The History of Exeter Racecourse

Racing has been part of Exeter's heritage since the middle of the 17th century. The earliest records of racing at Haldon date from 1738, when the hills south of Exeter were already established as a venue for horse racing. The location was chosen for its open terrain and the natural amphitheatre that the landscape provided — a setting that would define the course for centuries.

The Haldon Hills

The Haldon Hills rise to over 850 feet above sea level, offering sweeping views across the Exe valley and the Devon countryside. The elevation and the undulating terrain created a natural test for horses — and the same characteristics that define the modern course were evident from the start. Racing in the 18th and 19th centuries was often informal, with meetings organised by local landowners and enthusiasts. The sport grew in popularity, and by the late 19th century there was a clear demand for a more permanent, established venue.

The Move to the Present Site

The course as we know it today was established in 1898. The track was laid out on the Haldon Hills, and National Hunt racing became the focus. Flat racing had been staged elsewhere in the area, but Exeter was from the outset a jumps-only venue. The right-handed oval, the punishing uphill finish, and the exposure to the elements were all part of the design — and they remain the defining features of the course today.

Devon and Exeter

For decades the course was officially known as Devon and Exeter, a name that reflected its role as the regional centre for jumps racing. The South West had no shortage of tracks — Newton Abbot and Taunton among them — but Exeter's position on the Haldon Hills and its distinctive character made it a fixture in the racing calendar.

The mid-20th century saw Exeter consolidate its position as the South West's premier jumps track. The course was well established, the fixture list was growing, and the quality of racing was improving. The introduction of the Haldon Gold Cup in 1969 marked a turning point — a race that would elevate Exeter from a regional venue to a national stage.

The Haldon Gold Cup

The race was named after the Haldon Hills on which the course sits. Run over approximately 2 miles 1½ furlongs with twelve fences, it was designed to attract top two-mile chasers at the start of their campaigns. It quickly became a recognised stepping stone to the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham, and the list of winners reads like a who's who of jump racing. The race became a limited handicap in 1996, broadening its appeal and ensuring competitive fields.

Travado's Hat-Trick

The 1990s belonged to Travado. Martin Pipe's gelding won the Haldon Gold Cup three years running — 1993, 1994, and 1995 — a record that stands to this day. His dominance coincided with Pipe's rise to the top of the training ranks, and Exeter became a regular port of call for the yard's best two-milers. The race was firmly established as one of the early-season highlights.

Infrastructure and Growth

The course continued to invest in facilities. The stands were improved, the viewing areas were expanded, and the capacity grew to around 5,000. The Devon National in February added another feature race for staying chasers, and the fixture list became more varied. Exeter was no longer just a regional track — it was a destination.

Exeter has witnessed its share of racing drama. The Haldon Gold Cup has produced memorable finishes, shock results, and moments of triumph and tragedy. A few stand out.

Travado's Three-Peat

Martin Pipe's Travado won the Haldon Gold Cup in 1993, 1994, and 1995 — the only horse to win the race three times. His dominance was a testament to Pipe's training methods and the horse's ability to peak for the same race year after year. The record still stands.

Paul Nicholls's Dominance

Paul Nicholls has won the Haldon Gold Cup eight times — more than any other trainer. His runners have included Master Minded, Twist Magic, and Politologue, all of whom went on to win at the highest level. Nicholls uses Exeter as a launching pad for his two-mile chasers, and the race has become a fixture in his calendar.

Best Mate, 2005

The 2005 Haldon Gold Cup was overshadowed by tragedy. Best Mate, the three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, collapsed and died after the race from a suspected heart attack. The loss of one of jump racing's most celebrated horses cast a shadow over the course, but the race has continued to attract top-class fields and remains a key early-season target.

The Devon National

The Devon National in February has produced its own share of memorable renewals. The staying handicap chase tests stamina over the undulating track, and it often produces form that translates well to the spring festivals. It's a different test to the Haldon Gold Cup — grinders and stayers rather than speed merchants — but it's no less important to the course's identity.

The early 1990s saw the course rebranded from Devon and Exeter to Exeter Racecourse — a simpler name that reflected its place in the national consciousness. The change coincided with a period of investment and growth. The course was now firmly established as Britain's highest racecourse, and the Haldon Gold Cup was attracting the best two-mile chasers in the country.

The Jockey Club Era

Exeter is now part of The Jockey Club's portfolio of racecourses, alongside Sandown, Cheltenham, and others. The investment in facilities and infrastructure has continued, and the course has benefited from the wider resources of the group. The fixture list remains focused on National Hunt, with around 15 meetings each season from October through to May.

The Racing Calendar

The season is built around two feature meetings: the Haldon Gold Cup day in late October or early November, and the Devon National card in February. The rest of the programme mixes midweek and weekend fixtures, with competitive handicaps and novice events throughout. The course continues to attract top trainers — Paul Nicholls, Nicky Henderson, and Philip Hobbs are regular visitors — and the quality of racing is consistently high.

The Future

Exeter's position as Britain's highest racecourse and its distinctive character ensure it remains a fixture in the jumps calendar. The views, the terrain, and the history combine to create an experience that's hard to replicate elsewhere. The course is in good hands, and the future looks secure.

Exeter Racecourse has carved out a unique place in British jumps racing. At 850 feet above sea level, it's Britain's highest track — and the views, the terrain, and the history combine to create an experience that's hard to replicate elsewhere. The course has been staging National Hunt racing since 1898, and racing on the Haldon Hills dates back to 1738, making it one of the oldest racing venues in the country.

The Haldon Gold Cup

The Haldon Gold Cup remains the defining race. It's a Grade 2 chase that has launched countless Cheltenham campaigns, and the list of winners includes some of the best two-mile chasers of the past half-century. Paul Nicholls has won it eight times; Travado won it three years running. The race is a stepping stone to the Queen Mother Champion Chase, and it continues to attract the best in the business.

A Regional Anchor

Exeter is the South West's premier jumps track. The course sits alongside Newton Abbot and Taunton in the regional circuit, and the three together offer a rich programme of racing throughout the autumn and winter. Exeter's elevation and the stiff uphill finish give it a character all its own — a track where stamina matters and where the elements can play a decisive role.

The Experience

For visitors, Exeter offers a blend of history, scenery, and racing that's hard to beat. The compact layout, the friendly atmosphere, and the spectacular views make it a favourite among those who know it. The complete guide and day out guide have everything you need to plan a visit — and once you've been, you'll understand why Exeter has earned its place in the racing calendar.