This charming National Hunt venue is one of just two racecourses residing in the county of Devon. Sitting atop the Haldon Hills, around nine miles to the south of Exeter City, the track lays on around a dozen fixtures per year between the months of October and April, before shutting up shop for the summer months.
The clear standout event of the year comes in November, with the annual edition of the Haldon Gold Cup.
Upcoming Fixtures at Exeter
- Thursday 15th October 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Tuesday 20th October 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Friday 6th November 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Monday 16th November 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Sunday 22nd November 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Friday 4th December 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Thursday 17th December 2026 - Jump / Turf
Recent Fixtures
- Friday 17th April 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Tuesday 7th April 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Sunday 22nd March 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Tuesday 17th March 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Friday 6th March 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Friday 20th February 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Sunday 8th February 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Wednesday 28th January 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Friday 9th January 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Thursday 1st January 2026 - Jump / Turf
- Thursday 18th December 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Friday 5th December 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Sunday 23rd November 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Monday 17th November 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Friday 7th November 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Tuesday 21st October 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Thursday 9th October 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Friday 11th April 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Wednesday 2nd April 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Sunday 23rd March 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Tuesday 18th March 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Friday 7th March 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Friday 21st February 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Sunday 9th February 2025 - Jump / Turf
- Wednesday 29th January 2025 - Jump / Turf
Exeter Major Meetings
Exeter Racecourse has long been regarded as one of the South West’s premier jumping venues. Sitting high on Haldon Hill, the course is renowned for producing competitive National Hunt racing throughout the autumn and winter, with testing conditions often bringing stamina and jumping ability to the fore.
Alongside its prestigious feature meetings, Exeter also offers a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a favourite with local racegoers and visiting trainers alike.
New Year’s Day Raceday (January)
Exeter begins the calendar year with one of its best-attended fixtures. New Year’s Day Raceday has become a popular tradition, attracting families, groups of friends and dedicated racing fans looking to start the year with an afternoon of competitive jump racing.
The relaxed, celebratory atmosphere around the racecourse is matched by quality action on the track, making it one of the highlights of Exeter’s winter programme.
- One of Exeter’s most popular annual fixtures
- Combines competitive National Hunt racing with a festive atmosphere
- A traditional way for many racegoers to welcome the New Year
Season Opener (October)
After a summer break, Exeter returns with the meeting that signals the start of another National Hunt campaign. Trainers begin introducing horses with ambitious winter targets, while racegoers eagerly welcome the return of jumping action to Haldon Hill.
The meeting provides an early glimpse of horses that could develop into major players as the season unfolds.
- Official start of Exeter’s new jumps season
- Features competitive early-season National Hunt racing
- Offers the first look at many horses returning from their summer break
Best Mate Chase Day (October)
Named in honour of one of jump racing’s greatest ever horses, Best Mate Chase Day celebrates the legendary triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, who was trained locally by Henrietta Knight. The meeting carries special significance in the South West and regularly attracts strong fields.
There’s a warm, appreciative atmosphere throughout the day as racing fans remember one of the sport’s true greats while enjoying an excellent afternoon’s racing.
- Celebrates the legacy of Cheltenham Gold Cup legend Best Mate
- One of Exeter’s most popular autumn meetings
- Combines quality racing with a tribute to an iconic champion
Haldon Gold Cup Day (November)
The Haldon Gold Cup is Exeter’s flagship raceday and one of the most important early-season jump meetings in Britain. The prestigious Grade 2 chase has been won by many outstanding horses over the years and is widely regarded as a key stepping stone towards the major winter festivals.
The racecourse is at its busiest, with an energetic atmosphere created by racing enthusiasts keen to see top-class chasers tackle one of the sport’s most respected prizes.
- Headlined by the prestigious Grade 2 Haldon Gold Cup
- Exeter’s biggest and most important meeting of the season
- Regularly attracts leading trainers and high-quality chasers
Christmas Meetings (December)
Exeter embraces the festive spirit with a series of Christmas meetings that combine quality jump racing with seasonal entertainment. Whether it’s friends enjoying a Christmas outing or work colleagues celebrating before the holidays, the racecourse has a lively and welcoming feel throughout December.
- Festive race days held throughout the Christmas period
- Seasonal entertainment and hospitality alongside the racing
- A popular venue for Christmas celebrations before the New Year
