BIG-NAME racing, live music, pints, pies and festive celebrations are coming to Exeter Racecourse as racing returns to Haldon Hill this November.

One of the biggest dates in Devon’s sporting calendar arrives on Friday, November 6, with the Haldon Gold Cup bringing top-class jump racing, a buzzing crowd and live music to Haldon Hill.

Exeter’s most prestigious race is an important early-season test for some of the country’s most exciting chasers, with leading trainers and jockeys heading west in search of one of the region’s most coveted prizes. Last year’s honours went to Thistle Ask, and on November 6 a new field of contenders will line up hoping to add their name to the Haldon Gold Cup’s distinguished roll call of winners.

Exeter Racecourse general manager Jack Parkinson said: “Everything is looking fabulous and we cannot wait to welcome everyone back. We’ve given areas of the racecourse a real glow-up during the summer, including a complete overhaul of the ever-popular AP’s Bar.

“It is now a bright, contemporary space where racegoers can meet friends, enjoy a drink and soak up the atmosphere.”

Racegoers certainly do not need to know their handicaps from their hurdles to enjoy the occasion. Haldon Gold Cup Day is about gathering friends, choosing a horse and finding a place beside the track to cheer it home, with live music from Aston adding to the atmosphere between races. Once the final horse has crossed the line, The Shrine will take over and keep the party going as the weekend gets off to a flying start.

The season continues on Monday, November 16 with an irresistible excuse to escape the office for an afternoon of racing, a pasty and a pint for £25.

Exeter has a fine reputation as the starting point for some of the country’s most promising young jump horses, so racegoers could find themselves watching future stars taking their first important steps on Haldon Hill while enjoying time with friends and adding some excitement to an otherwise ordinary Monday.

Good friends, great racing, pints, pies and laughs come together for Sunday on the Hill on November 22.

As the jump season gathers pace, racegoers can look forward to competitive action, plenty to cheer about and time between races to catch up with their favourite people over a pint and a pie. It is Sunday racing at its most enjoyable, with good sport, good company and an afternoon on the hill.

Exeter Racecourse moves into the Christmas spirit with its Festive Fizz Raceday on Friday, December 4, combining Christmas drinks, jump racing and live music in an afternoon that offers something a little different from the usual festive gathering.

Friends can round up their favourite people, colleagues can leave the office behind and everyone can start the weekend early with a sparkling afternoon on Haldon Hill. It is a Christmas party without the late night or bleary-eyed morning afterwards, just racing, music and festive fun.

There is one more opportunity to celebrate on Thursday, December 17, when the Christmas Cup brings Exeter’s final raceday before Christmas, just eight days ahead of the big day itself.

With competitive jump racing, live music and plenty of seasonal atmosphere, racegoers can pick a horse, head down to the rails and cheer it home before returning inside to warm up and enjoy a drink.