The last time that this 5pm Dining blogger went to Musselburgh Races, something very strange happened. I made money on every race that I bet on.
This isn’t because I am a master gambler with an expert eye for the horses. I am anything but. Nonetheless, fortune smiled on me and, for once, I got the better of the bookies. From now until my death bed, I shall look back with great fondness on the day that the Miracle of Musselburgh took place.
To be honest, I have never had a bad day at the races even if Lady Luck has not so much ignored me as poked me in both eyes with something sharp. Personally, the betting is a big part of the attraction but it is not the only aspect of it which appeals.
Exciting spectacle
Getting togged up in your finest threads; enjoying a couple of drinks and savouring the occasion – not to mention the people-watching – are all part of the charm of a day at Musselburgh Racecourse. If you want a bet, that’s fine. If you don’t then watching the those huge horses thunder towards the finishing line is an exciting spectacle irrespective of whether or not one of them is carrying your fiver.
A week on Saturday (the 4th of June) is the Edinburgh Cup Raceday. Fittingly, the actual Cup race is being sponsored by Edinburgh Gin and there is a total prize fund of £145,000 – enough to ensure some very high quality racing.
There will be artisan food units, Edinburgh Cup cocktails featuring Edinburgh Gin and fabulous live entertainment. The entertainment continues after the last race with a DJ set by Greg James from BBC Radio 1.
Children aged seventeen and under are admitted free at Musselburgh Racecourse when accompanied by an adult so it can also be a family occasion that doesn’t bust the bank.
Scottish produce
If you are fast, you may even be able to book one of the hospitality packages being provided by Heritage Portfolio. Top local ingredients such as Glen Isla Estate venison, Buccleuch lamb and Perthshire smoked trout all feature prominently.
Craig Bonner, General Manager and Company Mixologist at Heritage Portfolio Limited, said: ‘This is a great opportunity for the catering and hospitality team here at Musselburgh to really shine.
‘Food and drink is a huge part of the experience at the racecourse, but never more so than at the Edinburgh Cup, which has developed a reputation as a real foodies’ event.
‘Our team love challenging themselves and we’re proud of the menu we’ve come up with. It is inventive, with a fantastic range of flavours, all with a nod to the traditional, yet often with a special twist.
Edinburgh Gin
‘What is particularly pleasing is that the entire menu has been put together with as much locally-sourced produce as possible, including potatoes grown a few miles away in the Pentland hills… the leeks and asparagus are from East Lothian while the salmon is also caught locally and the lobster is from Newhaven.’
Whether you want to drown your sorrows or celebrate your winnings, all sorts of Edinburgh Gin cocktails will be available in the Edinburgh Cup Club Marquee and Pommery Champagne Bar.
We have an eye on the Edinburgh Gin Fizz, a simple mix of Edinburgh Gin Perthshire raspberry gin liqueur topped with classic Sumeraco 2013 Brut Cava.
Although we could be tempted by a refreshing Scottish Tom Collins: Edinburgh Gin Navy Strength Cannonball gin mixed with lemon juice, sugar syrup and soda. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and pink grapefruit.
Hopefully, I’ll see you all in the payout queue.
You can buy tickets for the races here.