The Unique Relationship Between Dartmouth and Horse Racing

Dartmouth’s history is woven from the rhythms of the River Dart and the long traditions of seafaring life that grew up around it. This South Hams town has always drawn people not only because of its safe harbour and historic streets but also for its proximity to the rolling Devon countryside, where horses have played a part in rural life for centuries. While Dartmouth itself may not have an official racecourse, it does still have a strong relationship with equestrian sport and the wider horse racing culture of Devon. From local riding centres to the grandeur of nearby tracks at Haldon and Newton Abbot, it reminds us that the presence of horses has been felt far beyond the quay walls.

Racing Roots in South Devon

Horse racing has a long pedigree just inland from Dartmouth, with venues that have been part of Devon’s sporting calendar for well over a century. Exeter Racecourse, perched high on the Haldon Hills, has hosted organised meetings since at least the mid‑17th century, making it one of the older racecourses in Britain. Newton Abbot Racecourse, on the banks of the River Teign, came later in 1866 when local enthusiasts purchased land to create a proper venue for race meetings. Both courses have evolved over time but remain deeply rooted in the county’s sporting life, reflecting how horse racing became an attraction and social event for communities across South Devon.

Dartmouth’s Equestrian Traditions

Although the harbour and hills around Dartmouth might be more closely associated with sailing and walking today, horses and riding have long been part of life here and throughout Devon. The landscape of the South Hams and Dartmoor encourages equestrian pursuits, whether that is riding lessons, hacks along bridleways, or participating in pony club activities at local equestrian centres such as those near Slapton and in surrounding villages. Devon as a whole has a strong network of trails and riding opportunities, showing how horses remain part of active rural life across the county.

Newton Abbot and Exeter

For enthusiasts willing to travel from Dartmouth, the racecourses at Newton Abbot and Exeter offer very different but equally rich experiences of equestrian sport. Exeter’s racecourse, set atop the Haldon Hills, has been the stage for steeplechase racing for many years, its elevated location offering a striking and memorable backdrop. Newton Abbot, opened in the Victorian era, quickly became a hub for local sporting life, with its fixtures drawing steady crowds well into the twentieth century. Though both courses are a fair distance from Dartmouth, they continue to form part of South Devon’s broader equestrian scene, connecting the county’s towns and countryside through a tradition of horse racing that remains valued to this day.

Cultural Crossroads

Considering horse racing alongside Dartmouth’s well-known maritime events highlights how the character of Devon’s communities is shaped by both land and water. The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta, first recorded in 1822, has developed into a significant annual festival, drawing people together on the River Dart for rowing and sailing competitions that remain popular and continue to attract visitors from across the county and beyond. While one tradition centres on water, the other thrives on land, each bringing people together in celebration of shared local culture. Both forms of sport create opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with the landscape and with one another.

Legacy and Modern Connections

Today, horse racing and equestrian activity still matter to people in and around Dartmouth, even if the town’s own heritage is more closely associated with ships and sailors. Riding schools and livery centres keep the bond between people and horses alive across South Devon, offering lessons, pony trekking and ways to explore the countryside from the saddle. Meanwhile, race meetings at Exeter and Newton Abbot continue to attract interest from those who make the journey from Dartmouth and beyond to enjoy sport, socialising and shared tradition, while others follow the wider racing calendar from afar, keeping up with major festivals and related discussions such as Cheltenham free bets. These links between the town and the wider horse culture of Devon help to preserve a sense of continuity with the past.

Horse Racing in the Local Area

Just a short drive from Dartmouth, the landscape of horse racing in the local area brings together courses with very different characters but a shared place in Devon’s sporting life. Exeter Racecourse, often referred to as Haldon because of its commanding position atop the Haldon Hills, is among the oldest racecourses in England. Its long history of hosting racing events includes well-known fixtures such as the Haldon Gold Cup, a respected National Hunt competition that draws skilled horses aged four and older, alongside experienced trainers and riders who have long valued the course for its challenging terrain and scenic setting.. Newton Abbot Racecourse, by contrast, sits near the River Teign in a valley setting and has offered regular fixtures since its establishment in 1866, becoming particularly well‑known for summer jumps racing that draws competitors and visitors from across the South West.