The historic racecourse at Buckfastleigh is where racing enthusiasts can round off their week after the buzz of Cheltenham this coming Sunday (March 18), when the Dart Vale and Haldon Harriers host their meeting, writes Donna Harris.

Seven races will be on offer, starting at 1pm, preceded by pony racing, which kicks of the action at noon.

Totnes and Bridgtown racing company sponsor the Men’s Open race in which the winner will qualify for the Timico Mixed Open final at Cheltenham in May.

This could see the Keith Cumings-trained Whenharrymetsally follow up on her recent neck second at Great Trethew last month.

The mare has wins in double figures and is sure to be the likely favourite.

The ladies’ race looks equally competitive, and is a qualifying race for the Skinners Pet Foods HC finals to be held at Stratford-upon-Avon in June, and also the Timico Mixed Open Finals to be held at Cheltenham in May.

Master Baker could run well for jockey Jo Supple and has a previous win at this track.

Connollys Red Mills sponsor the Intermediate race, which has also drawn some good entries with It Has To Be and V Neck likely to be high among the betting.

In the Kath Bond memorial-sponsored Members race, Syracuse’s Dream could go well for local trainer Deborah Treneer and son Barnaby to ride and follow up on their recent Great Trethew win. Another to consider in the Members race is Beuvron for the Sam Holdsworth team, who could follow up on his second here at the previous meeting for young jockey Hannah Welsh.

Ashburton Motor Works sponsor the Restricted Race in which Blazing Bouncer is another to have finished runner-up at this course and could oblige for breeder/owner Rita Heard.

The Open Maiden Race is sponsored by Winston Pincombe of Chumleigh and has already been divided with 12 in each division.

Those with place form in the first division are St Erney and Gask Ridge, whilst the second division could go the way of Dragon de La Tour or Gorcombe Rascal.

The location of the course offers a backdrop view of Dartmoor and is an ideal location for all the family to spend a spring day in the fresh air.

On-course facilities are large catering tent offering hot food and refreshments, real ale bar, bookies and a host of trade stands.

Entrance to the course is £10 per person with children under 16 free. Dogs on leads welcome.

The track is located off the A38 at Lower Dean (TQ11 OLT). Check out the pointingdc.com website or Facebook page for up-to-date information.