Perth favourite Statuario returns!

Family Raceday promises fun on and off the track

One of Perth Racecourse's most popular fixtures returns this Sunday (12 July) as Family Raceday combines an exciting afternoon of jump racing with a packed programme of free family entertainment, making it the perfect day out for racegoers of all ages.

With under 18s admitted free, families can enjoy a host of activities throughout the day, including the Muckmedden Cycle Track, Alba Therapy Ponies, the Scottish Racing Academy equisizer, inflatables, giant games, ice cream and much more, alongside competitive races.

On the track, Perth favourite Statuario will be hoping to add another chapter to his remarkable course record in the £15,000 Sport, Education & Wellbeing Handicap Chase.

Formerly trained by Peter Bowen, the popular veteran is now under the care of his son Mickey and will once again be partnered by dual Champion Jockey Sean Bowen.

The eleven-year-old will be chasing an incredible eighth victory at Britain's most northerly racecourse.

"He's a legend of a horse and he's holding his form really well," said Mickey Bowen.

"We train in west Wales so it's a journey of nearly twelve hours in the horsebox, but it's usually worth it because he generally finishes in the money.

"Sean gets on really well with him and Statuario probably knows the track better than he does! All his chase wins have come at Perth, so fingers crossed for another good performance."

Standing in his way is another familiar Perth specialist, Wasdell Dundalk, a four-time course-and-distance winner for trainer Lisa Harrison.

Ras Kassar also makes the long trip north. Now trained by David Pipe, who boasts an impressive 30 per cent strike-rate at Perth, the former French performer will make his first start for the Somerset yard under Rian Corcoran after winning four of his six outings in France this year.

Another leading contender is the progressive Conquer The Breeze, who has flourished since joining Northumberland trainer Adam Nicol. The gelding has won three races at Hexham and climbed 29lb in the handicap ratings during his excellent run of form.

Warwickshire trainer Olly Murphy also arrives with a strong hand. Perth proved his most successful British jumps venue last season, providing 18 winners, and he is represented on Sunday by L'Amalric (2.06), Atlantic City (3.16) and Secret Trix (4.26).

With top-quality racing, plenty of familiar faces returning to one of their favourite tracks, and a fantastic programme of entertainment for children and families, Sunday's Family Raceday promises to be one of the highlights of the summer at Perth Racecourse.

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