The world of racing will back Perth’s bid to be named UK City of Culture 2021 by paying homage to its history.
A selection of this season’s top prizes at Perth Racecourse have been renamed and re-branded in honour of the city’s roots.
It’s hoped the move will promote the campaign and help celebrate Scotland’s Year of Heritage, History and Archaeology.
A number of the races will tie in with exhibitions and displays being staged at the city’s art gallery and museum.
Scottish artist Gordon Muir has been commissioned to design two special-edition trophies for the most prestigious, paying homage to the legendary Stone of Destiny and the Roman-era saddle quern, discovered on land adjoining the course.
They will be ready in time for the start of the season, which begins with the three-day Perth Festival, from April 26 to 28.
The polished-bronze saddle quern – which was used for grinding flax and barley in the Roman fort discovered nearby – will be up for grabs to the winner of The £20,000 EBF Stallions Gold Castle National Hunt Novice Hurdle Race.
The original quern will be on display at the Perth Museum throughout festival week.
During August’s summer meeting, The Summer Champion Hurdle will be renamed The £25,000 Stone of Destiny Handicap Hurdle Race in celebration of the Stone of Scone, which was used for centuries in the coronation of Scottish monarchs.
The trophy will feature an exact miniature by Muir, taken from the same seam of red-sandstone as the original and donated by Lord and Lady Mansfield from Scone Palace.
Set in the stunning parklands of Scone Palace, the racecourse has worked closely with the Mansfield family to identify the most effective means of bringing its rich heritage to the fore.
Chief Executive Hazel Peplinski believes the new trophies will become among the most coveted in the country.
She said: “Researching the Stone of Destiny in particular has been a pleasure. It is fantasy and folklore at its best and everyone you speak to has their own version of the truth; that is the fun of it all.
“It is impossible not to become fixated in the rich tapestry of heritage and culture that surrounds us here in Perth.
“I am grateful to Scone Estate for unearthing some marvellous potential race names, many of which will be integrated in to the race programme throughout the summer months.”
Lady Mansfield of Scone Palace said: “We were delighted to be asked to contribute to Perth Racecourse’s race re-branding and to see the Stone of Scone and Saddle Quern celebrated in Gordon Muir’s work.
“The trophies and the new race names are appropriate salutes to the Year of Heritage, History and Archaeology and to Perth’s bid for UK City of Culture.”