The three-day Perth Festival, offering a £200,000 prize-pot, opens the gates to the 2015 season at Perth Racecourse today.
The meeting is well-known for its party atmosphere and will include samba dancers, a samba band, local artisan producers and new sponsors, Heineken and Mackie’s Ice Cream.
Racegoers will be able to watch seven jump races on each day of the festival, including a possible appearance from AP McCoy who has enjoyed several victories at Perth over the years.
Among the races is the GA Engineering Group Highland National on Friday, the penultimate race of the meeting, which boasts prize money of £20,000.
In recent years the race has built impressive industry acclaim, with owners and trainers keen to take home the Highland National title. Tomorrow will bring the largest prize fund of £25,000.
Perth Racecourse general manager Sam Morshead said: “The Perth Festival is always a big party because it comes after six months of silence.
“I know that racegoers from across Scotland love a day with us and we attract a huge number of visitors into the area.
“We’re like any business right now though, we have to be aware of the tough economic climate and so with that in mind I am delighted to announce that forward ticket sales are up on last year.
“I’m going to predict a fantastic turnout and an amazing atmosphere for each of the three days the team, as always, have done a brilliant job.”
In a first for Perth, guests over sixty are to be gifted with free entry today. The gesture marks an advance celebration as Mr Morshead prepares for his own sixtieth birthday later in the season.