Perthshire North MSP John Swinney. During a “very productive conversation”, Ms Peplinski reiterated the importance of crowds to the financial success of the facility.Winter festival set to spread some Christmas cheer despite COVID pandemic Speaking afterwards, she said: “I was able to explain that for a variety of factors Perth Racecourse is widely recognised in racing to be amongst the worst hit by the cruel timing of the pandemic that has wiped out the racecourse’s entire 2020 season as far as attendances are concerned.