Perth Racecourse is gearing up for one of Scottish horse racing’s biggest events of the year with the news that the Perth Gold Cup is set to feature the greatest horse ever to run at the Fair City track.
A crowd of almost 10,000 is expected for Sunday’s meeting after Perth’s management revealed that advanced ticket sales are up 25% on last year.
The event, sponsored by Pentland Land Rover for the third consecutive year, is recognised as one of the most prestigious on the Scottish circuit.
Perth Racecourse chief executive Hazel Peplinksi said: “Perth Gold Cup day has long been one of Scottish racing’s biggest fixtures but the news that Menorah will be joining us for the first time has really raised the stakes.
“He is the most gorgeous looking horse and it is a huge coup for Perth racecourse that Menorah’s trainer Philip Hobbs has targeted our Gold Cup.
“We set out to offer top quality jump racing for Scottish racing fans and in Menorah we have hit the jackpot.
“Sunday’s Perth Gold Cup meeting is already a very well-established occasion that always attracts a large and enthusiastic crowd.
“With this wonderful spell of settled, warm weather we are delighted to have the centre course enclosure back open so that racegoers can opt to enjoy their own picnics out of the boot of the car.
“For weekend fixtures the centre course acts as a welcome alternative to the normal grandstand enclosure where we have seen a significant increase in advance tickets.”
Menorah, with more than £650,000 in prize money in an illustrious career of 14 wins from 38 starts, will be one of the classiest horses ever to grace Perth with a current BHA rating of 165.
Trainer Philip Hobbs said: “Our intention is to run in the Perth Gold Cup which looks to be the perfect opportunity for Menorah who has come out of his Sandown victory in top form. He will appreciate the better ground at this time of year so it makes sense to keep going with him and we are looking forward to Sunday.”
The racecourse has announced that kids go free on Perth Gold Cup day and there will be bouncy castles, plenty of ice cream available from official supplier Mackie’s of Scotland, and entertainment provided by the resident DJ in the centre course.
Scottish band Carbon Copy will be performing a live set in the barn after the racing.
Mike Pugh, head of business at sponsors Pentland Land Rover and Jaguar Perth, said: “We have had an excellent relationship with the racecourse in the past and look forward to seeing what the future has in place in the safe hands of Hazel Peplinski.”
Gates open at 11.30am with the first race scheduled for 2.05pm.
Tickets start at £17 and advance sales close at midnight on Saturday with Perth offering a group discount of £3 per person if booked in advance at www.perth-races.co.uk.
All advance sale tickets will be entered into an exclusive prize draw to win a Land Rover Discovery Sport for the weekend.