Relief to get over first hurdle after tough time
Perth Racecourse was among the venues breathing a sigh of relief on Tuesday as it was confirmed the region would move beyond level zero of COVID restrictions.
The facility has suffered financially during the pandemic and went 14 months without any punters able to enter.
Limited numbers have been allowed in since June, but staff are now preparing to welcome 5000 spectators to their race meeting next Saturday, August 14.
Speaking to the PA, Perth Racecourse chief executive Hazel Peplinksi says it will be a huge day for everyone at the racecourse.
She revealed there was little chance of them requesting a bigger attendance, despite the racecourse potentially being able to hold up to 10,000 people.
But she has promised “a day of celebration” as the racing experience gets back to “something akin to standard protocols”.
“It was more relief than anything [when restrictions were lifted] because we’d been hoping for it for a while,” she said.
“We’ve been watching what English racecourses have been doing and it was frustrating so it’s good to have some parity.
“To have 5000 without permission is great. We are already selling tickets for next Saturday which will be a big day.
“If demand is there then we could look at going beyond the 5000 but at this late stage, I think it would be pragmatic to stick around that number.”
It has been a nervous time for the racecourse, which seemed on course for a successful future as 2019 turned into 2020.
Investment in the likes of the Lodge at Perth Racecourse Hotel and a new irrigation system have enhanced the facility as a wedding and events venue, but they also cost money just as income streams were decimated.
But Hazel says the loyalty of racegoers has helped ease the burden a little.
“The timing of the pandemic could not have been much worse,” she said. “We’re heavily tied up in loans right now because of the investment we have put into the new hotel, stables and irrigation system. We had already sold 80 per cent of tickets for 2020 when we realised the fixtures were not going to happen.
“You are sitting on hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of tickets that we were either going to need to push on to 2021 or refund.
“What’s been really heartening is how many racegoers have held on to tickets. That has been fantastic.
“The financial side apart, the biggest thing we have been struggling with is the uncertainty.
“To run a whole season at Perth is difficult enough but you always had certainty and planned accordingly.
“It has been so tiring keeping the team going but not knowing what is going to be allowed.
“You get a bit brain fried with it all. The whole nation has really got to the end of its tether and will need to learn to live with the virus. There is too much pain to be had otherwise.”
Hazel, who says she does not blame policy makers for uncertainty or different rules for racecourses in other parts of the UK, says it is difficult to look too far into the future at the moment.
After Saturday’s Edinburgh Gin raceday, there are two further meetings in September, both over two days.
And Hazel is hoping to end the season in style.
“In terms of the future for Perth, when you are in survival mode you don’t really look that far ahead,” she said. “Right now I just want to get the team together.
“We have just the one race meeting in August then we have two days on
September 5/6 and again on 22/23. That last race of the year is always very well attended.
“We’re hoping that as people have been restricted for that long, we will see a good attendance.
“We’ll be pushing that and hopefully have a positive end to the season.”
• Perth Racecourse this week announced Edinburgh Gin as title sponsors of the summer raceday on Saturday, August 14.
Hazel said: “We are extremely grateful to our longstanding partners Edinburgh Gin for their valued support of this highprofile Saturday afternoon fixture, which we are equally delighted will now feature significant crowd numbers.”
The Saturday has a £60,000 seven-race card that features the £20,000 Stone of Destiny Handicap Hurdle over two miles.
Buses will once again be running to the track having previously been off due to the pandemic.
For more information, go to www.perthraces.co.uk
What’s been really heartening is how many racegoers have held on to tickets. That’s been fantastic