Ayr Racecourse is in the running to take over another Scottish track, we can reveal.
Ayr supremo Alan Macdonald is involved in talks to run Musselburgh. It would mean the Ayr team operating both.
Sources say Macdonald was in Edinburgh last week to pursue the deal.
But there is strong opposition from two English racecourses which are also in the bidding.
Musselburgh Racecourse is unusual in that it sits on Musselburgh Common Good Land and East Lothian Council owns all the facilities.
For 25 years it has been run by the Musselburgh Joint Racing Committee and more recently re-jigged after a power struggle to Musselburgh Racing Associated Committee.
If successful Ayr would run all the events and pay the Council and Common Good a rent for the lease of the ground and stands.
A source said: “Alan is really keen to take control at Musselburgh as that would create a strong bond between the two courses.
“Together with the expertise gained at Ayr for running big events, they would be unbeatable and there would be great synergy.
“It would be a huge coup to be successful, but two tracks in northern England are also in the chase.”
Like Ayr, Musselburgh hosts flat and National Hunt.
The Royal Musselburgh Golf Course sits in the centre of the track.
Ayr Racecourse declined to comment
