Perthshire is set to benefit to the tune of around £2 million thanks to a charities race day held on Saturday.
The event is expected to attract a crowd of around 15,000 and is the pinnacle of the season at Scone. Special guests include the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, along with the First Minister Alex Salmond.
An economic impact study by Professor Terry Stevens for Scottish Racing found a crowd of this size should boost Perthshire’s economy by £2 million.
Perth Racecourse general manager Sam Morshead said it is set to be the “most exciting race day ever” in 399 years of Perth racing. The Charities Race Day will attempt to raise money for The Prince’s Charities in Scotland and features 152 horses in eight races.
Prize money in excess of £90,000 the highest in Perth Racecourse’s history is on offer.
The duke and duchess will be presenting The Governors Cup to the winning connections of the fixture’s feature race.
Perth and Kinross Council enterprise and infrastructure convener Councillor John Kellas underlined the economic benefits, saying, “Perth Racecourse has been shown through research to be an important attraction for the Perth and Kinross area, with many racegoers staying overnight locally and more than half travelling 50 miles or more to come to the races.
“Racegoers and competitors alike undoubtedly make a major contribution to the local economy on and around race days and, as a venue for sport, events and conferences, the racecourse is a significant economic driver.”
Mr Salmond said he was “delighted” to be involved with the Perth Charities Race Day.
“It is incredible to see how this event has grown from a conversation I had with Prince Charles, into a spectacular day of racing and other activities that will draw a record crowd of 15,000 and bring significant benefits to the local economy,” he said.
The Charities Race Day is supported by businesses including The Courier, Scottish Hydro and the Royal Bank of Scotland. The fixture will also feature camel racing with top jockeys, a pipe band display and evening concert.
For more information phone 01738 551 597 or visit www.perth-races.co.uk