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.

Goodwick United 7-0 Carew

Goodwick United put on a commanding performance with a 7-0 triumph over Carew. The home side proved too powerful for their opponents, with Rhys Dalling and Rhys Jones each bagging two goals. Matty Delaney, Will Haworth, and Daniel Bryce also got their names on the scoresheet. As one of Pembrokeshire’s top teams, Goodwick will aim to build on this dominant win as they progress to the next round.

Hakin United 13-0 Clydach Sports

Hakin United were in ruthless form as they dispatched Clydach Sports 13-0. Jack Britton led the charge with an impressive five-goal haul, while Liam Parks netted a hat-trick. Jack Griffiths, Jay Kilby, Kieran King, Justin Harding, and Mason Dolling all contributed to the comprehensive scoreline. Hakin, one of the premier teams in Pembrokeshire, will be keen to continue their pursuit of the cup after this emphatic victory.

Merlins Bridge 7-3 Treboeth United

Merlins Bridge secured a thrilling 7-3 victory over Treboeth United in an exciting encounter. Nathan Evans was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick, while Tom Jago, Jason Griffiths, Hayden Dimond, and Ashton Plunkett all found the back of the net. Treboeth’s Liam Manning, Cori Jones, and Matthew Colley fought valiantly but could not prevent the home side from taking the win. Merlins Bridge will be pleased with their attacking display and will look to build on this result.

Monkton Swifts 5-4 Clarbeston Road

In a dramatic local derby, Monkton Swifts edged out Clarbeston Road 5-4 in a high-scoring affair. Dylan Davies was the standout performer with four goals, and Liam Butland added another. Clarbeston Road fought hard with goals from Laurie Haworth, Matthew Davies, Greg Brown, and Ben John, but it was the Swifts who held on to secure the victory. Monkton will be happy to progress after such a closely contested match.

Neyland 1-2 Cwm Wanderers

Neyland were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Cwm Wanderers in a closely contested match. Ben Gale scored for Neyland, but goals from Joseff Shaw and Corey Raven-Sayce gave the visitors the edge. Despite a valiant effort from Neyland, Cwm Wanderers held firm to secure the win and advance to the next round.

Plough Colts 0-2 Pennar Robins

Pennar Robins comfortably saw off Plough Colts 2-0, with Kieran Smith and Jamie Wilkes scoring the goals. Pennar demonstrated their class and will look to carry this momentum forward into the next round.

Tenby 2-0 Blaen-y-Maes

Tenby continued their fine form with a 2-0 victory over Blaen-y-Maes. Sam Butler and Scott Ferney were on target for Tenby, who have been one of the most impressive sides this season. This win further cements Tenby’s status as one of the top contenders in the competition.

Analysis:

Pembrokeshire’s leading teams, Goodwick United and Hakin United, demonstrated their superiority with commanding wins, while Tenby showed their credentials with a solid 2-0 victory. With such dominant performances, Goodwick and Hakin are likely to be among the favourites to claim the title, with Tenby also emerging as a serious contender in this year’s West Wales Intermediate Cup.