EMERGENCY talks are being held to try and broker a deal which will see racing return to Musselburgh Racecourse next month.

The course’s licence to race expired on Saturday, after moves to tackle management issues at the venue failed to impress the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

East Lothian Council, which owns the land the racecourse is on, had taken firmer control of it by replacing the Musselburgh Joint Racing Committee (MJRC) which ran it with a new associated committee.

The MJRC was made up of four elected councillors and three members of Lothians Racing Syndicate, who ran it in partnership.

The new committee, which was approved by the council, will be made up of four councillors and two racing industry experts.

However, the BHA described the new arrangement as “extremely concerning” after no racing experts were appointed.

The BHA met with the council and syndicate representatives last Friday and is now planning further talks before the next scheduled race day at the course, on May 3, in an effort to find a solution which will allow it to issue a new racing licence.

Speaking after last Friday’s meeting, Bill Farnsworth, the racecourse chief executive, said: “All parties are agreed on what needs to be achieved to move towards a long-term arrangement for the governance of the racecourse.

“We need to discuss more detail and to obtain legal advice, but we have established a positive direction of travel.

“East Lothian Council and Lothians Racing Syndicate are committed to working over the next three weeks to reach a position where a proposal will be put to the next full meeting of the council on April 24.”

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council said: “Last week’s meeting was constructive and we look forward to working with Lothians Racing Syndicate and making further progress in the weeks ahead with a view towards securing the future of Musselburgh Racecourse.”