Latest from Horse & Hound in Exeter-racecourse

Watch gentle giants gallop to glory in charity race

Rachael Turner — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 06:55:32 +0000

Thoroughbreds stepped out of the limelight at Exeter on Sunday (20 November) to make way for an alternative breed of racehorse.

The track’s annual Clydesdale race on Devon Day raised £3,000 for Devon Air Ambulance with last year’s winner, Midge, once again victorious.

This year the gelding was ridden by jockey Noel Fehily, who gave a salutary wave as he crossed the finish.

“It’s a great cause, a good bit of fun and it’s great for the people that brought their horses here – well done to them,” Noel said.

Professional jockeys Aiden Coleman, Daryl Jacob, Sean Bowen, Tom Bellamy and James Best also raced aboard Clydesdales Solo, Siryl Allan, Frankie Doodle and Tom Parker.

The Clydesdale horses are owned by Tim Ancrum and Aileen Ware of Adventure Clydesdales, a trekking centre based at Brimpts on Dartmoor.

“It’s a wonderful day and a fantastic opportunity to show off these wonderful animals who love their opportunity to demonstrate their agility and speed,” Tim said.

“They are fantastic animals to ride and make wonderful conveyances across the moor.”

The racecourse’s general manager Dan Thompson thanked Mr Ancrum for his support.

“We’re so grateful to Tim and Aileen for bringing their horses, to the jockeys for riding them and to everyone who placed a bet, every penny of which was donated to the Devon Air Ambulance,” he said.

“Devon Day is growing every year and it’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all that is so good about our lovely county.”

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Speedy Clydesdales battle it out on the racetrack

Rachael Turner — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 10:55:24 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Feathers were flying as Clydesdales battled it out at Exeter racecourse on Sunday (22 November).

Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Ian Popham, Andrew Thornton, Nick Scholfield, James Best, Hadden Frost and Sam Twiston-Davies were onboard the heavy horses for the unusual annual

For a while it looked like five-year-old gelding Frankie Doodle and Nick Scholfield would be victorious, but Midge came through to win in the closing strides under James Best.

“It was brilliant and all for such a good cause. It’s great fun riding them,” said James, who later won the Higos Motor Insurance Deal Handicap Chase riding St Dominick trained by Jackie Du Plessis.

The Clydesdale geldings are owned by Tim Ancrum and Aileen Ware, of Adventure Clydesdales.

”All the horses were fantastic and they really enjoyed themselves,” said Tim. “It makes a change from their usual job carrying riders across Dartmoor.”

Spectators had the chance to loan a Clydesdale for the day and experience owning a “racehorse”.

Veryan Codd, who is a huge fan of Clydesdales, had travelled down from Leicestershire to watch the race. She was thrilled to be the winning “owner” for the day of Midge.

“It was such a fabulous race with a really great atmosphere,” she said. “It’s good to see these wonderful horses appreciated by so many people.”

The race raised at least £2,400 for the Devon Air

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ambulance, with the bookmakers – Dave Philips, Dick Oliver and Jack Bevan – donating nearly £1,000.

“We are delighted to have been chosen as the benefactor,” said Caroline Crear of the Devon Air Ambulance.

“Thank you to the bookmakers, to Exeter racecourse and to the Adventure Clydesdales. We’ve had a really super day.”

Move over thoroughbreds! Clydesdales to race at Exeter

Rachael Turner — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 15:55:49 +0000

Clydesdale horses will thunder down Exeter racetrack on Sunday (22 November). The annual race was launched in 2013 and takes place on Devon Day at the west country track.

Six Clydesdale geldings will be partnered with professional jockeys for this year’s two-furlong race. H&H columnist Richard Johnson, Sam Twiston-Davies, Aidan Coleman, Nick Scholfield and Hadden Frost will be taking part.

The horses belong to Tim Ancrum and Aileen Ware of Adventure Clydesdales, which specialises in providing riding holidays across Dartmoor.

“I always get quite excited about it. It’s quite a sight, especially with National Hunt jockeys — they love it,” Tim told H&H.

“The race proves them to be a very good riding horse as well as a draught horse.

“Tom Parker has been the horse that has won the most races but Frankie Doodle and Collessie Reflection could give him a run for his money.”

Actor and British Horse Society president Martin Clunes has supported the race since it began.

“It’s really something to see them with their feathers flying,” he told H&H. “The jockeys look like tiny toys and all have smiles on their faces.

“The race is very popular and all sorts of people come to watch, including those who might not usually spend a day at the races.

“It would be so nice if they did at all the racecourses.”

Martin owns two Clydesdale geldings, Ronnie and Bruce. He bought the pair when they were six months old and they are now rising six.

“I’ve started dressage lessons with Bruce — I’ve agreed to do a display at Windsor for the British Horse Society,” he said.

“I’m also taking Ronnie on the Dartmoor Derby next year. They are so sure-footed and honest as the day is long.

“Tim is such a brilliant ambassador for the Clydesdale and is determined to prove their worth.”

The event raises funds for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT).

“We have the support of local bookmakers Dick Oliver, Dave Phillips and Jack Bevan who will all be running a book so that people can bet, with every single penny donated to DAAT,” said Daniel Thompson of Exeter racecourse.

Spectators will have the chance to loan a Clydesdale for the day and experience owning a “racehorse”.

For more information visitt: www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Nick Scholfield’s racing blog: A different breed of racehorse

Nick Scholfield — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 12:55:37 +0000

It’s been a busy few weeks, I’ve mainly been driving up and down the country, so I’ve spent plenty of quality time with my car.

However, as a total change to the norm, I took part in the Clydesdale race on Sunday (23 November) at Exeter, which was great fun.

It was the second year they’ve run it, and it drew in around 3,000 people— bigger than Haldon Gold Cup day I think.

I was riding the same horse as last year, my old mate Big Al (pictured in the red and yellow colours), and we finished third — again. The same horse, Tom Parker, won as last year. I reckon they had a chat among themselves.

Big Al was great — but third is clearly his position, he’s found it and he’s sticking with it. It’s great entertainment though, and there was a massive crowd who all seemed to be loving it.

Racing a Clydesdale is obviously very different to riding a thoroughbred — they’re much wider and slower for starters! But they were raring to go and as soon as the flag went they were off into canter. It was a bit like going back to Pony Club — I gave mine a couple of Pony Club kicks to get him going.

People kept asking what the going was like. It was soft, but on a horse that size it was pretty much good to firm — they made light weather of the ground with their massive feet.

It was a great atmosphere and some good light-hearted fun. All the jockeys and especially the horses enjoyed it too.

A cover star

There’s been some quality racing recently.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

I’ve got a nice ride this weekend — Irving in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle. He fell last time out at Wincanton but he’s been doing a lot of schooling and he doesn’t seem to be lacking any confidence, but we’ll see how he goes in the race. We’ve done as much homework as we can do with him, so we’re prepared but you don’t really know until you get there.

He was featured on the H&H cover with me on board couple of weeks ago for the National Hunt special (6 November) so it will be nice to be reunited with him.

I got a fair few phone calls about that, I’d always wanted to be a cover star…

Top class racing

I’ve had a couple of nice winners recently too — Jolly’s Cracked It has won twice at Ascot this month, which has been great. He’s trained by Harry Fry and is a really nice horse and definitely one for the future. I think he’ll be aimed at a Grade One Hurdle soon. He’s got bundles of potential.

Melodic Rendezvous — who I won my first Grade One on — was out at Haydock at the weekend, while I was riding at Ascot. It was weird not riding him and I was a bit disappointed with his run. The race was run on a flat course though, which isn’t ideal for him and he was taking on some strong horses including The New One. When you’re up against horses of that calibre you need everything in your favour. However, on a different day I think he’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

It was nice to see Willie Mullins bring his horses over from Ireland — it’s great for English racing as it makes it more competitive. Not so good for us as they win everything! Faugheen ran really well under Ruby Walsh at Ascot. So it was great to see them, but we don’t want to see them too often as they make life harder!

Enjoy the racing this weekend,

Nick

Main photograph courtesy of Malcolm Snelgrove

Clydesdales and Dartmoor hill ponies showcase their speed [VIDEO]

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 10:55:40 +0000

Fans at Exeter were treated to three different types of racing on Sunday (23 November), as not only were the traditional thoroughbreds running, but Dartmoor hill ponies and Clydesdales also took to the track.

More than 3,000 racegoers turned out to see the three varieties of equine take up the challenge on “Devon Day” at the racecourse.

Last year’s Clydesdale race was such a success that Exeter decided to bring back the heavy horses for a second race this year. And fans were not disappointed.

(Image credit: Malcolm Snelgrove)

It was a race that closely echoed last year — with Tom Parker once again passing the post in front, this time with conditional jockey Keiron Edgar on board.

“It was really good fun,” said Keiron. “We were slowly away but he got into his stride and he won easily in the end.”

The other jockeys who climbed into the larger than usual saddles, included H&H blogger Nick Scholfield, Daryl Jacob, Aidan Coleman, James Best, Alice Mills and Lucy Gardner.

TV star Martin Clunes, who is a supporter of heavy horses, said it was “a very exciting race”.

“More racecourses should do this as it is great fun and really highlights the breed,” he added.

The Clydesdales are all owned by Tim Ancrum of Adventure Clydesdales.

Tim said the horses enjoyed their day out.

“It’s just wonderful to bring the boys here and let everyone see them,” he said.

“They are so versatile, steady and they keep on going. There was a wonderful crowd here to see them today and the cheering was incredible.”

And from large to little, six Dartmoor hill ponies went to post for the 6f race (pictured below), and it was Frolic who won with owner Rachael Watson.

“My plan was to stay close in the race and keep something in the tank for the finish,” said 20-year-old Rachael who farms with her parents near Poundsgate.

The ponies were part of the Hill Pony Display Team which showcases at events and and fairs.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Charlotte Faulker of the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association said: “This is the first time we’ve done this and they were brilliant. I am so proud of them all, and their riders who were all very excited about taking part in a race at Exeter racecourse.”

More than £1,500 was raised for the Devon Air Ambulance on the day.

Don’t miss Nick Scholfield’s blog later this week to hear how he enjoyed his heavy horse experience.

Photographs courtesy of Malcolm Snelgrove

Little and large set to race

Amy Mathieson — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 08:55:40 +0000

Ponies from Dartmoor are to show off their speed skills later this month (23 November) at Exeter racecourse, in the first race of its kind.

The ponies were born on Dartmoor but are not pure-bred registered Dartmoors and will be provided by Charlotte Faulkner of the Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association.

The ponies have hit the headlines recently, after Ms Faulkner suggested they should be eaten to save the future of the animals.

But this aims to prove their versatility as “tough, hardy and fast childrens’ ponies.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to show everyone how fabulous these ponies are,” said Ms Faulkner. “It will be a lot of fun and we are all so excited about it. It’s a world’s first and we hope it will the first of many.

The ponies, which vary in height from 11hh to 13hh, will have a staggered start over 3f and will be ridden by children.

Following the ponies, Clydesdales will be taking to the turf — ridden as last year by professional jockeys.

H&H blogger Nick Scholfield, who rode in the race last year, said: “I can’t wait to ride again. You can’t help smiling all the way to the home straight when you’re on them. They are such wonderful animals and their very presence seems to make everyone so happy.”

The Clydesdales are owned by Tim Ancrum, who added: “Last year’s race was fantastic and the horses all loved it.”

Read Nick’s blog from last year on what it’s like to race a heavy horse here

Devon residents are being offered a £5 discount off the normal price of a Grandstand and Paddock ticket if booked in advance. Children aged 17 and under race free.

The first of seven races is off at 1.05pm, gates open at10.30am.

For more information visit: www.exeter.thejockeyclub.co.uk

VisitEngland names top 10 racecourses

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 08:00:01 +0000

The top 10 racecourses in the VisitEngland “Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme” have been revealed.

Ascot, Doncaster, Epsom Downs, Exeter, Newmarket, Plumpton, Salisbury, Wincanton, Royal Windsor and York racecourses rated highest in England and Wales in 2013 for visitor attraction (listed alphabetically).

Racecourses are assessed over a number of criteria, including the efficiency and friendliness of their customer service and the availability and cleanliness of facilities.

Last year VisitEngland including owners’ and trainers’ facilities in their assessments for the first time, which is reflected in each racecourses overall score.

All 10 racecourses “showed exceptional scores“.

The scheme will continue for 2014 and will see the introduction of accolades including:

* Best food outlet (takeaway style)

* Best café (walk-up only, seated meals, can be buffet/table service)

* Lovely loos

* Visitor information and signage (racecard, internal and external signage, car parks, PA and CCTV)

* Best bar area

“We are delighted to be able to continue our partnership with VisitEngland to offer customers a guarantee of quality when they visit British racecourses,” said the Racecourse Association’s (RCA) Caroline Davies.

“This scheme, along with the one run by VisitScotland makes sure that racecourses are able to get constructive feedback which they can use to help them identify their strengths as well as areas that may need improvement.

“The variety in the racecourses that have made the top ten in 2013 is testament to the fact that you don’t need to be a big racecourse to offer a top quality visitor attraction and we believe the changes that we have made to the scheme in 2014 will only go to help racecourses achieve even more in this area”.

Clydesdales to hit the racetrack at Exeter

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 12:00:32 +0000

We saw feathers flying when Lingfield hosted its inaugural Shire horse race this summer. Now another breed is following in their heavy hoofprints.

Clydesdales will be tearing up the turf at Exeter next month (24 November) for the racecourse’s first Devon Day.

Tim Ancrum of Adventure Clydesdales is training the racers — who include Tommy Trotter, Ha Durran Ben, Allen and Cyril.

Among National Hunt jockeys who hope to take up the reins on the day will be Joe Tizzard and H&H blogger Nick Scholfield.

“The breed is mostly known as a draught horse, so we want to show they make good riding horses too,” Tim told H&H. “We’re not saying they should race the whole time, but 2 furlongs is well within their capabilities.

“They’re pretty fit already, but we’ll be doing a bit more faster work over Dartmoor as the race approaches.”

For more information visit www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (10 October 2013)

Race named after eventer Mary King at Exeter

Flora Watkins — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 17:33:49 +0000

Six-times Olympian Mary King is being honoured with a race named after her at Exeter today (11 October).

The Mary King Beginners’ Steeplechase is one of six races on the card at the track’s opening fixture of the season.

Mary said the race was “a great honour”. She will be judging the best turned out and presenting the prize.

Paralympic rider Deb Criddle will also be attending and there will be free entry for all Devon and Cornwall-based London 2012 games makers.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (11 October 2012)

Racing week: Hedgehunter returns

Horse & Hound — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 14:59:32 +0000

Hedgehunter is set to run at Limerick on Sunday, ahead of his bid to repeat his 2005 Grand National victory.

The 11-year-old, who is trained by Willie Mullins, has not run in public since last November, when he finished fifth of 18 at Thurles after jarring a knee. According to Mullins, Hedgehunter has done four or five bits of work and everything has been promising.

Easter at Exeter Racecourse

Exeter Racecourse is holding an Easter Egg and Countryside Day on 11 April. Children will be able to go behind the scenes and see what happens on a race day.

Assistant manager Vicki Robinson said: “Children are the future of racing and we want to encourage them to come and enjoy a day at the races. Racing is very exciting and by giving them a behind the scenes tour, we hope they’ll see that there is even more to the sport than what they may have seen on the television.”

A tour of the weighing room and paddock will show what it is like race riding for a living. “Racing can often seem quite intimidating to the younger generations but we want them to come and enjoy a really great day out with us,” said Vicki.

Children under 16 are admitted free at Exeter and those who take part in the tour will all receive an Easter egg. Countryside Day will involve stallion and hound parades, various stalls and a buffet lunch and afternoon tea in the Countryside Alliance marquee for £30.

To book your place on the racecourse tour and for further information please contact Vicki at Exeter Racecourse (tel: 01392 832599).