Saturday, 31st July 2010

The horses will gather at Balcarres Road to be mounted at 8.30 a.m. After the presentation of a scroll at Pinkie House by the Honest Lad and Lass to the Headmaster of Loretto School, they will then make their way to meet the rest of the ride at Pinkie Pillars.

The route of the Procession is: High Street, New Stone Bridge and proceed along North High Street turning left into Market Street at the Ship Inn. The ride will make its way to the Roman Bridge, where the riders will ford the river at approximately 9.20 a.m.

PLEASE NOTE ANY PUBLIC CARS GOING TO FA'SIDE MUST ENTER FROM BIRSLEY BRAE, NEAR TRANENT

The horses will now turn left out of the river and head along Mall Avenue, right onto Dalrymple Loan and up Newbigging into Inveresk. The ride out will then turn right towards Inveresk Church and down into the Grove where they will take the cycle path to the Cowpits corner along Cowpits Roads to Whitecraig Village. The ride will then proceed towards the roundabout to head towards Carberry Hill, left into Carberry Mains towards Myle's Farm and onto Fa'side Castle arriving at approximately 10.45 a.m.

After the flag lowering ceremony the ride will leave at 11.15 a.m. down Crookston Road turning right towards Wallyford over the by-pass, left towards Crookston Road on the north side of the bypass and travel to Barbachlaw via tracks to rejoin the road west of Wallyford. Through Wallyford, left into Wallyford Loan Road to Levenhall roundabout, left into Hope Place to back of the racecourse to Balcarres Road at 11.45 a.m.

The ride will proceed via Goosegreen Crescent, the Electric Bridge along New Street to Mountjoy Terrace, where the ride will take to the beach and spectacular gallop to the Harbour at 12.30 a.m. The ride will then go via New Street and Lochend Road to Market Street to assemble at the Ship Inn for the traditional Stirrup Cup.

The procession will reform in Market Street (West End) and at 1.00 p.m. prompt where the parade is joined by the band and carriages and then proceeds to the Town Hall where the Burgh Flag will be returned at 1.30 p.m. to Councillor Barry Turner "unsullied and unstained".

The medal for the youngest, oldest rider and Best Dressed Horse & Rider taking part in the ride-out will also be presented at this time. The ride and carriages will then proceed to the Racecourse.

At the Racecourse

The activities at the Grandstand will commence at 2.00 p.m.

Musselburgh and District Athletic Club will be hosting the fourth 'Musselburgh Festival Races' on Festival Saturday 29th July at Musselburgh Racecourse. This year the 6-mile Race will start from the Rennie Bridge (next to the War Memorial) at 1.30 p.m. followed by the Fun Run which will start at 3.00 p.m. as part of the HTA's Family Fun Day. Registration for both events will be at the race course. Everyone will receive a "Goody Bag" at the end of their race, sponsored by Riverside Stationers, and there will be prizes for leading finishers in the 6-mile Race, sponsored by Levenhall Post Office. Musselburgh and District Athletic Club would like to thank the sponsors for their generous support. Last year a field of 134 entered the 6-Mile Race, 24 more entrants compared with the previous year, and 27 young people braved the soggy conditions for the Fun Run. The Club has weekly coaching sessions for boys and girls every Wednesday evening and Saturday morning and all young people are welcome to come along and join in. The Club also has an adults section that meets for training runs on Tuesdays at 7.00 p.m. at the Musselburgh Sports Centre. The Seniors are men and women of all ages and a broad cross-section of abilities but who all enjoy running for fun in good company!

If anyone wants more information about the Festival Races or any other of the Club's activities they should check the website at "http://ellp.net/musselburghac/" or contact Stuart Goodall the Club Chairperson.

To view photos of past events visit our photo gallery
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