The Best Horse Racing Courses in Devon
Horse racing has a long history in Devon; the county is known for open countryside, strong farming roots, and a steady interest in racing. You’ll find both established racecourses and smaller point-to-point tracks that draw local crowds each season.
Some meetings take place at well known venues such as Newton Abbot Races, Exeter Racecourse, and Taunton Racecourse Conference Centre. Others happen at traditional point-to-point courses like Upcott Cross and Baratton Down, where amateur riders and local trainers compete
Each course has its own feel and some host regular race days with large crowds. Others run a handful of meetings each year but remain an important part of the local racing scene. Many racing fans who attend these meetings also keep an eye on the wider calendar, including major events like the Cheltenham Festival, where Gold Cup betting becomes one of the biggest talking points of the season.
In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best horse racing courses in Devon and nearby. We’ll cover what makes each venue worth knowing about and what you can expect if you plan to visit.
Newton Abbot Races
Newton Abbot Races is one of the best known jump racing venues in Devon; the course sits on the north bank of the River Teign, just outside the town of Newton Abbot. It lies within the parishes of Kingsteignton and Teigngrace and has been part of the local racing scene for well over a century.
The racecourse runs on a tight, flat, left-handed oval track. The circuit measures around one mile and one furlong, which makes races here quick and competitive. Because the track is fairly compact, spectators can see most of the action from the stands and viewing areas.
Racing has taken place at the current site since 1866, when the land was bought by local racing enthusiasts who wanted to create a proper venue for meetings in the area. Since then, the course has gone through a number of changes but it has always remained focused on National Hunt racing.
Like many racecourses in Britain, Newton Abbot played a role during wartime. During the First World War, the site was taken over by troops and used as a prisoner-of-war camp. Racing slowed again during the Second World War, with only one day of racing held before peace was declared. When the war ended, the return of racing drew a crowd of around 17,500 people on August Bank Holiday in 1945.
The course continued to grow in the decades that followed, and in 1969 Queen Elizabeth opened the main grandstand. Corporate facilities were later added in 1990 and more modern improvements have followed over the years.
Today the course runs a regular calendar of jump racing. In 2025, Newton Abbot hosted 18 summer jump fixtures, which shows how active the venue remains. It’s still a popular spot for racegoers across Devon and the South West, especially during the summer months when racing at the course is in full swing.
Exeter Racecourse
Exeter Racecourse is one of the main horse racing venues in Devon. The course sits just outside the city of Exeter, high on the Haldon Hills. Because of its location, many locals still call it Haldon Racecourse.
The racecourse sits high above the surrounding countryside, which gives wide views across Devon. But the height also means the weather can change quickly, especially during the winter racing season.
Racing at Exeter is focused on National Hunt jump racing, usually holding around 17 race days each season, with meetings spread across the autumn and winter months. Many well known trainers run horses here as part of the jump racing calendar.
Horse racing in Exeter goes back a long way; records link the sport in the area to the middle of the 17th century. Racing became popular during the reign of Charles II, who was well known for his interest in the sport.
In 1750, the The Jockey Club was formed, going on to play a major role in shaping the rules and structure of British horse racing.
Today, Exeter Racecourse remains an important part of jump racing in the South West. It hosts competitive racing through the colder months and draws racegoers from across Devon and the wider region.
Upcott Cross Point-To-Point Racecourse
Upcott Cross is a traditional point-to-point racecourse in Devon, with events focused on amateur riders which are often closely tied to the local hunting community.
The track is a long oval course measuring about 3 miles and 1 furlong. It’s mainly flat but has wide sweeping bends that allow horses to keep a steady rhythm through the race.
There is a gentle rise approaching the final turn, followed by a slight downhill run toward the finish. The course has a 200-yard run-in, which often gives horses a chance to make a late move.
The fences at Upcott Cross are fairly small and portable, and they are placed along the straight sections of the track. Three fences sit in the back straight. As with many point-to-point courses, the going can vary depending on the weather and ground conditions.
Race days here are very relaxed and it’s a good example of grassroots horse racing in Devon.
Baratton Down Point-To-Point Racecourse
Baratton Down is a point-to-point course set on the side of a hill, which gives it a very different feel from many other tracks. The course has a smooth rise, with sharp turns leading into and out of the home straight.
Those bends can become slippery in poor weather and they often test both horse and rider. The finish is a long uphill run, so many races change after the final fence. Despite late season meetings, the moorland turf often produces good ground.
