Guide to Exeter Racecourse
Exeter Racecourse News from Eclipse
Straight from the Horses' Mouth...
Exeter Racecourse News
About Exeter Racecourse
National Hunt
Charles II
The first races on the top of the Haldon Hills were held in the reign of Charles II, but it was 100 years later that races under Jockey Club rules were run at Exeter, in 1750.
Highest Racecourse
At 260m (850ft) above sea level, the racecourse is the highest in the United Kingdom and was originally known as Haldon racecourse by locals due to its location, then called Devon and Exeter Racecourse until the 1990s when it was named simply Exeter Racecourse.
Duelling Pistols and Tragedy
The racecourse is somewhat infamously renowned as the location for the last duel in Devon, in 1833, when Dr Peter Hennis and Judge Sir John Jeffcott drew pistols over Hennis spreading gossip. After Hennis died from his wounds a week later, Jeffcott fled to Sierra Leone.
Tragedy struck at the course in 2005 when the hugely popular racehorse Best Mate suffered a fatal heart attack while contesting the Haldon Gold Cup.
A Tough Track
The course used to host Flat racing in the 1800s but now is National Hunt only. It is 2 miles long and run right-handed with an uphill finish. It is considered one of the toughest Jumps tracks.
Important Races/Festivals
- March – The Devon National
- November – Haldon Gold Cup
Directions
Exeter Racecourse, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7XS.
- Road: The course is at Haldon Hill, on the A38 Exeter to Plymouth Road, 5 miles south west of the end of the M5 motorway and 2 miles east of Chudleigh.
- Rail: Free bus from Exeter bus station and Exeter St David’s station, to the course and back every raceday.
- Website: www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk
- Telephone: 01392 832599; Ticket Hotline – 0844 5793005.
The Exeter Races Directory - Local Services
Travelling to Exeter Racecourse? Want to know where to stay, where to eat, where to get your hair and nails done? How about where the best pubs are and the name of a reliable taxi? We can help. Check back frequently – this section is updated on a regular basis.
