FOUR CENTURIES of sporting tradition and excitement will be celebrated at Perth Racecourse this year.
One of Scotland’s oldest venues, the racecourse has attracted the great and the good of Scottish society from Bonnie Prince Charlie in the 18th century to the current Prince Charles two years ago.
From 1613, race horses thundered round the South Inch until the construction of the current course at Scone Palace Park in 1908.
The racecourse is increasing in popularity yearly, with richer prizes and more meetings being added to the card every year.
Perth Racecourse manager Sam Morshead said: “Since its founding, Perth Racecourse has risen in status to become one of the popular courses in Scottish and British horse racing and 2013 marks a hugely significant milestone for us, as well as for the city of Perth.
“We wanted to commemorate this very special occasion with a suitably exciting fixture list that would demonstrate Perth Racecourse’s fantastic facilities and its ability to host a great day out.
“This year, we have introduced a brand new Scottish food and drink event which will showcase the best produce that Scotland has to offer. We have also introduced some new fixture themes and continue to improve our visitor experience with a brand new ‘head on’ enclosure and a picnic pavilion, both of which will be opened in April.
“We are currently working on a series of very exciting projects specifically linked to the 400 years of racing in Perth anniversary, which we will reveal in greater detail in the next few weeks.”
Racing in Perth began with the running of the Silver Bell and was made the official racing calendar in 1791, sponsored by the Caledonian Hunt Club.
Bonnie Prince Charlie is said to have mingled with race-goers while planning the Jacobite rebellion of 1745.
The landmark new season is under starter’s orders with its traditional three-day April Festival.
A new beer festival takes place in May, while the Scottish Food and Drink Day is in September.
The final event of the year will feature a post-racing Beat the Retreat and fireworks display, to mark the end of the 400-year celebrations.
The Gold Cup, which has roots stretching back to the 1818 Caledonian Gold Cup, Ladies’ Day, the family fun day and the Glorious Finale will fill out the fixture list.