Exeter Gears Up for Thrilling Haldon Gold Cup Showdown

Exeter Racecourse is set to host its most anticipated event of the year on Friday, November 7th, when the prestigious Haldon Gold Cup takes centre stage. The Grade Two limited handicap chase, stretching over two miles and a furlong, promises an exhilarating spectacle for racing fans across the South West.

This year, the spotlight shines on Paul Nicholls’ Kalif du Berlais. The five-year-old French-bred star impressed when winning the Grade One Rosconn Group Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree’s Randox Grand National Festival in April. Excitingly unexposed, he is paired with Harry Cobden, the 2023/24 champion Jump jockey.

Speaking ahead of the race, Cobden expressed his enthusiasm:
“Exeter’s showcase meeting is always special, and the Haldon Gold Cup is the race everyone wants to win. Kalif du Berlais is an exciting horse, still a novice, and with plenty of potential. Exeter is a thrilling track — big, galloping, and very similar to Carlisle, which I love riding at. It’s a real pleasure to get on a good horse here and let it stride out over such a course.”

Also lining up are last year’s winner, JPR One, and Martator, trained by Venetia Williams, who captured two competitive handicap chases at Ascot last season. Dan Skelton’s Thistle Ask is unbeaten since joining his yard this season, including wins at Kelso and Wetherby, while Jane Williams’ Saint Segal will represent local hopes for a Devon victory after scoring at Chepstow last month. Here Comes Georgie will make his first appearance for Newmarket-based trainer Dylan Cunha.

Exeter Clerk of the Course Jason Loosemore confirmed that the going is Good, noting that recent rainfall has created an ideal racing surface for the weekend. Misty, damp conditions are expected to persist on race day, ensuring fair ground for all runners.

The Haldon Gold Cup marks the opening day of the West Country Weekend, with festivities continuing at Wincanton on Saturday for Badger Beers Ladies Day.

Haldon Gold Cup (Grade 2) – 2m 1f 109y, Exeter, Friday 7th November – 2.25pm

1. Kalif du Berlais (FR) – Paul Nicholls / Harry Cobden

2. JPR One (IRE) – Joe Tizzard / Brendan Powell

3. Saint Segal (FR) – Mrs Jane Williams / Ciaran Gethings

4. Martator (FR) – Venetia Williams / Charlie Deutsch

5. Here Comes Georgie – Dylan Cunha / Lee Edwards

6. Thistle Ask (IRE) – Dan Skelton / Harry Skelton

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