The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has granted Musselburgh Racecourse a further extension to its racing licence until the end of its Flat season on 16 October.

The licence has been granted on the basis that the BHA are provided with regular updates on the steps being taken to implement a long-term governance structure for the East Lothian track with the aim of this being in place by the end of 2018.

A working group has been established with membership from the three political groups on East Lothian Council, Lothians Racing Syndicate and staff representation, to explore two options which would see the racecourse becoming an Arm’s Length External Organisation of East Lothian Council or being put out to tender for operation by a third party.

The law firm Pinsent Masons, which carried out a governance review, are providing support to the group in its deliberations and the group is due to make its recommendation by the next meeting of East Lothian Council on 26 June.

Fiona O’Donnell, Chair of the new Musselburgh Racecourse Associated Committee, said: “This is a further positive step in securing a long-term solution in the best interests of Musselburgh Racecourse. Racegoers, staff, owners and trainers now have certainty for the remainder of the Flat season.”

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “I am very pleased that progress is being made in determining the future governance of the racecourse and that the BHA has seen fit to grant a licence extension until the end of our Flat season. There is still a lot of work to be done but with co-operation and mutual understanding, the interested parties can produce a framework which will be acceptable to the BHA and which secures the long-term future of Musselburgh Racecourse.”