09th Jun 2008 - MacDonald brothers to provide X factor at Hamilton racecourse
The MacDonald Brothers have been confirmed as the act to perform live at Hamilton Park this Wednesday at the end of the racecourse's historic Cash for Kids Silver Bell meeting.
The popular Scots duo, who toured with Westlife earlier this year, will perform songs from their three albums to date along with some material being worked on for their upcoming fourth offering.
A new era begins at Hamilton Park as the high-profile charity night takes over as the venue's flagship summer meeting, replacing the Saints & Sinners fixture, which had enjoyed a 42 year stay.
New Hamilton Park chief executive Vivien Kyles hopes the appearance of the X Factor finalists will give punters an extra incentive to come along on the night and support the charity.
She said: "We're delighted to welcome the MacDonald Brothers to the racecourse for the first time and anticipate they will bring the curtain down in spectacular style at the end of what should be a memorable evening.
"This race meeting has always proved to be a hugely popular night of the year - with this year's double coup of running the Lanark Silver Bell race and supporting Cash for Kids we anticipate it will be a very busy and high quality evening."
The reintroduction of the Lanark Silver Bell to Scottish racing is both the highlight of the night and arguably the 2008 calendar. The original Bell is thought to date back to the 12th century, was first raced for in 1628 and last contested in 1977 when won by Dandy Nicholls.
On Wednesday the Silver Bell, which is the property of South Lanarkshire Council, will be staged for the first time in 31 years after Hamilton Park won the right to host it after a local vote in competition with Ayr racecourse.
Hazel Peplinski, Clerk of the Course, said: "You can't invent historic perspective overnight and the resurrection of the Lanark Silver Bell has given Hamilton Park's big event next week a wonderful sense of history. We are extremely grateful to South Lanarkshire Council, the Royal Burgh of Lanark Community Council and the people of Lanark, who voted for Hamilton Park, for making this possible.
"As the winning owner it would be quite something to be presented next Wednesday night with the original Lanark Silver Bell which dates back to when King William "the Lion" gifted it to the people of Lanark in 1165."
The meeting will aim to raise funds to be used by the Cash for Kids charity in Lanarkshire and across the west of Scotland with a percentage of proceeds committed to helping charities within the Lanark area.
Gates open at 3.30pm with the first race taking place at 6.40pm. Tickets for the meeting and for the rest of the racing season are available by telephoning 01698 283806 or visit www.hamilton-park.co.uk
Wednesday's full seven-race card is as follows:
6.40 The John Smith's Amateur Riders' Handicap Stakes
7.10 The Irn Bru Maiden Stakes
7.40 The Cash for Kids Handicap Stakes
8.10 The Radio Clyde Cash for Kids Lanark Silver Bell Handicap Stakes
8.40 The Happy Birthday Helen Claiming Stakes
9.10 The Patersons Of Greenoakhill Selling Stakes
9.40 The Cash for Kids Challenge Cup Handicap Stakes
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