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TUESDAY 21 OCTOBER 2025

BEST MATE CHASE DAY

 

We welcome you back to Best Mate Chase Day, on Tuesday 21 October.

 

The new season is well under way as we gallop onto our annual Best Mate Chase Day, honouring the remarkable career of Best Mate here at Exeter Racecourse. Immerse yourself in the buzz of National Hunt racing whether you are a seasoned racegoer or new to the sport, we promise to give you the best raceday experience!  

 

Even better, we are offering two tickets for the price of one. So bring your best mate and spend a day at the races with us!

 

BUS TIMES

We offer a complimentary bus service which leaves from Exeter St. David's.

Bus Times: Leaves Exeter St Davids at 12:10am and returns 17:35pm

GATES OPEN

12:10pm

first race

1:40pm

last race

5:05pm

Start Times

Race

Distance

Type

1:40pm THE PRICED UP AMATEUR JOCKEYS' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5)  (CL 5) 2m 2f Hurdle
2:15pm THE PRICED UP MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (GBB RACE)  2m 2f Hurdle
2:50pm THE PRICED UP NOVICES' HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 5)
2m 1f  Steeple Chase
3:25pm THE PAUL FERGUSON'S JUMPERS TO FOLLOW BEST MATE HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) (GBB RACE 3m Steeple Chase
4:00pm THE PRICED UP HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 3) (Challenger Stayers' Hurdle Series Qualifier) 2m 7f Hurdle
4:30pm THE MRS PATRICIA GARDNER MEMORIAL HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) 2m 7f Hurdle
5:05pm THE SOUTH WEST '3 YRS OLD' 'JUNIOR' NATIONAL HUNT THE WEATHERBYS AND BIRDIE CALENDARS '3 YRS OLD' "JUNIOR" NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 5) (Category 1 Elimination) (GBB RACE) 1m 5f Flat

BEST MATE

BEST MATE CTA.jpg

Best Mate Chase Day is devoted to celebrating the life of one of the true great horses in history. Trained by Henrietta Knight, Best Mate won his first race over fences here at Exeter Racecourse in October 2000. The following year he went on to win the pretigious Haldon Gold Cup under regular rider Jim Culloty.

While Best Mate graced Exeter on multiple occasions, his most iconic triumphs came with his unforgettable Cheltenham Gold Cup victories in 2002, 2003, and 2004, matching the record of Arkle. He also boasts wins in the 2002 King George VI Chase and the 2003 Ericsson Chase. Best Mate’s final race was run here at Exeter Racecourse, where a memorial now stands outside the weighing room, honoring his incredible legacy.

Past winners of the Best Mate Chase also include greats such as Sternrubin and Yanworth who both went on to appear at The Festival

Our Racehorse Syndicates Association Race Day provides an ideal opportunity to learn more about racehorse ownership opportunities.


It’s easy to become a racehorse owner and it’s not as expensive as you would imagine.Syndicates and Clubs which are part of the Racehorse Syndicates Association (RSA) must abide by a Code of Conduct and can be trusted to provide an excellent service to their members.


A number of RSA members will be on course for you to find out how you can become a racehorse owner!

 

A full list of RSA Members can be found at www.racehorsesyndicates.org

 

 

We are proud to be working with Autism in Racing at this raceday who will host families on the day with a trained host within the Sensory Room To register to attend with Autism in Racing please visit:

 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AIRRegistration - please note spaces are limited on these days and are on a first come, first served basis.

AIR logo round (1).jpg

Tickets

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From £20

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PLAN YOUR DAY

Directions & Parking

Directions & Parking

Information for those parking at Exeter Racecourse. 

Plan your day at Exeter Racecourse

Plan your day at Exeter Racecourse

Everything you need to know ahead of a day at Exeter Racecourse. 

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Racing FAQs

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Owners and Trainers

Owners and Trainers

We ensure a balanced programme of races throughout the season, giving Owners and Trainers the best chance to run horses of all levels at Exeter Racecourse.

Did you know?

Half price tickets for 18-24 year olds

Half price tickets for 18-24 year olds

Sign up to RacePass and save up to 50% off your admission ticket when aged 18-24.

Collect Rewards4racing points

Collect Rewards4racing points

Make fantastic savings on your raceday experiences with Rewards4Racing. Collect points on your online shopping & betting and start saving today.

Under 18s go FREE

Under 18s go FREE

Under 18s race for free at the majority of Jockey Club racedays. 

Upcoming Fixtures

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07 Nov 2025 | Exeter

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Devon Air Ambulance Raceday

From £15.00

23 Nov 2025 | Exeter

Devon Air Ambulance Raceday