TWO new races will debut at Musselburgh Racecourse this week as it celebrates Pride Month.

The racecourse is marking its support for the LGBT+ community with two specially named races.

The Musselburgh Racecourse Celebrates Pride 2022 race over five furlongs takes place at 7.30pm this evening and again on Wednesday over 1m 1f at 3.50pm.

The jockeys will also be showing their support for the LGBT+ community with new specially commissioned silks created by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) to increase visibility of LGBT+ support within racing.

For the first time ever, the Pride flag will also be flying from the historic Musselburgh grandstand, while promotional activity around the course will mark the global event held each June to remember the 1969 Stonewall riots in the US which changed gay rights history.

Leo Gourlay, a hairdresser from Musselburgh, recently visited the racecourse and loved the welcoming nature of the venue.

Leo said: “I was really anxious, as a flamboyant gay man, to go racing for the first time.

"Being a member of the LGBT+ community, I was really apprehensive before I got to Musselburgh Racecourse and going into such a traditional sporting environment.

“The whole racecourse staff, especially Jane Walker, were very gracious and welcoming. They made the whole race day enjoyable and inclusive, and I will definitely be back.”

Sarah Montgomery, Musselburgh Racecourse senior operations and commercial manager, said: “We are delighted to hear that Leo enjoyed his first experience at Musselburgh and look forward to welcoming him back. We also really appreciate the support of Gerry McGladery in helping us to celebrate Pride Month with his adoption of the Racing With Pride silks for his runners.

“Our aim is to be a fully inclusive, friendly and accessible racecourse, and it is only right that we take these symbolic but important steps in recognising and supporting the LGBT+ community during Pride Month. We fully support Racing With Pride and hope the community get a taste for the joy of racing during Pride Month and become frequent visitors to Musselburgh.”

Gates open today at 4pm and the first race is off at 6pm. On Wednesday, gates open at noon and the first race is off at 1.40pm. Visit musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk for information and to book tickets.