National Hunt 296m1l

Charles II 421b42

The first races on the top of the Haldon Hills were held in the reign of Charles II, but it was 100 years later that races under Jockey Club rules were run at Exeter, in 1750. 5z291s

Highest Racecourse 2d2g6c

At 260m (850ft) above sea level, the racecourse is the highest in the United Kingdom and was originally known as Haldon racecourse by locals due to its location, then called Devon and Exeter Racecourse until the 1990s when it was named simply Exeter Racecourse.

Duelling Pistols and Tragedy 5y252x

The racecourse is somewhat infamously renowned as the location for the last duel in Devon, in 1833, when Dr Peter Hennis and Judge Sir John Jeffcott drew pistols over Hennis spreading gossip. After Hennis died from his wounds a week later, Jeffcott fled to Sierra Leone.

Tragedy struck at the course in 2005 when the hugely popular racehorse Best Mate suffered a fatal heart attack while contesting the Haldon Gold Cup.

A Tough Track e6b1a

The course used to host Flat racing in the 1800s but now is National Hunt only. It is 2 miles long and run right-handed with an uphill finish. It is considered one of the toughest Jumps tracks.

Important Races/Festivals 2621j

• March – The Devon National
• November – Haldon Gold Cup