Thoroughbreds stepped out of the limelight at Exeter on Sunday (20 November) to make way for an alternative breed of racehorse.
The track’s annual Clydesdale race on Devon Day raised £3,000 for Devon Air Ambulance with last year’s winner, Midge, once again victorious.
This year the gelding was ridden by jockey Noel Fehily, who gave a salutary wave as he crossed the finish.
“It’s a great cause, a good bit of fun and it’s great for the people that brought their horses here – well done to them,” Noel said.
Professional jockeys Aiden Coleman, Daryl Jacob, Sean Bowen, Tom Bellamy and James Best also raced aboard Clydesdales Solo, Siryl Allan, Frankie Doodle and Tom Parker.
The Clydesdale horses are owned by Tim Ancrum and Aileen Ware of Adventure Clydesdales, a trekking centre based at Brimpts on Dartmoor.
“It’s a wonderful day and a fantastic opportunity to show off these wonderful animals who love their opportunity to demonstrate their agility and speed,” Tim said.
“They are fantastic animals to ride and make wonderful conveyances across the moor.”
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The racecourse’s general manager Dan Thompson thanked Mr Ancrum for his support.
“We’re so grateful to Tim and Aileen for bringing their horses, to the jockeys for riding them and to everyone who placed a bet, every penny of which was donated to the Devon Air Ambulance,” he said.
“Devon Day is growing every year and it’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all that is so good about our lovely county.”
