Exeter Race Course

To celebrate slipperytoad’s 1st birthday, the obvious choice was day out at the races so I decided to visit to my relatively local track at Exeter. For the first time in years I travelled via train as Exeter provides a free bus from the railway station to the course. The train journey was first class and allowed to me sink a bottle of red wine to start the day off in a relaxed mood. I will be looking to utilise this mode of transport in future race course visits.



On the whole the course layout is compact with most areas easily accessible. The only issue is that the facilities are inadequate on reflection punters are poorly treated. For example, the tattersalls enclosure is in need of refurbishment, lack of staff at the tatt’s bar (the members area bar was generally ok but a bit small), lack of decent food facilities (they ran out of most stuff) and the food was poorly presented and of a low quality. Outside there was a long cue for the one and only burger van.



The pre-parade ring is quite close to the main area so there is chance to view the horses there before anyone else The tatt’s, rails and parade ring are a bit small so not much room to manoeuvre if the crowds are large (as they were on the day). As there are pathways that dissect the course to allow horses to trot down to the various starting positions you cannot view the action of the runners as they go to post on the racing part of the turf.



Given the undulating right-handed configuration of Exeter, this track has a definite “Horses for Courses” feel to it. From punter’s perspective, the course layout leaves a lot to be desired. Once the horses turn the corner after the finishing line then you might as well be in the bookies watching the race as the horses drop into a dip and the majority of the back straight is obscured by trees. Unfortunately you cannot see any action until the runners turn onto the final straight.

The finishing straight is long allowing horses ridden up with the pace to mount their challenge over the final fences.






The course is fairy exposed to the elements and when discussing the course layout with some of the regulars Exeter can be pretty cold in the winter. Wrap up warm is the informed advice.



In terms of bets on the day, not a bad day given the poor quality of racing. On the back of a through review of my betting activities, I was fully aware of the psychological dangers of on-course betting where I’m concerned. However sticking to the plan I had a small placepot and decided that Pipe/Murphy combination; Yourman was a good thing in the last race.

The placepot true to form was blown out of the water in the first race when my selections were well behind the 66/1 winner. At that point I knew what to do, watch the rest of the days racing, and celebrate slipperytoad’s first year in existence well away from the betting ring.

The rest of the day went pretty much to plan with the fancied horses making the frame. From the sidelines I watched my placepot selections win in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th races. Luckily enough for me in the last, the on-course word for Fire Break enabled me to secure 3/1 for my £30 on my nap Yourman who won by 1½ lengths ensuring a profit for the day (including travel, beer and crap food on course)



If punters are planning to visit Exeter racecourse, I suggest a visit to the Imperial” pub (close to the railway station) before or after the meeting. The pub serves great beer and food and is large enough to accommodate local students (which means it’s cheap) and race goers alike. Good service, a pleasant atmosphere and plenty of seats, this was a great place to await my return train to Bristol and spend my profits courtesy of the Exeter on-course bookmakers.