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TUESDAY 21 OCTOBER 2025

BEST MATE CHASE DAY

 

We welcome you back to Best Mate Chase Day, on Tuesday 21 October.

 

The new season is well under way as we gallop onto our annual Best Mate Chase Day, honouring the remarkable career of Best Mate here at Exeter Racecourse. Immerse yourself in the buzz of National Hunt racing whether you are a seasoned racegoer or new to the sport, we promise to give you the best raceday experience!  

 

BUS TIMES

We offer a complimentary bus service which leaves Exeter St. David's. Time will be confirmed nearer the date.

GATES OPEN

TBC

first race

TBC

last race

TBC

Start Times

Race

Distance

Type

2.10pm THE MOLSON COORS MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (GBB RACE)  (CL 4) (DIV 1) 2m 1f 111y Hurdle
2.43pm THE MOLSON COORS MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (DIV II) (GBB RACE) 2m 2f 111y Hurdle
3.18pm THE HAPPY RETIREMENT VICTOR AND GERALD DARTNALL NOVICES' HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 5)


2m 1f 109y Steeple Chase
3.53pm THE WEATHERBYS & BIRDIE CALENDARS HANDICAP HURDLE RACE(CLASS3) (CHALLENGER STAYERS' HURDLE SERIES QUALIFIER) 2m 7f 25y Hurdle
4.28pm THE PAUL FERGUSON'S JUMPERS TO FOLLOW BEST MATE HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3)  (CL 3) 3m 54y Steeple Chase
5.03pm THE EXPLORE SHARED OWNERSHIP AT inthepaddock.co.uk AMATEUR JOCKEYS' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) 2m 2f 111y Hurdle
5.33pm THE SOUTH WEST '3 YRS OLD' 'JUNIOR' NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 5) (CATEGORY 1 ELIMINATION) (GBB RACE) 1m 5f 38y Flat

BEST MATE

BEST MATE CTA.jpg

Best Mate Chase Day is devoted to celebrating the life of one of the true great horses in history. Trained by Henrietta Knight, Best Mate won his first race over fences here at Exeter Racecourse in October 2000. The following year he went on to win the pretigious Haldon Gold Cup under regular rider Jim Culloty.

While Best Mate graced Exeter on multiple occasions, his most iconic triumphs came with his unforgettable Cheltenham Gold Cup victories in 2002, 2003, and 2004, matching the record of Arkle. He also boasts wins in the 2002 King George VI Chase and the 2003 Ericsson Chase. Best Mate’s final race was run here at Exeter Racecourse, where a memorial now stands outside the weighing room, honoring his incredible legacy.

Past winners of the Best Mate Chase also include greats such as Sternrubin and Yanworth who both went on to appear at The Festival

Tickets

Book your tickets online today!

From £20

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Hospitality

Sit back, relax, and enjoy your day at the races in one of our fantastic hospitality facilities.

From £99

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PLAN YOUR DAY

Directions & Parking

Directions & Parking

Information for those parking at Exeter Racecourse. 

Plan your day at Exeter Racecourse

Plan your day at Exeter Racecourse

Everything you need to know ahead of a day at Exeter Racecourse. 

Racing FAQs

Racing FAQs

Your questions answered and all you need to know about Exeter Racecourse.

Exeter Racecourse App

Exeter Racecourse App

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Owners and Trainers

Owners and Trainers

We ensure a balanced programme of races throughout the season, giving Owners and Trainers the best chance to run horses of all levels at Exeter Racecourse.

Did you know?

Half price tickets for 18-24 year olds

Half price tickets for 18-24 year olds

Sign up to RacePass and save up to 50% off your admission ticket when aged 18-24.

Collect Rewards4racing points

Collect Rewards4racing points

Make fantastic savings on your raceday experiences with Rewards4Racing. Collect points on your online shopping & betting and start saving today.

Under 18s go FREE

Under 18s go FREE

Under 18s race for free at the majority of Jockey Club racedays. 

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