Founder & Editor · Last reviewed 2026-03-02
The Newton Abbot Cup is Devon's signature summer chase — a competitive handicap that has been the highlight of the Newton Abbot calendar for over a century. Run at the course's feature meeting in late summer, it attracts quality horses from across the country and often produces a cracking betting heat. The complete guide covers the course; this guide focuses on the race itself.
The cup is run over fences on Newton Abbot's right-handed track, with the sharp turn into the straight providing a tactical test. Horses who can jump fluently and hold a position tend to thrive. For betting angles, see the betting guide; for a day at the meeting, the day out guide has you covered. The summer jumping guide puts the cup in context.
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History of the Newton Abbot Cup
The Newton Abbot Cup has been part of the course's programme since the late 19th century. It emerged as the feature race of the summer meeting, and over the decades it has attracted some of the best handicap chasers in the South West and beyond.
Early Years
The race was established when Newton Abbot was still building its reputation as a summer jumping venue. The history of the course covers the broader story; the cup quickly became the focal point of the season. Trainers from Devon, Somerset, and further afield began to target it as a summer goal.
Growth and Prestige
By the mid-20th century, the Newton Abbot Cup was a well-established handicap chase. Good horses used it as a stepping stone or a target in its own right, and the race produced its share of memorable renewals. The great winners section covers some of the standout performances. For the course's development, see the complete guide.
Great Winners & Memorable Renewals
The Newton Abbot Cup has been won by horses who went on to bigger things at Cheltenham and Aintree, as well as by course specialists who made the race their own. Summer jumping often attracts a mix — some horses are being prepared for the winter campaign, others are targeting the cup as their main goal.
Course Specialists
Some horses develop an affinity for Newton Abbot's sharp track and return year after year. The cup has produced repeat winners and horses who've won multiple races at the course. The betting guide covers the value of course form.
Memorable Renewals
There have been close finishes, surprise winners, and days when the best horse in the race has won comfortably. The handicap format keeps the race competitive, and the betting angles section has more on trends and what to look for. For the full course history, see the history guide.
The Course & Conditions
The Newton Abbot Cup is run over the course's chase track — a right-handed oval with a sharp turn into the home straight. The layout rewards horses who can jump fluently and hold a position. Wide runners can lose ground on the bend, and come-from-behind types often find the short straight doesn't give them enough time to get involved.
Ground and Conditions
The cup is typically run in late summer, when the going can range from good to good to soft. Newton Abbot's clay-based soil means the ground can change with the weather — check the going report before the meeting. The complete guide has more on the track layout.
The Test
The race is a proper handicap chase — a test of jumping, stamina, and tactical nous. Horses who've shown form at sharp tracks like Plumpton often go well. The betting guide covers the track characteristics in more detail.
Betting Angles & Trends
The Newton Abbot Cup is often a competitive handicap — plenty of runners, and the betting can throw up value. Course form is valuable; horses who've won or placed at Newton Abbot before often repeat the dose. The betting guide has the full picture on track characteristics and strategies.
Key Trends
Look for horses who've shown form at sharp tracks, who handle the likely going, and who have a trainer or jockey with a good record at the course. The track characteristics favour prominent runners and those who can save ground on the bend. Each-way value is often available in a big field.
Planning Your Bet
Study the card, check the going, and look at course and distance form. The day out guide has tips for enjoying the meeting regardless of results. The summer jumping guide puts the cup in the context of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The History of Newton Abbot Racecourse
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