Musselburgh licence boost

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has agreed to extend Musselburgh Racecourse’s licence while a governance review being conducted by top legal firm Pinsent Masons is ongoing.

The BHA said when granting a temporary licence in July that it could be extended if demonstrable progress was being made by the review and the implementation of reasonable recommendations.

The East Lothian track is currently operating on a temporary licence and the BHA extension means the track can race until 31 March 2018.

Musselburgh chief executive, Bill Farnsworth, said: “We are pleased the BHA has extended our licence so that the governance review can be completed and recommended changes implemented.

“We now are looking forward to another successful New Year’s Day meeting on 1 January.”

BHA Director of Legal and Governance, Catherine Beloff, said: “On expiry of the temporary licence, the Board will consider the progress made in determining whether it is appropriate in the best interests of Musselburgh racecourse and the wider sport to extend the licence for a further period.”

At Chelmsford today, Cappananty Con, who has been in fine form in recent weeks, can defy a career-high mark of 80 to win the Bet totetrifecta At Betfred.com Handicap.

Cappananty Con won a reasonable handicap two weeks ago, racing prominently before finding plenty in the closing stages to win by threequarters of a length.

He has been raised 3lb for that success but appears to still have a little in the locker.