One of Britain’s most celebrated authors is remembered at Exeter Racecourse at its Super Sunday fixture (February 9th) with the first staging of the £40,000 Listed Agatha Christie Mares' Novices' Chase.

The winner of the extended two miles and a furlong contest will receive The Mousetrap Cup, which is named after the most famous play penned by “The Queen of Crime”, which holds the world record for the number of performances having been staged continuously (bar the COVID-19 pandemic) at London’s St Martin’s Theatre since October 6th 1952.

Explaining the innovation of this new contest, Exeter Racecourse’s General Manager Jack Parkinson said: “Exeter Racecourse previously staged a contest known as The Mousetrap Challenge Cup between 1966 and 1991, before it was transferred to Sandown Park for a time.

“The original perpetual trophy was recently rediscovered and has come into our possession so we thought what a fantastic opportunity to name a race in honour of Agatha Chrisie, who was born in Torquay and spent much of her life at the Greenway Estate in Devon. Agatha Christie herself awarded the trophy the first time it was contested in 1966.

“It is exciting to add a new contest to the Super Sunday programme at Exeter Racecourse, which now has two Listed races and offers over £200,000 in prize money.

“The quality of racing continues to go from strength to strength at Exeter and Super Sunday could well offer some clues for the Cheltenham Festival.

“Ireland’s champion trainer Willie Mullins enjoyed his first winner at the course on Super Sunday in 2024 with Fun Fun Fun and we look forward to hopefully welcoming runners from Ireland once again this year.”

The Mousetrap Cup Trophy

The seven-race programme on Super Sunday runs from 1.30om to 4.43pm.

Gates open at 11.30am with tickets available online at www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/exeter/events-tickets


ENDS