Exeter Racecourse

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Welcome to our official guide to Exeter Racecourse.

We explore this great little jump racing racecourse in detail, looking at its history, course guide, hotel picks, fixtures, travel information and betting guides!

If you are looking for the latest betting tips for Exeter, check out our full guide to Exeter Racecourse tips.

Find out more about Exeter racecourse today:

Exeter Racecourse Guide

Overview of Exeter Racecourse

Perhaps one of the most scenic horseracing courses in the UK due to its location in the Haldon Hills, the racecourse has been part of the city’s culture for centuries and is a popular venue for all types of events.

Owned and managed by the Jockey Club, it is the highest racecourse in the UK, standing at 850ft above sea level in the picturesque Haldon Hills. The course was originally a two-mile oval-shaped track, but an additional flat track was added in the 1850s to take its length to three miles. A steeplechase route matches the original course layout, with eleven fences; two of which are open ditches and one a water jump.

Today, Exeter hosts 17 jump racing fixtures annually and a variety of private conferencing and business events. The location of makes it extremely popular with tourists and so when not in use for horseracing, is used by the Caravan and Motorhome Club as a major caravan and camping site!

Known as one of the most progressive racecourses in the British scene due to its business development and diversification, Exeter is as good at hosting seasoned racegoers as it is families visiting the races for the first time, and has a friendly and ‘local’ reputation. Those living nearby flock to the racecourse for its annual charity events as well as its hospitality and dining options (several offered year-round, even not on racedays), live music nights and various private functions.

Exeter isn’t the biggest or most popular racecourse in the world, but it’s certainly one of the most welcoming!

Exeter Racecourse

Exeter Racecourse History

Exeter was one of several horse racing venues opened in the mid-17th Century by Charles II, who loved and wanted to encourage the development of the sport. In the early 19th Century, the course hit all-time popularity as National Hunt racing became a mainstream spectator sport, but world wars and other such external forces unfortunately quickly waned the public’s appetite for it.

Interestingly, the last duel in Devon happened at the racecourse – albeit not on a race day! Sir John Jeffcot, a judge, and Peter Hennis, a doctor, engaged in a duel because of an accusation of Hennis ‘spreading gossip’. Hennis was fatally wounded in the duel and died a few days later; and it’s believed Jeffcot fled to Sierra Leone.

On a horseracing note, Exeter battled back to regain some of its lost popularity through hard times, and in 1911, a grandstand was built at the cost of £1,000. By 2006, the racecourse had three stands, one of which was opened by Princess Royal, Anne.

Main Races and Events at Exeter Racecourse

The Haldon Gold Cup is Exeter’s main race, and takes place annually in October or November, depending on how the dates fall. A limited handicap, the race is a Grade 2 National Hunt steeplechase open to horses aged four or over, run over two miles and 1 ½ furlongs, with twelve fences to jump along the way.

The Haldon Gold Cup was interrupted in 2005 as the horse Best Mate very suddenly died after being pulled up by his jockey, Paul Carberry. The news went national and it remains an urban legend that Best Mate is buried under the course – he isn’t, as government regulations at the time wouldn’t allow it.

Exeter Racecourse Tickets

Exeter racecourse tickets are always very popular for all of their meetings. You’ll find great offers, deals and early birds to all of their events throughout the year and we always recommend booking in advance so you get to enjoy the day out and can plan ahead.

As racing at Exeter is so popular sometimes the events sell out, so it is best to book early and in advance to avoid disappointment.

If you are looking for the best deals on Exeter Racecourse Tickets follow the official link here.

Exeter Course Map

Below is a map of Exeter racecourse:

Exeter Racecourse Map
Map Courtesy Racing TV

Sat on top of Haldon Hill it is no surprise to find that Exter is a hilly course that suits strong galloping types. It is a right-handed and oval-shaped track with a chase course on the outside and hurdles one on the inner. It is a relatively short run-in but a stiff uphill finish means that stamina at any distance is often required,

Exeter Races 2024

Here is the horse racing calendar for Exeter Races in 2024:

DateRacecourseWeekday
1/1/2024ExeterMonday
9/1/2024ExeterTuesday
31/1/2024ExeterWednesday
11/2/2024ExeterSunday
23/2/2024ExeterFriday
8/3/2024ExeterFriday
19/3/2024ExeterTuesday
25/3/2024ExeterMonday
7/4/2024ExeterSunday
19/4/2024ExeterFriday
10/10/2024ExeterThursday
22/10/2024ExeterTuesday
8/11/2024ExeterFriday
18/11/2024ExeterMonday
24/11/2024ExeterSunday
6/12/2024ExeterFriday
19/12/2024ExeterThursday

Check out our guide for the full list of UK horse racing calendar fixtures for 2024.

Exeter Racecourse Address

The official Exeter racecourse address is:

Exeter Racecourse
Kennford
Haldon Hills
Exeter
Devon
EX6 7XS

How To Get To Exeter Races

The ways to get to Exeter racecourse are:

  • By Road – it is easily accessible by road off the A38, just five miles from the M5 southbound – however, traffic does get fairly congested on race days, so it’s always advised to leave plenty of travel time and plan to arrive early. Parking is free at all events and fixtures. Details for your sat nav are Exeter, Devon EX6 7XS
  • By Bus – On race days, free buses run to and from the course from Exeter St. Davids Rail Station and Exeter City Bus Station to offer connected travel.
  • By Train – Exeter is about two hours on the train from London Paddington (dependent on service levels) and is accessible by coach from almost anywhere in the UK.
  • By Air – the nearest airport is Exeter International, situated about a 15-minute drive from the course. There is space for helicopters to land at the course itself, but only on race days, and only when arranged in advance.

Hotels Near Exeter Racecourse

There are plenty of hotel options situated throughout the city of Exeter, as well as several slightly closer to the racecourse. The Exeter Court Hotel and The Willows are the closest; both mid-range informal hotels with breakfast options. The nearby Nobody Inn is a charming 17th Century hotel and Lower Thornton Farm is a family-run local B&B. All of the usual hotel chains you’d expect can be found in the city centre, with varying room packages available.

Exter Betting Shops

Betting on-site at Exeter can take place either with independent trackside bookmakers, at a betting kiosk or through the Tote. Online options with ‘preferred betting partners’ are also available through the Jockey Club, but be warned – you may need to get onto the WiFi to be able to access them!

In Exeter city centre, you won’t find a large amount of betting shops to facilitate your flutter, but there are branches of Betfred racing, William Hill racing, Ladbrokes racing and Coral racing.

Other betting shops are available but are primarily found in residential areas of the city.

Best Exeter Online Betting Sites

At British Racecourses, we often recommend betting online and via betting apps. This is because you can often get the best odds, great offers when signing up and you can place bets quickly and safely without having to queue.

If you are looking to bet online we recommend the great deals for new customers showcased on this page. All of the betting sites on this page made our list of the best horse racing bookies.

Exeter Racecard and Exeter Tips

The racecards for Exeter races will be released the day before the races are set to happen. You can view full racecards in advance, check out  – horse racing cards tomorrow and horse racing cards today. In these, you will get an advance look at all the runners, trainers, form and riders.

You can also of course purchase a racecard from the track which carries much of the same useful information. Many like to keep these as souvenirs, especially from major horse racing events.

Other Events Held at Exeter Racecourse

The Devon National (name to be determined by sponsor) is a very popular race locally and with burgeoning horseracing trainers. A 21-fence race spanning three miles six furlongs, the prize fund often reaches over £15,000 and is well-attended.

It sporadically hosts live music through spring and summer evenings, often part of events fundraising for charity. It also hosts weekly car boot sales on the course on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays; where these dates do not clash with race days.

Exeter Racing

Popular Questions

✅How long is Exeter Racecourse?

Exter is a 2-mile oval-shaped course with 11 fences, it is a hilly and a testing course, which is actually the highest in the UK.

✅Are dogs allowed at Exeter Racecourse?

Dogs on leads are allowed onto the centre of the course at Exeter racecourse.

However, no dogs, with the exception of Guide Dogs, are allowed into enclosures and the stand areas.

✅What is the address of Exeter Racecourse?

The official racecourse address of Exeter racecourse is:

Exeter Racecourse
Kennford
Haldon Hills
Exeter
Devon
EX6 7XS

Summary of Exeter Racecourse

Exeter is a beautiful countryside course that hosts national hunt racing.

Welcoming and friendly its main race is the Haldon Gold Cup which has been won in the past by many greats such as Best Mate.

If you are looking for a course with real charm look no further than this little gem.

Other Racecourses in the UK & Ireland

Our team as of March 2024 have reviewed these racecourses that are definitely worth a visit: