DEVON'S VERY OWN NATIONAL!
It’s a true test of stamina in Devon’s big chase - the Devon National. The prize for the winner is more than £15,000 and it is ever popular among trainers, keen to give their seasoned chasers the chance to win a decent pot of money. With 21 fences to negotiate, and three miles six furlongs to complete, the race requires staying power, from horses and jockeys alike.
If you fancy a long weekend, make it a date, and bring a few friends too, because pre-booked Grandstand and Paddock tickets are just £5 each for groups of 10 people or more.
Some raceday history
Since 1998, the Devon National has taken place just as the early signs of spring begin to emerge and Vince Slattery was on board that first ever winner with Workingforpeanuts coming home a distance in front of his seven rivals. Joe Tizzard has won three Devon Nationals and Sir Anthony McCoy has won it twice, on Samlee for Philip Hobbs in 2000, and Teeming Rain for Jonjo O’Neill in 2009, the only horse to have won consecutive runnings of the race. Nigel Twiston-Davies has saddled the winner twice, with duel Grand National-winning jockey Carl Llewellyn winning on board Spanish Main in 2003, and Paddy Brennan on Ammunition in 2011. The reigning Champion Jockey Richard Johnson was the victor in 2008 aboard Obaki De Grissay.
Long-priced horses can spring a surprise with The Clyda Rover winning at 22-1 in 2013 and Ammunition the winner at 16-1 in 2011. Local horses often land the spoils too, with Flying Award, trained by Sue Gardner near Exeter, winning in 2014, and Jeremy Scott’s Clash Duff, who is trained on Exmoor, the victor in 2012 ridden by racecourse Ambassador Nick Scholfield. The 2018 winner was Dawson City, trained by Polly Walker and ridden by Andrew Thornton. Remember Coo Star Sivola and Lizzy Kelly’s scintillating win at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival?
They’d had their prep run in the Novices’ Limited handicap on Devon National Day on the same day the extraordinary Unwin VC scored an incredible win having hung like a gate in the formative stages of the race. He followed up at Wincanton and looks a very bright prospect. For a day of thrills and edge of the seat excitement, Devon National Day is one not to miss.
Under 18's entry is FREE of charge, when attending with a full paying adult.
Looking to make the most out of your day at the races? We have world-class hospitality options for all, with prices starting at £90 (including admission). The highly popular Desert Orchid is also available, offering views of the finishing straight and winning post.
Tickets
Purchase your enclosure tickets in advance for the best price today.
We also have our Raceday Essential Packages available in advance from only £30 which includes your enclosure ticket, £9 of food and refreshment vouchers, £10 of betting vouchers and your official racecard.
From £5
