Alex Salmond has visited Perth Racecourse to be given an update on the inaugural Courier-sponsored Charities Race Day.
The event, which is also supported by Scottish Hydro, takes place on Saturday, August 20, and is set to be one of the biggest ever at the Scone Palace venue.
Boasting the highest average crowd of all the Scottish racecourses, Perth has an average of 4500 racegoers per day a figure expected to be tripled at the charities meet.
It is hoped £200,000 will be raised for The Prince’s Charities in Scotland, not-for-profit organisations of which the Prince of Wales is president.
The First Minister said, “It is great to see that Perth Racecourse will host The Prince’s Charities in Scotland race day.
“As a racing fan, I always welcome high-profile race meets coming to Scotland and I know that Perth will make the day a huge success.”
He added, “This event could be the shape of things to come for Scotland’s other racecourses.
“It is excellent for racing, good for The Prince’s Charities and fantastic for Scotland’s Fair City.”
The day will feature seven races from some of the top names in UK horseracing, with prize money expected to top £80,000.
The event will also include the most valuable race at Perth Racecourse The Scottish Hydro Summer Champion Hurdle.