Family day at Exeter Racecourse

Family Day at Exeter Racecourse on Wednesday (March 30), sponsored by Finlake Holiday Park, will be a feast of education and entertainment that is free for all children aged 17 and under.

Two pony races begin the day’s action at 1pm followed by seven races. Interspersed with that will be a behind the scenes tour of the racecourse starting atnoon – meet outside the weighing room - led by Rob Bellamy of Racing To School. There will be a chance to stand beside a chase fence on the actual track, take part in a running race down the home straight and there’s a free Racebook for the first 200 children to arrive.

Racing To School’s Rob Bellamy said: "Family Day at Exeter is always a fantastic day and one we very much look forward too. It’s a fantastic opportunity for children to learn about racing and meet the jockeys. We'll be bringing the Equicisor, our mechanical horse, too which is great for feeling what its like to ride a racehorse, and children can dress up in some actual racing silks.”

There’s plenty of other entertainment too including special appearances from The Gruffalo, miniature Shetland ponies from Party Ponies will be on course to meet, pat and groom and face painting.

For racing aficionados, the day’s card features the three mile Finlake Holiday Park Handicap Chase and the first of the course’s hunter chases, the Totnes and Bridgetown Open Hunters’ Chase will take place.

General manager Daniel Thomspon said: “It’s always such a brilliant day and a highlight for me are the cheers of the children as the horses race by. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the whole family to come along and see what horse racing is all about, and enjoy all the free activities too. All the team at Exeter Racecourse love racing, and we want to share a bit of our passion as far and wide as we can. With free entry and free entertainment for kids this is a great way to achieve this.”

Two pre-booked Grandstand and Paddock tickets are available for £15, and there’s a 25 per discount in the restaurant. For more details and to book tickets on line, please visit www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk.