Musselburgh Racecourse has abandoned its weekend fixtures as a mark of respect for the Queen.
The East Lothian racecourse has been paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth who last visited it in 2016 as part of its 200th anniversary celebrations.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced earlier today that racing across Britain would be called off tomorrow and Musselburgh said that while other British racecourses will resume racing on Sunday, it will not race as a mark of respect as Her Majesty The Queen’s body lies in rest in St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
READ MORE: East Lothian pays tributes to Queen Elizabeth's reign and legacy
Bill Farnsworth, general manager of Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “While protocols permit racing to resume on Sunday it would be inappropriate for us to stage our meeting as the Queen’s body rests in nearby St Giles’ Cathedral and as a mark of respect the decision was taken to abandon.”
Staff and directors at the racecourse recalled the close relationship it shared with Queen Elizabeth over the years from Her Majesty coming to open a stand named in her honour to being allowed to stage the Queen's Cup race following her last visit.
They said: "We were fortunate to benefit from two Royal visits by Her Majesty over a 25 year period and to be able to celebrate her lifelong interest in equine affairs and particularly horse racing.
"In 1995 we were honoured when Her Majesty made her first visit to the Honest Toun to perform the opening of The Queen’s Stand, our then new £500,000 hospitality facility.
"Watched by up to 1,000 East Lothian Council officials, elected representatives and members of the Lothians Racing Syndicate, Queen Elizabeth unveiled a plaque commemorating her historic visit and officially opened the stand named in her honour.
"She visited the paddock to watch the runners being paraded before the first race, however, her attention was all on the second race in which her horse, Piquant, was entered but the 6/4 sadly finished the race in seventh place.
"It was just more than 21 years to the day – 8 July 2016 – that Her Majesty returned to Musselburgh Racecourse, this time to help us celebrate our 200th anniversary.
"Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, she watched the racing from the stand she opened in 1995 - but again victory at Musselburgh eluded her when the two horses entered from the Royal stables, Forecaster and Elementary, both finished third in their respective contests.
"Following the success of our Bicentenary celebrations, we were again delighted when Buckingham Palace granted permission for Musselburgh to stage a new race, The Queen’s Cup, in honour of the monarch.
"The £100,000 race is a stayers-open heritage handicap which traditionally features in our opening Flat race of the season at Easter and precedes the top stayers handicaps, The Chester Cup, Northumberland Place and The Ebor."
All racegoers who have purchased tickets for meetings this weekend will be offered a full refund.
READ NEXT:
Queen Elizabeth II: Edinburgh Council close major roads as monarch to arrive in capital
Queen Elizabeth II in Edinburgh: 22 amazing photos show Her Majesty's many visits down the years
Hearts, Hibs and rest of SPFL games postponed in mark of respect to Queen Elizabeth II
When Queen's body will arrive in Edinburgh from Balmoral as procession planned
Edinburgh closures and cancellations following the death of Queen Elizabeth II
