National Hunt 54070

Charles II 5f2139

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. 624v2o

Highest Racecourse 3w4l6a

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 66135y

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 5g3c2w

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 4y104y

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