The Famous Musselburgh Pace

🏇 Race 10 – The Famous Musselburgh Pace Final - In Memory of Mick Sammons🏇
Kindly Sponsored by Paul Sammons and the Podmore Family

What a way to bring the Famous Musselburgh Pace to its conclusion.

In a truly unforgettable finish, Tejays Gem got her nose in front to claim victory, with the winner and runner-up separated by just a nose at the line. Incredibly, the first six horses home were covered by only 0.3 seconds, highlighting just how competitive this year’s final was.

The 8 year old mare, owned and trained by Chic Armstrong, showed all the determination and fighting spirit that has made her such a popular performer. Always willing to give her all, Tejays Gem dug deep in the home straight and only really came into contention in the closing stages before producing one final effort when it mattered most.

Expertly driven by Ryan Inglis, the victory was made even more special as it marked his first ever driving win at Musselburgh.

A courageous performance from a likeable little mare and a finish that those in attendance won’t forget in a hurry.

🏇 Race 9 – Prix Belina Josselyn: Queen of the Mares Round Two 🏇
Kindly Sponsored by The Tartan Arms Bannockburn and Le Trot

Grace Des Landes took the honours in the Prix Belina Josselyn: Queen of the Mares Round Two, continuing her consistent run of form with another impressive success.

Driven to victory by Richard Haythornthwaite, Grace Des Landes arrived at Musselburgh in good heart following a win two starts earlier at York, and she proved more than capable of adding another victory to her record.

The result also completed a perfect day in the trotting ranks for trainer Joe Quinn, whose runners captured both of the trot races held on the card.

A polished performance from Grace Des Landes and another memorable moment in a competitive day’s racing.

🏇 Race 8 – The Musselburgh Harness Racing SLOT Race 🏇
Kindly Sponsored by The East of Scotland Bookmakers Association and Equine Products (North)

The Musselburgh Harness Racing SLOT Race produced one of the finishes of the day as Heath House dug deep to claim victory after a thrilling battle with Churchview Lillie.

The pair went stride for stride up the final furlong, with spectators struggling to separate them as they fought all the way to the line. In the end, Heath House found just enough to get the verdict in a fantastic contest.

Driven by James Haythornthwaite, the win completed a treble on the day for the leading driver, while also providing trainer Mark Eltringham with a well-deserved success.

A race that had the crowd on the edge of their seats and a finish worthy of the occasion.

🏇 Race 7 – The Oakwood Hill Farm Novice/Ratings Race 🏇
Kindly Sponsored by Derek Delaney

The 3 year old Wots a Wash continued his good run of form with victory in The Oakwood Hill Farm Novice/Ratings Race.

Fresh from a win at Appleby, the youngster put in another solid performance to score by 3 lengths, travelling well throughout before pulling clear in the closing stages.

He was piloted to victory by trainer Vicki Gill.

Having now recorded back to back wins, Wots a Wash is proving to be a progressive young horse with a bright future ahead.

🏇 Race 6 – The Prix George Button Snr Memorial Handicap 🏇
Kindly Sponsored by The Button Family & Le Trot

Consistency once again proved to be key as Helios Des Tithais added another victory to an impressive record with success in the Prix George Button Snr Memorial Handicap.

Starting from a 30-yard trail, Helios Des Tithais produced a determined and professional performance, gradually reeling in his rivals before asserting when it mattered most. A model of reliability throughout his career, he showed exactly why he is held in such high regard by connections and racegoers alike.

Expertly piloted by leading driver on the day, James Haythornthwaite, the victory marked another standout moment on a memorable afternoon at Musselburgh.

🏇 Race 5 – The Moneyhill Pace (Heat 4) 🏇
Kindly sponsored by Hamish Muirhead

A true Musselburgh favourite rolled back the years as Evenwood Sonofagun produced a tremendous performance to land The Moneyhill Pace.

The double previous Famous Musselburgh Pace winner overcame the challenge of a daunting 50-yard trail to storm to victory in what proved to be the fastest heat of the day.

At 14 years of age, Evenwood Sonofagun showed that class is permanent, delivering a performance full of heart, determination and quality to add another memorable chapter to his Musselburgh story.

The victory also brought up a remarkable fourth winner of the day for trainer William Laidler, capping off an extraordinary afternoon for the stable.

🏇 Race 4 – The Famous Musselburgh Pace (Heat 3) 🏇
Kindly Sponsored by the Gilvear Family, William Greenhorn and Shirley Dixon

The tipsters’ pick, Freddie Camden, justified the confidence shown in him with a winning performance in Heat 3 of the Famous Musselburgh Pace.

Arriving at Musselburgh in tremendous form, Freddie Camden had already won three of his previous four starts, including both the heat and final at Presteigne, and he continued that rich vein of form with another impressive success.

The victory also meant three wins from the first four races on the card for trainer William Laidler, whose team enjoyed a phenomenal start to proceedings at Musselburgh

🏇 Race 3 – The Janet Preston (Greenhorn) Memorial Pace (Heat 2) 🏇
Kindly Sponsored by Alan and Laura Greenhorn

Desert Gold added another impressive victory to an already successful campaign, following up on winning both the heat and final at the Spring Tregaron meeting with success at Musselburgh.

In a closely contested finish, Desert Gold prevailed by a length, showing plenty of determination to claim the Janet Preston (Greenhorn) Memorial Pace Heat 2.

The victory also marked the first of three winners on the day for leading driver James Haythornthwaite, setting the tone for a memorable afternoon in the sulky.

🏇 Race 2 – The Alex MacDonald Memorial Pace (Heat 1) 🏇
Kindly Sponsored by Jean Inglis

On Fire Breeze continued her sensational start to the season with a dominant 7-length victory, making it three wins in a row in 2026.

Well supported in the betting and heading the market at the off, she lived up to expectations with another polished performance to take the opening heat of the Famous Musselburgh Pace.

The success also marked a second winner of the day for trainer William Laidler, whose team enjoyed a fantastic start to the Musselburgh card.