MUSSELBURGH Racecourse is staging an extra race meeting on Monday after it was granted approval by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

The county course stepped in after the unfortunate abandonment of the Ayr Gold Cup three-day meeting and the loss of Hamilton Park’s last meeting on September 25 due to adverse weather.

The six-race card for Monday, which may be upped to seven races if a division occurs, will have prize money of £55,500 and has been aided by contributions from the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) and the European Breeders’ Fund, as well as support from the BHA Development Fund.

The race programme features the £30,000 Listed Arran Stakes, which was originally due to be run at Ayr on September 22.

Paul Johnson, head of racing at the BHA, said: “The recent fixture abandonments at Ayr and Hamilton have meant a loss of opportunities and income in Scotland.

“Monday’s fixture should be a help in both regards and I would like to extend my thanks to Musselburgh, The Levy Board, and the European Breeders’ Fund for their assistance in making this happen.”

Bill Farnsworth, Musselburgh Racecourse chief executive, added: “It was very bad luck for Ayr and Hamilton Park to lose those meetings but we are pleased to be able to put on this extra fixture to give owners, trainers and bookmakers another opportunity to race in Scotland as the flat season comes to a close.”

Gates will open at 2pm for Musselburgh’s twilight fixture, with the first race off at 3.40pm.

Musselburgh’s flat finale takes place two days later on Wednesday and for more information visit musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk