Perth Racecourse celebrates busiest raceday on record

This weekend saw a bumper crowd of 10,000 flock to Perth Racecourse for the annual Carnival Raceday, making it the largest meeting on record for the UK’s most northerly track. For the first time in its history Perth Racecourse was at full capacity, and treated the home crowd to a day of thrilling jump racing, first class entertainment, and summer carnival fun.

With the only Saturday meeting of the season a complete sell out, Perth Racecourse has announced another Saturday fixture for 2018, securing both 23 June and 18 August in the national fixture list.

Hazel Peplinksi, chief executive of Perth Racecourse, said: “Our Carnival Raceday was a fantastic success and everyone who managed to get a ticket appeared to have a fabulous day out. We were lucky enough that the weather picked up in time with plenty of sunshine; it was an especially nice later on when the wind dropped and the band was playing, which added to the carnival atmosphere.

“Saturday was the first fixture at Perth Racecourse ever to sell out and the buzz around the enclosures was just amazing. It just proves that if we can secure customer-friendly slots in the fixture list then there is an enormous appetite for attending horse-racing in this area, which is exciting for the future of Perth Racecourse. The disappointment amongst those who were unable to buy tickets once we sold out was palpable.

“Whilst we have only had one Saturday meeting for a number of years at Perth, a new fixture process for 2018 has allowed us to win a second Saturday which shall hopefully take the pressure off this very established Carnival event.

“The two Saturday dates next year are 23 June and 18August, and the advice shall be to buy tickets early to avoid disappointment as we cannot exceed the capacities as per our Safety Certificate. It’s important all racegoers have an enjoyable experience and their safety is our top priority at all times.”

The day featured seven thrilling jump races but all eyes were on the coveted feature race of the day, the £25,000 Spirits of Scone of Destiny Handicap Hurdle. Paying homage to Perthshire’s rich heritage and culture, the debut race was closely contended, but it was Donald McCain’s Dear Sire who was crowned victorious.

Sponsored by Scone Palace, Lady Mansfield presented the specially commissioned Stone of Destiny trophy in the parade ring, the first win of McCain’s impressive treble on Saturday.

In keeping with the summer carnival atmosphere, those in attendance were entertained by magicians, carnival stilt walkers and dancers throughout the day, before UB40 Homegrown performed to the sell-out crowd after the final race. 

Now nearing the end of the season, next up in the racing calendar is the Autumn Raceday (Monday 11 September). For the first time the fixture is a single day and the seven racecard has been boosted to £65,000 in prize-money. The meeting will also feature another new £25,000 2.5 Mile Steeplechase to catch the attention of trainers’ up and down the country.

Tickets are currently on sale for the Autumn Raceday with Grandstand tickets available at £18, with students and Over 60s priced at just £10.

Gates open at 12pm with the first race scheduled for 2.05pm and the last at 5.05pm.

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