One of the oldest of all sports, and its basic concept has undergone virtually no change over the years. Horse racing is loved by many and can be observed across varying corners of the UK. Horse racing meets aren’t just betting on the winning horse, but they are great social occasions celebrated by many across the country. With an abundance of beautiful countryside, Wales loves its country sports, especially horse racing. Wales has no hallmark racecourse, however they have still plenty of presence in UK horse racing. With successful jockeys and trainers to upcoming racecourses, Wales has an immense impact on British horse racing.
Welsh born Jack Anthony made into Grand National Legends in 2011 after winning Grand National Steeplechase in 19011, 1915 and 1920. These wins were never easy for him to achieve as minor inconveniences would pop up. Jack was strong and courageous jockey; he was without equal at Aintree. In 1911 at Aintree he would always take the most dangerous, but shortest way around the inside of the racecourse and quick decision making. This all payed off with his first national win, with last-minute chance ride. One-eyed horse, Glenside, helped Jack win the race, as Jack swore that it was the schooling over banks. He was champion jockey as an amateur in 1914, when he rode 60 winners, and as a professional he won the championship again with a record 78 winners in 1922. He had a true impact on British horse racing in terms of taking more risk and finishing even faster than ever.
Keeping racing in the family
Welshman Christian was born into a family where involvement with horses was a way of life. Christian’s riding career shot off, where, as a jockey, he rode more than 100 winners for champion trainers, Pauls Nicholls and Evan Williams. Along with wins he enjoyed big success, including finishing second on Royal Auclair in the 2005 Grand National. As most jockeys, Christian retired, after some unlucky and serious injuries, from the saddle and made his way on becoming a trainer. Dai Walters employed Christian and he spent five years as a trainer. This helped him launch Christian Williams Racing within a short time of being a trainer he trained 9 winners with the most successful horse Hedgeinator (3 wins) and Limited Reserve (2 wins). Williams adopts a hands-on approach with vast knowledge and experience he is training a horse for the Grand National 2021 hoping to win it.
Success breeds success
A welsh breeder, Llety Farms, bred their first Royal Ascot 2018 winner. Soldier’s Call is by Showcasing out of Dijarvo, a daughter of the late Coventry Stakes winner Iceman. Llaty Farms has bred numerous winners for over 60 years. They concentrate on thoroughbred breeding which helped them get many wins at large events in the UK. Llety itself is set in 250 acres at the heart of the Vale of Towy, a well know region in Wales and known as the Garden of Wales. The sheltered paddocks, quiet meadows, and rolling parkland create the perfect nursery for young thoroughbreds, while the mild climate and fertile soils give an extended growing season and grazing to rival any in the United Kingdom. These grounds and the mix of strong and fast pedigree breeds helped Soldier’s Call place a first place at Royal Ascot.
Wales has such an immense impact on British horse racing from breeding to upcoming venues. One of the most exciting impacts on British horse racing was crossing Welsh cob breed with thoroughbreds to produce jumpers and eventers. It also uses them for many equestrian competitive disciplines, including showing and jumping. Wales offers remarkable venues for horse racing. The one that stands out the most is the Chepstow Racecourse even though it’s not an upcoming venue its home to the annual Welsh Grand National.
Wales offers so much and really impacts on British horse racing from venues to Welshman jockeys and trainers. There have been jockeys who changed tactics of how other jockeys’ race in the future events such as taking tighter corners just to go a little bit faster. Welsh breeders strive for the best thoroughbreds. This means that many racing fans can expect new surprises in the Grand National 2021 as Potters Corner wins the virtual Grand National in 2020, who has been trained by a Welsh born jockey and now trainer Christian Williams.
With such a winning pedigree from various corners of British racing from horses to breeders to trainers there is never a moment to take Wales for granted and it would never be a surprise for Wales to bring some excitement to the future of British racing.