Racecourse to host Easter corgi derby for third year

Judy Murray will start the race as the “Corgi Derby” returns to Musselburgh Racecourse for the third year this Easter.

Rodney, the reigning champion from last year, will defend his title in the race which takes place at midday on Easter Saturday at the track in East Lothian.

Pembroke Welsh corgi Rodney saw off 13 other competitors, including one thought to be a distant relative of one of the late Queen’s beloved pets, to win last year’s race.

The corgi derby was first launched by the racecourse as part of its celebrations for the late monarch’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

Last year, it was moved to the annual Easter Saturday Raceday as a nod to the event’s royal connections, including the £100,000 Queen’s Cup race which was named after Queen Elizabeth II.

Judy Murray said: “It’s going to be a tough job to match the excitement of last year’s photo finish, but I know the dogs and their owners have been putting in the hard work behind the scenes, so I have very high hopes.

“The racecourse team have thought of everything to make this day a perfect Easter outing, whether you’re going for the family-friendly entertainment, the fun, food, friends and fizz, the top-quality racing or – like me – a combination of all of those.

“It’s one of my favourite days of the year.”

Following the corgi derby at 12pm, a mini Queen’s cup will see children from a local nursery race on miniature bouncy unicorns, before a busy schedule of racing, including the Scottish Sprint Cup.

Aisling Johnston, head of marketing and business development with Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “We couldn’t have predicted how popular the corgi derby would become, they have such a great character.

“It’s the perfect way to kick off Easter Saturday, which is one of our biggest annual events, even gaining the royal seal of approval along the way. There really is something for everyone.”