The acclaimed equestrian venue, Exeter Racecourse, on Tuesday, 17 March, will present a seven-race programme encompassing hurdle, steeplechase, and National Hunt flat events. Across the day, 85 runners will contest the races, providing a comprehensive display of equine talent, tactical skill, and jumping ability. The card will range from maiden hurdles for juveniles to stamina-testing steeplechases for experienced campaigners, each offering a distinct challenge to the participants.
The afternoon will open at 1:45pm with the Oddschecker Maiden Hurdle Race (Class 4, GBB Race), covering 2 miles 161 yards and offering ÂŁ10,000 in prize money. Sixteen juvenile runners, including American Trio, Below The Belt, Constellation Walk, and Drumlee Orders, will contest this event. Observers will note the balance, rhythm, and agility of the young hurdlers as they navigate the obstacles, providing early insight into potential future talent.
At 2:20pm, the Oddschecker Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 5) will cover 2 miles 7 furlongs 25 yards, with a total purse of ÂŁ9,000. Eighteen runners, such as The Jam Man, Loki’s Mischief, Looking For Larry, and Jurassic Pet, will compete. The event will test both stamina and tactical awareness, rewarding those horses capable of maintaining a steady rhythm while negotiating the hurdles efficiently.
The Oddschecker Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 4), scheduled for 2:55pm, will span 2 miles 5 furlongs 137 yards and offer ÂŁ11,500 in prize money. Eleven runners, including Pyleigh Master, Son of Hypnos, Eton Mes, and Firm But Fair, will tackle this intermediate hurdle. Horses demonstrating consistent pace, fluid jumping, and a strong finish will stand out.
At 3:30pm, the Oddschecker Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 4, GBB Race) will cover 2 miles 3 furlongs 98 yards, with ÂŁ12,500 in prize money. Five runners, including Sherborne, Bonza Boy, First Angel, and Captain Boudet, will contest this shorter steeplechase. The event will reward agility, timing, and tactical positioning, highlighting horses able to respond swiftly to pace changes while negotiating the fences with precision.
The Oddschecker Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5) at 4:05pm will run over 3 miles 104 yards, with £9,500 in prize money. Thirteen runners, including Dyno Dave, Getaway King, Girls Best Friend, and Tech That, will participate. This race will test novice chasers’ endurance, jumping reliability, and composure over a demanding distance, offering early indications of potential future stars in the steeplechase division.
The Exeter Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 5, GBB Race) will start at 4:40pm, spanning 2 miles 161 yards with a prize of ÂŁ4,000. Ten runners, including Eastern Rock, Fine Tuning, Ink Black Heart, and Keep Off The Sugar, will compete. National Hunt flat races often will reveal early athleticism and responsiveness to instruction, providing young horses with the opportunity to demonstrate potential before progressing over hurdles or fences.
The programme will conclude at 5:13pm with the Totnes and Bridgetown Races Company Ltd Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase (Class 5) over 3 miles 104 yards, offering £5,000 in prize money. Twelve runners, including Enqarde, Theformismighty, Yippee Ki Yay, and Crawter, will take part. This traditional hunters’ contest will reward stamina, precision, and course adaptability, highlighting experienced horses and point-to-point graduates.
The seven-race card at the acclaimed equestrian venue, Exeter Racecourse, will provide a compelling assessment of both emerging and established talent. From the juvenile hurdlers to the long-distance steeplechases, each event will deliver insights into form, jumping ability, and future potential. Racing enthusiasts and observers will gain a full understanding of the Exeter Race Cards 17 March, ensuring the day serves as a benchmark for upcoming National Hunt contests.
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