Glorious Finale to close Perth Races season

Sep 21 2010 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

THE curtain falls on the 2010 season at Perth Racecourse this week when competitive racing is on the cards for the Glorious Finale meeting tomorrow and Thursday.

After the short September break for National Hunt racing, trainers will be keen to get their horses running again, and this meeting gives trainers the chance to fire their opening shots for the 2010/2011 jumping season.

Top trainers from the south have entered runners over the two days, including Gold Cup winning trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies who has historically had a lot of winners at this meeting, Philip Hobbs and David Pipe. Ireland’s Gordon Elliott maintains his keen support of Perth Races, and the top northern and Scottish trainers will also be competing for the prizes.

Local yards look to be well represented, including reigning leading Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell from Arlary near Milnathort, Lucy Normile at nearby Duncrievie and Susan Bradburne from North Fife.

The Glorious Finale is the oldest fixture in Perth Racecourse’s calendar, and the venue’s general manager Sam Morshead commented: “This is always a fantastic meeting attracting big crowds with many having travelled from the South and Ireland. Historically we have had our best racing at this fixture and although our April stanjames.com festival has now taken that mantle, this week’s meeting looks set to attract some very good horses.”

The runners’ fitness and stamina is likely to be tested, with the prediction for soft, possibly heavy, going following the 24mls of rain which fell over the weekend.

Sam added: “I would like to thank Brewin Dolphin, Anderson Anderson Brown, Prestige Scotland and Keith Douglas and Roy Murray along with the Salutation Hotel in Perth for their help in ensuring the good prize money that is on offer.”

Gates open on both days at noon. Further details from the website www.perth-races.co.uk or by calling 01738 551597.