It is estimated that there are over 400 breeds of horses in the world. While many are bred for racing and beauty, some are alive just for their hardiness and ability to work. In Wales, some of the toughest of these were named pit ponies and are a symbol of the industrial heritage of the country. In this article, we discuss the importance of the horse in Pembrokeshire and Welsh history.

The Pit Pony

From the 18th to the mid-20th century, the pit pony was a staple of Welsh mining. These horses, ponies or mules were used to work underground and have been recorded as being used as far back as 1750. This horse would generally work an eight-hour shift each day. They would haul coal in tubs, living on a diet of hay and any scraps the miners fed them. In some instances, they were even stabled underground.

This horse came from a range of breeds. Welsh horses were the most common, but Shetlands, Devons and Dartmoor breeds were also used. Even larger horses like Cleveland Bays were used in some instances.  

Way outside Pembrokeshire, but worth a visit nonetheless, is Sultan the Pit Pony. Resting in Caerphilly, from the ground it seems like a formation of small hillocks. Yet from far away, the Sultan takes shape and is a fantastic earthen sculpture to commemorate the pit ponies.

Ffos Las

Ffos Las racecourse is a fitting tribute to the country’s link between the horse and its industrial heritage. The track was the first National Hunt racecourse built in the United Kingdom for 80 years when it opened in 2009. Previously, it had been the site of an open-cast coal mine, that was left without a purpose once mining there had ceased.

Racing has now become bigger than ever, and Ffos Las is one of the few courses that is based in Wales. Recent developments in communications, such as the ability to watch races through streaming technology, have increased popularity and Ffos Las is thriving. Even the ability to participate in racehorse ownership has been made much easier, due to online syndicates. They allow racehorse ownership for attractive entry prices, providing all the information members need to follow their horses to Ffos Las and beyond. Thus, the industry is in a boom period and Ffos Las is one of many UK courses at the forefront of this.

The Horses That Built the Henge

To the northeast of Pembrokeshire in Eglwyswrw is Carn Goedog. For many, it may look like quite an unremarkable rocky outcrop in the Welsh wilderness. Yet modern methods of analysis have managed to trace it as the place where the materials for the famous Stonehenge were mined.  This is believed to have happened around 2500 BC. Weighing two to five tonnes each, it is unlikely these stones would have been moved without the help of Welsh horses.  

In the age of petrol and electric transportation, the horse may not play as important a part in the economic structure of the country as it once did. Yet it remains a strong image, a metaphor for Welsh work ethic and spirit. Wherever the Welsh work hard and maintain their identity, the horse will be there to guide them.  

As the year progresses, the horse racing calendar remains packed with significant events both in the UK and internationally. The sport has already delivered thrilling moments, and several prestigious races are still to come before the year ends. This article highlights the most important races remaining in 2024 and reflects on the key moments from events that have already taken place.

Highlights of 2024 So Far

The year so far has already seen some of the biggest names in the sport make their mark, making waves in the world of horse racing betting.

Notably, State Man claimed victory in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, a race that saw him rise to prominence after Constitution Hill ruled out to compete this year. This victory solidified State Man’s status as one of the leading hurdlers of the season.

The Grand National at Aintree followed in April, where I Am Maximus claimed victory in a race that once again proved to be a gruelling test for both horse and rider.

Royal Ascot, held in June, lived up to its reputation as one of the world’s premier racing festivals. Kyprios delivered a stunning performance in the Gold Cup, while Bedtime Story’s victory in the Chesham Stakes highlighted her potential as a rising star.

Upcoming Major UK Horse Racing Events

1)   St. Leger Festival (12-15 September 2024)

Held at Doncaster Racecourse, the St. Leger Festival is home to the St. Leger Stakes, the oldest of the five British Classics. This event is a key highlight of the Flat racing season and often serves as a platform for three-year-old colts and fillies to prove their stamina over a testing distance of one mile and six furlongs.

2)   QIPCO British Champions Day (19 October 2024)

This day is the grand finale of the British Flat racing season, taking place at Ascot. It features some of the season’s most prestigious races, including the Champion Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. The event brings together the best horses, jockeys, and trainers from across the globe, vying for significant prize money and glory.

3)   The November Meeting (15-17 November 2024)

As the National Hunt season gains momentum, Cheltenham’s November Meeting is a significant event in the jump racing calendar. Featuring races like the Paddy Power Gold Cup, this meeting is often seen as a precursor to the famous Cheltenham Festival in March.

4)   Betfair Tingle Creek Festival (6-7 December 2024)

Sandown Park will host this two-day festival, which is a highlight of the early winter National Hunt season. The Tingle Creek Chase is the main attraction, often featuring the top two-mile chasers in the country.

Key International Horse Racing Events

1)   Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (6 October 2024)

Held at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, “the Arc” is widely regarded as Europe’s most prestigious race. It attracts the best middle-distance horses from around the world, competing over 2400 metres. The event is not just a race, but a cultural celebration, with Parisian flair adding to the spectacle.

2)  Breeders’ Cup (1-2 November 2024)

Held at Del Mar Racetrack, the Breeders’ Cup is a top North American event with multiple Grade 1 races. Over two days, elite horses, jockeys, and trainers compete, with the Breeders’ Cup Classic often deciding the Horse of the Year. This event is a key highlight on the international racing calendar.

3)   Melbourne Cup (5 November 2024)

Known as “the race that stops a nation,” the Melbourne Cup is Australia’s most famous race. Held at Flemington Racecourse, this two-mile handicap is a unique blend of top-tier competition and Australian cultural tradition. The event draws enormous crowds and is watched by millions around the world.

4)   Hong Kong International Races (8 December 2024)

The Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin Racecourse is the climax of the global racing calendar. Featuring four Group 1 races, it attracts a stellar lineup of horses, jockeys, and trainers, making it one of the most important international race meetings of the year.

Conclusion

As we approach the final months of 2024, horse racing promises more thrilling moments. With historic classics and global spectacles ahead, intense competition and unforgettable performances are guaranteed. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the sport, these events offer a chance to witness history, ensuring the year’s racing calendar concludes spectacularly.

A FABULOUS opportunity is currently on offer for Pembrokeshire’s budding performers to take part in a professional pantomime, headlined by star of stage and screen, Michelle Heaton.

The Big Pembrokeshire Pantomime has delighted families for the last two years, bringing well known TV personalities into the county to front up the traditional family shows, as well as giving professional opportunities to local performers.

This year the team will once again take to the stage with Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, giving a welcome return to Drew Baker as the larger-than-life dame, as well a cast of around 30 children from across the county who will make up the show’s ensemble cast.

If your child would like the opportunity to perform on the professional stage, alongside singer, actor and TV presenter Michelle Heaton, who is probably best known as a member of pop group Liberty X, then you will need to register them at BigPembsPanto.com

Acting as both Director and Dame, Drew Baker said: “Do you want to be in a panto? Oh yes, you do!

“Then why not audition for a role in Snow White?

“We are looking for 30 young performers who can dance, sing and act to join our three teams of ten.”

All performers must be aged between seven and 18 and the auditions will be held on Saturday, September 7 from 10am.

Everyone who registers online will be allocated a specific time to audition at Vision Arts Studios, in Cartlett, Haverfordwest.

All audition details are on the BigPembsPanto website and applicants will need to bring along a printed passport photograph and must wear comfortable clothes and shoes for dancing and movement.

Rehearsals for the ensemble will take place on Saturdays in November. Each member of the ensemble will be required to attend both technical rehearsals and one dress rehearsal and commit to approximately ten performances between December 15 and December 31 (morning, afternoon and evening performances, Monday to Sunday).

Rehearsals will be in Haverfordwest, and the performances will take place at Boulevard Theatre, Milford Haven.

To find out more about the show, and to book tickets, which are now on sale head to
BigPembsPanto.Com