Back on track / Musselburgh welcomes fans as crowds return to Scottish racing
Musselburgh Racecourse welcomed back spectators for the first time in more than a year with a limited attendance of just 250 racing fans.
The East Lothian track, the first Scottish racecourse to admit spectators since lockdown restrictions at sporting events was eased, will use yesterday’s meeting as a template to gradually reintroduce larger crowds. A two-metre distancing rule was in force and while bars and restaurants remained closed, visitors were able to order food and alcohol from a designated picnic area where purchases had to be consumed while seated.
Trainers Iain Jardine and Keith Dalgleish were both in double form at the meeting, Jardine saddling Andrew Mullen-ridden pair Smart Lass and The Gloaming to victory while Dalgleish was on the mark with God Of Dreams and Euro Implosion, who were both partneredby joe fanning. and there was another Scottish scorer in the shape of jim goldi e-trained Lord Of The Glen in the Watch On Racing TV Handicap.
Hamilton regular Granite City Doc can register a fourth success at the track in the Book Our On-site Hotel Handicap today.
The eight-year-old, trained by Mike Smith, was an encouraging third behind Where's Jeff on his latest start over nine furlongs on this course.
He put in eye-catching late progress to take the minor honours and the extra two furlongs this time seems sure to suit.
It has taken Granite City Doc a little longer to reach his peak this year after looking to need his first two races this spring, but there was clear evidence on that third outing that he is approaching his best.
Dropping down in company from a class four to class five will do no harm to his prospects either.
Tim Easterby is banging in the winners through the current wet spell, and his True Blue Moon has already added to his tally this season.
The six-year-old was having his first run over six furlongs since racing's resumption on June 1 last time out.
He faces the same course and distance once more in the hamilton-park.co.uk Cadzow Castle Handicap - and while he is 5lb higher, he appeared to win with a bit up his sleeve.
Gunnerside landed a fivefurlong contest on this course two weeks ago and can repeat the trick in the Follow Us On Twitter @hamiltonparkrc Apprentice Handicap.
A 5lb rise for putting 14 rivals to the sword that day when scoring by three-quarters of a length from Quanah is unlikely to stop Grant Tuer's charge from carrying on that good work.
Meanwhile, annual members of Kelso will be permitted to attend the final racemeeting of the season on Sunday, following approval by the local authorities. The meeting will be the first sporting event in the Borders to be permitted a crowd, albeit a very small one.
No additional tickets will be sold for the meeting which is subject to a heavy restriction on numbers as part of a trial which could lead to larger crowds in the autumn.
Managing director Jonathan Garratt said: “We are relieved that the local authority has approved access for our annual members in addition to racehorse owners.
“Both groups have been incredibly patient and supportive throughout the long and highly restricted winter season.
“We very much hope that, following our summer break, we can open our gates to a w ider audience and extend our usual warm welcome.”