Standout performances wow crowds at Exeter Racecourse charity raceday

Devon enjoyed a strong showing at Exeter Racecourse on Sunday, with two locally trained horses securing victories during the annual Devon Air Ambulance raceday.

Tenter Le Tout, a three-year-old filly trained at George Nympton by Chester Williams, delivered a convincing performance in the South West Rail Solutions EBF National Hunt Hurdle. 

Under jockey Harry Cobden, she took control approaching the final flight and finished two and a half lengths clear. Chester’s mother, Jane, saddled runner-up Mwabani, completing a family one-two.

Speaking after the race, Mr Williams said Exeter remains an important venue for his yard. “It was fantastic to win with Tenter Le Tout at Exeter,” he said. 

“It’s our local track and such a kind track for young horses, galloping and giving you plenty of time. Exeter was one of my favourite tracks to ride as a jockey, so it’s no surprise that two of my first four winners as a trainer have come there.”

“Tenter Le Tout was only having her second run and has really learned her job. It’s sweet to win any race, but the first win of a horse’s career is particularly satisfying — especially if your mother’s horse comes second.”

Devon’s second victory of the afternoon came from Square Du Roule, trained by Nigel Hawke near Tiverton, who took the Stag Environmental Polaris Dealer Devon, Somerset Handicap Hurdle. The gelding stayed on strongly to take the lead on the run-in and win by a length.

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Mr Cobden enjoyed a successful day overall, securing a treble on the seven-race card. Other highlights included a narrow success for Tashan in the Marley Comms Full Signal Sprint Four Years Old Handicap Hurdle. 

Trainer Emma Lavelle said the horse “needs to settle and jump a little better” but remains a promising prospect.

The feature Marley Comms Ceri Thomas Memorial Novices Limited Handicap Chase went to Blenkinsop, ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies. Owner Phil Humphrey-Cuff said the win was especially meaningful after the horse recovered from a 2023 injury. 

Twiston-Davies later completed his double aboard Good Friday Fairy in the Pencarrie Derby Handicap Chase.

Elsewhere on the card, Pottersville took the Tozers Community Spirit Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, while rising jockey Alice Stevens produced an eye-catching ride on the Tom Lacey-trained Luttreel Lad to win the Galloping For Good Handelsbanken Handicap Hurdle.

The raceday also raised funds for Devon Air Ambulance. Founder and life president Ann Ralli described the charity’s origins and ongoing importance. 

“My son was killed in an accident in 1986 and the surgeon said if we’d had an ambulance he would have been saved,” she said. “It took us four years to get it together. It’s been a very good day today and a wonderful fundraiser for the charity.”

Exeter Racecourse next hosts its Elf Raceday on Friday 5 December, supporting the Exeter Leukaemia Fund. 

Racegoers wearing festive attire, including at least an elf jacket and hat, will receive a free drink. The first race begins at 12.31pm, with free buses running from Exeter St David’s.