New Year’s Day racing at Exeter is a great Devon tradition
Kick off 2018 in style and experience all the excitement of a day at the races at Exeter on New Year’s Day. There’s no better way to see in the New Year than in the fresh air where you’ll be part of a great Devon tradition cheering home the horses and sharing in good old -fashioned camaraderie.
Dress up or dress down, whatever takes your fancy, as long as you remember your hats, gloves and scarves so that you are toasty warm while you enjoy the action.
General manager Jack Parkinson said: “It’s a great way to start the new year outdoors against the backdrop of some thrilling racing. Nothing beats the experience of a day at the races. What’s more, whether you come with friends and family, or are enjoying the day solo, the racecard is the perfect icebreaker to strike up conversations with like-minded people.”
Exeter is renowned for the quality of its runners and it is not uncommon for potentially great horses to start their careers there, before they go on to become household names. Two of the most famous horses in racing history, Desert Orchid and Best Mate, won their first ever steeplechases at Exeter, in 1985 and 2000 respectively. Many Clouds, Kauto Star, Denman, Cue Card, Unowhatimeanharry and Sire Du Grugy are other big names that have races at Exeter in more recent years.
This season already, several horses with superstar stamped all over them have been seen in action. They include the Colin Tizzard-trained White Moon who could be bound for Cheltenham Festival glory following his success at the course in November. Other names to note are Mercenaire, trained in Devon by Nick Williams, the 188Bet Haldon Gold Cup winner Politologue, and Harry Fry’s pair If The Cap Fits and Wotzizname.
Jockeys love riding at the course too. Racecourse ambassador Nick Scholfield said: “It’s a lovely galloping track with the fences on an uphill camber which really encourages good jumping. There’s plenty of time between fences to steady and balance horses too which is why it is so good for novices.”
New Year’s Day Racing is a day to make friends and memories, with seven races to savour. Fancy a flutter? Then listen in to the raceday announcer as he runs through the card half an hour before the first race comes under starters’ orders at 12.40pm.
Gates open at 10.40am, the first race is off at 12.40pm and the last race at 4pm. Entry is free for 18s and under. On the day Premier tickets cost £25 and Grandstand and Paddock tickets are £20 each. Advanced bookings of ten or more Grandstand and Paddock tickets are just £10 each. A courtesy bus leaves Exeter St Davids at 11am and the Bus and Coach Station at 11.15am returning half an hours after the last race.
For further information visit www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk
