PEMBROKESHIRE’S annual Long Course Weekend triathlon event could see cyclists riding a radically different route from its south county base, taking them as far north as eight miles from Cardigan, bypassing contentious areas Wisemans Bridge and Saundersfoot.

Billed as ‘Europe’s largest multi-sport festival’, the event features swim, bike and run over a variety of distances, with the elite athletes completing all three disciplines at maximum distance to earn the coveted Long Course Weekend medal.

The Tenby-based multi-day triathlon events have been held in the summer since 2010 in the county, but concerns have been raised about loss of trade and inconvenience due to road closures associated with it, particularly the cycling events, the current longest 112-mile route taking in parts of the south of the county including Wisemans Bridge, Saundersfoot, Tenby and Pembroke.

Back in December, Pembrokeshire County Council’s full council heard that some south county communities were “at breaking point” from road closures.

Local members Cllr Chris Williams and Cllr Alec Cormack had asked in a notice of motion, at that meeting, the council withdraw support for the annual Long Course Weekend.

That support takes the form of ‘in-kind’ support such as road closures and car parking rather than a direct financial input.

In a supporting statement, the two councillors said: “Our community is at breaking point; residents and businesses in Saundersfoot, Amroth, Wisemans Bridge and Coppet Hall are effectively cut-off for the majority of a Saturday each June/July by the Long Course Weekend two-lap bike race. Many other areas of South Pembs are similarly affected, some on both Saturday and Sunday if they are also on the run course too.”

Since their notice of motion was publicised, an alternative arrangement was mooted by the Long Course organisers for one circular route on the eve of the council meeting.

It was agreed at that meeting the joint notice be put on hold pending a special meeting to consider the late proposals ahead of any decision by Cabinet; the extraordinary meeting of the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee now taking place on January 10.

A report for members asks them to consider the notice, along with responses from Long Course organisers Activity Wales, the proposed new route bypassing Saundersfoot, a bone of contention.

The proposed single loop would see cyclists on the 112-mile route leave Tenby for Pembroke, with a loop around Freshwater West before travelling to Neyland via Pembroke Dock, then on to Broad Haven, Newgale, Wolf’s Castle, Tufton, over the Preselis to Crosswell, Crymych, Llandissilio, Narberth, Templeton-Carew, before the final return to Tenby via Reberth.

The report highlights Activity Wales’ response: “After internal review and listening to some of the concerns we have proposed a new bike route.  We propose transitioning to an open-road format for the bike course in 2025 and introducing a new single-loop route.”

It says the open-road format “decreases the logistical challenges of full road closures, minimising disruption to non-event traffic,” and “also helps communities in areas where there are two days of closures,” and “by removing Wisemans Bridge and Saundersfoot from the route, we address concerns from residents and businesses in these areas, alleviating community tensions and logistical challenges”.

It also says the wider scope of the changes “highlights more of the county’s stunning landscapes, creating a unique experience for participants and boosting tourism appeal,” which it hopes will bring wider benefits to other parts of the county.

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. 

Herbrandston 0 – St Ishmaels 6

BRENNAN DEVONALD delivered a masterclass as St Ishmaels thrashed Herbrandston 6-0, with the skipper leading from the front and scoring a stunning hat-trick. The comprehensive victory propels St Ishmaels to eighth in the league table, while Herbrandston remain rooted to the bottom without a single point.

The visitors asserted their dominance from the outset. Devonald opened the scoring in the 9th minute, latching onto a pinpoint assist from Owen Lawrence. He doubled their lead just before halftime in the 40th minute, again set up by Lawrence, giving St Ishmaels a comfortable cushion at the break.

St Ishmaels maintained their momentum in the second half, adding four more goals to cap off a stellar team performance. Adam Kingsbeer’s clever play set up Ieuan Hawkins for the third, before Tom Williams capitalised on another opportunity to make it 4-0. Devonald sealed his hat-trick in the 85th minute with an expertly taken goal, and Joel Mills added the finishing touch in the dying moments, courtesy of an assist from Sol Goodall.

Team line-ups

Herbrandston: Adrian Rees, Oliver Robinson, Ethan Chalker, Scott Findlay, Dean John (Captain), Harley Barrett, Gedion Hockin, Leon Whatling, Scott Gillespie, Cian Davenport. Subs: Leo Duncan, Jacob James, Nico Cockrell.

St Ishmaels: Owen Thomas, Sol Goodall, Owen Lawrence, Finley Armstrong, Brennan Devonald (Captain), Adam Kingsbeer, Ieuan Hawkins, Joel Mills, Tom Williams, Daniel Coe, Nathan Thomas. Subs: Max Howells, Tyler Sheil.