Exeter Racecourse unveils new Christmas Cup for festive raceday

Exeter Racecourse will stage its first Christmas Cup on 18 December, adding a new Class 3 three-mile handicap chase to one of its busiest fixtures of the winter.

The race will be run annually and has been introduced to bring extra kudos to the already popular meeting, according to general manager Jack Parkinson.

Strength in depth is expected, with entries from leading national trainers including Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls, Joe Tizzard, Venetia Williams and David Pipe. Final declarations will be confirmed closer to raceday.

This year’s festive meeting arrives during a strong jumps campaign for Exeter. Recent highlights include Lulamba’s Grade 1 victory at Sandown, which has placed him among the early contenders for the Arkle at Cheltenham, and Thistle Ask’s win in the Haldon Gold Cup for trainer Dan Skelton and jockey Harry Skelton.

Hospitality demand remains high, with the Desert Orchid Restaurant and all other packages already sold out.

The presenter of the inaugural Christmas Cup trophy has not yet been announced.

Mr Parkinson said the raceday continues to attract groups of friends, colleagues and regular racegoers looking for a pre-Christmas day out, with free buses, live music and a full afternoon of racing on offer.

After the final race, The Mechanics will perform into the early evening.