The considerable cost was revealed to the Courier this week, as officials warned that people who enjoyed the facilities would "ultimately pay the price." 

The news comes after Police Scotland confirmed on Monday that there had been multiple break-ins in the Musselburgh and Prestonpans between September 7 and 27 in a series of incidents which police believe could be linked.

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According to the racecourse, on-site security has been strengthened and the course is working closely with the police to deter future break-ins and to identify the culprits.

Bill Farnsworth, racecourse manager, said: “We have spent money to improve our security measures across the site, which should be a deterrent, and we are very grateful to vigilant neighbours who often report anti-social behaviour in and around the racecourse.

“The police are very supportive and responsive, and are often here within minutes of an alarm being triggered.

"Sadly, this is not just an issue for the racecourse but it is happening repeatedly at different premises and businesses across Musselburgh, and this kind of irresponsible behaviour is really tarnishing the name of The Honest Toun.”

Mr Farnsworth pointed out that the break-ins had yielded nothing of value to the would-be thieves because stock was removed and securely stored on non-race days.

But he said: “Inevitably there is a cost to pay, not just in immediate repairs to rectify the damage caused but in our higher insurance costs and, unfortunately, this pushes up the price of a day at the races.

“The racecourse sits in the heart of the local community and it is those people in the local community who enjoy a day at the races who will ultimately pay the price for these acts of vandalism on the town’s racecourse.”