Devon stops for racing next Friday (November 7) when Exeter Racecourse stages the county’s richest raceday, featuring the prestigious BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup.
The spotlight will fall on JPR One as he bids to defend his crown. Trained in Dorset by Joe Tizzard, JPR One stormed to victory in last year’s renewal and now has the chance to etch his name further into the race’s history by becoming only the second horse in recent times to win back-to-back runnings.
“We always enjoy taking our youngsters to Exeter, whether they’re novice chasers or, like JPR One, lining up in a race as competitive as the Haldon Gold Cup,” said Tizzard. “It’s a track that’s been good to us over the years and one where we tend to do well.
“The Haldon Gold Cup is a big race and we’ve had a lot of fun in it before. When you target one like this and it comes off, it’s a great feeling. Exeter feels almost like a local track for us, and I know plenty of people there, which makes it all the more special.”
Standing in his way is Saint Segal, trained at George Nympton in North Devon by Jane Williams and owned by the Culverhill Racing Club. “The Haldon Gold Cup is one of the region’s most prestigious races to win, and we want to have a go as he’s got the right sort of profile. It’s a race we’ve never won before, and I think it will suit him,” said the trainer.
The talented seven-year-old will have his enthusiastic owners in fine fettle should he land the £100,000 contest. He made a winning return at Chepstow in October and has come out of that “bouncing”. “He’s really well at the moment and hasn’t done anything too awful recently at home, as he is very quirky. He takes a bit of riding!” added Jane.
Eight-time Haldon Gold Cup winner Paul Nicholls, who has made the race his own in recent years, is aiming the hugely talented Kalif Du Berlais at the race.
“The race is a good target and we’ve always done well in it, with horses going on from it and winning some decent races,” said Nicholls. “If he continues to progress as I anticipate, I hope he'll be lining up in the Queen Mother Champion Chase in the spring.
“He’s always been the apple of my eye and looks to have summered particularly well. As a model, he’s as fine a chasing prospect as you’re likely to see. The last thing I would want to do is over-hype the horse, but I have never hidden the high regard in which I hold him. Following a successful novice chase career, I feel more than ever that he has the chasing world at his feet.”
With JPR One returning to defend his title, Saint Segal carrying the hopes of Devon, and Nicholls preparing another strong challenge, the 2025 BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup is shaping up as one of the most anticipated renewals in years.
“This is the county’s premier raceday. For anyone who loves the buzz of a day at the races, the thrill of seeing top-class horses in action, and the chance to appreciate the care and dedication behind them, it’s a day not to be missed,” said Jack Parkinson, General Manager at Exeter Racecourse. “There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere on Haldon Hill. The new jumps season is really underway now, and future stars taking their first big steps at Exeter. Whether you come for the racing or simply for a great day out, this is where memories are made.”
This year also marks 200 years of the Haldon Gold Cup, and Exeter Racecourse is celebrating in style. Racegoers can enjoy spot prizes, including hospitality vouchers, meal experiences, golf, and even Cheltenham Gold Cup badges. The celebrations continue after the final race with live music from The Mechanics, making it a day of thrilling racing, great entertainment, and a chance to be part of Devon’s rich racing history.
A complimentary bus service runs from Exeter St David’s, and with gates opening at 10.40am, first race at 12.40pm, and the last at 4.10pm, it promises to be a day not to miss.
