SCOTLAND’S finest silverware will be on display for a scintillating night of sporting action at Hamilton Park Racecourse this week.
The Lanarkshire venue plays host to the eleventh running of the Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell Handicap at Hamilton Park on Friday August 31.
Build up to the race, which is the centre piece of the last Friday evening meeting of the season, will begin with the highly anticipated return of the Ladbrokes SPFL Mascot Race.
Vivien Currie, Chief Executive at Hamilton Park Racecourse, said: “The original Lanark Silver Bell trophy is believed to be the oldest sporting trophy in existence, dating back to 1165 when it was gifted to the people of Lanark by King William ‘The Lion’.
“The race is incredibly significant to the local area and wider Scottish sporting history, and as ever we’ll be in the privileged position of being able to display a piece of sporting heritage and prestige as the original trophy arrives under guard. Visitors will also have a rare opportunity to be pictured alongside the SPFL Trophy.
“With the return of the SPFL Mascot Race we’re eager to see if one of Lanarkshire’s finest can take the title from Queen of the South’s Dougie the Doonhamer who romped home to victory last year.”
Ladbrokes have priced 2016 winner, Greenock Morton’s Cappie the Cat, as the current favourite at 7/4, with Hamilton Accies’ Hammy the Hamster and Motherwell’s Steelman both 10/1.
As well as some impressive silverware up-for-grabs there has also been a £10,000 increase in prize money for the Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell Handicap to £36,000, making it the richest race of its type anywhere in the UK.
Other entries for the race, which is always a highlight of the Hamilton Park season, include Iain Jardine’s 2017 winner, Sepal as well as the Tim Easterby trained Multellie, who secured the trophy in 2016. Jim Goldie’s Theglasgowwarrior also returns to Hamilton Park having won twice at the venue earlier in the season.
Off the track the course welcomes DJ George Bowie for another set of his exhilarating GBX Anthems after the night’s racing, with free glow sticks being given out to add to the atmosphere once the sun sets.
Gates open at 2.30pm for the Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell Racenight, with thoroughbred action getting underway at 4.55pm.
Individual tickets are priced at £19 when booked online during the advanced booking window and are available now at www.hamilton-park.co.uk or by calling 01698 283806. Children under-18 go free, under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Full odds for the SPFL Mascot Race can be found at https://sports.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/betting/tv-specials/specials/other-specials/spfl-mascot-race-2018/227293944/
For more information on Hamilton Park Racecourse’s facilities and fixtures visit www.hamilton-park.co.uk