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.

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.