The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Perth Racecourse backs culture bid with trip back in history
This season’s races will be re-branded to promote city’s past
The world of racing will back Perth’s bid to be named UK City of Culture 2021 by paying homage to its history.
A selection of this season’s top prizes at Perth Racecourse have been renamed and re-branded in honour of the city’s roots.
It’s hoped the move will promote the campaign and help celebrate Scotland’s Year of Heritage, History and Archaeology.
A number of the races will tie in with exhibitions and displays being staged at the city’s art gallery and museum.
Scottish artist Gordon Muir has been commissioned to design two specialedition trophies for the most prestigious, paying homage to the legendary Stone of Destiny and the Roman-era saddle quern, discovered on land adjoining the course.
They will be ready in time for the start of the season, which begins with the three-day Perth Festival, from April 26.
The polished-bronze saddle quern reproduction – which was used for grinding flax and barley in the Roman fort discovered nearby – will be up for grabs to the winner of The £20,000 EBF Stallions Gold Castle National Hunt Novice Hurdle Race.
The original quern will be on display at Perth Museum throughout festival week.
During August’s summer meeting, The Summer Champion Hurdle will be renamed The £25,000 Stone of Destiny Handicap Hurdle Race.
The trophy will feature an exact miniature by Muir, taken from the same seam of red-sandstone as the original and donated by Lord and Lady Mansfield from Scone Palace.
Chief executive Hazel Peplinski believes the new trophies will become among the most coveted in the country.
She said: “It is impossible not to become fixated in the rich tapestry of heritage and culture that surrounds us here in Perth.
“I am grateful to Scone Estate for unearthing some marvellous potential race names.”
Lady Mansfield of Scone Palace said: “We were delighted to be asked to contribute to Perth Racecourse’s race re-branding and to see the Stone of Scone and Saddle Quern celebrated in Gordon Muir’s work.”
Itis impossible notto become fixated in the rich tapestry of heritage and culture that surrounds us in Perth. HAZEL PEPLINSKI