Crowds of almost 10,000 made their way to Perth Racecourse on Sunday for one of the most prestigious summer jump race days on the UK calendar.
Grandstands were filled to capacity as race-goers flocked to the Aviva City of Perth Gold Day, attracted by a world-class field of horses, trainers and jockeys.
This year’s event which boasted a £68,000 prize fund was particularly special as it marked the award of city status to Perth as part of the Queen’s diamond jubilee celebrations.
Deputy Provost Bob Band attended on behalf of Perth and Kinross Council, joined by recently-retired provost John Hulbert.
Dr Hulbert was thanked for his huge contribution to Perth’s successful bid, which made it Scotland’s official seventh city.
The day began with a steady downpour, but race-goers refused to be put off.
Event organisers were delighted with the attendance and the crowds were rewarded with a fine day’s competition.
Although grey skies appeared to threaten further downpours all afternoon, the last meaningful rain in fact fell just as the gates opened, ensuring a mainly dry day for all.
Conditions were described as ”good to soft, perhaps favouring soft in some areas” and, all in all, the rain had relatively little impact on the day’s racing.
First out of the stalls was the Betfair Don’t Settle For Less Novices’ Hurdle for the Provost’s Plate Challenge Trophy, but soon all eyes were on the keynote race of the day, the Aviva City of Perth Gold Cup Handicap Chase.
It attracted a world-class field to compete for the impressive £30,000 prize pot and on a day when Irish horses performed well throughout the winner proved to be Mumbles Head, ridden by TJ O’Brien and trained by Peter Bowen.
”We’ve had a fantastic and thankfully dry day,” said event coordinator Katy Webster. ”Well over 8,000 people passed through the gates and the packed crowds created a fantastic atmosphere.
”The rain held off, stopping just as we were opening the gates, and that has been a huge bonus. The crowds enjoyed some fantastic racing and what proved to be a good day for the Irish.”
Photo by Phil Hannah