With rapturous applause from the crowd Midge’s jockey lived up to the occasion, giving a salutary wave as he crossed the winning line.
Fehily said:
“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.”
Raceday sponsor Bathwick Tyres have supported the race since its inception four years ago by becoming Clydesdale owners for the day and it was their famous red and gold colours that were worn by the winning partnership.
Wayne Clifford, owner of Bathwick Tyres, said:
“It is such a super initiative and all for a very good cause. It was great to see our colours come home in front. Well done to the jockeys for riding them and to Tim and Aileen Ware for providing such a magnificent spectacle.”
The gentle giants are owned by Tim Ancrum and Aileen Ware of Adventure Clydesdales, a trekking centre based at Brimpts on Dartmoor. Tim said:
“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. They are fantastic animals to ride and make wonderful conveyances across the moor.”
Over £3000 was raised in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance with bookies Jack Bevan and Dick Oliver taking bets and people donating money to the charity to become owners for the day.
The racecourse’s general manager Dan Thompson said:
“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. Devon Day is growing every year and it’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all that is so good about our lovely county.”
The next races at Exeter are on Friday, December 2 when pre-booked Grandstand and Paddock ticket are available for just £5 each for groups of ten or more. Visit www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk.
