Prince Charles picked up a few racing tips from The Courier, he revealed at Perth at the weekend.
First Minister Alex Salmond had turned tipster for our newspaper and the Duke of Rothesay told the crowds at Perth Racecourse that he had read the tips before arriving.
And how did our guest tipster get on?
Two of his four choices won Overturn romped home at 4-1 in the 3.45 and Undertheboardwalk (10-11 fav) won the 6.25 race.
As the duke and duchess presented the Governor’s Cup to the winner of the £40,000 Scottish Hydro Summer Champion Hurdle, Charles said: “I don’t think any of this would have happened without the First Minister’s enthusiasm and determination.
“It was his idea to hold this special race day in aid of my charities in Scotland and I cannot thank him enough for such a marvellous idea, which I think has been a great success.
“I know he’s also a huge expert on racing and I’m sure those that read The Courier would have been very pleased to pick up his tips.”
He added: “I once rode one of my grandmother’s horses at Newton Abbot where I came way at the back, covered in mud but extremely happy to have got round.”‘Enormous difference’Charles said: “What your generosity will do today will make an enormous difference to my charities in Scotland and I hope we will be able to help more young people start their own enterprises and help young people improve their self-confidence and improve their lives for the better.”
Mr Salmond enjoyed his new role.
He said: “I used to do racing tips for The Herald and The Scotsman but when I became First Minister I was told that I couldn’t do it any longer.
“Perth produced a fantastic day’s racing, a magnificent amount for good causes and glorious weather to boot.
“The objective of the Royal Race Day in Perth was to raise money for some of the most important charities in the country.”
He added: “Of course, having been officially retired as a tipster for four years, choosing my favourites for The Courier was a bit of a challenge.
“But I am happy to say that we had a bit of success there too.”
Sam Morshead, general manager, said the First Minister was a “happy man” after two of his horses came first.
He added: “It was a very successful day and I was delighted that the royal visit went so well.”