Calling budding young artists

Exeter Racecourse has launched its fabulous annual art competition for children aged 11 and under with the overall winner featured on the front page of its racecard on Family Day, Wednesday, March 30.

Exeter want children to come up with vibrant designs which depict the colour and vibrancy of a day at the races, from the brightly coloured silks worn by jockeys, to smiling faces in the crowds.

There are prizes to third place in each category – seven and under and eight to 11 - including family tickets to the races.

The competition, which closes on March 23 with winners notified by March 26,
coincides with racecourse’s annual family day, one of the racecourse’s busiest and most action-packed days. There’s fantastic racing, including two pony races and a host of free children’s activities to enjoy, including a very special appearance from The Gruffalo and free junior racebooks for the first 200 children to arrive.

Take a peek behind the scenes with former jockey Ollie McPhail who will lead a tour of the racecourse when there will be a chance to get close to the steeple chase fences, learn about what happens in the weighing room and ask jockeys questions about the sport.

There will be jockeys' autograph sessions during the day, children’s running races down the home straight, miniature Shetland ponies from Party Ponies to pat and groom, the chance to go on an equiciser, which is an imitation racehorse, wear jockeys’ brightly coloured silks, meet Dexter, the racecourse’s mascot horse, play in the Spaceball and bounce on the Horse Hoppers.

There are host of other free activities too such as face painting and as well as the main racing action which includes two pony races, when children will on board.

Gates open at noon for this fabulous fun-packed day where children aged 17 and under go free and two Grandstand and Paddock tickets are available for just £15 if pre-booked in advance. Ticket hotline 0844 5793005. www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk