Gold Cup Day at Perth Racecourse

May 21 2010 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Gold Cup Day at Perth Racecourse

SOME of the top National Hunt trainers from the UK and Ireland have entered horses for the prestigious Newwave Recruitment Scotland Perth Gold Cup Handicap Chase on Sunday which, with prize money to the winner of around £20,000, is one of the most valuable races over this country’s summer jumping season.

The Perth Gold Cup three-mile steeplechase at 4.20pm is the highlight of Sunday’s seven-race card, which gets underway at 2.15pm with the Provost’s Plate Challenge Trophy Novices Hurdle.

Crowds of up to 11,000 are expected to be drawn to the scenic racecourse in the Scone Palace parkland, where temperatures are expected to rise to a comfortable 22C.

In addition to the competitive National Hunt racing, the course has additional attractions for a family day out. Entertainment will include a pipe band performance from Crieff High School, magicians, falconry displays, circus acts, bouncy castle and face painting.

Commenting on the fixture, Perth Racecourse general manager Sam Morshead said: “With top class racing from some of the UK's top jockeys, trainers and horses, racegoers will enjoy a number of adrenaline-fuelled races whilst children will be kept occupied with our range of entertainment options. Having hosted this event for many years now, we are experienced in knowing how to keep visitors of all ages amused.”

“In previous years, this one-day event has attracted crowds of well over 11,000, in turn providing an electric atmosphere. Gold Cup Day promises to be the biggest and best race days on Perth Racecourse’s racing calendar.”

Throughout the afternoon, ex-St Johnstone goalkeeper Alan Main will be busy raising funds for the Lighthouse Club, a construction industry charity which offers support to all in construction, and its many associated industries, who have fallen on hard times through accident or illness.

Gates open for Gold Cup Day at 11.30am and the first race is at 2.15pm.

Further information from www.perth-races.co.uk or telephone 01738 551597.