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Health issues force Tasker out of Olympics

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TENBY’s Bruce Tasker has been forced to withdraw from the Olympic Winter Games in South Korea due to health reasons.

The 30-year-old, who has been a mainstay of the GB Bobsled squad since 2010, suffered a minor stroke a few days ago.

While Tasker is expected to make a full recovery and has targeted a return to top-level sport later in the year, the former Greenhill school pupil will not compete at next month’s Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Having been receiving scheduled treatment for groin and hip injuries at home in the UK while his team-mates were competing in Altenberg, Germany last week, Tasker was taken to Wexham Park Hospital last Thursday after experiencing dizziness and nausea.

Tasker was subsequently transferred to the Stroke Unit at High Wycombe Hospital on Saturday.

He returned home on Sunday and will have further medical assessments over the coming days.

“I’m gutted not to be able to conclude the four-year cycle by going to the Olympics but I’m very grateful that I’m still fit and healthy,” said Tasker, who was part of the GB 4-man team that is line for a potential retrospective bronze medal from the last Games in Sochi in 2014.

“I’m still sore but, otherwise, I feel fine. While I’m not training, I’m already resuming normal life and the dog hasn’t been missing out on her walks!

“I’ve been looked after incredibly well by everybody and I’d like to thank my partner Kat and her father (both trained doctors), in particular, for their support. The same goes to all the medical staff at Wexham and High Wycombe hospitals who looked after me – they were absolutely fantastic, as was Dr. George Bownes, (Chief Medical Officer for the British Bobsleigh & Skeleton Association) who has ensured I have received the best care and advice possible since my discharge from hospital.

“To me, this was a completely freak occurrence. I was unlucky to be in this situation, but I’m lucky to have come out of it unscathed.”

While medical advice will mean that Tasker won’t compete in Pyeongchang, he still hopes to continue his GB career next season.

GB Bobsleigh Performance Director, Chris Price said: “We are obviously bitterly disappointed for Bruce that he will not be able to fulfil his ambition of competing at his second Olympic Winter Games next month, especially given the dedication, commitment and excellence he has shown throughout the Olympic cycle, but his health is of paramount importance.

“The last few days have been worrying for all who know and care for Bruce but we are naturally delighted that he is on course to make a full recovery. We will now ensure Bruce and his family have all the necessary support in place to aid that process.”

Sport

Duggie Morris Cup quarter finals: Carew, Llangwm and Narberth through

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CAREW, Llangwm and Narberth have all won their respective Duggie Morris Cup quarter finals this week.

Tonight, (May 25) Saundersfoot host Neyland for the last spot in the semi-finals.

On Tuesday, Carew beat St Ishmaels by 32 runs. Carew won the toss and chose to bat first and they scored 147-8 in their 20 overs.

They lost Rhys Davies and Shaun Whitfield early on but scores of 31 (five fours) and 18 from Morgan Grieve got Carew going.

Gareth Lewis also made a score of 18 before a late unbeaten score of 20 from Iori Hicks saw Carew to their total, setting Tish 148 to win the game.

Lewis Rhead was again the pick of the bowlers as he finished with figures of 3-24 from his four overs.

Jonathan Pawlett and Robbie Thomas each picked up a wicket while Phil Llewellyn, Huw Scriven and Brennan Devonald each claimed a run out.

Tish lost Phil Llewellyn and Jonathan Pawlett early in their reply, both falling to Iori Hicks, but Brennan Devonald looked in fine form.

He smashed seven fours and three sixes in his score of 60 from 33 balls but when he fell to Rhys Davies, Tish’s innings began to falter.

Only two other batsmen made it into double figures as Mark White and Shaun Whitfield both claimed two wickets in as many balls.

Peter Bradshaw finished unbeaten on 17 but Tish finished their innings on 115 all out.

Llangwm were victorious in their quarter final on Wednesday (May 24) as they beat Division 2 side Llanrhian by seven wickets.

Llanrhian struggled to get going in their innings and finished their 20 overs on 90-8.

It took Llangwm just eight overs to knock off the required runs with Steven Mills top scoring on 31. Matthew Kiff added 22 before Luke Brock finished unbeaten on 19 to see his side over the line.

Tuesday’s other quarter final saw Narberth host Burton. Burton batted first and made a good score of 161-4 in their 20 overs.

Narberth also batted exceptionally to get the runs needed, winning the game in the 17th over.

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Peter Bowen’s Landofsmiles triumphs at Uttoxeter Racecourse

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PEMBROKESHIRE trainer Peter Bowen is basking in the glory of a resounding victory as Landofsmiles clinched the three-mile chase at Uttoxeter Racecourse, leaving competitors trailing by a commanding ten lengths.

Notably, this triumphant return to the winner’s circle comes after a staggering 486-day hiatus.

“What a brilliant winner!” exclaimed Peter, elated by yesterday’s achievement. “And it was under a great ride from Sean. Well done to all connections.”

This afternoon, Sean will embark on his maiden experience of Grand Steeple-Chase day, having formed a partnership with Noble Yeats this season following Sam Waley-Cohen’s retirement from the saddle.

“I’m very excited as the horse has the class to be fourth in the Gold Cup and then fourth in the National off very nearly top weight,” shared Bowen confidently.

“He’s very classy, and he should take to it. He won the National on his first try at the fences, and I think he’s quite an adaptable horse, so hopefully, he can run well.”

While Bowen is preparing for his inaugural ride in France, the jockey from Little Newcastle is undeterred by the unfamiliar terrain.

“I’ll get over there early, walk the course, and I’ve watched the race being run from the last few years to see how horses jump each fence. So I’ll definitely be doing my homework.”

The Bowen yard at Yet Y Rhug has undergone a remarkable transformation from its modest origins as a bungalow and a couple of fields to a first-class racing establishment.

Today, it boasts 70 boxes, including 20 housed in the recently-constructed American barn. The yard’s training facilities encompass a six-furlong straight uphill all-weather carpet gallop, a four-furlong round all-weather carpet gallop allowing horses to engage in continuous work over two miles, and a one-furlong-deep sand gallop.

Furthermore, the yard features two schooling arenas, both equipped with all-weather carpet surfaces, one accommodating hurdles and fences for training purposes.

Top trainer: Peter Bowen (Image: File)

Situated just a stone’s throw away from Little Newcastle, where Peter was raised and initially tasted success training point-to-pointers, the yard serves as a testament to his unwavering work ethic, dedication, and hands-on approach to his beloved profession.

Peter knows each horse entrusted to his care by name, recognizing their preferences, aversions, and even their peculiar idiosyncrasies.

Since ascending to the top echelons of horse racing training in 1995, Peter’s horses have become familiar faces in winner’s enclosures across the country’s renowned racecourses, most of which require a lengthy journey from Pembrokeshire.

Those fortunate enough to be close to Peter can attest to his indomitable spirit, tireless commitment, and personal involvement in the sport he holds dear. He cherishes an intimate knowledge of every horse under his tutelage, ensuring a bond that extends beyond the racetrack.

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Thousands of cyclists embark on Carten100 Charity Ride from Cardiff Pembrokeshire

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TODAY, May 20, Pembrokeshire braces itself as over 2,000 cyclists gear up to embark on the much-anticipated Carten100 charity ride, spanning from Cardiff to Tenby.

Originating in 2004 as a venture between four friends, the Carten100 event has evolved into a beloved annual tradition, drawing participants of all skill levels. Emphasizing camaraderie over competition, the event’s motto declares it “not a race, but a challenge.”

As the start of the ride looms, a significant number of cyclists from Pembrokeshire have already made their way to Cardiff on Friday, May 19, in anticipation of the event’s early morning commencement.

This year, the primary charity supported by Carten100 is the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity, an organization dedicated to providing essential medical care for children. Generous donations will also be extended to Multiple Sclerosis Society Cymru, Kids Cancer Charity, and Pembrokeshire Care, Share, and Give, underscoring the event’s broader impact on various causes.

The cyclists will traverse a carefully mapped-out route, beginning on the A48, with a designated rest stop at Baglan. Continuing their journey on the A484, riders will find further respite at a feed station in Burry Port. Finally, they will make their way into Pembrokeshire on the B4314, where an additional opportunity awaits at the Alpha Inn feed station in Tavernspite for a well-deserved refreshment break.

Anticipation mounts as the cyclists are expected to arrive in the charming coastal town of Tenby from mid-afternoon. Spectators eagerly await their arrival in Tudor Square, ready to extend a warm welcome before the riders make their way to the picturesque harbor for a chance to recharge and reflect on their accomplishment.

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of both participants and onlookers, High Street and Tudor Square will be closed to vehicles from 1 pm to 8 pm, allowing the festivities to unfold without hindrance.

The Carten100 charity ride not only tests the endurance and determination of cyclists but also serves as a testament to the power of community support and goodwill.

By rallying together and championing worthy causes, participants and organizers alike demonstrate their commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

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