Record crowds are head over heels for Perth Racecourse Ladies Day

Published

23rd May 2017

Glamorous ladies and gents basked in glorious sunshine last week at Perth Racecourse’s annual Totepool Ladies Day (Thursday 18 May 2017), which saw record numbers grace the parklands of Scone for the popular meeting.

Almost 6000 people turned out for the most stylish event in the racing calendar, with the racecourse seeing a 30% increase in gate receipts on last year. Totepool, Ladies Day title sponsor, saw its betting turnover up 18% on 2016, with punters taking advantage of the excellent 7 race card on offer.

Hazel Peplinksi, chief executive of Perth Racecourse said: “Our 2017 season has got off to a fantastic start with the Perth Festival, On-Course Bookmakers Evening and now Ladies Day all a huge success.

“Our Ladies Day turnstile figures are up on last year and the crowd were in high spirits from start to finish. We would like to extend a thank you to all of our sponsors, Gok Wan and his Fashion Brunch Club team, and also St. John’s Shopping Centre who generously donated the £2000 Grand Lady cash prize. Outstanding racing teamed with top class entertainment and the beautiful sunshine really did make for the perfect day.”

The racecourse is already seeing the benefits of its £250,000 irrigation investment, as Hazel explained: “With the temperature rising our modernised irrigation system has given the team so much confidence in producing optimum ground conditions for our upcoming meetings, and we are working hard to deliver more spectacular race days in the summer months.”

It was Gillian Wilson from Ayr who was deemed the best dressed on the day, and scooped the coveted £2000 Grand Lady prize. Gillian, who wore a striking white and black gown with matching fascinator was crowned by celebrity stylist Gok Wan, who praised her gorgeous outfit.

Keeping the Perthshire crowd refreshed all day long, Edinburgh Gin’s One For Arthur Gin and Fizz bar was also a huge hit, with the bar takings nearly double of last year with a staggering 80% increase in sales.

Next in the Perth Racecourse calendar is the annual Gold Cup (4 June 2017). A highlight of the season and recognised as one of the most prestigious meetings on the Scottish racing circuit, the Gold Cup attracts a large and enthusiastic crowd with racing fans coming to watch some of the best-rated horses in the country.

For the first time this season the Centre Course Enclosure will also be open to punters, meaning people can enjoy a picnic right in the heart of the action. The Centre Course Enclosure will also be home to a sports bar, inflatables for the kids and host live entertainment throughout the day.

Tickets for the Gold Cup are on sale now and are selling fast. Hospitality packages are available and start at £99. Grandstand tickets are priced £25 and Centre Course tickets are available at £20.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.perth-races.co.uk

Perth Racecourse

Sharing their parkland with Scone Palace in Perth, the original crowning site for the King & Queen of Scots and the Stone of Destiny, Perth Racecourse offers the perfect location for a day at the races in a historical and beautiful setting.

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