Young runners race down Exeter’s famous home straight on Family Day
Dozens of young runners will soon be charging down the famous home straight at Exeter Racecourse when the much-loved Family Day returns on Sunday, 22 March.
The annual event gives children a rare opportunity to experience the thrill of race day for themselves, sprinting along the same stretch of turf as the racehorses. With race commentary echoing across the course as they run for the finishing post, it is a moment that makes young participants feel like champions.
The children’s dash has become one of the highlights of the day and a firm favourite for families across Devon. Dozens of youngsters take part each year, letting off steam and enjoying the excitement of racing down the home straight in front of cheering crowds.
Sponsored this year by Guildhall Shopping Centre, Exeter Racecourse Family Day promises a packed programme of entertainment for all ages.
Children under 18 can attend free of charge and there will be plenty happening throughout the day. Alongside the main horse racing, visitors can enjoy Shetland pony racing and a host of free family activities across the racecourse.
Every child attending will also receive a goody bag filled with prizes kindly donated by Guildhall Shopping.
Another highlight will be the 12 small-but-mighty Shetland ponies that will thunder down the home straight, ridden by carefully trained jockeys aged between eight and 13, in a spectacle that promises to delight audiences of all ages. They are trained by Nikki Marsden and her son John Lamb.
John said: “We’re really looking forward to bringing the ponies to Exeter again. We train them like mini racehorses. We keep their minds active with a variety of activities and the more they do, the more they seem to love it.”
Jack Parkinson, General Manager at Exeter Racecourse, said the children’s race is one of the most memorable moments of the day.
“It is such a wonderful highlight for us. Seeing children sprint down the home straight with the commentary going and the crowd cheering is something really special. It gives them a chance to experience what race day feels like and it is a great way for them to burn off some energy and have fun.”
He added: “Family Day is always one of the best value days out there is. Children under 18 come free and thanks to Guildhall Shopping we have goody bags for every child attending, filled with prizes kindly donated by the centre. We cannot wait to welcome everyone for what should be a fantastic day.”
Families can find full details of the day’s racing and activities on the Exeter Racecourse website.
Gates open at 12.30pm, with the children’s running race starting at 1pm.
Visit: thejockeyclub.co.uk/exeter/events-tickets/family-raceday
