The very welcome sponsorship news enables the Perth executive, supported by bet365, to boost the total prize-money fund by a further – and very apt – 36.5%.

This revised total purse of £83,500 shall be welcome news for all stakeholders against the challenging backdrop of the pandemic and racing behind closed doors.

The feature race will be worth £25,000 and retain, by kind permission of the sponsors, the name of Perth Racecourse legend Sam Morshead - the bet365 Sam Morshead Perth Gold Cup – following its inaugural running last year.

Welcoming the news, Perth Racecourse 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.

“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.

“Now, on Sunday 30th August, through the ITV Racing lenses, alongside Goodwood we shall be centre stage. 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 we have been able to substantially boost the total prize-fund.”

Pat Cooney of bet365 added:

“It’s our first time sponsoring at Perth and we are looking forward to it – we can expect a typically competitive day’s racing here.”

At the time of writing, in line with Scottish Government guidance the day’s racing is expected to remain Behind Closed Doors which means no tickets can be sold to the public to allow them to attend.