It’s in with the new and out with the old at Exeter Racecourse for the remaining third of its season, with new racedays, great collaborations and exciting opportunities to make Haldon Hill the place to be this spring.
General manager Jack Parkinson said:
“We have some amazing racedays coming up which we hope will encourage people to take the trip up Haldon Hill and come along and see what racing is all about.
“We are particularly proud to be working with the Armed Forces and 6 Rifles at Exeter to create a raceday that will combine the excitement of a day at the races with a fun and informative opportunity to meet armed service personnel and also have a go at a number of free activities. We also have two specific family days in the Easter Holidays which are perfect to fill the day as under 18s always race free.”
There will be a warm welcome at Exeter Racecourse on Gentlemen’s Day in support of the Armed Forces on Sunday, March 24 when the world renowned Salamanca Band are among a host of additions on a day when the racing community comes together to recognize and appreciate our armed service personnel.
It looks set to be an unforgettable day of fabulous horse racing coupled with the Armed Forces locating to the racecourse with their military village. A Warrior tank, climbing wall, artillery units are among the free activities to enjoy and with entry free to under 18s it’s the perfect day out for all the family to enjoy with the Army Benevolent Fund the nominated charity.
For gentlemen, there are best-dressed prizes too including a unique opportunity to win the chance to enjoy a ceremonial dinner at 6 Rifles in Exeter for two.
“This raceday has been great fun to plan, and its been a pleasure working with 6 Rifles, and in particular CO Jon Penhale and Cap Dave Stirling, to bring the armed forces to Exeter and help increase awareness both of their role and the incredible career opportunities that are available,” said Jack.
With Gentlemen’s Day in support of the Armed Forces the high point of Exeter’s spring calendar, it’s closely followed by three more racedays before racing reaches its conclusion for the season. Junior Jumpers Raceday on Tuesday, April 9, is dedicated to showing younger racegoers exactly what’s on offer for all its members. There will be rosette-making, colouring in, a mechanical horse to jump on and a behind the scenes tour too.
Every year at Easter, Exeter hosts children’s running races down the home straight. They are fast, furious and hugely competitive. This year hundreds of Super Heroes are set to make the charge on Superhero Family Day on Tuesday, April 16 when everyone is encouraged to dress up and have fun. The first 250 children through the gate will be given a free Easter egg, there’s a behind the scenes tour, questions and answers with jockeys, including our racecourse ambassador Bryony Frost if she is riding at the course, and lots of free activities too.
Take a bitesize lesson at ‘Jockey School’ and jump on the mechanical horse while wearing racing silks, and discover the equipment that jockeys use in training. It’s a fun, informative day out at the races for Superheros, although costumes are optional, and there will be on the spot prizes to children who are having a truly great time!
Two Grandstand and Paddock tickets purchased in advance for this meeting are just £15, and with children racing free, its one for the Easter holidays bucket list. It’s the racecourse’s favourite day of the season when happy faces and lots of fun are the order of the day.
The Heavitree Breweries Season Finale concludes the season on Tuesday evening May 7 when the winner of the Intermediate point-to-point series will be crowned. It’s a prestigious title and the culmination of seven qualifying races held in the Devon and Cornwall area. Live music will add to the atmosphere as the racecourse pays tribute to all the hero racehorses who helped made it a season to remember.
Exeter Racedays
February 22nd - Devon National Raceday
March 5th - March Afternoon Racing
March 18th - Property & Construction Raceday
March 22nd - Gentlemen’s Day
April 9th - Junior Jumpers Raceday
April 16th - Superhero Family Fun Day
May 7th - The Heavitree Breweries Season Finale
