Sport

Horse racing’s role in Pembrokeshire community life

Published

2 months ago

February 6, 2026

In Pembrokeshire, horse racing has a knack for lingering, sometimes right beneath the surface of daily life. The last local racecourses closed years back, yet those echoes shape the rhythms and stories of the place even now. For almost two centuries, the region’s equestrian traditions have wound their way from Haverfordwest to the smallest of rural villages, influencing customs and gatherings alike.

These days, you’ll spot horse culture in a patchwork of ways: trainers with national profiles, local equestrian centres, small but lively sporting days, and the rural competition that draws folks from across West Wales. Pembrokeshire’s flags may not fly above grandstands now, but the region’s bond with racing is felt in more subtle forms, through jobs, through community, and through lasting pride in a broader Welsh racing tradition.

Horse racing’s role in Pembrokeshire community life

Go back to the 1800s and Pembrokeshire held a place of real weight in Welsh horse racing. Haverfordwest Racecourse opened in 1833, an initiative of local landowners keen to carve out not just new sport but also a stage for society events. People poured in to watch: hundreds, sometimes more, drawn as much by the spectacle and social whirl as the races themselves. Over time things shifted. Costs crept up, other types of recreation gained ground, and eventually the roar of race crowds faded.

By the middle of the 20th century, sites like Haverfordwest’s track had become fields for cricket, football, and the odd casual ride. The official race fixtures faded out, but the threads connecting those old gatherings to the idea of modern racing never quite snapped. Local interest in horse racing betting also links with the area’s longstanding equestrian heritage, as individuals continue to follow national and international racing developments.

Keeping the racing spirit alive: local trainers and new connections

There’s still an unmistakable racing heartbeat in Pembrokeshire, even without a big local track. Much of that comes from a handful of trainers who, over time, have steered hundreds of horses to strong finishes at key meets. One trainer, based locally for more than thirty years, has quietly racked up notable success stories and drawn attention to the county’s role in serious racing circles.

Training operations here aren’t just about preparing horses, they create hands-on opportunities for people who want to work with animals or pursue equestrian skills. Not far off, Carmarthenshire’s Ffos Las Racecourse, opened in 2009, gives locals an event to rally around and keeps the ties to top-level competition alive. Alongside this, riding centres, like Pembrokeshire’s only RDA-accredited stable, make sure access remains broad, supporting both sport and therapeutic work.

Life around the track: community and legacy

Even though official race meetings are rare now, the spirit of gathering lingers. Seasonal point-to-point events, as well as old-fashioned harness racing, continue to pop up, drawing friends and neighbours together for something more than just sport. These meetups often mark the agricultural year: a break, a celebration, or simply a reason to come together.

Pembrokeshire’s racing reputation, though reflected more through its trainers and volunteers nowadays, keeps its link to the wider Welsh racing scene. Meanwhile, businesses from livery to veterinary care, and even small-scale tourism, find their place in this network. Markers of the county’s racing story, former racecourse locations, trainers known beyond the county, and local traditions, give shape to how residents view Pembrokeshire’s place in the bigger picture.

Riding culture, from countryside to community

Horse riding remains threaded through Pembrokeshire’s countryside. Riding schools and equestrian centres offer everything from lessons to social rides, and there’s steady demand for such activities well outside of any competitive sphere. Many people take to the region’s bridleways simply for pleasure or wellbeing. With border counties hosting larger meets now and then, there’s still plenty of incentive to keep the tradition alive.

The effect spreads wider than it might seem, fueling local shops, specialized suppliers, and providing a low-key boost to tourism. Increasingly, new initiatives tie traditional skills to digital platforms, creating ways for people to stay connected to the sport no matter where they find themselves.

Navigating the modern world of horse racing

These days, involvement in racing means taking a thoughtful approach. Whether you’re watching, helping out, or simply keeping tabs on the latest results, participating can be meaningful if done with care. When engaging in any gaming or wagering, including, it is important to remain aware of the need for self-control and moderation. Support is available for those wishing to balance their interest.

Local clubs and community groups often champion messages about keeping activities healthy and sustainable. In the end, Pembrokeshire’s racing tradition adapts year by year, what matters is keeping traditions relevant, responsible, and genuinely rooted in local life.

Sport

Haverfordwest secure bonus-point win over title-chasing Tumble

Published

22 hours ago

March 22, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST produced one of their standout performances of the season to claim a 34–22 bonus-point victory away to title-chasing Tumble on Saturday (Mar 21).

The Blues showed composure and attacking intent throughout, running in five tries against one of the division’s strongest sides to underline their credentials in the closing stages of the campaign.

Tumble, who began the day among the league leaders, were expected to provide a stern test on home soil, but Haverfordwest rose to the challenge with a clinical display in both attack and defence.

Iori Curtis was named man of the match following an influential performance, crossing for a try and playing a key role in the visitors’ attacking phases.

The try scorers for Haverfordwest were Karl Busch and Jack Evans, while Curtis added his name to the scoresheet. Scott Candler led the way with a brace, helping to secure the all-important bonus point.

Adam Phillips was reliable from the tee, converting three of the tries and adding a penalty to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

The result marks a significant win for the Blues, not only for the points gained but for the manner in which it was achieved against high-quality opposition.

Club officials also praised the travelling supporters and player sponsors for their continued backing, which they say remains vital to the team’s success.

Sport

Cardigan edge thriller as Amman fight to the finish

Published

22 hours ago

March 22, 2026

Herald Sport

Division 3 West: Amman United 26 – Cardigan 33
AMMAN UNITED remain in the bottom two of Division 3 West despite a spirited and entertaining performance against Cardigan at a sun-drenched Cwmamman Park.

The hosts made a bright start and took the lead after ten minutes. From a well-worked lineout move and a series of tight phases, number eight Alun Lewis powered over for the opening try.

However, Cardigan responded almost immediately. A turnover during an Amman attack allowed the visitors to counter, with winger Alun Jenkins sprinting nearly fifty yards to score. Full back Llyr Jones added the conversion.

The visitors extended their advantage following a dominant scrum, with quick ball moved wide for wing Iwan John to cross.

Amman hit back in a lively, free-flowing contest. A quickly taken tap penalty from Lee Evans released centre Gareth Drewson, who crashed over for a try, with Iestyn Griffiths converting.

Captain Rhydian Jones impressed with several trademark breaks, but Amman were hampered by struggles at both the lineout and scrum. It was from a five-metre scrum that Cardigan secured their third try.

The visitors claimed a bonus point just before half-time when outside half Jac Davies crossed for their fourth, again following a strong scrum, to give Cardigan a 26-12 lead at the break.

Amman began the second half strongly and reduced the deficit when Drewson collected his second try from broken play. Griffiths again added the extras.

Both sides were reduced to fourteen players following a scuffle, with Cian Lewis and Aaron Tomkinson shown yellow cards.

Craig Ratcliffe and Keelan Griffiths worked tirelessly for Amman, while substitute Owain Armishaw made a positive impact off the bench after Shaun Watkins was forced off injured. For Cardigan, Owen Fletcher, Luke Rogers and captain Marcus Castle stood out.

Further pressure from the visitors paid off when flanker Connor Owen crossed to extend the lead to 33-19.

Amman continued to push and were unfortunate not to score when Dylan Lloyds chased an up-and-under and appeared to have grounded the ball, only for play to be brought back due to an earlier injury.

The home side’s persistence was eventually rewarded when Lloyds crossed in the corner. Griffiths produced an excellent touchline conversion to secure a bonus point for Amman.

In a dramatic finish, Amman came close to snatching a draw, but Lloyds was held up over the line as he went for the corner, and the final whistle brought the contest to an end.

Youth reach final

Amman Youth also enjoyed success, progressing to the Welsh Youth Cup final after a tense 20-20 draw against Bargoed Youth at Briton Ferry. The young side advanced on try count and will now look forward to a trip to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff in the coming weeks.

Business

Rosemarket Dawn Till Dusk golf club 18-hole plans lodged

Published

4 days ago

March 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to extend a long-established Pembrokeshire golf club, bringing it up to a full 18 holes, has been submitted to county planners.

In the application, Mr and Mrs Young, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, seek a change of use of land adjoining the Dawn Till Dusk Golf Club, Furze Hill Farm, Bastleford Road, Rosemarket, to form an extension to the existing golf course, along with landscaping and associated works.

A supporting statement through the agent says: “The application seeks full planning permission for the enlargement of the existing golf course to provide an additional six holes, to provide a total of 18 holes.

“The proposal would involve minor landscaping works to the fields and boundaries and the creation of a small number of ponds and bunkers. The extension would be located on land to the west of Furze Hill Farm and on the opposite side of the road to the existing golf course and clubhouse.

“An altered access to the land parcel is proposed as part of this application, which would provide an improved route for users crossing the public highway to avoid conflict with movements at the main entrance.

“The application site exceeds 1ha and therefore the proposal is considered major development necessitating a Pre-Application Consultation prior to formally submitting the planning application to the Local Planning Authority.”

It adds: “The existing golf course has operated in excess of 30 years and is popular with both visitors and locals. Club membership currently stands at approximately 350 and there is demand for enhancing the provisions of the course.

“The applicants’ sons have recently increased their involvement in the enterprise and in recent years wet winter months have necessitated the closure of the course, or parts of it, due to the ground becoming waterlogged, primarily due to the flat nature of the existing course.

“The extension would provide variation to the terrain, providing, dryer conditions, as well as the ability to alternate between the existing and proposed to maintain use, enhancing the viability of the enterprise.”

The application will be considered by Pembrokeshire County Council planners at a later date.