Horse racing at Exeter Racecourse has been a tradition for more than 30 years, and when the first race comes under starters’ orders at 12.45pm there will be thousands of people enjoying the camaraderie of a day at the races.

Cheer home the winners with a group of friends, your family - racing is free to everyone aged 17 and under -  or go in the hope of finding new love. It’s about the only sport you can feasibly say who do you fancy, when viewing the horses in the paddock of course, and with the racecard as an icebreaker, your New Year’s resolution of sorting out your love life may just be resolved.

The free bus leaves Exeter St David’s at 11.10am and Exeter’s Bus and Coach Station at 11.25am and returns half an hour after the last race. Tickets cost £17 and £22 on the day with discounts for pre-booked tickets and 25pc off up to midnight on Christmas eve. Go to Exeter-racecourse.co.uk or call 01392 832599 for more information.