Perth Races - the National Hunt summer season is off to flying start

PERTH Racecourse's first National Hunt summer meeting attracted over 8,000 racegoers to three days of racing in fantastic weather as the Perth Festival opened the 2026 jump season during April.

The meeting brought top trainers and jockeys from all over the UK to the picturesque venue which is overlooked by Scone Palace.

Director of Racing Matthew Taylor said: "It has been a fantastic start to the year, with tremendous racing from the off as No Drama This End landed the Listed British EBF Gold Castle 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle.

"Then local favourite Lucinda Russell, alongside Michael Scudamore, won the Listed Fair Maid of Perth Mares' Chase for the second time with Apple Away ridden by Derek Fox."

The second day of the meeting saw the Bowen brothers, Sean on American Mike and James riding Statuario (trained by their brother Mickey), cross the line together in a dead-heat, the second time this has happened in their racing careers, with Matthew describing the result as "an amazing feat".

In Friday's QuinnBet Highland Grand National at Perth, trainer Clive Boultbee-Brooks had his first winner in Scotland with El Granjero, ridden by James Bowen to take the top prize of £30,000.

Matthew added: "Long travellers faired well overall, with Olly Murphy turning out six winners at Perth across three days, while Christian Williams and Mickey Bowen also enjoyed success.

"It's been a brilliant few days! The whole team have worked really hard and it's always rewarding to see it come together so well. We're now looking ahead to May's fixtures and another great season at Perth."

The next two fixtures at Perth are the Murrayshall Country Estate Raceday on 13th May and the Edinburgh Gin Ladies' Day on 14th May.

On the 13th the feature race is the £10,000 Handicap Steeple Chase, whilst on the 14th the ladies' day, in aid of Breast Cancer Now, will have a fashion competition The Grand Lady of 2026 and a racing after party with Scottish-Electronic duo Valtos, alongside its seven-race card.

For more informsation and to book tickets, go to http://www.perth-races.co.uk