The rich colours of Haldon forest make a stunning backdrop for Exeter’s second meeting of its season next Tuesday (October 18) as the glory days of winter jump racing gallop closer.

Catch a glimpse of future stars on the six race card with the feature the 188Bet Best Mate Beginners’ Chase named after the legendary three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate who still holds a place close to peoples’ hearts despite passing away ten yeas ago. The race takes place over two miles one furlong and runners are likely to include young chasers making their first strides towards big race glory.

Also on the card is the Free Spins At 188Bet Casino Novices’ Hurdle run over two miles, the ROA/Racing Post Owners’ Jackpot Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle, the 188bet.co.uk Handicap Chase over three miles, the Free Spins at 188Bet Casino Novices Hurdle and the Champions League Betting at 188Bet bumper.

Ilfracombe Food Service has been a long term supporter at Exeter and they sponsor the two miles seven furlongs handicap hurdle.

In the past some highly regarded horses have run at this meeting including the Jeremy Scott-trained Melodic Rendezvous, one of the most popular horses in training, and Rocky Creek who has won more than a quarter of million pounds in prize money during his career.

This is a wonderful time on Haldon Hill, when the forests are tinged with the golden glow of autumn and the clocks have yet to go back to herald the start of a winter jump racing extravaganza. Take advantage of a free bus which leaves Exeter St Davids at 12.30pm and Exeter Bus Station at 12.45pm , returning half an hour after the last race.

Racegoers will have the opportunity to meet Moya Harris’ retired racehorse Wait For This, a previous winner at Exeter, in the www.southwestshelters.co.uk stable. Moya said: “I am really excited about bringing Laddie to Exeter. He’s such a lovely horse and its wonderful that Exeter is doing so much to raise awareness about racehorses once their racing careers have finished.”

General manager Daniel Thompson added: “It’s an initiative we are really proud to promote. It’s lovely to see these horses at Exeter and they are always very popular with our racegoers.”

Grandstand and Paddock cost £13 in advance (£15 on the day;) Premier tickets cost £18 in advance (£20 on the day). Children aged 17 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult. For advance bookings of ten or more, Grandstand and Paddock tickets cost £10 each.

A free behind the scenes tour of the racecourse takes place an hour behind the first race, meeting outside the weighing room, and our raceday announcer, Luke Harvey, will be providing his tips on the winners’ podium half an hour before horses come under starters’ orders.

Gates opens at 12:10pm the first race is off at 2:10pm and the last race at 4.40pm.