PLANS ARE well under way for Perth Racecourse to celebrate its centenary year in style.

Among a range of special activities is a Centenary Celebration Day fixture on July 13.

The event will mark the 100th anniversary of what was recently rated the best small racecourse in the British Isles.

An undisclosed VIP from the world of sport has been invited to join race-goers on the day, which promises to combine exceptional entertainment with fabulous racing.

A spectacular hat has also been designed for the centenary Ladies’ Day fixture on May 15 by Perth milliners Evelyn Goodwillie and her daughter Kayti, of Elegance.

Valued at around £400, the centenary hat has a base colour of green—inspired by the turf—and features feathers in the colours of silks worn by jockeys at Perth.

The racecourse kicks off its season with the Stan James Perth Festival meeting on April 23, 24 and 25, when £250,000 will be won over the three days.

That meeting will be followed by the first evening meeting on Wednesday May 14 and Ladies’ Day on May 15.

Gold Cup Day is a week earlier this year on June 1.

Perth Racecourse manager Sam Morshead said he was looking forward to what promises to be an unforgettable year in the history of the course.

Race-goers to Perth spend over £8.5 million in the area, while the opening of the £2.1 million Nelson Stand in 2005 has created a year-round hospitality facility, making the racecourse a choice for conference and banqueting.

“Last year we welcomed more than 60,000 people to the course, and one of the most pleasing trends is that of the growing number of repeat visits,” Mr Morshead added.

“We hope to welcome a record number of race-goers in 2008, during a year which is such a special landmark in the history of the course.”

Meanwhile, a display of memorabilia from the course is being pulled together.

Anyone with items they feel could add value to this collection is invited to call the Perth Racecourse team on 01738 551597.