Exeter's racecourse on Haldon had been in business since the eighteenth century. It is still in business today. This Victorian report on a day at the races from The Exeter Flying Post (23rd August 1876) has no surprises except for the use of the discountenanced N word and, perhaps, the presence of Aunt Sally. The carriages, brakes and wagonettes lining the course must have been much jollier than cars in a car-park, You could take out the horses and climb up on your carriage and have your own private grandstand and there unpack your hamper and enjoy a picnic as Mr. Pickwick did on Mr. Wardle's barouche when he visited the grand review at Rochester.
" A very pleasant and interesting day's sport yesterday opened the race meeting on the well-known and picturesquely situated race course at the top of Haldon. The weather was fine and the heat of the sun tempered by clouds and a good breeze. The state of the course also promised a good day's sport and these circumstances combined drew together a very large number of visitors, not only from Exeter, but fom the adjoining and more distant parts of the county.
The couse was lined for a long distance with carriages, brakes, waggonetttes, and vehicles of all descriptions; the grand stand filled well, and there was a large attendance in the enclosure.....
The racing was very good, although the number of starters in no case exceeded five, and the arrangements wee carried out in a very satisfactory manner. Of course "Aunt Sally" and the nigger melodists were prominent figures and other familiar sights of the course were not missing."
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