Scone ladies’ day hailed a huge success as takings doubled

RacecouRse: Chief executive delighted after sun shines on recordbreaking meeting

Assisted by glorious sunshine, Perth racecourse is reporting a recordbreaking ladies’ day.

Huge numbers graced the parklands of Scone for the popular meeting – almost 6,000 turned out for the glamorous fixture – with a 30% increase in gate receipts on last year.

The day’s sponsors, Totepool, saw its betting turnover up 18% on 2016 and the bar takings were nearly double last year with a staggering 80% increase in sales.

Hazel Peplinksi, chief executive of Perth Racecourse, was delighted by the success of ladies’ day.

“Our 2017 season has got off to a fantastic start with the Perth Festival, OnCourse Bookmakers Evening and now ladies’ day all a huge success,” she said.

“Our ladies’ day turnstile figures are up on last year and the crowd were in high spirits from start to finish.

“We would like to extend a thank you to all of our sponsors, Gok Wan and his fashion brunch club team, and also St John’s Shopping Centre who generously donated the £2,000 grand lady cash prize.

“Outstanding racing teamed with topclass entertainment and the beautiful sunshine really did make for the perfect day.”

It was Gillian Wilson from Ayr who was deemed the best dressed on the day, and scooped the coveted £2,000 grand lady prize. Gillian, who wore a white and black gown with matching fascinator, was crowned by celebrity stylist Gok Wan, who praised her outfit.

The racecourse is enjoying the benefits of its £250,000 irrigation investment, according to Ms Peplinksi.

“With the temperature rising our modernised irrigation system has given the team so much confidence in producing optimum ground conditions for our upcoming meetings, and we are working hard to deliver more spectacular race days in the summer months,” she said.

Next on the Perth Racecourse calendar is the Gold Cup on June 4.

A highlight of the season and recognised as one of the most prestigious meetings on the Scottish racing circuit, the Gold Cup attracts a large crowd with racing fans coming to watch some of the best-rated horses in the country.

Outstanding racing teamed with top-class entertainment and the beautiful sunshine really did make for the perfect day

Picture: Gareth Jennings. This happy group from Dundee enjoy their day at the races.