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Tuesday, November 5
Haldon Gold Cup Day

Haldon Gold Cup Day at Exeter is Devon’s premier race meeting and everyone who loves great racing, fresh air and being in the thick of the action makes it a date in their diary.

It’s when Haldon Hill is buzzing with excitement at the prospect of some of the country’s very best racehorses vying to add their name to the BetVictor Haldon Gold Cup’s prestigious role call.

This year to add to the excitement, past winners, including Planet of Sound and Medermit, will be parading prior to the race

The two miles race is fast and furious and spectacular leaps are guaranteed over Exeter’s chase fences. It’s attracted some brilliant racehorses in the past – Edredon Bleu, Best Mate, Viking Flagship and last year’s superb winner Cue Card. It was an exhilarating thrill watching his foot perfect performance and he went on to taste glory at the Cheltenham Festival.

Haldon Gold Cup Day is a time for racegoers to treat themselves. A table booked in the Desert Orchid Restaurant is a fantastic way to relax and enjoy the racing while the Haldon package is great value for money with the chance to enjoy a meal in the Haldon room.

First race: 1.50pm.
Children aged 17 and under race free.
Tickets cost from £13 (if booked in advance).

A free bus leaves Exeter St David’s at 12.10pm and the Bus & Coach Station 12.25pm, returning half an hour after the last race.

Ticket Hotline: 08445 793005
Restaurant and Corporate Events: 01392 832599
Book online: www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk

Wednesday, November 13
Student Free Raceday

Exeter’s mid November meeting is when students descend on Haldon Hill to enjoy a free day at the races.

Anyone who is studying, whether its for a degree, or a British Horse Society exam is welcome to attend for free, as long as they possess a valid student card.

A free behind the scenes tour precedes the six races, and Luke Harvey will be offering his tips from the winners’ enclosure too.

Students are also eligible for a 50 per cent discount off Grandstand and Paddock tickets throughout the season.

Seven races are on the card with the first off at 1.40pm and with a beginners’ chase and novice chase included it’s sure to attract some promising young horses.

First race: 1.40pm.
Children aged 17 and under race free.
Tickets cost from £13 (if booked in advance).
A free bus leaves Exeter St David’s at 12.00pm and the Bus & Coach Station 12.15pm, returning half an hour after the last race.
Ticket Hotline: 08445 793005
Restaurant and Corporate Events: 01392 832599
Book online: www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk

Sunday, November 24
Devon Day at Exeter Racecourse

Devon Day at Exeter Racecourse is new to the track and to kick it off, a very special race will be staged. A team of Clydesdales who live on Dartmoor and provide horseback holidays over the moors during the summer, will race two furlongs down the home straight with jockeys on board. It is sure to be a spectacle as the gentle giants while highlighting the plight of this endangered species whose numbers have dwindled in recent years.

The meeting will also be the launch of Exeter Racecourse’s, Heart of Devon and Visit South Devon’s campaign to highlight all the great things to do in winter in the Westcountry, such as racing, walking and eating at the county’s many renowned pubs and restaurants.

A fine roast lunch will be available in the Desert Orchid Restaurant where racegoers can book a table and relax there for the day while enjoying the spectacular views across the racecourse.

First race: 1.05pm.
Children aged 17 and under race free.
Tickets cost from £13 (if booked in advance).

A free bus leaves Exeter St David’s at 11.25am and the Bus & Coach Station 11.40pm, returning half an hour after the last race.
Ticket Hotline: 08445 793005
Restaurant and Corporate Events: 01392 832599
Book online: www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk

Friday, December 6
Christmas Racing at Exeter

It’s time to celebrate Christmas at Exeter Racecourse and this popular meeting will be a hive of activity as businesses, friends and families descend on Haldon Hill to start the festive season off in style.

The six race card features the four-mile handicap steeplechase where horses with plenty of stamina come to the fore. There’s also a novices’ chase that is sure to attract some top class future prospect.

Discounts are available for bookings of ten or more or there are special Christmas packages available from £25 which include entry, a racecard, turkey sandwich, a mince pie, mulled wine or a soft drink so if you want to get in among the action it’s the perfect place to be.

First race: 12.40pm.
Children aged 17 and under race free.
Tickets cost from £13 (if booked in advance).

A free bus leaves Exeter St David’s at 11.00am and the Bus & Coach Station 11.15am, returning half an hour after the last race.
Ticket Hotline: 08445 793005
Restaurant and Corporate Events: 01392 832599
Book online: www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk

Thursday, December 19
Christmas Racing at Exeter

The six race card features a novices’ chase and hurdle for mares, and top class prospects are sure to be in action. There’s also a novices’ chase that is sure to attract some top class future prospect.

First race: 12.50pm.
Children aged 17 and under race free.
Tickets cost from £13 (if booked in advance).

A free bus leaves Exeter St David’s at 11.10am and the Bus & Coach Station 11.25am, returning half an hour after the last race.
Ticket Hotline: 08445 793005
Restaurant and Corporate Events: 01392 832599
Book online: www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk

Wednesday, January 1
New Year’s Day Racing

New Year’s Day on Haldon Hill is a great Devon tradition and folk from far and wide gather at the racecourse to toast the first day of the year.

It’s the perfect day out for anyone who is new to racing with a great atmosphere guaranteed.

For those wishing to make it a day to remember, book a table in the restaurant and enjoy a wonderful lunch with a fantastic view across the racecourse. The hospitality suites are perfect for New Year’s Day parties while groups of ten or more can enjoy a discount off the ticket price.

First race: 12.25pm.
Children aged 17 and under race free.
Tickets cost from £15 (if booked in advance).

Cruise the Bay and beautiful River Dart in style

THE Nationally Registered Heritage passenger ship Fairmile – Torbay’s longest-operating original Torquay to Brixham ferry – has returned to service after an extensive £160,000 restoration refit.

The newly restored historic World War Two heritage ship has just undergone her largest refit since the family-run Greenway Ferry Company saved her in 2009 from being decommissioned in Poole returning her back to service in Torbay where she had plied during war and peacetime – now in her 72nd year.

The whole saloon was removed and 75 per cent of her deck replaced. There are new deck shelves, deck beams, deck, floors and two brand new watertight double sheaved bulkheads, plus new seating and two new bars.

Will Ford, director of the Greenway Ferry Company, said: “As she defended our country, we are now defending her from the passage of time through our own financial commitment and with a team of enthusiasts, we know how much this ship is loved in Torbay and have done our bit to ensure that she can be enjoyed by all now and in the future as the bays longest serving passenger ship.”

“This will be the first time for her to be seen as she would have looked during her operation period in the Royal Navy as much as health and safety will allow. Her newly restored medial bay on the top deck now dispenses alcoholic medicine in the midst of stretchers from the new 1940’s bar and we have reopened the Ward Room on the lower deck which has been completely refurbished with beautiful leather seats housing the ships original blueprints from WWII . This refit has not just been for the ship but also for passenger comfort. The newly commissioned purpose built porthole awning looks fabulous on the deck and passengers can now sit in pure comfort on the top and bottom deck and the seats can be folded away to create a massive dance floor for private charters and party boats. Carrying capacity has been increased and passenger facilities modified even to the point of frothy coffee machines, draught beers and ice cream. Our investment into Fairmile and the bay is proof of our commitment to this wonderful area and tourism as a whole not to mention a ship which is the last remaining type of her kind in passenger service from WWII. ”

Greenway Ferry also operate services departing Torquay and Brixham between the two towns for just £1 each way, Sea-Fari Wildlife Cruises and Agatha Christie Experiences to the National Trust property Greenway House in addition to the wonderful 1940′s Vintage Bus which was the ex Mobile Library from TV show Heartbeat.

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