Racestobuild onopener

Perth Racecourse is looking ahead with excitement to next week’s back to back meetings.

Following on from the season opening Perth Festival, more action is forthcoming to keep racing fans enthralled.

Perth’s On-Course Bookmakers Evening will take place on Wednesday, with tickets on sale for £5. Racing rookies can chance their beginners luck and be guided through the competitive card of jump racing by Perth’s resident raceday presenter Jim Delahunt.

The Class 4 £10,000 Handicap Hurdle over three miles is the most valuable race on the card, and sure to be a racing highlight of the night. It’s an evening meeting which also promises a lively party atmosphere, a host of delicious local produce and a selection of artisan ales and craft beers from Perthshire breweries.

This event will be followed by the most glamorous event of the racing calendar, Totepool Ladies Day on Thursday.

And those attending will have to up their style stakes as celebrity stylist Gok Wan will be crowning the best dressed lady and awarding her a £2000 cash prize live on stage. Ladies are also urged to don their finest fascinators and headpieces. There will be a prize for the best hat.

Fashion forward gents will be in with the chance of scooping a prize too, with the best dressed male also awarded on the day.

Hazel Peplinksi, chief executive at Perth Racecourse, said:“Year on year, our Ladies Day continues to attract an enthusiastic crowd who really do dress to impress.

“Our VIP tickets have completely sold out, and we are looking forward to welcoming our stylish guests to the track. And we are thrilled that Gok Wan will be doing the honours and crowning this year’s winner.”

There will be a series of live entertainment throughout the day, with Tay FM’s Stuart Webster hosting the main stage. The Soul Kings will start the proceedings with a performance in the morning, with a Take That tribute band closing the show.

Tickets for Perth’s On-Course Bookmakers Evening are priced at just £5. Gates open at 4.30pm and the first race is scheduled for 6.05pm and the last race at 9.05pm.

Ladies Day grandstand tickets are available at £25 and are selling fast. Gates open at 11.30am with the first race scheduled at 2pm and the last race at 5.20pm. To purchase tickets, visit www.perth-races.co.uk