finished third in his race.

Her Majesty was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh as she stood in the Queen's Stand at the racecourse, which she opened during her last visit to the course in 1995.

The Royal visit was arranged as the highpoint of the racecourse’s Bi-Centenary Raceday, which celebrates 200 years of horseracing on the links course.

The occasion also gave Scottish racing fans and East Lothian residents the chance to see The Queen in her 90th birthday year.

Her Majesty, resplendent in blue, shrugged off her disappointment to present the specially commissioned Bi-Centenary Cup to the winner Livella Fella following the race.

Earlier, crowds had lined the streets to welcome the Queen to Musselburgh Races.

The Regimental Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Pipes and Drums of The Royal Scots Borderers, accompanied by Royal Regiment of Scotland mascots, Cruachan lll and lV, performed for her and the Duke watched enthusiastically watched a harness race.

Bill Farnsworth, the racecourse's chief executive, said: "Like many racecourses we have enjoyed a colourful history but consistent investment over the last decade and the efforts of a dedicated front and backroom team has positioned Musselburgh as one of the UK's top 12 tracks.

"We were thrilled to welcome The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on this unique day, which marks two centuries of continuous horse racing at Musselburgh."

As she departed the racecourse, the Queen was presented with a bouquet of flowers by racecourse caretaker Adam Nish and his wife Elaine, who together have worked for 80 years at Musselburgh.

Adam said: "We were both honoured to meet the Queen and to be part of this special day in racecourse history."

We'll have lots more pics in next week's Courier, out on Thursday.