Brighten up the winter gloom – go racing at Exeter this weekend

With sport shifting up a gear – think Spring Festivals, Six Nations and FA Cup rounds – Exeter Racecourse is giving all those with a love of the big ocassion the chance to come racing this Sunday (Jan 20, 2019) for just £5 per person.

It’s a one off offer to enjoy some Sunday sport with all the family – under 18s race free - and general manager Jack Parkinson reckons the racecourse will be buzzing.

He said: “It’s that time of year when everything ramps up a gear in racing as the festivals – Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown, are just a few weeks away. Racing starts to take centre stage and there’s a real buzz. January can also be quite a gloomy month whether there are bills to pay, tax returns to file or new year resolutions to keep! Whatever people’s circumstances, racing is a great way to enjoy some good old fashioned camaraderie and we hope people will come along and join us because there’s always a smile and a great atmosphere on Haldon Hill.”

Seven races make up the card, beginning at 1.10pm with the features the Dawlish Novices’ Chase run over three miles. Some classy horses are sure to be in the line up, with the racecourse widely regarded as the perfect place to begin young chasing careers. Defi Du Seuil, Lil Rockerfeller and White Moon have all won at the course this season and could line up at Cheltenham in March.

Top class hurdlers are also often in action at Exeter and this season with likely festival contenders Fanfan Du Seuil, Our Power, Alsa Mix, Getaway Trump, Samarquand all seen to good effect. A maiden hurdle over two miles and a furlong, and a three mile mares’ maiden hurdle might be the starting point for the next generation of stars.

Exeter’s £5 ticket offer is for pre-booked Grandstand and Paddock tickets only. Tickets can be booked at www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk, where information is also available about the free bus service from Exeter St Davids and Exeter Bus and Coach Station.