EXETER Racecourse’s children’s day is on Monday, April 18. 

As well  as free goody bags for every child who attends, the day also includes a course tour, questions and answers with top jockeys, the famous running race down the straight, quizzes, work sheets and the chance to get autographs from favourite jockeys.

Also on the agenda are racing ferrets and the Quack Pack as well as six races to enjoy the first of which is off at 2.10pm.

The event is sponsored by Finlake Holiday Park with additional support from Burts Chips, the Pony Club and Plymouth Argyle. For more information and to book onto the tour please contact the racecourse on 01392 832599 or email exeter@thejockeyclub.co.uk

STUDENTS' FREE RACEDAY AT EXETER OFFERS CHANCE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INDUSTRY

Students from across the region will have the chance to go racing for free when Exeter Racecourse throws open its doors on Tuesday, March 22.

As well as the free raceday, students will have the opportunity to learn about different aspects of the industry with a series of short talks before the first race.

General manager Alice Everitt said: “We already have discounted entry in place for students but this free day is a chance to learn more about the racing industry which encompasses many different types of jobs from journalism to bookmaking and management to working as a cameraman.”

The racecourse has recently joined forces with the College of St Mark and St John in Plymouth which has added a module to its curriculum where students develop a themed raceday, together with associated promotional literature. The winning idea will be implemented on its Christmas raceday in December.

The raceday will also coincide with the final of the Exeter Racecourse Face of Exeter competition. Budding models have been asked to send in their pictures since the start of the season and Phoebe and Hannah Garlick, from clothing company Henry Hunt, will judge the winners who will bopth appear in their catalogues as well as on Exeter’s posters and leaflets.

More information can be found at www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk.

NEWCOMERS DAY AT EXETER RACECOURSE ON MARCH 8TH

Exeter Racecourse will host its first ever Newcomers’ Day on Tuesday, March 8 which will be free to everyone with an EX postcode.

The raceday is designed to encourage those who are new to racing to come along and find out what happens behind the scenes as well as enjoy a six race card. The mysteries of betting will be unravelled and there will be a chance to ask questions about all aspects of the sport.

Free raceday tours will take place before the first race at 2.30pm, and for those who still find racing a mystery, a comprehensive jargon-busting dictionary of commonly-used racing terms is now included in every racecard.

Exeter's General Manager Alice Everitt said: “Coming racing can seem quite daunting to some people, especially with all the unusual terminology and the mysteries which surround betting. Horses are also quite imposing creatures but by encouraging people to come along and take part in our raceday tours and having someone on hand to explain the racecard and betting we hope will all add up to a thoroughly enjoyable day at the races.”

The six races on the card include the gruelling Devon National – a race run over 3m6f. Upton Lakes and Lodges at Cullompton is the new sponsor of the amateur riders’ handicap hurdle over 2m1f and there’s a Wetherbys Bloodstock Insurance Handicap Hurdle, Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide 2011 Novices Chase, Weatherbys Bank Novices’ Hurdle and  a European Breeders’ Fund Mares National Hunt Novices’ Hurdle race.

The raceday follows on from the course’s record breaking day on February 13 when the largest crowd – 4,100 – attended since Jockey Club Racecourses took over in 2007.

Free entrance tickets for EX postcodes must be booked in advance by calling 01392 832599 and the offer is limited to 2 per household.

SUNDAY ROMANCE ON A CRACKING DAY AT EXETER RACECOURSE

Exeter Racecourse’s fixture this Sunday (Feb 13) has received a cracking entry with good racing expected including the prospect of seeing Pride of Dulcote in action in the Betfair Graduation Chase.

The Paul Nicholls-trained eight-year-old was due to run in the Irish Hennessy at the weekend but that plan was thwarted when the race was abandoned. The gelding beat the long odds on Punchestowns at Newbury in January and has since been taking plenty of antepost bets for the Cheltenham Gold Cup and is as low as 16-1 in the betting. Another high profile entry is the Alan King-trained Bensalem who was travelling ominously well in the William Hill Trophy at Cheltenham last year until falling two out.

Molson Coors are sponsors of four of the races with Betfair taking up the other two including the feature listed novices’ hurdle race run over 2m1f. Entries include Nicholls’ highly regarded Al Ferof and Spirit Son from Nicky Henderson’s yard.

A winner at the equivalent meeting last year was Philip Hobbs’ highly regarded Wishfull Thinking who won the 2m3f National Hunt Novice’ Hurdle. He’s since enjoyed a lucrative career over fences and is entered in the RSA Chase and the Jewson Novices’ Chase at the Festival.

David Pipe’s highly versatile Mamlook is entered in the 2m3f Molson Coors Novices’ Chase. He made a winning debut over fences at Fakenham last week and has entries in the Irish Independent Arkle and the Jewson Novices’ Chase at the festival.

With the course offering two pre-booked Grandstand and Paddock tickets for £10, a bumper turnout is expected. A spokesman from the course said: “It’s a really popular meeting and the perfect day for spoiling loved ones on the day before Valentine’s Day. We’re giving a free chocolate to the first 500 racegoers and with such a good entry it should be a great day out with the chance of seeing some future Cheltenham contenders as well.”

The first of six races gets underway at 2.10pm. Entrance is free for children aged 17 and under and there’s a free bus to and from the racecourse from Exeter St David’s (departs 1.00pm) and Exeter Bus Station (departs 1.15pm).

THE JOCKEY CLUB LAUNCHES REWARDS4RACING

The Jockey Club, the largest commercial group in British horseracing, today announced the launch of ‘Rewards4Racing’, the UK’s first ever rewards programme dedicated to fans of the turf.

More than 250 popular high street and online retailers with over 3,000 outlets have signed up to be part of the major new loyalty programme, which offers its members the ability to accrue points from everyday purchases. Examples of participating retailers include Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Boots, amazon.co.uk, B&Q, John Lewis, iTunes, thetrainline.co.uk, Debenhams, Thomas Cook, Blockbuster, Hotels.com, Austin Reed and Halfords.

Rewards4Racing points can be turned into a series of racing rewards at all 14 of The Jockey Club’s racecourses, including Exeter. Rewards include food and beverage discounts or free items, free tickets, ticket upgrades, hospitality packages, free racecards and special 'money can't buy' items that will be introduced regularly.

With annual attendances of just less than six million people, racing is the UK’s second most popular spectator sport. However, the average racegoer visits racecourses less than twice a year. The Jockey Club aims to increase customer loyalty and attendances through the Rewards4Racing scheme. With around a third of all British racing attendances, Jockey Club Racecourses has approximately 1.5 million individual customers each year, who are eligible to become members of the programme.

Rewards4Racing is free to join for all Jockey Club Racecourses customers. Anyone who buys an advance ticket online for any of The Jockey Club's 14 racecourses will be enrolled in the programme and given membership details. Each of the group’s 2011 Annual Members will be invited to join the programme, along with its corporate and non-raceday customers.

Paul Fisher, Chief Operating Officer of Jockey Club Racecourses, said:

“The Jockey Club’s Rewards4Racing loyalty programme is all about giving something extra back to racing fans for their support. Simply by making purchases on the high street, online and on our racecourses, members will earn rewards quickly to make their racing experience that little bit more special.

“Our research shows that most people who come racing absolutely love it, but we need to give them more reasons to be loyal, so that a once-a-year visit turns into enjoying our sport more regularly. We believe British racing’s first ever rewards programme is one major way to do that and help take another step forward in a highly competitive sport and leisure environment.”
 
Fisher noted that already frequent racegoers will enjoy the benefits of the loyalty programme:

“As well as a means of encouraging people to go racing more often, it’ll be great for racegoers who already visit us regularly. We’ll be able to reward their loyalty through Rewards4Racing, which they’ve told us is high up on their wish list.”

The programme uses award-winning cardless technology, so that members do not need to carry yet another card in their wallet. Instead, members gain points at participating online retailers by clicking through to their sites from www.Rewards4Racing.com. For purchases at in store, spend is tracked and members collect points once members have registered their payment cards at the secure Rewards4Racing website. To claim rewards, Rewards4Racing members should simply visit www.Rewards4Racing.com and select their preferred offers across The Jockey Club's portfolio of racecourses.

The Rewards4Racing website goes live from today (Friday 28 January) with launch promotions to racegoers at Cheltenham Trials Day on Saturday 29 January.

EXETER RUNS AN ALL HURDLES CARD ON NEW YEAR'S DAY

Following an inspection and after consultation with the BHA Inspectorate, Exeter Racecourse has abandoned the three steeple chases scheduled for New Year’s Day, due to current ground conditions and projected difficulties in getting the racecourse raceable in the available window.

Barry Johnson, Clerk Of The Course at Exeter, reported:  “Exeter has been frozen since racing on 16th December so the course has not been put back after 87 runners.  It now has a 7" snow covering and the forecast is for a thaw to start from Tuesday.  With this in mind, the decision has been made to concentrate all the ground staff’s efforts into putting on an all-Hurdle card.”

In response, the British Horseracing Authority has created three additional Hurdle race opportunities.

The replacement races will close, in line with the surviving races, at noon on Monday, 27th December.  A revised running order and race conditions are outlined below. 

12:40 00035 The Thurlestone Hotel 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle Race (Class 4)
1:15 00034 The Nick Vaux Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 4) 
1:45 00039 The Royal Castle Hotel Novices’ Hurdle Race (Class 4) 
2:20 00036 The Billy Williams Memorial Novices' Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 4) 
2:55 00038 The Bathwick Tyres Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 2)
3:30 00030 The Bathwick Tyres Plymouth Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 5)
4:00 00037 The Bathwick Tyres Taunton Maiden Open National Hunt Flat (Class 6)  

SAVE THE DATE FOR EXETER AND WINCANTON CHELTENHAM PREVIEW EVENINGS

Paddy Power will sponsor both Exeter and Wincanton Racecourses’ Cheltenham Festival Preview evenings, with the former taking place on Thursday, February 24 and the latter on March, Thursday, March 3.

Paddy Power will be on the panel at Exeter where he will be joined by David Pipe, Paul Nicholls, Nick Williams, Andrew King and Philip Hobbs with Zoe Bird hosting the evening.

At Wincanton, Paul Nicholls, Joe Tizzard, Tom Scudamore and Channel 4 Racing's 'The Female' Tanya Stevenson will join the debate with Alice Plunkett hosting.

Tickets to Exeter’s evening costs £20 and Wincanton £17.50 and both include a hot fork supper. Proceeding get underway at 7pm.

Group Director of Operations John Baker, said: “We are delighted to welcome Paddy Power to Exeter and Wincanton’s preview evenings. The evenings are a popular highlight on our racing calendars and having secured racing’s finest to preview the Cheltenham Festival we are sure everyone who comes will gain a valuable insight into the main contenders.”

To book at Exeter call 01392 832599 and Wincanton 01963 32344.

FESTIVE FUN AT EXETER RACECOURSE ON DECEMBER 16

Exeter Racecourse stages its final meeting of the season on December 16 and the course is offering discount for businesses that bulk buy ten or more grandstand and paddock tickets for last minute Christmas parties. The seven race card has thrown up some decent winners in the past including Cornas, Carol’s Legacy and Guavain and is equally popular with racing aficionados and those wishing to get into the festive spirit.

Hospitality suites and the restaurant have sold out but there’s also a 10% discount for tickets booked on line.

Gates open at 10.50pm with the first of seven races taking place two hours later.

The card includes two races dedicated to British racing’s campaign to get AP McCoy instated as the Sports Personality of the Year, a mares’ novices hurdle (2m3f), the South West Racing Club sponsor a handicap chase (2m3f) and handicap hurdle (2m1f); a graduation chase and EBF/TBAMares’ Novices’ chase and an amateur riders handicap hurdle.

For further information contact 01392 832599.

EXETER LOSES FRIDAY'S CARD BUT SUCCESSFULLY TRANSFERS RACEDAY TO SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5TH

Exeter Racecourse’s abandoned meeting on Friday has been rescheduled to take place this Sunday (December 5th) and the track has introduced an across the board entrance fee of just £10 per ticket.

With the icy weather causing a dearth of abandonments this week and temperatures set to rise in the Westountry this weekend clerk of the course Barry Johnson set the ball in motion to save the meeting.

He said: “The weather is due to get warmer in Devon from Friday afternoon. Several other meetings around the country have been forced to abandoned but I thought there as a strong chance the frost would come out of the ground at Exeter. It’s been a monumental team effort from all involved and we are grateful for everyone’s backing including our raceday sponsors, the British Horse Racing Authority and the Levy Board.”

David Pipe, whose smart chaser Mr Thriller is set to face Royal Charm in the novice chase, said: “Exeter Racecourse really do need a huge pat on the back for pulling this off. The easiest option is probably to abandon rather than reschedule given the amount of work which goes into organizing a raceday and its fantastic they are staging the raceday with so many other racecourses forced to abandon their meetings with the freezing conditions."

All racegoers can gain entrance to Exeter for just £10. The gates open at 10.20and and the 1st race is at 12.20pm.  We hope to see you then!

TOP JOCKEY TOM SCUDAMORE IS EXETER'S NEW BLOGGER

Top jockey Tom Scudamore has signed up with Exeter Racecourse to write an exclusive weekly blog.

The blog can be viewed by clicking here and will provide an insight into the life of one of the country’s top jockeys.

Tom lives just half an hour away from the course at Tiverton with his wife Charlotte and two daughters Margot and Myrtle. He joined Wellington-based trainer David Pipe as stable jockey in March 2007.

Tom said: “It’s great to be writing for Exeter Racecourse as it’s my local track and I’ve had some good times there including winning the Haldon Gold Cup with Pablo Du Charmil. Hopefully it will provide an insight into what life is like as a jockey.”

Sponsorship and hospitality manager Alice Everitt added: “We are thrilled that Tom has joined us and we are really looking forward to reading all about his life. The jockeys lead a tough life and their dedication is incredible.”

IT'S GGI FRIDAY AT EXETER ON DECEMBER 3 FEATURING THE DEVON MARATHON

With Exeter’s free bus service to and from the city centre worries about letting your hair down are firmly allayed at the racecourse which holds the first of two December meetings next Friday (December 3). On GGI Friday – that’s Goodness Gracious Its Friday - bargain hunters will also be making use of the special £10 per ticket offer for pre-booked grandstand and paddock tickets (call 0844 5793005 and quote GGIFRI)

It’s a cracking card with long term sponsors Axminster Carpers taking the name of the feature four mile steeple chase. The Harry Dutfield Memorial Novices’ Steeple Chase, run over two miles three and a half furlongs, has attracted some decent horses in the past including last year’s winner Take The Breeze and the multiple Grade 1 winning The Listener won the race in 2006.

Axminster Carpets and Exeter Racecourse have enjoyed a long and successful association.  A spokesman from the course said: “Axminster Carpets have been very loyal supporters here and we are particularly thrilled to have a race named after its owner Simon Dutfield’s father Harry. We are also delighted that all the racecourse buildings are carpeted with Axminster carpets.”

Also on the card is the valuable Ilfracombe Foodservice Hurdle Race. This limited handicap is sure to attract some of racing’s bright stars. Last year’s winner was the exciting prospect Royal Charm who looked straight out of the top draw when he won his chasing debut at the course earlier in the month. This is the third year Ilfracombe Foodservice, wholesale catering suppliers servicing Devon, North Cornwall and West Somerset, have sponsored at Exeter.

Racing kicks off at 12.30pm with the European Breeders Fund NH Novices Hurdle (Qualifier)  over 2m 1f; Also on the card is a Raceday Packages Make Great Christmas Gifts Conditional Jockeys Novices’ handicap Hurdle over 2m3f, the Children’s Hospice South West Novice’s Handicap Chase over 3m and  an EBF “Junior” Standard Open NH Flat Race.

Raceday packages are available, including a newcomers deal which includes a course tour and tipsters talk.

ROYAL CHARM TO MAKE HIS CHASING DEBUT AT EXETER ON TUESDAY

Royal Charm is set to make his chasing debut in the 2m1f Desert Orchid Restaurant Beginners’ Chase at Exeter on Tuesday.

Angela and Bill Tincknell’s exciting novice chase prospect recorded two hurdle wins on heavy ground at the course last season, on the second occasion beating subsequent Coral Cup third James De Vassy.

His trainer Paul Nicholls told the Racing Post recently: “I have always loved this horse and he’s a really smashing prospect for novice chases. I always felt he wouldn’t come into his own until sent over fences so we minded him last season and didn’t give him too hard a time.”

Nicholls saddled three winners at last year’s equivalent meeting and the champion trainer looks on track to have another profitable day with Aiteen Thirtythree and Watamu Bay both in the three mile Bathwick Tyres Taunton Novices’ Chase .

 The former, named after his owner Paul Barber’s reserved vintage cheese, is a recent hurdles winner at Cheltenham and makes his chasing bow while the latter was a beaten favourite on his first start over fences at Chepstow in October. He is likely to have learned a lot from the run and is sure to improve.

Nicholls three entries in the 2m5f Christmas parties at Exeter Racecourse Novices Hurdle include point-to-point winners That’lldoboy and Rangitoto but they face tough opposition.

In the same race Emma Lavelle saddles the strapping 17.2hh Highland Valley, a winner of his only start in a bumper. Emma, who saddled Court In Motion to win at the course on Tuesday, said then he’s a horse with a huge future adding that she was excited about his forthcoming hurdles debut.

EXETER STAGES VOTE AP MCCOY RACE

Exeter Racecourse has named two races after AP McCoy as they increase their efforts to help get the champion jockey installed as the BBC’s 2010 Sports Personality of the Year.

The Vote APMcCoy for BBC Sports Personality Beginners Chase and The AP McCoy 15 Times Champion Jockey Graduation Steeple Chase will be staged at the course’s December 16 meeting. With three days to go before the winner is announced on the BBC’s sporting extravaganza on December 19, the racecourse hope it will give sports fans a final reminder to phone in their vote for the champion jockey.

Managing director Steven Clarke said: “This is possibly AP’s best ever chance of winning the title and there can be no jockey more deserving of the success. It would also help elevate National Hunt racing status and also showcase the bravery and dedication of all jockeys riding today. We’ve been delighted at both Exeter and Wincanton to really drive the campaign and it’s been well received by our racegoers.”

The racecourse has also made two huge banners featuring the champion as he won the Grand National and stating Vote AP McCoy for Sport’s Personality. These will be erected on its banner site adjacent to the busy A38  which will potentially  be seen by thousands of motorists.

The banners have been part funded by Racing for Change. Steven said: “It’s really great for the sport that everyone is uniting to help install AP as sports personality of the year. It’s probably the pinnacle for any sportsman and thoroughly deserved.”

RACECOURSE'S FIRST EVER EXETER DAY ATTRACTS HUGE SUPPORT

Exeter-based businesses and attractions will be supporting their local racecourse’s first ever Exeter Day on Tuesday, November 9.

Exeter Chamber of Commerce, Best of Exeter, Crealy Adventure Park, the Tourist Information Centre and other local attractions will be attending the raceday and bringing along banners and literature about Devon’s capital city.

The nominated raceday charity, as part of the racecourse’s on going “Your Racecourse, Our Community” initiative is Rotary Club of Exeter Enterprise who will be raising money for Hospicecare.

To encourage those who live near the racecourse to come racing, a special discounted offer has been set up for those with an EX postcode (just call the ticket hotline o 0844 5793005 and quote EXDAY to claim a raceday ticket for just £10).

A raceday day tour will also take place for those intrigued about the sport of racing.

Managing director Steven Clarke said: “This is our first ever raceday which we have specifically dedicated to the city and we hope that it is something which will grow in years to come.

“We hope people who live locally to the course will take the opportunity to come along and see what racing’s all about and we’ve laid on a special tour for anyone who is new to the sport. Just call the office to book.”

The first of six races is off at 1.20pm. Special raceday packages are available and there’s a free bus from Exeter St David’s and Exeter Racecourse. Children aged 17 and under come racing for free.

JOCKEYS GET SPOTTY FOR CHILDREN IN NEED AT EXETER RACECOURSE

Jockeys riding in races at Exeter Racecourse will be donning spotted armbands in support of the BBC's annual Children in Need appeal on Friday, November 19. 

The blue, red, yellow and green spotted material is more normally associated with Pudsey Bear but the jockeys will be wearing specially made armbands in their races to help raise awareness of the appeal and the British Horseracing Authority, Racing for Change and Professional Jockeys’ Association have all given the venture their seal of approval.

Hannah Grissell from Racing For Change said: “It is great that Exeter Racecourse is leading the way in getting the horseracing industry involved in the  Children In Need Appeal. Horseracing has a huge following across the UK and this fundraising initiative thought up by Exeter will not only raise awareness to their locals but it will also reach out to the whole industry.”

Kevin Darley, Chief Executive of the PJA added: “Jockeys are always extremely willing to help raise awareness for charity such as The Children In Need Appeal. Well done to Exeter for coming up with this initiative, let’s hope it helps to raise that little bit extra on the day”

Exeter racecourse staff will carry out a bucket collection during the course of the meeting where the first of six races is off at 12.45pm.

The raceday also includes the chance to win special luxury racing breaks to Upton Lakes, Cullompton, Finlake Holiday Park, Combe House Hotel, Honiton and Sampson's Farm, Kingsteignton as well as a host of other prizes to win on the day.

Managing director Steven Clark said: “We do always try to do something in support of Children in Need when we race on the same day and spotted armbands is a really great way to support the appeal. We are really grateful that the jockeys are all so willing to take part.

“It’s a great day’s racing as it coincides with our annual Prize Winners’ Day when we have lots of fantastic things to give away as well as our first ever Pertemps qualifier which is sure to attract some very good horses. All in all it looks certain to be a very good day out.”

COCKNEY TRUCKER, SOMERSBY, DEEP PURPLE AND TWIST MAGIC AMONG ENTRIES FOR TOTESPORT.COM HALDON GOLD CUP

Next Tuesday’s Totesport.com Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter Racecourse looks set to be another superb renewal with some highly regarded young chasers among the 15 entries.

Philip Hobbs, who trained subsequent Punchestown Guiness Gold Cup winner Planet of Sound to win last year, has entered the highly regarded Cockney Trucker, an impressive winner at Huntington on October 3. Henrietta Knight, who saddled Best Mate to win the race twice, could saddle Somersby, currently quoted at 14-1 for the Queen Mother Champion Chase. He was beaten three quarters of a length by Sizing Europe in the Arkle Independent Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival and was subsequent runner up the grade 2 totepool Manifesto Novices Chase at Aintree.

Noble Alan, from Nicky Richards Cumbrian yard, was a smart novice chaser last season, He was successful in the Grade Two Scottish Champion Hurdle in 2009, and  third to the impressive Australia Day in a two-mile hurdle at Kempton on October 17. Channibar, who is also in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, is entered. His trainer Milton Harris said: “The plan is to go next week to the Haldon Gold Cup and then we will make a decision on the Paddy Power Gold Cup based on how he gets on. The Paddy Power Gold Cup is a good race and we would love to be part of it but we will make a decision about his participation after he runs at Exeter.  He is a good horse and he has improved quite dramatically since his last run, so I am really thrilled with him.”

Charlie Hall and Peterborough winner Deep Purple, whose long term target is the Betfair Ascot Chase, is entered, and I’msingingtheblues, who tipped up in last weeks Old Roan Chase at Aintree when going well, could make a reappearance on Tuesday

Paul Nicholls relies on Tingle Creek and Victor Chandler Chase winner Twist Magic, third in last year’s race; and Tchico Polos, winner of a novice chase at the same meeting last year and second in Ayr’s grade 2 champion novice chase.

Ascot Victor Chandler and Cheltenham Betfair Trophy Chase winner The Sawyer is Bob Buckler’s entry and representing Nick Williams is recent Limerick grade 3 winner Cornas.

Philip Hobbs has entered his two recent Exeter winners Dunraven Storm and Dare me in the 2m1f Toteswinger Novices’ Hurdle at Exeter on Tuesday in what promises to be an informative race for the rest of the season.

The latter is as short as 16-1 for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with William Hill following his impressive win of a 2m1 novices’ hurdle at the course last week when he ran out the easy winner of the beating Kasbadali by 12 lengths.

Easy Fontwell maiden hurdle winner Harvest Song has been entered by Henrietta Knight while Paul Nicholls has entered the David Johnson owned Teshali, a three times French winner for the Aga Kahan last year and impressive point-to-point winner Mr Hudson.

NOTE: Haldon Gold Cup Day at Exeter Racecourse on Tuesday, November 2 is sponsored by the Tote. There are six races which begin at 1.35.

The totepool Haldon Gold Cup is at 2.35pm and is Exeter’s richest race with £71k in added prize money.

The raceday is worth £119k in total.

TRAINERS AIM THEIR TOP HORSES AT DEVON'S RICHEST RACE

Exeter Racecourse’s totepool Haldon Gold Cup is widely regarded as the first big two mile chase of the season and with several trainers eyeing up the £70k race as the starting point for their horses, this year’s race looks set to be a vintage renewal.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has said it could be dual Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Mater Minded’s first race of the season before he takes his chance in the Tingle Creek at Sandown. The flamboyant two-mile chaser lost his form last season after fracturing a rib but a summer wind operation could see the seven-year-old bounce back to his very best.

Twist Magic, a winner of the Tingle Creek and Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot and another horse trained by Nicholls, could also line up.

Last year’s winner Planet of Sound is being aimed at the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He added the Punchestown Guiness Gold Cup to his wins in April and Philip Hobbs has said he may run next Tuesday. Recent Limerick grade 3 chase winner Cornas, who is trained at South Molton by Nick Williams, may run along with the Alan King-trained Oh Crick who finished fifth in the Champion Chase in March.

Managing director Steven Clarke said: “It’s a great race which does attract some of the best names in racing and it is a fantastic opportunity for Westcountry people to witness the thrill of top class horses in action. The Haldon Gold Cup’s roll of honour is impressive with past winners including Best Mate, Planet of Sound, Azertyuiop, Edredon Bleu and Flagship Uberalles and we are very grateful to our sponsors, the tote, for their generous sponsorship of the day.”

The raceday is worth £119k in all and always attracts a high class entry. A free bus from Exeter St David’s and Exter Bus Station to and from the racecourse as well as special race day packages offering the option of racecourse tours and a tipsters talk all add to the experience. The first of six races is off at 1.35pm with the last coming under starters orders at 4.05pm.

IT'S ALL ABOUT FRIENDS AT EXETER'S BEST MATE MEETING

Exeter Racecourse is looking forward to welcoming future superstars at its meeting next Tuesday (October 19th) where the seven races include the Best Mate Beginners’ Chase.

Best Mate, a three-times Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, began his glittering steeple chase career at Exeter in the equivalent race in 2000 and that day he beat subsequent Grand National and graded winners Bindaree and Shooting Light.

To celebrate the horse’s association with the course, Exeter is offering a special “best mate” deal to anyone who brings their friend racing for the first time. If they pre-book by Oct 16th and their details are new to the data base, they both get in for the price of one (call 0844 5793005 and quote BMATE).

A spokesman from the course said: “The race has become really significant in the winners it produces and we’d like to recognise it by encouraging people to bring their friends racing so that they can really get a flavour of the excitement of racing and see the stars of tomorrow in action.”

The Best Mate Beginners’ Chase is renowned for attracting some of the country’s very best horses and last year’s winner Tataniano is a prime example. He went on to win the grade one Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree, beating the 2010 Arkle second Osana in the process. This season he’s being aimed at the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. 

An amateur riders’ novices’ hurdle kicks off the card at 2.10pm and then staying chasers in the making line up for the beginners’ chase run over three miles.

Wayne and Sarah Clifford of Bathwick Tyres sponsor four races – a novices’ hurdle, a handicap hurdle, a handicap chase and a bumper.

Scouts will also be out and about during the raceday looking for the Face of Exeter. Anyone can enter the competition the final of which is judged on Newcomers’ Day in March. The prize is a modelling assignment for the 2011-2012 autumn collection for Henry Hunt as well as featuring on Exeter’s associated literature.

There is a  free bus to and from the racecourse from Exeter St David’s and Exeter train station and children aged 17 and enter go free.

For more information visit call 01392 832599.

WEST COUNTRY JOCKEY CLUB RACECOURSES LAUNCH AP McCOY CAMPAIGN

Exeter and Wincanton Racecourses have joined forces to launch the AP McCoy awareness campaign designed to recognise the tremendous attributes of the current 15 times Champion Jump Jockey. 

The seasonal initiative is also designed to reinforce the public’s awareness and generate support towards the industry’s flight to have the active champion win the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year contest, which takes places on Sunday, December 19th at the LG Arena, Birmingham.

For the 2010 – 2011 season - which starts this week with Exeter racing on Thursday, October 7th followed by Wincanton’s opening fixture on Thursday, October 14th - both  courses will carry a one-page feature on AP McCoy for each meeting in the build up to Christmas.  Going that extra stride, Exeter will pay homage to their idol with a picture gallery located in the Denman Building, with Wincanton Racecourse promising to dedicate any non-sponsored race toward the AP SPOTY campaign.

Steven Clarke, Managing Director of Exeter & Wincanton Racecourses, explains: “AP is a true champ – one of my greatest privileges as a racecourse manager has been the opportunity to witness AP’s unique drive and enthusiasm when race riding.  He deserves recognition and support from his sport.  He regularly attracts huge crowds for racecourses – now it’s our turn to return the favour.”

The 15 times Champion Jockey, AP McCoy, said: “I really appreciate Exeter and Wincanton’s support and very much look forward to a successful and busy season.”

PRESS CONTACT: Hannah Walker, Wincanton on 07971 598287 or hannahwalker@localdial.com

Lucy Johnson, Exeter on 07866 497976 or lucy@racingjohnson.fsnet.co.uk

RACING ACTION RETURNS TO EXETER RACECOURSE NEXT THURSDAY

RACING returns to Exeter Racecourse next Thursday (October 7th) and the stage is set for another spectacular season. The course has a reputation for attracting some of the very best young horses in the country and clerk of the course Barry Johnson and his team have the two mile track in perfect condition to welcome back runners, riders and spectators.

“I’m really looking forward to the season starting and hopefully seeing some very good horses racing at Exeter,” said Barry. He added: “I think there are going to be some very nice novice chasers about this season and it will be great to see some of them here. We’ve been making ongoing improvements over the summer and the course is looking great.”

A six-race card worth nearly £30,000 begins the first of the course’s 15 fixtures this season with Bathwick Tyres, sponsor of three races in all at the meeting, taking the name of the opening race at 2.25pm - the Bathwick Tyres Taunton Novice Hurdle run over 2m1f. Proprietor Wayne and Sarah Clifford, who are long term supporters of racing, also sponsor the 2m3f Bathwick Tyres Plymouth Handicap Hurdle and the conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle.

With  the track a real favourite among the country’s leading trainers who use it as a launch pad for their potentially top class horses the  Globe Hotel Topsham  Beginners’ Steeple Chase  could well attract some classy competition. Run over three miles, staying chasers will be lining up to learn the ropes of jump racing.

Also on the card is the Champagne Lanson 250th Anniversary Novice Handicap Hurdle and the South West Racing Club’s 3m handicap chase.

Managing director Steven Clarke added : “We are very excited about the new season and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Exeter. For students its free entry, if they have a valid student card.  In the past we have had some top class horses here, like Master Minded, Denman and Kauto Star. We are very lucky that horses of that calibre come to Exeter and it means people in the Westcountry can see the country’s very best in action. Last year Planet of Sound won the Haldon Gold Cup and he looks sure to carve his niche as won of the country’s top chasers this season. If we have horses of the same calibre running we’ll be very happy.”

For details of Exeter’s packages, hospitality and the free bus service to and from the course to Exeter log on to www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk  or call 01392 832599. October 7 is also student free-entry day on production of a valid student card. Children aged 17 and under race free.

EXETER LAUNCHES MODELLING COMPETITION WITH CLASSIC YOUNG CLOTHING BRAND

Exeter Racecourse has joined forces with Somerset-based clothing company Henry Hunt for the launch of the new season on Thursday, October 7th.

Henry Hunt’s founders, sisters Phoebe and Hannah Garlick, are teaming up with the racecourse to launch the new Face of Exeter competition. The two winners, male and female, will feature in the forthcoming autumn/winter 2011 catalogue as well as on all Exeter‘s associated literature.

Henry Hunt has a unique take on quintessential English clothing, which appeals to the younger type of market who want limited edition items and is eating into the burgeoning market share this type of clothing attracts.

The new campaign sits well with Exeter’s drive to encourage more students from the region to come racing with its student-free race days on Thursday, October 7th and March 22nd as well as discounted entry of just £6 per Grandstand and Paddock tickets on its other racedays.

Designer Phoebe, 21, said: “Student racegoers at Exeter fit well with our brand. It is such a lovely track renowned for its association with some of the country’s best horses and Exeter University fits our image. It’s all part of the lifestyle statement our clothes make, racing is the right image for us and we are very excited about our new association.”

The Racecourse's Sponsorship and Hospitality Manager Alice Everitt added: “We are really pleased with our new association with Henry Hunt. Not only is the Face of Exeter a great initiate with a fantastic modelling contract as a prize, it could also unveil a super model of the future!”

Anyone wishing to apply to become the Henry Hunt Face of Exeter can do so by emailing exeter@thejockeyclub.co.uk , by going racing where they could be scouted or by popping into the office to pick up an entry form.

EXETER BUSINESSES EMBRACE RACECOURSE'S CHRISTMAS PACKAGES

EXETER Racecourse’s recent addition of Christmas parties and lunches to the services it already offers in the conference centre is proving a significant draw with businesses in and around Exeter taking up the chance to entertain their staff and colleagues on non-racedays.

Conference and events manager Michelle Thomas said:  “The racecourse is an extremely popular location for meetings, events and conferences and after one or two people asked if they could have their Christmas parties and lunches here, we decided to organise everything, from start to finish.

“Its proving to be a popular addition to the services we already offer at Exeter and we’re really looking forward to putting on some great parties for an evening to remember.”

Christmas evening parties for either mixed or shared celebrations will be staged on seven dates in the lead up to Christmas with four already fully booked. The remaining dates are the 4th, 17th and 18th December. A minimum of ten people are required for evening events and costs £29.95 plus VAT per person. This includes Bucks Fizz on arrival, a three course Christmas dinner, a fun casino table, and a live band.

Christmas lunches at the racecourse have also proved popular. Michelle said: “We have three days for Christmas lunches on December 20, 21 and 22 and again, with it being a different location, they’ve been popular. At just £25 per head for a traditional three course meal,  some christmas fun and games and the chance to win a day at the races, it is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit.”

For more information please  call Michelle Thomas (01392) 832599 or email michelle.thomas@thejockeyclub.co.uk.

EXETER AN EXCITING ADDITION TO PERTEMPS HANDICAP HURDLE SERIES AS SPONSORSHIP IS EXTENDED FOR FURTHER THREE YEARS

Exeter Racecourse has been included in the prestigious Pertemps sponsorship deal with a qualifier for the final at the Cheltenham Festival set to be staged at the track on Friday, November 19th.

The Pertemps Handicap Hurdle Final has been a feature since 2002 and is always one of the most keenly-fought races at The Festival. Run over three miles and one and a half furlongs, the race is a betting highlight on the Thursday of Cheltenham’s four-day March highlight and, in order to run in the final, horses must have taken part in a qualifier (or been declared to run should a qualifier be abandoned).

With additional races at Exeter, Huntingdon and Carlisle, and a new qualifier at Punchestown in Ireland, the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle series now includes 16 qualifying races plus the final, seven more than were programmed in 2009/10. 

The final at The Festival is one of the highlights of the year for many of our staff and clients, and the series of qualifiers over the course of the season allows us to place our brand in front of countless racegoers, television viewers, newspaper readers and Internet users.

Tim Watts, Chairman of Pertemps Group, said: “The Pertemps Handicap Hurdle series is a significant investment for us, but one that is great value too."

“The final at The Festival is one of the highlights of the year for many of our staff and clients, and the series of qualifiers over the course of the season allows us to place our brand in front of countless racegoers, television viewers, newspaper readers and Internet users.

“I’m delighted that we have extended the series even further and look forward to welcoming some French-trained qualifiers to the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle Final this season.”

Steven Clarke, Managing Director of Exeter and Wincanton Racecourses, the latter of which stages a qualifier on December 26th, said: “It’s great news that Exeter has been given one of the qualifiers. It’s a very prestigious and well known series and sits really well with Exeter’s established reputation as one of the very best racecourses in the country for nurturing top racehorses in the making.”  September 15th 2010

NEWCOMERS' DAY AT EXETER RACECOURSE, MARCH 8

Exeter Racecourse will host its first ever Newcomers’ Day on Tuesday, March 8 which will be free to everyone with an EX postcode.

The raceday is designed to encourage those who are new to racing to come along and find out what happens behind the scenes as well as enjoy a six race card. The mysteries of betting will be unravelled and there will be a chance to ask questions about all aspects of the sport.

Free raceday tours will take place before the first race at 2.30pm, and for those who still find racing a mystery, a comprehensive jargon-busting dictionary of commonly-used racing terms is now included in every racecard.

General Manager Alice Everitt said: “Coming racing can seem quite daunting to some people, especially with all the unusual terminology and the mysteries which surround betting. Horses are also quite imposing creatures but by encouraging people to come along and take part in our raceday tours and having someone on hand to explain the racecard and betting we hope will all add up to a thoroughly enjoyable day at the races.”

The six races on the card include the gruelling Devon National – a race run over 3m6f. Upton Lakes and Lodges at Cullompton is the new sponsor of the amateur riders’ handicap hurdle over 2m1f and there’s a Wetherbys Bloodstock Insurance Handicap Hurdle, Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide 2011 Novices Chase, Weatherbys Bank Novices’ Hurdle and  a European Breeders’ Fund Mares National Hunt Novices’ Hurdle race.

The raceday follows on from the course’s record breaking day on February 13 when the largest crowd – 4,100 – attended since Jockey Club Racecourses took over in 2007.

Free entrance tickets for EX postcodes must be booked in advance by calling 01392 832599.

THE SEASON'S GRAND FINALE - Wednesday, May 12th
Pre-book your tickets in advance for our final meeting of the current season and receive a voucher for a free beer or glass of wine with our compliments, as well as a tote betting voucher!

What's more, as ever there are group discounts for Grandstand and Paddock tickets bookings of 10 or more.

Just call our dedicated ticket hotline on (0844) 5793005 or book online now!

Please note that the tote vouchers included as part of this offer may have to be forwarded at a later date or left for collection on the gate....

20 years of sponsorship at Exeter for Devon-based travel agents

ROBERT Webb Travel will be celebrating 20 years of sponsorship at Exeter Racecourse next Tuesday (March 23) and to commemorate the milestone, Exeter is holding a special racecard competition in association with the Mortonhampstead-based travel company. There will be a chance to win two ladies’ night packages for its meeting on Tuesday, May 4 when ex-Blue member Simon Webbe will be performing live after racing.

Robert Webb is a long time supporter of Exeter Racecourse and has been in the travel industry for over 40 years. He first started sponsoring at Exeter when Percy Browne was the chairman.

The 3m Robert Webb Travel Open Hunters´ Chase is always a very popular race and should attract a good entry.  The Canada Travel Centre - a division of Robert Webb Travel specialising in holidays in Canada, is an independent company established in 1988 and it sponsors the canadatravel.co.uk Novices’ Hurdle, worth £6,000 in total and sure to attract some decent chasers in the making. Also on the card are a selling hurdle race, a handicap hurdle run over 2m1f; a 2m3f novices’ chase and a 2m7f novices’ handicap hurdle race. Stuart Dawe will be celebrating his 75th birthday by having the novice chase named after him.

Exeter also races on Wednesday, March 31 when there’s a fantastic 2 for £10 offer for anyone who pre-books their Grandstand and Paddock tickets either on line (www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk) or by calling the hotline (0844 5793005) - just quote ExMar31 to redeem this great offer.

Exeter puts its support behind Denman on Devon National Day next Tuesday

THE atmosphere will be buzzing at Exeter Racecourse next Tuesday (March 9) as anticipation for the Cheltenham Festival, which begins a week later, grows. With the nation getting behind the Kauto Star versus Denman frenzy, Exeter is of course sticking with the latter having named its new extension after the Gold Cup winning racehorse.

A spokesman said: “It’s going to be a terrific race and although Kauto Star looks to have the nod over Denman on recent form, we cannot desert “The Tank” who was here on November 9 to open the new building and who won his first race here over fence in 2006.”

With three meetings in all staged in March, Exeter has another terrific value for money offer and anyone wishing to attend each one can do so for just £25 by pre-booking (call 0844 5793005) and quoting Exmar.

The highlight of next Tuesday’s six race card is the Elizabeth Finn Care Devon Marathon, run over an extended three miles six furlongs. The race normally attracts a competitive entry and the rule of thumb is to stick with horses with proven stamina as they need everything they’ve got to finish this tough race.

Racing kicks off at 2.30pm with the European Breeders’ Fund Mares National Hunt Novices’ Hurdle, a qualifier for the final at Newbury later in the month which has a total prize fund of more than £50,000.  Then its the Wetherby’s “Single Race” Bloodstock Insurance Handicap Hurdle over 2m7f.

Then there’s the Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Novices’ Steeple Chase run over three miles  followed by a 2m7f novices hurdle. Concluding the day is the Exeter Amateur Riders Handicap Hurdle run over 2m1f.

Tickets booked online at www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk receive a 10% discount and there’s a free bus to and from the racecourse from Exeter St Davids and Exeter bus station.

Love is in the air at Exeter Racecourse with unique Valentine’s Day offer

EXETER Racecourse, sponsors of the 10-race point-to-point intermediate series in the Devon and Cornwall area which culminates in a hunter chase final at the course on Tuesday May 4, is offering two Grandstand and Paddock tickets for just £10 on Sunday, February 14.

The Valentine’s Day meeting coincides with a blank weekend for point-to-point enthusiasts in the Devon and Cornwall area. “It’s a great incentive which will encourage people who would normally go pointing to come racing instead at Exeter. And you never know, with a good crowd, there could be love in the air too,” said a spokesman from the course.

The offer is for pre-bookings only and tickets can be obtained by calling the ticket hotline 0844 5793005 and quoting Exval.

Terrific sporting action guaranteed at Exeter on New Year’s Day
SOME of racings most exciting prospects have lined up at Exeter this season and that trend is sure to continue at the course’s popular New Year’s Day meeting.

Managing director Steven Clarke said: “A New Year’s meeting at Exeter has been a tradition for many years and it’s an incredibly popular way to begin the year with superb sporting action guaranteed. People have done everything else over Christmas so now they like to get out in the fresh air and blow away the cobwebs.”

He added: “We’ve had some exceptional racing this autumn and we’ve seen some very good horses at the track including the exciting novice chaser Tataniano who won on his debut over fences here. He actually won over hurdles on New Year’s Day in 2009 and it would be great to have a horse of that calibre racing next Friday.”

The restaurant is fully booked with a waiting list but there are still savings to be had by booking race day tickets on-line and receiving 10 per cent discount . There’s also a free bus from Exeter St David’s and Exeter Bus Station.

Seven races are on the card  starting at 12.50pm with the Billy Williams Memorial Novice Handicap Hurdle race. Long term sponsors The Thurlestone Hotel take the name of the National Hunt novice hurdle and the beginners’ chase. The Royal Castle Hotel sponsors the 2m3f handicap hurdle and Bathwick Tyres sponsor the 3m novice chase, a handicap chase over the same distance and the bumper at the end of the card.

Mr Clarke said: “Following are terrific meeting last week, we are expecting another great day of racing and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone at Exeter.”

Grandstand and Paddock badges cost £13 and Premier tickets, allowing exclusive access into the Haldon Stand, are £18.

Media partner for Exeter’s Ladies’ Night

Exeter Racecourse has confirmed its media partner for ladies’ night on May 4 is Devon Life, the county’s leading monthly magazine. On board as a sponsor for the first ever time is the award winning Devon-based business The Old Bag Company. Mother of five and owner Sally Hurst from Kingsbridge in South Devon said: “The Old Bag Company is delighted to be part of this prestigious event.  We ladies love an excuse to dress up and what better occasion to do this than Ladies’ Day at Exeter Races where all the ladies are looking lovely”.

The racecourse has also secured sponsorship from several other locally based companies and the best dressed ladies will receive an array of prizes including weekend spa breaks, clothing and jewelry.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls and Gold Cup winning owner Harry Findlay star at Exeter’s Cheltenham Festival preview evening

PADDY Power is to sponsor Exeter  Racecourse’s annual Cheltenham Festival Preview night, on Thursday, February 25. Panellists Paul Nicholls, Harry Findlay, Philip Hobbs, David Pipe, the Racing Post’s Andrew King will be joined by Paddy Power with host for the evening Zoey Bird . Tickets for the evening cost £20 per person and include a hot one course supper. The racecourse advises early booking due to previous events selling out. Please contact the racecourse on 01392 832599.

Devon Marathon at Exeter will prove a test of stamina

WITH Exeter’s free bus service to and from the city centre worries about letting your hair down are firmly allayed at the racecourse which holds the first of two December meetings next Friday (December 4). Bargain hunters will also be making use of the 10% discount for tickets booked on line at www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk.

It’s a cracking card with long term sponsors Axminster Carpers taking the name of the feature four mile steeple chase which has some £22,000 in added prize money and is sure to attract the stars of staying chases who have guts and stamina in abundance.

The Harry Dutfield Memorial Novices’ Steeple Chase, run over two miles three and a half furlongs, has attracted some decent horses in the past including last year’s winner Exmoor Ranger who is widely regarded as a good prospect for the future and the multiple Grade 1 winning The Listener won the race in 2006.

Axminster Carpets and Exeter Racecourse have enjoyed a long and successful association.  A spokesman from the course said: “Axminster Carpets have been very loyal supporters here and we are particularly thrilled to have a race named after it owner Simon Dutfield’s father Harry. We are also delighted that all the racecourse buildings are carpeted with Axminster carpets.”

Also on the card is the valuable Ilfracombe Foodservice Hurdle Race. With £40,000 in prize money, this limited handicap is sure to attract some of racing’s bright stars. Ilfracombe Foodservice, wholesale catering suppliers servicing Devon, North Cornwall and West Somerset, is another long-standing sponsor at Exeter.

The highly rated Abragante won a handicap hurdle at the equivalent meeting in 2006 – he’s now amassed over £100,00 in prize money  and there will be plenty of racing aficionados keeping an eye on the paddock for another horse of that calibre.

Racing kicks off at 12.30 with the Desert Orchid Restaurant Conditional Jockeys’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle. There is also a European Breeders Fund NH Novices Hurdle (Qualifier)  over 2m 1f; the Book Your Christmas Party Here Novices’ Handicap Steeplechase  over 2m 7½f and an EBF “Junior” Standard Open NH Flat Race.

THREE-LEGGED RACE FOR CHILDREN IN NEED KICKS OFF THE CARD AT EXETER NEXT WEEK

EXETER Racecourse is getting behind the BBC’s Children In Need appeal at its race meeting next Friday (November 20) by hosting a racing celebrity three-legged race in the paddock about 40 minutes before the first race at 12.35pm. Jockeys, trainers and owners, including Harry Findlay, David Pipe and Nick Scholfield have all pledged to support the race and proceeds from a bucket collection will be given to the appeal.

The raceday is know as Prize Winners’ Day and this year Exeter has three holidays to win - at Hillfield Cottages near Dartmouth, Holwell Cottages on Dartmoor and the luxurious Somerset Long Barn near Taunton.

Lucy Fielding-Johnson who owns Somerset Long Barn, said “We have supported this every year since Prize Winners’ Day began. It is one of the most cost effective ways of advertising there is and it seems to work really well. It also means we have a really enjoyable day at the races.”

Other prizes up for grabs include a year’s subscription to the magazine Devon Life, books and tickets to the South West Christmas Equine Fair at the beginning of the month.

A spokesman  from the course said: “We’ve worked out there’s about a 20-1 chance of winning a prize given the number we have and the average number of entries we receive at each meeting for our racecard giveaways. Those are great odds and it has to be worth coming racing just for that.”

The six races come under starters’ orders at 12.35 with the Somerset Long Barn Novices’ Hurdle Race over 2m1f. Bathwick Tyres sponsor two races – a novices’ handicap steeplechase and a handicap steeple chase. The Devon County Show takes the name of the Exeter Novices’ Steeple Chase run over three miles, The Desert Orchid Restaurant Novices’ Handicap Hurdle will be run over 2m5f and concluding race of the day is the Book Your Raceday Hospitality at Exeter Racecourse Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.

Tickets booked online receive a 10% discount and there’s a free bus from Exeter.

DENMAN DAY ROUND-UP

THE day started well for Paul Nicholls yesterday (November 10) at Exeter after Denman delighted him during a racecourse gallop and things just got better and better for the champion trainer who saddled a treble, all ridden by Ruby Walsh.

As part of his preparation for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on November 28, Denman was partnered by Walsh in a gallop with stablemate Beshabar that left Nicholls smiling.

Nicholls told At The Races: "That's just what he wanted - absolutely perfect. He always goes better at the track than at home and he's a different horse to last year, which was dreadful. He wasn't fit and he's better when he's heavier and can work. That was ideal."

The racehorse had gone to Exeter to open a new extension which has been named after him and his owners Paul Barber and Harry Findlay cut the ribbon and then watched their own Inchidaly Rock win the Bathwick Tyres Taunton Novices' Chase very easily. He was the 8-13 favourite for the three-mile event on the back of decent hurdles form and his jumping saw him shrug off the weakening Giles Cross, eventually coasting 14 lengths clear. Findlay hopes to run the horse again in three weeks time at Lingfield.

The grey Take The Breeze  then collected the Deloitte LLP Beginners' Chase with equal conviction before the Graham Roach-owned The Minack followed his example in the Haldon Stand Extension Is Now Open Novices' Hurdle.

Nicholls said: "It has been a good afternoon. Inchidaly Rock is one of those who does nothing at home, but he had a breathing operation in the summer.

"He needs a month between races and will probably go for another one of these first.

"He's not going to be tops - he's not big enough - but he's the sort who might run in a Welsh National one day, or end up in the four-miler at Cheltenham.

"It's similar with Take The Breeze - I wouldn't know where he went next and he loves soft ground.”

Of The Minack, Nicholls later added: "He’s a lovely horse and a real ‘boy’ at home. He's very green, but certainly the sort you could run in a nice race."

Will Williams, 18, saddled his first ever winner when representing his father Evan  in the opening Wilson’s 20th Anniversary Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle which saw Gilwen Glory come home the length and a quarter winner. Christian Williams lost his stirrup during the race and owners Keith and Sue Lowry’s nearly didn’t make it to the races after their son Martin’s car caught fire on the way to the course. “But we got here in the end and although the car is a right off its always lovely to have a winner,” said Mrs Lowry.

The Great Alfie out battled Sir Bathwick on the run in to land the Bathwick Tyres Plymouth Handicap Hurdle by a neck while Fighting Chance’s win in the Denman Room Handicap Steeple Chase was another example of trainer Richard Lee’s knack for putting horses right.

“This horse was a right-off as he used to be a bleeder but we’ve managed to sort him out. He should have won at Southwell last time out but for unseating and he’s done this well,” said Lee.

Exeter’s next meeting is on Friday, November 20 where several leading owners, trainers and jockeys have pledged to support the BBC’s Children in Need Appeal by taking part in a three-legged race.

DENMAN DAY - A HERO RETURNS AND TOP RACING ACTION TO FOLLOW

THE eagerly awaited appearance of 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winning racehorse Denman will happen at 12.15pm on Tuesday (November 3rd) at Exeter Racecourse. The Paul Nicholls-trained racehorse will have a gallop with a yet-to-be-named stable mate before he officially opens a new £2.2m extension which has been named the Denman building. Paul Barber, who jointly owns Denman with professional gambler Harry Findlay, said: “Harry Findlay and I are delighted to be part of Exeter’s big day on November 10 and we are thrilled that Denman will have a racecourse gallop, if his training schedule allows, before he opens the building.” Tuesday’s card has attracted a wealth of top class entries including Emma Lavelle’s highly regarded Crack Away Jack, Philip Hobbs’ potential Arkle Trophy contender Copper Bleu and Henrietta Knight’s exciting prospect Sommersby. The gates will open at 11am.

DENMAN DAY A ONE-OFF AT EXETER RACECOURSE

2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Denman will have a new conference centre named in his honour when Exeter Racecourse officially opens its new £2.2m extension on Tuesday, November 10th.

The racehorse began his chasing career at the Devon track, winning an extended 2m1f novices’ chase in October 2006. He remained unbeaten in eight of his subsequent starts before a heart problem threatened to end his career. However, he bounced back to a full recovery, finished second to his stable mate Kauto Star in this year’s Gold Cup and is now on course to try and reclaim his crown.

Denman’s trainer Paul Nicholls will use the opening ceremony to give Denman a racecourse gallop before a possible tilt at the Hennessy later in November. The champion trainer will also sign copies of his new autobiography Lucky Break.

Managing director Steven Clarke said: “We couldn’t think of a more fitting equine hero after whom to name our new building. We are thrilled that he will be coming along to do the honours and it will be a fantastic opportunity for people to see him galloping on the track. It is also great that Paul will be signing his books at the course too.”

Paul Barber, who jointly owns Denman with Harry Findlay, added: “Harry Findlay and I are delighted to be part of Exeter’s big day on November 10 and we are thrilled that Denman will have a racecourse gallop, if his training schedule allows, before he opens the building.”

EXETER SET FOR A THRILLING RENEWAL OF THE WILLIAM HILL HALDON GOLD CUP
EXETER Racecourse stages its richest raceday next Tuesday (Nov 3) with top billing going to the William Hill Haldon Gold Cup and with a value of £75,000 it has once again attracted some top class chasers.

Philip Hobbs plans to run Planet of Sound  who won two decent novice chases at Newbury last season before his luck ran out at the Cheltenham Festival where he missed the break in the Arkle.

“For a second season novice it’s the idea place to start and if the ground isn’t too soft that’s where we’ll go with Planet of Sound,” said the trainer.

Paul Nicholls has earmarked the race for Twist Magic who ended last season winning the Celebration Chase at Sandown. Last year he was fourth in the race, carrying 3lbs more, and if this race goes well he then heads for the Tingle Creek at Sandown. Nicholls said: “At best he’d be a match for anything over two miles bar Master Minded.”

Last year’s Racing Post Chase winner Nacarat is also on course to make his seasonal reappearance in the race with his major goal the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Managing director Steven Clarke said: “This meeting is a our flagship day of the season and in the past has attracted some of the best horses in the country like Desert Orchid,  Kauto Star, Best Mate and Viking Flagship. We fully expect the race to live up to its billing as the first real test for National  Hunt horses of the season. The other races on the card should also attract a high class entry which can prove pointers for the Cheltenham Festival in March.”

Potential top calibre horses who could line up are Royal Charm. He’ll run in a novice hurdle and Paul Nicholls has said he is a high-class chaser of the future. Nicholls  will also be saddling Red Harbour, described as a “smashing prospect” for staying novice hurdles. He’s makes his debut over 2m5f.

The first of six races is off at 1.30pm, with William Hill sponsoring the card. A National Hunt novices’ hurdle begins the day. Run over two miles three furlongs, it has an added value of £8,000.

Next on the card is a novices’ hurdle over two miles one furlong. The novices’ steeplechase will be run over an extended two miles one furlong, the handicap steeplechase is over three miles with £15,000 added and the handicap hurdle is over two miles seven and half furlongs.

Grandstand and Paddock tickets cost £13, Haldon Premier badges £18 and children under 16 go free.

PLENTY TO LOOK FORWARD TO AT EXETER TOMORROW (TUESDAY OCTOBER 20TH)

THERE’S plenty to get stuck into at Exeter today with strong cards in all but a couple of the races.  Normally a  good meeting which throws up indicators for the season ahead this looks to be no exception. 

Evan Williams remains on a roll and Lucky Dancer could make amends for falling at the course earlier in the month. He fell two out when moving up to challenge and he’s not without ability. He won his hurdles debut at August over two miles on fast ground, running on well, then was beaten fair and square at Newton Abbot a couple of weeks later over a furlong further.  Williams has since stepped him up in trip and given he was travelling like a winner at Exeter before falling he could go well in what looks like a fairly weak race.

However, there’s always caution when there’s a Paul Nicholls-trained runner and Oamuru Stone has had just the one start since joining the champion trainer on the back of an Irish pointing success. He ran with credit in that Fontwell bumper back in February, but this stiffer test will be much more suitable and he is bound to have been well schooled for this hurdling debut.

Rebel Du Maquis will attract plenty of attention as he makes his British bow in the Bathwick Tyres Taunton Novices' Hurdle at Exeter. Another French recruit for Nicholls, the four-year-old finished second in each of three starts in his native country and was not beaten far on any occasion.

Philip Hobbs, a trainer in good form at the moment, runs Adeus Ayrton a horse with bumper form who has been schooling well at home. He’s a lovely type of horse and could cause the Nicholls’ runner most trouble.

Nicholls’ Tataniano is the clear choice in the Zoya Vaux Birthday Best Mate Beginners' Chase. A wide-margin winner at Cheltenham at the end of last season, Tataniano is just the type to spark early Arkle interest. He has course winning form over 2m 3f when taking a novices' hurdle on New Year's Day, and he has won three hurdle races. He was last seen when a wide margin winner of a Cheltenham contest in April, when rated 139, which is well clear of his rivals here. He is sure to have been well prepared, a clear round should see him score.

There’s a huge field in the handicap hurdle and it looks a wide open race. Looking down the card, of the locally-trained runners  Jeremy Scott’s Dovedale is a consistent type and she’s a real battler. The problem is she’s gone up a fair bit in the handicap since her win at Worcester last month which could just find her out. Line Arctic is another good type whose mistake at Aintree in May probably cost her the race. Hobbs thinks a lot of Referent who won two bumpers in France and was in the frame on both his starts this summer.

Ballydub looks a penalty kick in the following 3m beginners’ chase – a horse Hobbs’ says is one of his best novice chase prospects this winter and who looks much better than his three rivals.

Warren Greatrex runs Free World in the 2m3f handicap chase and with his horses in good shape this horse deserves another chance after slipping and unseating at Wincanton a cuple of weeks ago.

Unusually for a bumper, not a single of the 15 runners has any form and usually the betting offers the best clue, but in the racing post yesterday Phillip Hobbs said of his runner Karasenir: “I’ll have some explaining to do if he doesn’t run well on his bumper debut.”

MARK YOUR CARD AT EXETER ON TUESDAY WITH TOP CHASES IN PROSPECT

SOME of the country’s most exciting chasing prospects are entered at Exeter Racecourse on Tuesday, which could prove markers for the season ahead.

The Best Mate Beginners’ Chase is run over an extended two miles one furlong and among the 15 entries is Darstardly Dick, a smart hurdler who could make his chasing debut if the ground is good to soft. “He’s in great form and has schooled brilliantly. Timmy Murphy has been down and ridden him and he will ride him on Tuesday,” said his Barnstaple-based trainer Victor Dartnall.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has two entered, Take The Breeze and Tataniano, a horse  he believes is one to follow for the season. Straw Bear, a winner of the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth and Stan James Christmas Hurdle races, returns to the course to run in the same race in which he was defeated last year by Sir Harry Ormesher

Entries in the 3m novice chase include Ballydub, a six-year-old trainer Philip Hobbs has said has the potential to be a top class novice chaser this season having won two competitive hurdle races at Newbury. The key to this horse is soft ground. Paul Nicholls has entered Meanus Dandy, a staying chaser in the making who won al three point-to-point starts for Richard Barber last season.  The Tother One won this race last year and he’s now considered good enough to run in this year’s Hennessy.

The first of seven races is off at 2.10pm.

FORMER TOP JOCKEY AMONG THOSE WHO WILL WITNESS THE SUPERSTARS BACK IN ACTION NEXT TUESDAY

MARCUS Armytage will be signing copies of his new book Turn Me On Guv at Exeter Racecourse’s meeting on Tuesday, October 20. The acclaimed book is a collection of the Grand National winning former jockey’s amusing racing anecdotes which appear in his weekly Telegraph columns. Racing begins at 2.10pm at the Devon track and features the 2m1f Best Mate Novices’ Chase and the Haldon Extension Official Opening on 10/11/09 Beginners’ Chase.

Previous runners at the equivalent second October meeting include Cheltenham Gold cup winning Denman, who won his chasing debut at the track three years ago. Last year’s meeting featured top staying hurdler Gone To Lunch and The Tother One who won on his chasing debut at the course. Triple Gold Cup winning Best Mate won his chasing debut at this meeting and other past superstars include Grand National-winning Bindaree and Grade 2 chase winner Shooting Light

Discounts for tickets booked on line, superb value packages and a free bus from Exeter mean it’s a sporting day out of the highest calibre not to be missed. A spokesman from the course said: “It’s a hugely popular meeting, not least because expectation will be high that we might witness another horse of the same class as Denman.”

RACING ACTION RETURNS TO EXETER RACECOURSE TOMORROW

THE new season begins at Exeter Racecourse tomorrow (Wednesday, October 7th) and with seven well-supported races, the course’s curtain raiser looks set to be a thriller. Unfortunately the rain has come too late for the Devon track and the chases have been abandoned but there’s still plenty to look forward to on the all hurdle card.

Intersky Music, with the champion Tony McCoy on board, has a good chance of getting the winners underway at Exeter in the opening Bathwick Tyres Plymouth Handicap Hurdle. He was second in a 16-runner handicap hurdle at Fontwell when he found no extra on the run in. A step back in trip should help him get his head in front and it’s interesting that his trainer Jonjo O‘Neill won this race last year with Sunnyhillboy.

David Pipe has been a trainer to follow this summer boasting an impressive profit of £40.44 for a £1 stake. He saddles Talimos in the Lanson Champagne Brut Rose novices hurdle race run over 2m5f and the three-year-old will be a warm order to follow up his all the way win at Fontwell in September.

Welsh-based trainers have proved a force to reckon with this summer with Tim Vaughan training more winners than any other trainers. He saddles several horses today and in the South West Racing Club Handicap Hurdle  his hopes rest with recent Bangor winner Little Shilling. He’s gone up another 5lbs in the handicap and if the weight tells the Alison Thorpe-trained Orchard King is given another chance after getting well and truly beaten at Uttoxeter a month ago when starting favourite. Chances are there could have been something amiss that day. 

Evan Williams is another Welshman enjoying a cracking run and Lucky Dancer in the Globe Hotel Novices’ Hurdle could add to his debut win over hurdles at Worcester in August. He’s subsequently been beaten at Newton Abbot but this looks a much easier race.

Jeremy Scott’s horses have been going well and he teams up with Nick Scholfield who rides Cool Friend in the Bathwick Tyres Taunton Novices’ Hurdle. The mare was second in a decent race at Aintree in May and she repeats that form she can win this. Given the way she stayed on, Exeter’s steep incline to the winning post should suit.

In the first division of the conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle Little Firecraker deserves another chance following her defeat at Plumpton when she had every chance coming over the final flight  but couldn’t find enough on the run in. The track may also suit Silver Blue who was staying on well on his last run at Fontwell.

In the second division New Rackheath will be odds on to get off to a winning start on his debut for Evan Williams following a successful campaign for Chris Down.

RACING ACTION RETURNS TO EXETER RACECOURSE NEXT WEDNESDAY

RACING returns to Exeter Racecourse next Wednesday (October 7th) and the stage is set for another spectacular season. A six-race card worth a total of £35,500  begins the first of the course’s 16 fixtures this season with Bathwick Tyres, which sponsor three races in all at the meeting, taking the name of the opening handicap hurdle at 2.20pm.

Further improvements have taken place at the track during the summer as Exeter continues to reinvest in its facilities. The stable lads canteen has been extensively refurbished and the new £2.2m extension is near completion. Racecard competitions (including to win a copy of champion trainer Paul Nicholls’ new autobiography Lucky Break), special packages, discounts for booking tickets on line and a free bus service from Exeter mean the stage is set for a superb first meeting of the season.

With the track a real favourite among the country’s leading trainers who use it as a launch pad for their potentially top class horses, the Globe Hotel Topsham Beginners’ Steeple Chase could well attract some classy competition. Run over three miles, staying chasers will be lining up to learn the ropes of jump racing.

Clerk of the Course Barry Johnson said: “I’m really looking forward to the season starting and hopefully seeing some very good horses racing at Exeter. I think there are going to be some very nice novice chasers about this season and it will be great to see some of them here.”

Johnson and his team have been busy at Exeter this summer building five new chase fences and a new wood chip run down to the 2m3f start. “It means it will give the horses a comfortable ride down the starts,” he said.

Managing director Steven Clarke added : “We are very excited about the new season and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Exeter. In the past we have had some top class horses here, like the brilliant Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Master Minded, as well as Denman and Kauto Star. We are very lucky that horses of that calibre come to Exeter and it means people in the Westcountry can see the country’s very best in action.”

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