Sport

A history of horse racing in Wales

Published

1 year ago

December 30, 2024

Horse racing is deeply rooted in Welsh culture and the history of the sport can be traced back to the 18th century. As early as the 19th century, it had become a popular form of entertainment amongst Welsh residents and attracted people from all over the country.

Nowadays horse racing is a thrilling sport enjoyed by millions across the UK. With over 49,015 race meetings held between 2017 and 2021, it’s clear that the sport is more popular in the UK than ever before.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the history of horse racing in Wales and how it has evolved into what it is today.

The beginnings of horse racing in Wales

Horse racing in Wales began in the 18th century and was mainly enjoyed by royal members or those of a higher social status. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the sport became more widespread.

By 1833, horse race competitions were regularly organised throughout the country, predominantly in Cowbridge, Haverfordwest, Conwy, Aberystwyth, Brecon, and Wrexham. Cowbridge in particular attracted spectators from all over the country.

Over the next few decades, horse racing became increasingly popular. Not only did heavy betting on races become conventional, but the events also created large crowds and disorderly behaviour.

Eventually race days became problematic in some circles. As a result, in the late 19th century, religious leaders felt pressure to take action. This led to races at Wrexham being postponed for almost three decades.

Welsh racecourses

Midway through the 20th century, most of the country’s racecourses closed. This came after a decline in popularity and participation caused by the cost of keeping and breeding horses and the introduction of other leisure activities. Now, only a few racecourses remain in Wales – Chepstow, Bangor-on-Dee and Ffos Las.

Modern day horse racing

Whilst just three racecourses remain in Wales, horse racing attracts around 160,000 customers a year, and the popularity of the sport is increasing. One of the country’s racecourses, Bangor-on-Dee, saw a rise in attendance of almost 3,000 spectators between 2014 and 2023.

The dwindling popularity of betting

Betting has been prevalent in horse racing since its inception. Today, in Wales, off-course betting remains popular – particularly with punters who watch the action at Chepstow from home. After all, the introduction of online betting has made the process of making a bet easy and people are using sites like this GG horse racing betting page to find the right bookies and the best odds.

But, despite being a prominent form of betting, it has seen a decline in popularity in recent years. In 2009, the annual turnover of off-course betting in the UK was just over £5.7 million, but by 2023, this number had reduced to just over £3.3 million.

The future of horse racing in Wales

Wales has a rich history when it comes to horse racing. It’s clear that whilst the desire for betting on horse races has seen a decline, the sport itself is still as thrilling as ever for spectators and will most likely remain a popular form of entertainment for years to come.

Sport

Tony Pennock and Dan Hawkins nominated for April awards

Published

1 day ago

May 7, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY manager Tony Pennock and forward Dan Hawkins have been nominated for the JD Cymru Premier’s April awards following an impressive month for the Bluebirds.

Pennock has been shortlisted for Manager of the Month, while Hawkins is in contention for Player of the Month after helping County finish the regular season strongly and secure another place in the European play-offs.

The Bluebirds enjoyed a perfect end to the league campaign in April, winning all three of their matches, including two away from home.

The month began with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at JD Welsh Cup runners-up Flint Town United. Ben Ahmun’s penalty on the stroke of half-time proved enough to secure all three points in north Wales and keep Haverfordwest firmly on course for the play-offs.

Fifteen days later, County knew that a draw or victory against Llanelli Town at the Ogi Bridge Meadow would be enough to confirm their place. They did it in style, with Hawkins scoring the first senior hat-trick of his career in a 6-0 win in front of more than 800 spectators.

Having secured a European play-off place for the third time in four seasons, the Bluebirds then travelled to Jenner Park to face Barry Town United.

County fell behind after just three minutes, but battled back strongly. Greg Walters, assisted by Hawkins, levelled the tie 20 minutes from time before Haverfordwest went on to win 3-1 on penalties.

Supporters can vote for Pennock and Hawkins through the JD Cymru Premier’s official awards link.

Dan Hawkins was sponsored for the 2025-26 season by That Football Drawing.

News

Ysgol Bro Teifi celebrates national championship rugby success

Published

2 days ago

May 6, 2026

Herald Sport

UNDER-18 SIDE LIFTS WRU PLATE AFTER HARD-FOUGHT FINAL AT RODNEY PARADE

YSGOL BRO TEIFI’S under-18 rugby team are celebrating national success after winning the WRU Schools and Colleges Plate Final at Rodney Parade.

The Ceredigion side travelled to Newport to face Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth in a fast, physical and closely contested final.

Bro Teifi made a strong start, with tries from Elis Evans, Llew Thomas and Jack Brown giving them an early advantage. Dafydd Nichols-Evans added the extras from the kicking tee as the team went into half-time 19-14 ahead.

The second half proved even tighter, with Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth applying sustained pressure and forcing Bro Teifi to defend with discipline and determination.

A late try gave Bro Teifi breathing space before Nichols-Evans held his nerve in the closing stages, landing a crucial penalty to seal a 27-19 victory.

The school said the win reflected the hard work, commitment and talent of the players, as well as the support of staff, parents and fans throughout the season.

Headteacher Gareth Evans said: “This game is the culmination of a tough season for the boys as they beat much bigger schools on the way to the final.

“It also builds on the school’s reputation in sport, with numerous successes this year across a range of sports and age groups.

“I would like to thank all the school staff for their tireless work in ensuring these experiences for our pupils, and the parents for their support.”

Photo caption: Plate winners: Ysgol Bro Teifi’s under-18 rugby team celebrate their national success at Rodney Parade.

Sport

Joe Allen to leave Swansea coaching role after final game

Published

3 days ago

May 5, 2026

Herald Sport

NARBERTH’S Joe Allen left his role on Swansea City’s coaching staff after Saturday’s final game of the season against Charlton Athletic.

The Pembrokeshire-born former Wales midfielder, 36, returned to the Swans’ backroom team in November alongside fellow club favourite Leon Britton to support head coach Vitor Matos.

The move was always expected to be short-term, with Allen stepping in after Matos was initially unable to bring in some of his staff from previous club Maritimo due to work permit issues.

Allen, who came through Swansea’s academy, retired as a player last May after his second spell with the club.

He first made his name at Swansea, helping the club win promotion to the Premier League in 2011 before moving to Liverpool. He later spent six years with Stoke City before returning to the Swans in 2022.

Allen also won 77 caps for Wales and was a key figure in the national side’s most successful modern era, including the run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

His departure from Swansea’s coaching set-up will come alongside that of head of goalkeeping Martyn Margetson, who is also leaving this summer.

For Pembrokeshire football fans, Allen remains one of the county’s most successful sporting exports, having gone from Narberth to the Premier League, Anfield, and the Wales midfield.