Perth return for Christian Williams as Scone Track prepares for July double-head

Ex-jump jockey Christian Williams saddles his first Perth runner on Tuesday night in the perthlodge.co.uk Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle.

Based at Glamorgan in South Wales, he is represented by Artiste Celebre who is equipped with cheekpieces for the first time under the former amateur champion. During his days in the saddle Williams rode just one winner from his ten rides at British racing’s northern outpost.

The feature event, the £16,000 Heineken UK Handicap Chase over three miles, has attracted a field of five. The line-up includes former point to point winner Buck Dancing, who also has useful form under Rules in Ireland, has done well since joining Rebecca Menzies with a win and second at Southwell for his County Durham handler. Also running is Old Salt, trained by Stef Keniry and a winner at Cartmel earlier this month.

The most recent renewals of the Best Wishes To Shelley Johnstone Novices’ Chase has seen the last three favourites winning and this year’s race has decent quality in Nietzsche, Tonto’s Spirit and Innocent Touch trained respectively by Brian Ellison, Dianne Sayer and Henry Daly.

In 2016 Sean McParlan won the Follow @racingtv On Twitter Maiden Hurdle with 100-1 Drummullagh Rocky and this time the Irish trainer is responsible for Golden Drumlee.

After Tuesday’s Race Evening, Perth hosts its second meeting inside 24 hours with another seven-race Afternoon Raceday card on Wednesday. As well as the action on the track, Perth is joining forces with golf’s Solheim Cup – the trophy will be on site for racegoers to see and enjoy a selfie with, in celebration of the biennial Europe v USA event coming to Gleneagles in September.  

To book your place at any of these meetings and for more information on the 2019 season at Perth Racecourse, visit www.perth-races.co.uk.