Clydesdales to hit the racetrack at Exeter
A race with a difference will take place at Exeter Racecourse on Sunday 24 November when half a dozen or so Clydesdales will be thundering down the home straight with professional jockeys on board.
They belong to Tim Ancrum of Adventure Clydesdales which specializes in providing riding holidays across Dartmoor.
Tommy Trotter, Ha Durran Ben, Allen and Cyril are among the horses which will be put through their paces with jockeys’ wearing their full racing regalia on board before the first race as part of the racecourse’s celebration of all that is good about Devon.
General manager Tim Darby said: “The Clydesdales will make a wonderful spectacle on Devon Day at Exeter. Not only will they highlight an important breed which is on the endangered list but they will also be a brilliant illustration of one of the ways Dartmoor can be enjoyed from the back of a horse.”
Tim Ancrum added: “We are absolutely passionate about heavy horses and Clydesdale horses in particular. At Adventure Clydesdale, we specialize in long trail rides, something these big friendly giants excel at. We are so pleased to be able to bring them to Exeter and showcase these wonderful horses whose numbers have dwindled worryingly in recent years.”
Devon Day is being staged for the first ever time in association with the area tourism partnerships Visit South Devon and Heart of Devon to help promote the county as a winter destination. There will be various stands promoting Devon destinations and giving special offers and discount vouchers for racegoers. Devon residents will also be eligible for £5 off their tickets if pre-booked in advance quoting DEVON13.
Tim said: “We hope that Devon Day will highlight all the great things to do in the country in the winter such as horse racing, walking, eating and visiting the many delightful towns and villages. With the discount on raceday tickets it also looks set to be a great family day out.”
The Clydesdales will he taking centre stage at about 12.30pm, prior to the first of the six races on the card at 1.05pm.
Children aged 17 and under race free.
Tickets cost from £13 (if booked in advance).
A free bus leaves Exeter St David’s at 11.25am and the Bus & Coach Station 11.40am, returning half an hour after the last race.
Ticket Hotline: 08445 793005
Photo courtesy of Equestrian Photographer
