Southwest Olympians Celebration Day

Racing returns to Exeter on Thursday, October 11, and the racecourse will be saluting Westcountry-based Olympic athletes at its first meeting of the new season when it stages a Southwest Olympians Celebration Day.

After is customary five month  break the racecourse will be welcoming back old friends and new as the first of 15 top class meetings gets underway while also using the occasion to celebrate the achievements of Team GB, particularly those based locally.

Among the athletes attending are three –day eventing legend Mary King who represented her country for the sixth consecutive time at London 2012. With her horse Imperial Cavalier she helped Team GB secure team silver and Exeter has named a race in her honour.

Exeter is a favourite among many of the country’s trainers who use it as a nurturing ground to launch the careers of their potentially top class horses and they are sure to be at the meeting along with the country’s top jockeys including AP McCoy, Richard Johnson and Tom Scudamore.

The first of six races gets underway at 2.20pm and advanced tickets are available from £13 and raceday packages, from £25. There is a free bus service from Exeter St David’s railway station, which leaves at 12.40pm and Exeter Bus & Coach Station, which leaves at 12.55pm. The bus returns 30 minutes after the last race.

For more information, visit www.exeter-racecourse.com.

First race: 2.20pm*

Tickets from: £13 (if booked in advance)

Restaurant from: £69pp

Private box from: £59pp + VAT

(*Race time may be subject to change)