Gold Cup fever hits Perth Racecourse Punters and trainers chasing bumper payout on big day
Gold Cup day is always a winner at Perth Name in here Perth Racecourse’s most prestigious event of the year is ready to welcome the UK and Ireland’s top trainers.
Punters from across the country will also pile through the gates on Sunday for the City of Perth Gold Cup.
There has been a 30% increase in prize-money this year with the pot now sitting at £80,000, making it one of the of the most valuable day’s racing throughout the whole British summer jumping programme.
Advanced ticket sales for the Gold Cup have been strong and chief executive of Perth Racecourse, Hazel Peplinski, can’t wait for the action to begin.
She said: “The Gold Cup is our biggest meeting in the racing calendar and one we look forward to all year.
“We have just bid farewell to the Harley Davidson bikers who held their annual rally here this weekend and we are now turning the site around for this very popular meeting on Sunday.
“The Gold Cup itself has attracted a quality entry of 18 top class Chasers from all over the UK and Ireland so we are in for a treat with the likes of Nigel TwistonDavies, Jonjo O’Neill, David Pipe, Gordon Elliot and Paul Nicholls all represented.”
Ahead of the season Perth Racecourse invested £250,000 in a new irrigation system, helping to provide consistent, safe ground conditions for jump racing.
“The irrigation system has been an important investment for the racecourse, and we have seen a healthy 10% increase in field sizes despite an exceptionally dry spell of weather,” Peplinski added.
“The track team here at Perth have welcomed the recent showery conditions ahead of the big day and assure me that the turf is in excellent shape ahead of Sunday’s meeting.”
The event has secured a new title sponsor for 2017 in Perth based Horizon Parking.
Bernie Dickson of Horizon Parking said: “We are delighted to be in partnership with Perth Racecourse and especially supporting the £30,000 Horizon Parking City of Perth Gold Cup Handicap Steeple Chase.”
Organisers recommend allowing plenty of time for gaining admission due to heightened security measures and expected large crowds. Tickets for The Gold Cup are priced at £20 for Centre Course and £25 for the Grandstand.
Gates open at 11.30am and the first race is scheduled for 2.15pm and the last race at 5.15pm.