Exeter Racecourse - The Haldon Gold Cup

If being part of the big occasion is what sport is about, Exeter is the place to head on Haldon Gold Cup Day. The great Desert Orchid, the brilliant Viking Flagship, the dazzling Cue Card and the irreplaceable Kauto Star – they’ve all leapt around Exeter’s fences in their quest for glory.

First run as a weight-for-age race in 1982, the Haldon Gold Cup gained listed status in 1985. Fast, furious and spectacular it is run over two-mile one-furlong and with £62,500 in prize money it’s one that trainers make an early season target.

It is widely regarded as the first major contest over two miles in the jump racing calendar and considered a stepping-stone to the world’s most prestigious race over this shortest distance a horse can run over fences – the Queen Mother Champion Chase which takes place at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

With Exeter’s vibrant crowd renowned for their appreciative cheers on Haldon Gold Cup the roof will be raised in appreciation for the winner of this important race.

The first of seven races comes under starters’ orders at 1pm and the gates open at 11pm. A free bus service to the racecourse is available from Exeter St David’s at 11.15am and the Bus and Coach Station at 11.30am, returning half an hour after the last race.

Tickets are available from £15 if pre-booked online and hospitality packages are available with details at www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk.