The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Charity race day to have carnival atmosphere
Perth: Racecourse will use busiest meeting of year to aid young Scots
Perth Racecourse will welcome its largest crowd of the year this weekend at the only Saturday race meeting in its calendar.
As well as the on-course action, the fixture has become a significant charity fundraiser in recent years.
Sam Morshead, Perth Racecourse general manager, said: “August’s Saturday race day is our busiest meeting of the year and so, in 2012, we decided to harness the goodwill and large crowds for a great cause.
“This is our fourth STV Appeal Carnival and we’ve raised over £12,000 so far for this amazing charity. I’d like to see that bumped up by another few thousand pounds this year and look forward to another fun-packed event.”
The appeal raises money to help children and young people affected by poverty in Scotland.
The money raised provides practical help like food and warm clothes, creating opportunities for training and employability and enabling social and emotional support for those who need it most.
On the racing front, Saturday’s Carnival Day will feature seven jump races including jockeys and horses from Ireland and the South as well as some well-known Scottish favourites.
The event is also a day for dressing up with the crowd displaying an array of hats, heels and well-tailored suits. A spokesperson for the charity appeal said: “We’re thrilled that Perth Racecourse is planning what promises to be yet another brilliant day on behalf of the STV Appeal.
“This is the fourth year that Perth Races have arranged a carnival party with all funds going to the STV Appeal. Last year’s event was an overwhelming success with thousands of people in attendance.
“Occasions such as this truly help make a difference and every pound raised will be used to help vulnerable children and young people all over Scotland affected by poverty.”
Also adding to the carnival atmosphere will be the Sambalistic Samba Band, while Capital FM will be attending the Scone event to host a tropical-themed Tiki Party.