The Essential Guide to Exeter Racecourse
There are plenty of entertaining days out in and around Exeter. Yet if you want to get into the great outdoors, but also want some top-class hospitality and entertainment, visiting the races is a great choice. You may even have the chance to pick up a few wins on the way. Below, we give our guide to visiting Exeter Racecourse.
What to Take
Make sure you go equipped when you visit the racecourse. A fully charged smartphone with connectivity is essential. While you can place a bet on the course, it helps to have an online bookmaker to hand. This way, you can check the odds, see what is going up or down in the betting, and find the best horse racing tips. Combined with your race card and a copy of the daily racing paper, you can try to pick out the winners and get the best results.
Once you have this, you are ready for a day at Exeter. To locals, you may hear it referred to as Haldon. This is because its location is right on the top of Haldon Hills, making it one of the most beautiful racing locations in the UK. It is also the highest, at an elevation of 260 metres above sea level.
Many suspect it may be one of the oldest racecourses in the country. Records of races go back to 1804 but many believe Charles II ran horses here before that.
The Haldon Gold Cup
The biggest race to take place at the course is the Haldon Gold Cup. It is a Grade 2 National Hunt Steeplechase, ran over two miles and one ½ furlong. Open to horses of four years and older, a total of twelve fences must be jumped along the track.
Some of the finest horses to run on British soil have taken part in the Haldon Gold Cup, such as Cue Card, Politologue and a host of others. The most successful horse has been Travado, who won for three consecutive years starting in 1993. Both Peter Scudamore and Richard Johnson each share the jockey's record and have four wins in the race.
Other Major Events
Another must-see race is the Devon National. This race is run over three miles and six furlongs and is often compared to the Randox Grand National itself. With twenty-one fences to jump, it is a real test of stamina.
The end of the season comes in April. While the races are runners are yet to be announced for the coming year, the first race is always at 5:00 pm, with the last race starting at 8:05 pm. This lets you take in the beautiful evening of an Exeter spring.
After this, the course is often used over the summer for various events. The Caravan and Motorhome club often set up a site there, making it a mecca for those enjoying a holiday in the UK.
There are plenty of events at Exeter Racecourse, so why not consider going to one yourself?
