Devon’s greatest racing spectacle is back on Haldon Hill
Exeter Racecourse bursts into life on Thursday, October 9, with a seven-race card and the start of the 2025 jump season.
The jump season bursts into life next Thursday, October 9, with the return of racing to Haldon Hill. As the gates swing open and the thunder of hooves echoes across the famous turf, Exeter Racecourse promises an action-packed seven-race card and a celebration of Devon’s deep-rooted love of jump racing.
To mark the occasion, anyone who has held a ticket from a 2025 Newton Abbot fixture can gain entry for just £10 – the perfect chance to soak up the atmosphere of both courses and celebrate the very best of racing in the South West.
Adding to the buzz is Exeter’s own mascot horse, Dexter, who will be making surprise appearances across Devon with giveaways and free tickets.
“We’re incredibly eager to welcome both familiar faces and new fans to Exeter as we launch the new season,” said Exeter Racecourse General Manager Jack Parkinson. “Dexter’s Devon tour embodies the fantastic spirit of racing here, inviting everyone to enjoy the thrilling spectacle.”
Clerk of the course Jason Loosemoore added: “The course is looking fabulous and we’re ready for a great new season.”
Horse racing at Exeter dates back to the mid-17th century, making it one of the oldest racecourses in the country. Perched 850 feet above sea level, it has a unique setting that has staged everything from the last duel in Devon in 1833 to the early steeplechase victories of legends such as Desert Orchid, Best Mate and Denman.
Among those who hold Exeter close to their heart is Grand National-winning jockey Jimmy Frost. Raised on Dartmoor, Jimmy believes the moor shaped his entire riding career.
“Exeter is a really fair course and an ideal place to teach a young chaser to jump,” he says. “There’s plenty of room between the fences, so a horse can balance and find its stride, and the galloping track really helps them learn to settle and jump confidently. Every novice I’ve brought here has come away stronger and more experienced — it’s a track that gives horses the best possible start.”
It was at Exeter, in 2002, that Frost rode his last ever winner on Bohill Lad, poignantly marking both the close of his jockey career and the beginning of his training one.
Joe Tizzard, who prepared last year’s Haldon Gold Cup winner JPR One, also praises Exeter:
“We always enjoy taking our youngsters to Exeter, whether they’re novice chasers or, like JPR One, lining up in a race as competitive as the Haldon Gold Cup,” he says. “It’s a track that has been good to us over the years and one where we tend to do well.”
Trainer Chris Honour, whose yard sits near Dartmoor, adds:
“I love Exeter. It’s one of the best tracks in the country. It’s a great place for educating a horse; it’s a lovely place to come for a first run. We seem to have far more success at our local tracks even though we take on the bigger trainers,” he explains.
For fellow trainer Warren Greatrex, the connection is just as deep. Raised in Postbridge, his early racing memories are firmly rooted at Exeter.
“My childhood would have been going to Exeter Racecourse with my mum and dad, who were avid racegoers,” he says. “There’s always a great atmosphere even in the fog and the rain. It’s definitely one of the fairest courses in the country. The best horse wins, there are no excuses, and the ground is always exactly how they say it is, which is important.”
With its unrivalled setting, passionate supporters, and centuries of racing history, Exeter Racecourse is ready to roar back into action. On October 9, the traditions and thrills of jump racing return to Haldon Hill – and a new season of unforgettable moments begins.
The gates open at 12.30pm with the first of seven races is off at 1.57pm.
For tickets and information about the PricedUp Season’s Opener please visit thejockeyclub.co.uk/exeter/
