Friday 6 November 2026
HALDON GOLD CUP RACEDAY - EXETER'S THRILL ON THE HILL!
What an unforgettable two days we had during last year’s West Country Weekend and the excitement is already building again. From the electric atmosphere to the standout racing, it was a weekend to remember, crowned by Thistle Ask’s brilliant victory in the 2025 BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup. Moments like that are exactly why this weekend sits at the very top of our season.
Now, we’re looking ahead to Westcountry Weekend 2026, where the Haldon Gold Cup Day returns, followed by the ever-popular Badger Beer Ladies Day at Wincanton. Expect top-class racing, a buzzing crowd, live music after racing, and plenty more still to be announced. If last year was anything to go by, this is one weekend you won’t want to miss, stay tuned, the best is yet to come.
Live Music After Racing
We will have live music throughout the day from Aston, but the excitement doesn’t stop when the final race is run!
Enjoy a thrilling day of live racing action, then stay on for a fantastic performance from the popular band The Shrine. With great music, a vibrant atmosphere, and a perfect start to the weekend, it’s a raceday experience not to be missed.
Stay for the music. Stay for the atmosphere. Stay for an incredible start to your weekend.
Previous Winners
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Thistle Ask | Harry Skelton | Dan Skelton |
| 2024 | JPR One | Brendan Powell | Joe Tizzard |
| 2023 | Elixir De Nutz | Freddie Gingell | Joe Tizzard |
| 2022 | Greaneteen | Harry Cobden | Paul Nicholls |
| 2021 | Eldorado Allen | Brendan Powell | Colin Tizzard |
| 2020 | Greanteen | Harry Cobden | Paul Nicholls |
| 2019 | Janika | Daryl Jacob | Nicky Henderson |
| 2018 | God's Own | Paddy Brennan | Tom George |
| 2017 | Politologue | Sam Twiston-Davies | Paul Nicholls |
| 2016 | Sir Valentino | Adrian Heskin | Tom George |
| 2015 | Vibrato Valtat | Sam Twiston-Davies | Paul Nicholls |
| 2014 | God's Own | Paddy Brennan | Tom George |
| 2013 | Somersby | Dominic Elsworth | Mick Channon |
| 2012 | Cue Card | Joe Tizzard | Colin Tizzard |
| 2011 | Medermit | Robert Thornton | Alan King |
| 2010 | Tchico Polos | Ruby Walsh | Paul Nicholls |
| 2009 | Planet Of Sound | Richard Johnson | Philip Hobbs |
| 2008 | Ashley Brook | Richard Johnson | Kevin Bishop |
| 2007 | Pablo du Charmil | Tom Scudamore | David Pipe |
| 2006 | Impek | Tony McCoy | Henrietta Knight |
| 2005 | Monkerhostin | Richard Johnson | Philip Hobbs |
| 2004 | Azertyuiop | Ruby Walsh | Paul Nicholls |
| 2003 | Edredon Bleu | Jim Culloty | Henrietta Knight |
| 2002 | Edredon Bleu | Jim Culloty | Henrietta Knight |
| 2001 | Best Mate | Jim Culloty | Henrietta Knight |
| 2000 | Bellator | Norman Williamson | Venetia Williams |
Legends Made on Haldon Hill
While the modern BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup, a thrilling Grade 2 chase run over approximately 2 miles and 1½ furlongs, began its current chapter in the late 20th century, the history of racing on the Haldon Hills runs far, far deeper to as early as 1738. What makes today's event uniquely special is that we are celebrating 200 years since a Gold Cup prize was first presented here at Exeter.The Ultimate Stepping Stone to Glory: Devon's Premier Race. Past winners boast an awe-inspring list of National Hunt Legends, proving time and time again that legends are made on the hill.
Best Mate (2001): The three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup hero himself warmed up for his legendary career with a commanding win right here!
Viking Flagship (1997): A former Queen Mother Champion Chase winner.
Edredon Bleu (2002, 2003): Dual winner of the Haldon Gold Cup and a King George VI Chase victor.
Azertyuiop (2004): An Arkle and Queen Mother Champion Chase winner.
Cue Card (2012): Another firm favourite who cemented his place in racing folklore.
Politologue (2017): A Tingle Creek and Queen Mother Champion Chase winner.
Greaneteen (2020, 2022): A dual winner of this very race, also a Tingle Creek champion.
And let's not forget Travado (1993, 1994, 1995), who holds the incredible record of three consecutive wins in the modern era of the Haldon Gold Cup!
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