Musselburgh Racecourse to host Corgi Derby and Happy Hopperz race as part of Easter celebrations

Youngsters take the reigns in Happy Hopperz race at Musselburgh Racecourse

A local racecourse is laying on a fun-filled Easter Saturday celebration – with local nursery kids providing part of the racing action and families urged to snap up tickets as kids go free.

The event at Musselburgh Racecourse will host activities and entertainment on Saturday, April 8. When accompanied by an adult, children under 17 can attend the event and take part in all activities for free, including fairground rides, arts and crafts stations, an Easter Bunny and over 900 free creme eggs on offer throughout the day.

The racecourse’s Easter extravaganza will also see the Corgi Derby back by popular demand, with 16 Pembroke Welsh Corgis set to take on the course. A distant relative of the Queen Elizabeth II’s Corgis, ‘Paddy’, will be on the start line for his final Derby before retirement. The race commences at noon.

Last year's Musselburgh Racecourse Corgi Race action. Photo by Greg Macvean.

Claudia Breen, proud family member of Paddy, said: "What better way to announce Paddy's retirement than to take part in a world famous Corgi Derby. Paddy is a friendly wee dog who loves to take part in fun events but it is time he started to take things easy. We have grown up together and will both celebrate our 10th birthday next month.

"The common denominator between Paddy and Queen Elizabeth II corgis was through her hope to introduce a new bloodline and contacted the world renowned breeder of Welsh Corgis Mrs Mary Davies. Paddy’s mother, father granddad and grandma were all Mary Davies corgis."

Judy Murray will start the 1pm ‘Mini Queen’s Cup’, a race which sees children from Links Nursery donning their best jockey outfits and riding Happy Hopperz on the course.

Amy Black, manager at Links Nursery, said: “We feel honoured to have the privilege to take part in this amazing event. In previous years the feedback from the families has been extremely positive. It is a fun-filled, well organised event for children and adults of all ages and we are looking forward to taking part again this year.”

Easter Saturday at the Races features the Happy Hopperz race. Picture: Alan Rennie

As well as a day filled with prestigious racing, a venue-wide Easter hunt will also be on the cards, encouraging attendees to search high and low for special envelopes located around the racecourse. Individuals who find these gems will win tickets to future race days. With a dedicated area for kids, the ‘Clip Clop Zone’, will feature the ‘Nee Naw Pizzeria’ set up by two Edinburgh firefighters who converted an old fire engine into a fit-for-purpose kitchen, among other street food vendors.

Aisling Johnston, marketing manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “The team has been working hard to ensure Musselburgh Racecourse is the place to be this Easter. Whether you are looking for a family day out or to celebrate a special social occasion with friends or are a racing enthusiast – there is a host of activities, entertainment and food vendors to please all interests, making it the perfect destination for a fun bank holiday weekend.”

Purchasing a ticket before midnight on the April 7 will result in a saving of £5 per person. On the day gate admission will be £35. Children 17 years and under go free. Gates open at 11:30am, with the first race at 1:50pm and the last race at 5:20pm.