The Clydesdale is last year’s race winner Tom Parker pictured with Tim Darby, Exeter Racecourse general manager (left) and Tim Ancrum, owner of Adventure Clydesdales

Little and large under orders on Devon Day

It will be a case of little and large at Exeter Racecourse on Devon Day, November 23 when feathers will be flying and tiny hooves dashing.

The racing Clydesdales are set to return and the racecourse is staging the first ever race for ponies born on Dartmoor. The pint-sized ponies will come under starters’ orders at 12pm and their wee little hooves will come tearing down the track as they demonstrate their versatility as tough, hardy and fast children’s ponies.

Then the beguiling Clydesdales will take centre stage with professional jockeys’ on board. They’ll come thundering down the home straight at 12.20pm and are once again sure to have the crowd captivated by their astonishing turn of foot.
The racecourse has linked up with Devon Food and Drink and local food and drink producers will be selling their wares at a Farmers’ Market, Exeter Morris Men will provide traditional entertainment and of course there are seven thrilling races to enjoy.

For a really special day out, hospitality suites can be booked, or a traditional Sunday roast can be enjoyed in the Desert Orchid Restaurant where racegoers can book a table and relax there for the day while enjoying the spectacular views across the racecourse.

Devon residents are being offered a £5 discount off the normal price of a Grandstand and Paddock ticket if booked in advance. Children aged 17 and under race free.

The first of seven races is off at 1.05pm, gates open at 10.30am and there’s a free bus from Exeter St David’s at 11.15am and the Bus and Coach Station 11.30am, returning half an hour after the last race.

Christmas celebrations begin at Exeter’s meeting on Friday, December 5 when the six race card features the four-mile handicap steeplechase where horses with plenty of stamina come to the fore. The first race is off at 1.05pm and a free bus leaves Exeter St David’s at 11am and the Bus & Coach Station 11.15am returning half an hour after the last race.

On December 18, a novices’ chase and hurdle race for mares are the feature races on December 18.
Grandstand and Paddock tickets are available from just £10 for groups of ten or more. The first race is off at 12.50pm and a free bus leaves Exeter St David’s at 11.10am and the Bus & Coach Station 11.15am returning half an hour after the last race.

Children aged 17 and under race free.