TENNIS coach Judy Murray will start the third annual Corgi Derby – the popular "four-legged sprint with a difference" that kicks off The Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Raceday at Musselburgh Racecourse.
Taking place after 2023’s hotly contested race, the event will see the return of reigning champion Rodney, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi who saw off 13 other competitors, including a distant relative of one of the late Queen’s beloved pets.
First launched as part of the racecourse’s jubilee celebrations, the event was moved to the annual Easter Saturday Raceday as a nod to the event’s royal connections, which include the £100,000 Queen’s Cup race named after Elizabeth II.
It has subsequently become hugely successful, attracting global media coverage and attention – and will once again hopefully be televised on ITV Racing.
Judy, mum to twice Wimbledon champion Sir Andy Murray and six-time Grand Slam doubles winner Jamie Murray, said: "It’s going to be a tough job to match the excitement of last year’s photo finish, but I know the dogs and their owners have been putting in the hard work behind the scenes, so I have very high hopes.
"The racecourse team have thought of everything to make this day a perfect Easter outing, whether you’re going for the family-friendly entertainment, the fun, food, friends and fizz, the top-quality racing or – like me – a combination of all of those.
"It’s one of my favourite days of the year."
Following the Corgi Derby at noon, a Mini Queen’s Cup will feature local audiences of all ages from Musselburgh before an action-packed schedule of racing including the Scottish Sprint Cup – regarded as Scotland’s fastest race.
The Queen’s Cup will see riders bid for a share of a £100,000 prize pot, with high-calibre racing from 1.50pm through to 5.20pm.
There are activities available for everyone looking for an Easter get-together with a difference, including action-packed mini-events and activities for the whole family.
Aisling Johnston, head of marketing and business development with Musselburgh Racecourse, said: "We couldn’t have predicted how popular the Corgi Derby would become, they have such a great character.
"It’s the perfect way to kick off Easter Saturday, which is one of our biggest annual events, even gaining the royal seal of approval along the way. There really is something for everyone."
Racegoers will be met with an abundance of food and drink offerings, from a hand-picked selection of Scotland’s best street food stalls to formal drinks and dining packages.
With an after-racing party, the event promises to be one of the biggest social gatherings on the Easter social calendar.
The Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Raceday on March 30 opens doors at 11.30 am and the first race is off at 1.50 pm (subject to change). Those who book tickets before midnight on March 29 will save £5 per person, with under-17s going free when accompanied by an adult.
Visit musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/view-fixture/easter-saturday-30-03-2024#tickets-header for more information and to book tickets.
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