PERTH RACECOURSE
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Introduction:
Perth racecourse adjoins the historic palace and coronation site of the Scottish Kings.
Located amongst the natural beauty of Scone Palace Park, the racecourse skirts the banks of the river Tay, and passes beside centuries old trees - many of which may well have looked down on former Scottish monarchs and noblemen.
From existing archives, it is known the earliest race meetings in the Perth area took place at the North Inch site, and there is a specific recording of the staging of the race for the Silver Bell in 1613.
The first accredited results from Perth appeared in 1791, and were linked to the September meeting organised by the Caledonian Hunt Club, and when the races were moved from North Inch to Scone Palace Park in 1908, records show the first meeting was a two day event in September of that year.
The most northerly racecourse in the British isles, the modern racecourse at Perth has a warm and friendly atmosphere, and new visitors soon feel at home.
As a summer jumping venue, the course stages 13 race meetings between April and September. The highlights of the season being, the three day Perth festival in April, the Perth Gold Cup in June, and the traditional two day meeting in September.
Track facts:
Perth is used exclusively for national hunt summer jumping.
The course is flat, and run right handed over a circuit one mile two furlongs in circumference. The bends are sharp, but not tight enough to discourage large galloping types.
The steeplechase course has eight moderate fences laid out in the following circuit pattern: an initial plain fence, the first open ditch, two plain fences, the second open ditch, two more plain fences, and a water jump. The water jump is by passed on the final circuit in favour of a long run in.
The hurdles course has five flights, two of which are situated prior to the winning post in the home straight.
On soft going, the course can become very testing, and stamina becomes important.
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Enclosures and hospitality:
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, Owners and Trainers, and Corporate Guests. These can be obtained by contacting the racecourse.
Grandstand Ticket.
Viewing of the racecourse and winning post are obtained from the Nelson Grandstand, a relatively new facility, which was completed in 2005. Ticket holders also have access to the parade ring, winners enclosure, and all the other public areas of the racecourse.
On the first floor of the grandstand, all day fine dining is available in the Galileo Restaurant. Diners also obtain excellent views of the racing action. Due to the popularity of this facility, advance booking is strongly recommended.
In the silver service Club Restaurant, patrons can enjoy hot and cold meals, served in pleasant surroundings. To accommodate demand, this restaurant usually has two sittings before the first race, and advance booking is strongly recommended.
For race goers on a budget, the Bindaree serves good portions of a range of hot and cold snacks. Alternatively, traditional fish and chips are available from Vinegar Joes.
For race goers who want to relax or celebrate, the course has several bars. The Club Bar is convivial, and from its first floor position in the grandstand, it offers good views of the racecourse. It also provides a tote betting facility, and hot and cold snacks.
The Taittinger Champagne and Wine Bar is also located in the Grandstand.
For race goers who enjoy the cut and thrust of the betting jungle, the Paddock Bar provides the ideal location.
The Parade Bar has a small beer garden overlooking the bridleway between the paddock area and the racecourse. With the Last Ditch Bar being obviously situated near the last ditch fence. This latter bar has an extensive accompanying lawned area.
Course Ticket.
Allows entry to the centre of the course for individual race goers, and entry to the Picnic area for cars with up to 4 occupants.
Bar and snack facilities are provided in this enclosure.
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Disabled Facilities:
There is a concessionary entrance fee available to disabled race goers.
As the course is flat, viewing is not difficult, and there is easy access to bars and restaurants.
Elevated viewing is available from a designated viewing platform.
Fixtures:
All races at Perth are staged under national hunt rules.
2011:
Wednesday 11May
Thursday 12 MayTransport Links:
By Road:
The racecourse is just outside Perth, and only three miles from the end of the Scottish motorway system.
From Carlisle and the south west, take the M6, M74, and then the M73, following the signs to Stirling. From Stirling, follow the signs to Perth, and then join the Perth by pass, which is signposted for Dundee. The road then crosses the Tay at Friarton Bridge, which is to the west of Perth. Immediately after crossing the bridge, take the exit for Perth, and follow the signs to the racecourse.
From Dundee and the north, travel south on the A90, and take the same exit as above, bearing in mind it will be before crossing Friarton Bridge.
Travelling times are around two and a quarter hours from Carlisle, and two hours from Aberdeen.
By Rail:
Perth railway station is on the main Scottish east coast railway line, linking Edinburgh to Inverness. There are plentiful train services, some of which connect directly with English towns and cities.
Perth railway station is around 3 miles from the racecourse, and there is a connecting shuttle bus service.
By Bus:
One hour prior to the first race, a shuttle bus service operates from outside the cinema, on Mill Street in Perth, and conveys race goers to the racecourse.
National Express coaches operate services to Perth.
By Air:
On a non congested day, Edinburgh international airport is around forty minutes drive from the racecourse. While Dundee airport, which has scheduled flights to London City airport, is only 16 miles from Perth.
Light aircraft can obtain permission to land at Scone airfield, which is only 3 miles from the racecourse. Telephone 01738 55 33 57 for landing information.
Subject to prior permission from the racecourse management team, helicopters may land on the racecourse.
Contact Details:
Address: Perth Racecourse, Scone Palace Par, Perth, PH2 6BB.
Telephone Number: 01738 55 15 97.
Fax Number: 01738 55 30 21.
E-Mail:
Accommodation:
Your Hotel could be here!
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