Take your kids to the races for free

It’s free for kids and one of the best days out in the Easter holidays on March 31.

Exeter Racecourse’s annual family day, sponsored by Finlake Holiday Park, is a firmly established tradition with a host of activities to enjoy, and with horse racing firmly at its heart.

Take a peek behind the scenes with former jockey Ollie McPhail who now works for the British Horse Racing Standards and Education Trust. He’ll lead a tour of the racecourse and there will be a chance to get close to the steeple chase fences, learn about what happens in the weighing room and ask jockeys questions about the sport.

Children will come under starters’ orders with special running races down the home straight. Prizes have been donated by Leonard Coombe Master Saddlers and Country Life at Newton Abbot and every child who takes part will be given a £3 voucher from Forelock Books in celebration of the launch of its new title Pony Racer by the racecourse’s PR Lucy Johnson.

Tractor Ted will be making an eagerly awaited return and a new attraction will be miniature Shetland Ponies from Party Ponies. Children will have the chance to meet them, pet them and have a go at grooming them.

Add to this a raceday quiz, the chance to wear jockeys’ silks and an opportunity to jump on the Equiciser and see what its like to ride like a jockey and it’s a day not to be missed.

Two pony races, which are part of the Charles Owen series, will take place at prior to racing with the first thoroughbred off at 2pm. The gates open at noon.

Two for one Grandstand and Paddock tickets at £15 are available if pre-booked, quoting FAMILY15 and children aged 17 and under come racing for free.

To pre-book tickets quote FAMILY15 and call the ticket hotline 0844 5793005 or visit www.exeter.thejockeyclub.co.uk