The Promoter behind the Smirnoff marquee has confirmed that they will not be taking part in this years Perth Cup.  After several years at the track, they have decided to pursue other opportunities.

Hot off the press!

These guys are going all out this year and have picked up some massive sponsorships from 92.9, STM Entertainment magazine and Xpress magazine.  I’ve just had a look at the plans and this joint is gonna rock!

Double story, brilliant location, great fit out and a good food and beverage package  Could this marquee challenge MRQ as the benchmark marquee?

The Lounge, MRQ and the Rockin’ Horse have broken new ground in a combined attempt to simplify physically getting your tickets to go to the races on NYD.

Anyone purchasing a ticket to one of these marquees will receice a pdf bar coded ticket by email and this is all you will need to get in.  On arrival, your ticket will be scanned and you’ll be given all the accreditation you need to come and go as you please.

About bloody time we say!  The old way of paying well in advance and then not receiving a ticket until a few days before the race was cumbersome and outdated.  Its great news that we, the paying public, don’t need to rely on Australia Post and the registered mail system at such a busy time of the year.

www.moshtix.com.au

It appears that our previous prediction of Perth Cup 2010 going ahead with no Tentland has come true…

Perth Racing have confirmed that for the first time in more than 30 years there will not be a tentland at Perth Cup in 2010.  But don’t panic just yet because there still will be a handful of exclusive marquees.

Although located in roughly the same area as years past, the plan is for the marquees to be exclusive enclaves within the general admission area.  That is, anyone with a $30 GA ticket can walk past - but can’t get in.  Here at Perthcup.com we think that this is one of the smartest moves Perth Racing have come up with in the past decade as it will make being in a marque more exclusive, more desirable and aspirational.  Is this the beginning of a new era in for the races on NYD.  We think so.

As of this morning, we can confirm that there are 3 confirmed marquees (I’ll put in a plug here because these guys also sponsor our site)  With two others still in negotiation.

Lounge at Perth Cup The party tent and the new name for the refreshed Loungeroom.  Located trackside with a big festival vibe, the famous lounge is the place for you if your under 30 and want a thumping day at the races.  www.loungeatperthcup.com.au

MRQ The Jewel in Ascot’s crown - simply the best marquee on course.  Stylish, sophisticated and contemporary.  This marquee has consistently delivered stunning results to its guests over the last 3 years and this year, they are putting together an updated design.  www.mrq.com.au

The Rockin Horse More about these guys soon but they are installing the only 2 storey marquee on course.  They also have a great location with their big marquee overlooking both the main straight and the famous Lounge - this could well be the pick of the marquees this year.  www.therockinhorse.com.au

Well punters, thats enough for now but stay tuned for more gossip about Perth’s best race day as it comes to hand!

One word: Hot!

Although not all bad.  The unusually hot waether kept many punters away and this ultimately delivered a day of easy access, short lines and a great vibe that was enjoyed by all that made the decision to turn up on the day.

The GA area was remarkably spacious as crowd numbers where down by around 50% allowing just about everyone to find shade and a cold drink without having to line up.  The casually dressed crowd enjoyed the passing parade and some gteat entertainment both on and off the course.

Over in Tentland the marquees did their thing with mixed results…

MRQ was again the standout.  This small, elegant and stylish villa promised a day above the others and charged accordingly.  Happily, this reviewer (and most of the happy punters inside) agreed that it was money wel spent.  Not even the exceptionally hot day got the best of the organisers as a large number of fans and air conditioners made this marquee the coolest on course - comfortable even.

The food was served cocktail style and was of an acceptble quality and this year there was enough.  The booze was done well, with the quality of the actual beverages and the wait staff delivering service as good as anywhere on course.

MRQ PLATINUM was fabulous.  The french champagne served all day, best seats in the house, limo transfers and butler service make this enclave simply the best place to spend new years day in Perth.  $500 a ticket is a big ask and MRQ Platinum delivered by the case.

The Rockin Horse in its first year didn’t sell enough tickets, so did a deal to put all of its guests into MRQ.  Most where happy although some complained about the lack of rock and roll tunes playing all day - fair enough.  The Rockin Horse will be back in 2010 and will do well now that punters know a bit more about what it can deliver.

The Loungeroom.  Huge, hot and fun.  Although air conditioned the super hot day was hotter than the hard working monster air conditioning systen could handle and this made the circus tent a little uncomfortable.  This said, most where impressed by the entertainment and the sheer scale of what goes on inside the tent.  Food and drink service where handled reasonably well and the toilets where ample and well maintained.

I was impressed to find out that Chris and Jan really do take notice of their guests feedback and are acting on it! The Loungeroom is planning a whole new look for 2010 with a different structure,updated entertainment format and a return to its spirual home - trackside, on the main straight.

Smirnoff.  Well dont really no what to say about this venue.  After a shocking 2008, punters steared clear of here in droves with the 2009 attendance being perhaps a third of wh it used to be.  Probably because of this they struggled with scale and although they did everything they really didn’t do anything well. - a neutral rating, just.

So thats my thoughts on 2009, all things considered the organises did a pretty good job and should be commended for at least making a big effort to keep punters cool on what was the second hottest NYD on record.

2010 see’s the evolution of Tentland continue with a plan to deliver just 3 excellent marquees each in a great trackside location.  Perth Racing have embarked on a bold course to ensure that the trackside premium marquees genuinely deliver a premium experience to new years day race goers.

To do this, January 1, 2010 will see the marquees integrated with the GA crowd.  That is, there will be no fence between tentland and the GA area.  This will ensure that the marquees, become highly exclusive as each will control who, and more particularly who doesn’t get into their venue.

Conceptually, this is a great move by PR as it will bring the party back to the marquees in a way not seen for a few years.  Is this the beginning of a new era of popularity for the event?

Tickets for the three confirmed marquees (The Loungerom, MRQ and The Rockin Horse) go on sale on September 1 2009 and prices are expected to be similar to those charged last year.

I’ve just gotten off the phone from a few insiders (Marquee hire companies, furniture hire company, promoters and Perth Racing) and have dug up the inside run on whats happening down at the race track on new years day!

The five Tentland marquees are all coming along - some good and some not so good!

The Loungeroom is trying to get a larger circus tent and more furniture as their sales are going through the roof - not surprising after the hot show they put on last year.  The punters have spoken, the place to be in 2009.

Smirnoff - are doing it really hard -  expect some seriously expensive advertising to be broadcast in the next week or so

MRQ - will sell out before Christmas - still the benchmark marquee

The Rockin Horse - doing ok but in its first year -  has the best beverage package on course and will come home strong - proudly serving 3 types of bourbon!

Eating WA - have arrived late for 2009 and another first timer - average location and will struggle to pay for the marquees their planning to put up.

Perth Cup on NYD is a day full of fashion, horses, celebrating and a great way to start the new year. I’ve been for the last few years and often get asked questions about how to have the best day.  Here a a few of my tips:

1. Organise your friends early as many tents offer early bird discounts (some even offer discounts for groups).
2. Choose the best marquee you can as if you end up with tickets to a bad tent your day will not be fun.  In my experience, The Loungeroom offers the best party vibe and entertainment if your under 30, (last year it was in a huge circus tent). MRQ is a newer marquee and is  place of style and class.  Think cool music, great food  and a well stocked bar, wooden floors (great for heals), air conditioning and plenty of space.  The other tents where Smirnoff and Las Vegas but for the same money you’ll have a much better time in The Loungeroom or MRQ.
3. Buy your ticket early as the promoters will mail them to you.
4. Arrange a limo to get you to Perth Cup in style and to get you back home when you want to go.
5. Shop for your outfit early.  The girls always go ll out and now days even the boys are putting in a bit of effort.
6. Take it easy the night before - NYD is a long day.
7. If you really want a table, then you’ll need to get in early.  The most stylish time to arrive however is just after midday.
8. Grab a race guide and make a point of seeing at least one horse!
9. After the last race, The Loungeroom is always the place to be - good luck trying to get in if you haven’t got a ticket!
10. Don’t stress and have fun! 

On new years day 2008 a group of my  dearest friends and I got together to celebrate at Perth Cup.  We have all been to several Perth Cup’s in the past and have always had a great day.  This year however, we bought tickets to MRQ and wow! what a marquee.

The whole day at MRQ took our Perth Cup experience to a new level.  MRQ has style, great cocktail food, a great bar, cool music, fashion parades, its own cloak room, private toilets and air conditioning that works.

While MRQ is not a big party tent like the loungeroom, my friends and I can thoroughly recommend MRQ for anyone who wants to do Perth Cup in style.

Tentland is the ultimate way to experience the Perth Cup and according to Perth Racing (the people who run the races at Ascot) 2009 will see just 5 tents in Tentland.  They are:

• The Loungeroom 
• The Smirnoff Experience
• MRQ
• The Rockin’ Horse
• An as yet un-named 300 person marquee