Perth Racecourse looks forward to Ladies Day after successful season opener

Record number of runners recorded at UK’s most northerly track

Perth Racecourse opened the 2017 season in style last week with the Perth Festival (26 April – 28 April). The three-day racing extravaganza saw punters from across Scotland grace the parklands of Scone to watch some spectacular racing, setting the bar high for the rest of the season.

The Perth Festival saw a record number of runners over the three-consecutive days of racing, with less than 10% of non-runners. A huge testament to Perth’s new irrigation system, the £250,000 investment has made a significant difference to the track, and is set to provide consistent, safe racing conditions for the season ahead.

Advance ticket sales were up 76% on previous years for the opening day, thanks in part to the appearance of Grand National winner, One For Arthur who helped draw a large crowd. The victorious horse was joined by his winning jockey Derek Fox and trainer Lucinda Russell to do a lap of honour in the parade ring for the home crowd.

Hazel Peplinksi, chief executive of Perth Racecourse gave credit to the racecourses’ groundstaff for the record numbers, explaining: “With the extremely dry spell of weather coupled with below average temperatures in April we have been severely tested to produce an acceptable racing surface over the three days of the festival.

“However, the groundstaff have worked tirelessly in recent weeks with the new irrigation system and applied the equivalent of 2 inches of rain artificially. It is to their enormous credit that we have just had one of the most successful festivals in recent years with a record number of horses racing over the three days.

“£230,000 in total prize-money over the festival together with Good ground on all three days generated 197 runners, with an average field size of 9.3.  This represents a fantastic start to our season and if we can maintain this level of support I would be delighted. There were plenty of owners and trainers here for the first time ever and told me how much they enjoyed the experience or racing at Perth.”

Race-goers were in high spirits as they enjoyed 250 bottles of champagne and 550 shots of Edinburgh Gin from The One For Arthur Gin and Fizz Bar which was launched on the opening day of the festival.

Next up in the racing calendar is Perth’s double fixture with The On-Course Perth Bookmakers Evening (Wednesday 17 May) and Ladies Day (Thursday 18 May).

The first evening meeting of the season, The On-Course Perth Bookmakers Evening (17 May) is being promoted as an early season opportunity to encourage first-time racegoers to sample the delights of Perth races at a heavily discounted rate. 

Tickets for Wednesday’s meeting are on sale for the one-off promotional price of just £5. First time racegoers can experience all the usual fun, party atmosphere, delicious local produce and fine craft beers as well as a six-race card of competitive racing.

The following day, Perth’s glamorous Ladies Day will see thrilling jump racing, excellent hospitality and a host of live entertainment, with the best dressed lady scooping a £2000 cash prize. 

The style stakes are even higher this year, as celebrity stylist Gok Wan will be crowning the best dressed lady live on stage. Gok will also be bringing his coveted Fashion Brunch Club to the racecourse for VIP guests, where he’ll share top tips, industry style secrets, and host a fabulous fashion show.

Grandstand tickets for Ladies Day are available at £25.00, with student and Over 60s tickets priced at £10.00. Gates open at 11.30am with the first race scheduled at 2pm, and the last race 5.20pm.

Gates open for Perth On-Course Bookmakers Evening at 4.30pm. The first race begins at 6.05pm and the last race is scheduled for 9.05pm.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.perth-races.co.uk or call 01738 551 597.