RUNNERS, riders and racing fans are set for a spectacular start to 2018 at Musselburgh Racecourse on New Year’s Day.

The traditional New Year’s Day meeting features first class racing with prize money totalling more than £100,000 on offer.

The feature race is the Totepool Hogmaneigh Hurdle, while horse racing will be interspersed with the semi-finals and final of the traditional New Year Sprint. 

Now in its 149th year, a host of former champions are due to battle it out in the preliminary heats at Meadowmill on Saturday ahead of the latter stages of the race on January 1.

And the Honest Toun racecourse is encouraging race-goers to wear tartan at the meeting, with a prize for the best tartan-attired visitor.

Tickets are going fast, though, as racecourse bosses aim for a repeat of this year's event which attracted almost 6,500 racing fans. 

Sarah Montgomery, Musselburgh Racecourse senior operations and commercial manager, said: “Last year New Year’s Day was a sell out and all the indications are that we will do so again, so I would urge anyone thinking of coming to Musselburgh to bring in 2018 to get their tickets now or risk disappointment.

“We’ve put on a wide range of high quality food and drink offerings, more covered marquee space and DJs who will provide the perfect backdrop for a New Year party to remember.

“There is a special atmosphere at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day and for seasoned racing fans and casual visitors alike, they will be hard pushed to find a more lively and fun sporting and social event on January 1.”

The first race goes at 12.30pm, and the last starts at 3.25pm - the final of the New Year Sprint is expected to run at about 2.15pm. 

For more info, or tickets, visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk