The historic Stone of Destiny meeting at Perth Racecourse has an £85,000 prize fund as top trainers travel north

History meets top class sport at the August NH meeting

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By Kirsten Binnie

THIS weekend the Stone of Destiny meeting takes place at Perth racecourse, with a prize fund of over £85,000 for the seven race National Hunt card.

With the Scone Estates Stone of Destiny Handicap Hurdle as the feature race on Saturday 15th August, it has attracted a competitive field with £25,000 going to the winner of the Class 2 race.

Entries for the meeting will bring some of the biggest names in NH racing to Perth, including leading Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell with Michael Scudamore, alongside Dan Skelton, Olly Murphy, Ben Pauling, Harry Derham and Gordon Elliott.

Director of Racing at Perth Racecourse, Matthew Taylor, said: "This is an exceptionally busy period, but also a really exciting one for the team with the Stone of Destiny raceday on 15th August and Scone Palace International Horse Trials beginning just 11 days later on 26th August running through to the 30th.

"They are very different events, but both showcase world class equestrian sport in this extraordinary setting.

"There is obviously a huge amount of work involved behind the scenes, particularly with the turnaround between them, but its also a fantastic opportunity for Perth and Perthshire.

"To stage two prestigious sporting occasions so close together demonstrates what rhe venue and the team are capable of."

The history of the Stone of Destiny, which is also known as the Stone of Scone, and this significant meeting is important to the people of Perth as an example of Scotland's history and heritage and its long association with Scone Palace.

Used as part of the coronation of Scottish monarchs for centuries, the stone was taken to Westminster Abbey by King I in 1296. Now it has returned to Scotland, the stone is at Perth Museum, and Perth Racecourse hosts the annual Stone of Destiny Raceday where a replica of the stone is presented to the winner of the feature race.

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Matt added: "Perth is fortunate to race in one of the most historically significant settings in Scotland - Scone Palace Park - and the Stone of Destiny gives this meeting a connection that goes well beyond racing.

"The stone was used in the inauguration of Scottish monarchs and is so closely associated with Scone and Perthshire that it gives the raceday a real sense of place.

"I think there is definitely an added sense of local pride - the stone is part of the identity and history of this area.

"It feels very appropriate that Perth Racecourse should have a raceday celebrating it and it also gives us an opportunity to showcase Perthshire to people coming from further afield, not simply as somewhere to enjoy a great afternoon's racing, but as a destination with an extraordinary heritage.

"The raceday was created around that combination of Scottish history, tradition and top class sport."

Other attractions at the meeting include live music from Shaka Loves You, along with hospitality, social spaces, the racecourse bars and food and drink trucks.

"We've tried to make it a day that works just as well for somebody coming primarily for the atmosphere and entertainment as it does for a committed racing fan," added Matt.

Once declarations are made, Matt will provide his top tips for the Stone of Destiny race meeting. Taking place on 15th August, gates open at 11.30am, the first race is at 1.40pm and the last at 5.15pm.

Last month's meeting at Perth on 12th July was the Family Day meeting which attracted 5,200 visitors and nearly 1.500 children.

A wide range of actitivities were held during the day, including representatives of British Horse Society Scotland and the Scottish Racing Academy attending alongside the chance to meet therapy ponies - all designed to get more young people involved in the equine world.

Trainer David Pipe visited on Family Day for the first time for many years and bagged a first prize. The meeting was also supported by Perth trainer Lucinda Russell and Mike Smith, who both had big priced winners.

Contact Perth Racecourse on https://www.perth-races.co.uk