Perth Racecourse
Situated adjacent to the breathtakingly beautiful aesthetics of Scone Palace Park near the city of Perth in Scotland, Perth racecourse is the northernmost track in the UK. Sitting alongside the banks of the River Tay and skirted by centuries-old trees that undoubtedly overlooked the reigns of several Scottish monarchs, horse racing has taken place at the current site since 1908. Before this, racing was held at a North Inch site, with earliest recorded results stretching back as far as 1791. The first meeting at the current site was the first of what has become a traditional two-day September event, which is one of 13 race meetings held at Perth between April and September each year.
Perth racecourse is incredibly accessible for visitors, whether they’re driving or travelling by public transport. Those travelling by car are encouraged to follow the M90 and leave at J11 where signposts for Scone Palace and Perth racecourse are available to give directions. Perth railway station is just less than four miles from the course, with taxi services available from directly outside. Alternatively, on race days a special bus service operates priced at £2 for a single journey, or £3 for a return. The bus service pick up is on Mill Street outside the Playhouse Cinema and return buses leave the course approximately ten minutes after the final race has finished – leaving you just enough time to collect your winnings!
Ticket Prices
Perth offers a standard pricing system alongside a premier system, depending on the popularity and importance of the race meeting. The regular prices are £13 for centre course access, whilst entry to the grandstand is available for £18. The premier system increases these prices to £17 and £22 respectively.
Concession prices remain the same regardless of the occasion, with course entry priced at £13 and grandstand access available for £17. Customers under the age of 17 are allowed entry to all areas free of charge when accompanied by a full paying adult, although proof of age may be required.
The Course
The course at Perth may not feature flat racing but the National Hunt action that takes place here does so on a very flat surface. There are no undulations in sight and the sweeping nature of the right-handed bends helps give the impression of Perth offering a fairly easy and overall very fair test.
The steeplechase course features eight fences, including a water jump that is bypassed on the final circuit of each race in favour of a longer run for home. The hurdles course is made up of five obstacles – two of which are situated prior to the winning post in the home straight. Both courses can be very testing when the going is soft so stamina is very important during such times. Of course, this being north Scotland, such ground is far from uncommon so in general Perth tends to favour horses who like a bit of give.
A Pacey Course
In 2018, Go West Young Man won a two mile contest at Perth in 3m 41.7s, a quite rapid time for a Class 3 handicap. Although by the normal course standards this was exceptionally fast, Perth does average significantly quicker times compared to most especially when considering the level of horses that compete here and the fact that the ground isn’t necessarily all that fast per se. Races are run little slower on the hurdles course, with Green Zone winning a 2m 47y event in July 2017 in just 3m 42.8s, which is a very competitive time.
Part of the reason behind the quick times at Perth is the gentle nature of the course but a lot is down to how early jockeys start racing. Thinking their horse can travel on such a smooth course, there are those that put their foot down from quite a way out.
By avoiding a water jump on the final lap, chasers also have a long run-in in, where they can really stretch their legs on their way to the line. Of course there will invariably be some jockeys that set off too soon but for horses that are on the bridle, there’s a good chance they’ll maintain their gallop and come home in a rather tidy time.
Major Meetings at Perth
As well as the traditional two-day event each September, the major meetings at Perth include the Perth Gold Cup which is held each June, as well as the three-day Perth festival which happens every April. As well as these important events, Perth also regularly hosts family-friendly themed days, including ‘Family Fun Day’, Ladies Day and an Armed Forces day.
Dining and Hospitality
Private hospitality at Perth racecourse comes in four separate packages, all of which vary in price depending on specific purposes and budgets. The Ben Nevis Package is the most affordable, priced at £118 + VAT per person, whilst the Amberleigh Package is available for just an additional £50.
The Lucius Package is valued at £188 + VAT per person, whilst the most expensive and prestigious package is the Kauto Star Package, which is available for £288 + VAT per person and offers superb dining and drinks.