Devon Day at Exeter Racecourse

Mary Youlden
Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted Thursday, October 23, 2014 - 10:24am

Feathers will be flying and tiny hooves will be dashing on Devon Day at Exeter Racecourse on Sunday, November 23 with the racing Clydesdales making a return and the racecourse staging the first ever race for ponies from Dartmoor.

The pint-sized ponies will come under starters’ orders at 12pm and their wee little hooves will come tearing down the track as they demonstrate their versatility as tough, hardy and fast children’s ponies.

Charlotte Faulkner of the Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Ponies, which supports and promotes all the ponies on Dartmoor, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to show everyone how fabulous these ponies are and we can’t thank the racecourse enough. It will be a lot of fun and we are all so excited about it. It’s a world’s first and we hope it will the first of many!”

Then the beguiling Clydesdales, owned by Tim Ancrum who is based on Dartmoor, will take centre stage with professional jockeys’ on board. They’ll come thundering down the home straight at 12.20pm and are once again sure to have the crowd captivated by their astonishing turn of foot.

Nick Scholfield, who rode in the race last year, said: “I can’t wait to ride again. You can’t help smiling all the way to the home straight when you’re on them. They are such wonderful animals and their very presence seems to make everyone so happy.”
Tim Ancrum added: “Last year’s race was fantastic and the horses all loved it. It’s a lovely way for people to see just how wonderful they are. They are mesmerizing as they come down the home straight.”

The racecourse has linked up with Devon Food and Drink and local food and drink producers will be selling their wares at a Farmers’ Market, Exeter Morris Men will provide traditional entertainment and of course there are seven thrilling races to enjoy.

For a really special day out, hospitality suites can be booked, or a traditional Sunday can be enjoyed 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.
Devon residents are being offered a £5 discount off the normal price of a Grandstand and Paddock ticket if booked in advance. Children aged 17 and under race free.

The first of seven races is off at 1.05pm, gates open at10.30am and there’s a free bus from Exeter St David’s at 11.15am and the Bus and Coach Station 11.30am, returning half an hour after the last race.

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