Prize-money boost for Perth Gold Cup day following bet365 sponsorship

The sponsorship of Perth Gold Cup day by bet365 later this month has allowed the Scottish track to boost the total prize-money fund to £83,500 – a 36.5 per cent increase.

The August 30 meeting, which will be broadcast for the first time by ITV Racing, has received a major fillip given the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and racing behind closed doors has had on prize-money.

Perth chief executive Hazel Peplinski said: "We are so grateful to bet365 for stepping up to support us here at Perth during what are such challenging times for the small independent tracks, in particular those of us with summer seasons who ordinarily rely on high attendances as a significant source of revenue.

"The lockdown has obviously wiped that all out so far this year."

Peplinski added: "Perth caught the eye of bet365 when it was announced that the ITV cameras would be rolling in to town for the very first time. The combination of ITV Racing's support followed by bet365 significantly enhancing our prize-money has given my small team a timely shot in the arm because it has been impossible not to feel a bit inconsequential up here on the periphery.

"However, since our own resumption we have been brilliantly supported by the horsemen – just look at the turnout again for Tuesday.

"The BHA planning team have framed us several high-quality features within this single card and it's only through this fresh support from our new friends at bet365 that we have been able to substantially boost the total prize fund."

The feature race inaugurated last year, the bet365 Sam Morshead Perth Gold Cup, will be worth £25,000.

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