Exeter Racecourse Guide

Welcome to our official guide to Exeter Racecourse.

We explore this significant little jump racing racecourse in detail, examining its history, course guide, hotel recommendations, fixtures, travel information, and betting guides.

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

Find out more about Exeter Racecourse today:

Overview of Exeter Racecourse

Perhaps one of the most scenic horse racing courses in the UK, due to its location in the Haldon Hills, the racecourse has been an integral part of the city’s culture for centuries and is a popular venue for a wide range 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, extending 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, as well as a variety of private conferencing and business events. The location makes it extremely popular with tourists, and when not in use for horse racing, it is utilised 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 excels at hosting seasoned racegoers as well as families visiting the races for the first time. It 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 of which are offered year-round, even on non-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!

What are the Exeter Racecourse Fixtures for 2026?

Here are the Exeter Racecourse fixtures for 2026:

Date	Racecourse	Weekday
1/1/2026	Exeter	Thursday
9/1/2026	Exeter	Friday
28/1/2026	Exeter	Wednesday
8/2/2026	Exeter	Sunday
20/2/2026	Exeter	Friday
6/3/2026	Exeter	Friday
17/3/2026	Exeter	Tuesday
22/3/2026	Exeter	Sunday
7/4/2026	Exeter	Tuesday
17/4/2026	Exeter	Friday
15/10/2026	Exeter	Thursday
20/10/2026	Exeter	Tuesday
6/11/2026	Exeter	Friday
16/11/2026	Exeter	Monday
22/11/2026	Exeter	Sunday
4/12/2026	Exeter	Friday
17/12/2026	Exeter	Thursday

Exeter Racing Tips

Exeter Racecourse History

Exeter was one of several horse racing venues opened in the mid-17^th Century by Charles II, who loved and wanted to encourage the development of the sport. In the early 19^th Century, the course hit all-time popularity as National Hunt racing became a mainstream spectator sport. Still, 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 Anne, the Princess Royal.

Main Races and Events at Exeter Racecourse

The Haldon Gold Cup is Exeter’s primary race, taking place annually in October or November, depending on the dates. 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 in high demand for all of their meetings. You’ll find great offers, deals, and early bird tickets to all of their events throughout the year. We always recommend booking in advance so you can enjoy the day out and plan accordingly.

As racing at Exeter is so popular, events sometimes sell out, so it’s best to book early 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:

Situated on top of Haldon Hill, it is no surprise to find that Exeter 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 on the inside. It is a relatively short run-in, but a stiff uphill finish means that stamina is often required at any distance.

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, offering connected travel.
• By Train – Exeter is approximately two hours by 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 arrangements are made in advance.

Hotels Near Exeter Racecourse

There are numerous hotel options situated throughout the city of Exeter, as well as several located 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 bed and breakfast. 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 be done 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 number of betting shops to facilitate your flutter. Still, there are branches of Betfred racing, William Hill racing, Ladbrokes racing and Coral racing.

Other betting shops are available, but they are primarily located in residential areas of the city.

Other Events Held at Exeter Racecourse

The Devon National (name to be determined by the sponsor) is a highly popular race both locally and among burgeoning horse racing 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 on spring and summer evenings, often as part of events that raise funds 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.

Summary of Exeter Racecourse

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

Welcoming and friendly, its primary 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 authentic charm, look no further than this little gem.