Family Day at Exeter Racecourse

Entry is free for all children aged 17 and under, and a special two for one offer for pre-booked adult tickets means Family Day at Exeter Racecourse on April 15, which is sponsored by Finlake Holiday Park, is one of Devon’s most popular days out during the Easter holidays.

It’s when the racecourse stages a host of activities so that children can discover for themselves the fun and excitement of horse racing from question and answer sessions with top jockeys, to an informative behind-the-scenes tour with Ollie McPhai, a former jockey who now works with the British Horse Racing Standards and Education Trust.

This year, Tractor Ted, the well-known children’s character, will be making an appearance with his bouncy castle. Great British Racing’s Kids love the Races Roadshow will be in attendance, children can also ride on the Equicizer, a mechanical horse, to get a feel of what its like to be a jockey, take part in a quiz, pet Pennywell Farm’s animals, investigate the RSPB’s interactive stand, meet Korakor the retired racehorse and learn all about which bones jockeys break the most.

Add to this two pony races and seven horse races and it’s a treat not to be missed.

General manager Tim Darby said: “Family day is a hugely popular concept as it gives a terrific insight into the sport of horse racing, while also providing lots of other free activities for children to enjoy. The running race down the home straight is always one of the most popular activities and is quite a spectacle to watch too.”

New this year is art competition, sponsored by Leonard Coombe Master Saddlers and Country Life at Newton Abbot, for children aged 11 years and under, which will see the overall winning picture on the front of the racecard.

Tim explained: “It’s a great honour for anyone to have their picture on the front of the racecard, and it will also be in the Western Morning News, so we want budding artists to get painting and come up with a picture connected with horse racing. We also have family tickets to win as well as vouchers from Leonard Coombe.”

A special two for one offer is available on pre-booked Grandstand and Paddock tickets and don’t forget, children aged 17 and under race free.

The first race off at 2.10pm. Tickets cost from £13 if booked in advance, with Grandstand and Paddock tickets available from just £10 each for groups of ten or more.

A free bus to the racecourse leaves Exeter St Davids at 12.30pm and Exeter Bus and Coach Station at 12.45pm  and returns 30 minutes after the last race.

To pre-book tickets quote FAMILY14 and call the ticket hotline 0844 5793005 or visit www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk where there is further information about the art competition.