MUSSELBURGH Racecourse has announced a new deal with leading online bookmaker Betway, who will sponsor the track’s prestigious New Year’s Day meeting, marking the company’s first race sponsorship

in Scotland.

The key fixture in the East Lothian track’s jumps season attracts a crowd of 5000 racegoers and two races are broadcast live as part of ITV’s festive racing package, which is anchored from Cheltenham.

Betway, which has invested a five-figure sum, will have naming and branding rights to the January 1 meeting and branding opportunities at two other Musselburgh fixtures on January 7 and 18.

The New Year’s Day meeting pulls in Musselburgh’s second biggest crowd of the year, behind only the sell-out Stobo Castle Ladies Day, which is held in June.

The track is a popular destination for local residents and festive visitors looking for a novel way to celebrate the new year.

Feature races on the day, both valued at £30,000, are The Betway Auld Reekie Steeple Chase and The Betway Hogmaneigh Hurdle, while the finals of the 150th New Year Sprint, the world’s oldest athletics handicapped race, are held between racing.

Betway’s Alan Alger said: “With racing sponsorships already in place across England and in Ireland, we’re delighted to now be expanding into Scotland.”

For more information and to book tickers for New Year’s Day, visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk