With Exeter’s free bus service to and from the city centre worries about letting your hair down are firmly allayed at the racecourse which holds the first of two December meetings next Friday (December 3). On GGI Friday – that’s Goodness Gracious Its Friday - bargain hunters will also be making use of the special £10 per ticket offer for pre-booked grandstand and paddock tickets (call 0844 5793005 and quote GGIFRI)

It’s a cracking card with long term sponsors Axminster Carpers taking the name of the feature four mile steeple chase. The Harry Dutfield Memorial Novices’ Steeple Chase, run over two miles three and a half furlongs, has attracted some decent horses in the past including last year’s winner Take The Breeze and the multiple Grade 1 winning The Listener won the race in 2006.

Axminster Carpets and Exeter Racecourse have enjoyed a long and successful association.  A spokesman from the course said: “Axminster Carpets have been very loyal supporters here and we are particularly thrilled to have a race named after it owner Simon Dutfield’s father Harry. We are also delighted that all the racecourse buildings are carpeted with Axminster carpets.”

Also on the card is the valuable Ilfracombe Foodservice Hurdle Race. This limited handicap is sure to attract some of racing’s bright stars. Last year’s winner was the exciting prospect Royal Charm who looked straight out of the top draw when he won his chasing debut at the course earlier in the month. This is the third year Ilfracombe Foodservice, wholesale catering suppliers servicing Devon, North Cornwall and West Somerset, have sponsored at Exeter.

 Racing kicks off at 12.30 with the European Breeders Fund NH Novices Hurdle (Qualifier)  over 2m 1f; Also on the card is a Raceday Packages Make Great Christmas Gifts Conditional Jockeys Novices’ handicap Hurdle over 2m3f, the Children’s Hospice South West Novice’s Handicap Chase over 3m and  an EBF “Junior” Standard Open NH Flat Race.

Raceday packages are available, including a newcomers deal which includes a course tour and tipsters talk. See here for more information.