Sport

Pembrokeshire jockey competes at Welsh Grand National

Published

10 years ago

January 28, 2016

18- YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire Jockey Sean Bowen was amongst the runners at the re-arranged Welsh Grand National, aboard the Rebecca Curtis trained Bob Ford.

Ford went off a 14-1 shot and led for much of the race, ahead of eventual winner Mountainous, as the leaders went off at a blistering early pace. After being rescheduled from Boxing Day due to horrific weather conditions, it was no surprise that the ground was heavy, and the stamina-sapping ground took its toll on the runners as they began to emerge up the back straight. Favourites Upswing, Cogry and Emperor’s Choice were never in the frame, as Saroque began to emerge as a rival to Bowen’s Bob Ford at the end of the first circuit.

That Bob Ford should be at the head of the field was no surprise to many racing enthusiasts, as he has a strong fondness for front running, but as the final bend began to grow nearer, so too did Mountainous. Unfortunately Bowen capsized on Bob Ford on the run in and it was left to Mountainous to claim victory, and the 11-year-old had no hesitation in doing so. Although Bowen narrowly missed out at the last during this race, he has been tipped as the ‘next AP McCoy’ and has received high praise from the man he currently rides for, legendry trainer Paul Nicholls, who said last year: “I always thought Sean was a great talent, but he’s just improved enormously. He’s got a great knack of making horses run, he’s very strong and for a 17-year-old lad to go and ride round there like that is just awesome.”

Sean is the son of Pembrokeshire trainers Karen and Peter, and with the family so steeped in racing heritage it is no surprise that he is on the path to greatness. He won the coveted title of Leading Conditional Jockey of season 2014-2015 after a battle that went down to the final day of his first season as a professional. He is the youngest ever winner of this title following in the footsteps of the sport’s greatest names.

Sean won two ‘Lesters’ at the prestigious 2015 awards night, was voted Conditional Jockey of the Year by his fellow jockeys, and was winner of the Jump Ride of the Year in a public vote. This recognition followed a successful career in pony racing and pointing. Then, still an amateur, Sean won on his first ever ride under Rules, and followed up with a win on one of his father’s runners in his mother’s colours. Sean had previously won the Wilkinson Sword awarded each year to the leading UK novice rider in point to points.

Sport

Haverfordwest County Under-13 girls shine at final FAW festival

Published

2 days ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC Women and Girls have praised their under-13s after another strong showing at the third and final FAW Festival of the season.

The young Bluebirds travelled to Colliers Park in Wrexham on Saturday (Apr 4), where they once again impressed with their performances.

Club officials said the girls had performed fantastically well throughout the season, adding that everyone at Haverfordwest County was incredibly proud of their efforts.

The squad for the day was Libby O, Ela I, Ines M, Mila E, Scarlett C, Rachel B, Lydia H, Lilly M, Zara E, Leila P and Lillie EJ.

Well done girls.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls: Friendly League week 22 results

Published

2 days ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

RESULTS from week 22 of the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League have been confirmed, with Badgers recording a comprehensive 10-0 win over Lamphey and St Twynnells edging past Cosheston 6-4.

An earlier fixture also saw Cosheston claim a 10-0 victory over Reynalton.

Several matches were postponed during the week, including Kilgetty v Carew, Llanteg v St Twynnells and Hundleton v East Williamston.

St Johns had the bye.

Latest results:
Cosheston 4 St Twynnells 6
Badgers 10 Lamphey 0
Cosheston 10 Reynalton 0

League table after week 22:
East Williamston — Played 19, Won 13, Drawn 0, Lost 6, Shot difference 169, Points 126
St Johns — Played 20, Won 12, Drawn 1, Lost 7, Shot difference 132, Points 118
Reynalton — Played 20, Won 8, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Shot difference 24, Points 99
St Twynnells — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 2, Lost 7, Shot difference 9, Points 99
Carew — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 0, Lost 9, Shot difference -12, Points 98
Hundleton — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 1, Lost 8, Shot difference -7, Points 97
Llanteg — Played 18, Won 10, Drawn 0, Lost 8, Shot difference -16, Points 95
Badgers — Played 20, Won 7, Drawn 1, Lost 12, Shot difference -104, Points 89
Cosheston — Played 19, Won 7, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Shot difference -39, Points 88
Lamphey — Played 20, Won 9, Drawn 0, Lost 11, Shot difference -71, Points 80
Kilgetty — Played 19, Won 6, Drawn 1, Lost 12, Shot difference -85, Points 73

League officials have reminded clubs that all outstanding matches must be completed by midnight on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Sport

Amman United Youth suffer agonising semi-final defeat

Published

2 days ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

Cup final dream slips away as Newcastle Emlyn battle back to seal 20-19 win in windy Carmarthenshire Cup clash

AMMAN UNITED YOUTH saw their Carmarthenshire Cup final hopes ended in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday (Apr 4) as Newcastle Emlyn snatched a 20-19 victory in a dramatic semi-final.

Played in difficult, windy conditions, the contest was fiercely competitive throughout, with Amman left to rue a series of handling errors that allowed the visitors back into the game.

Newcastle Emlyn made the stronger start, taking an early 3-0 lead through a penalty and then missing a chance to add to their tally.

Amman responded well and took control of the first half. Captain Ceian Lewis crossed following a well-worked catch-and-drive to put his side 5-3 in front. Toby Slater then produced an excellent touchline conversion in tough conditions to extend the lead to 7-3.

Amman continued to build momentum when Harvey Duncan made a sharp break down the wing to score their second try. Slater was again on target with an impressive conversion in the wind, giving his side a 14-3 lead at the break.

But the game turned soon after the restart. A costly Amman mistake allowed Newcastle Emlyn back into the contest, with the visitors scoring in the corner before adding the conversion to close the gap to 14-10.

Amman appeared to have steadied themselves when Kelston Fairhurst powered over from another catch-and-drive, stretching the lead to 19-10.

However, Newcastle Emlyn refused to give in. Strong forward play brought them another try, and the conversion cut the deficit to just two points at 19-17 as the pressure mounted in the closing stages.

The decisive moment came in the final five minutes when another Amman handling error handed Emlyn a crucial opportunity. The visitors worked their way into range and slotted a late penalty to edge ahead 20-19.

Amman had one final chance to rescue the game and opted for a catch-and-drive from a late penalty, having already found success with that tactic earlier in the match. This time, though, Newcastle Emlyn held firm to deny them and secure their place in the final.

It was a bitter end for Amman United Youth, who had looked in control at half-time, but Newcastle Emlyn showed resilience and composure when it mattered most.