The history of horse racing in Wales
Horse racing is not a new sport. First introduced in the Olympic Games in the form of mounted and chariot races, horse racing has been a public entertainment staple since at least 700 BCE. While the rules and guidelines have changed a bit over the centuries, the current sport bears a striking resemblance to its ancient ancestor from so long ago. Horse racing has now established a strong presence around the world. Wales is home to a long and enduring tradition of horse racing, with millions of fans both domestically and abroad. This article will take a closer look at the history of horse racing in Wales and how it has evolved over the decades.
Regal roots
Horse racing in Wales began as entertainment for nobility and other wealthy individuals in the 1800s. It was the aristocracy that had the means to acquire and breed the best horses for the sport, after all, and it was for the entertainment of the ‘gentry’ that the sport initially took hold. The upper class not only financed horse racing but also formed committees dedicated to regulating it. Race committees typically included decorated and powerful military men, masters of foxhounds, and members of both the aristocracy and gentry.
It is key to note here that horse racing was beloved as a sport at this point in time. Committee members often received no benefit from their association with the committee whatsoever but rather dedicated their time to the love of the sport. Over the years, the target demographic for horse racing began to expand until it was no longer relegated to the leisure time of wealthy people.
A working man’s sport
By the early 1900s, the middle class and working class had become avid consumers of horse racing. As the years went by, the number of spectators and diversity of fans increased significantly too. While horse racing was quickly evolving into a working man’s sport rather than a wealthy man’s game of fancy, the latter remained primarily responsible for funding events. As wages increased in the latter part of the 20th century, this began to shift somewhat, though the sport was still heavily backed by the upper class.
As the working class became more interested in horse racing, the sport grew in influence. In some regions, popular horse races became holiday periods. Even in regions where the events did not officially net workers a day off, it wasn’t uncommon for many businesses to see higher-than-average absenteeism. This situation highlights the way many viewed horse racing during this time. Races weren’t just ‘another sporting event’. Rather, they were considered special occasions and people often used them as opportunities to reunite with friends and family who might be in town to watch them.
At the very end of the century, horse racing was increasingly televised and began to be seen as somewhat less of a ‘special’ event, however, it is still one of the most-watched sports in Wales.
An established favourite
Today, horsing racing remains a popular pastime in Wales. The Welsh government encouraged horse racing, sports clubs, racecourses, and related national organizations and sports to ensure they thrived even through the COVID-19 pandemic. Those efforts were largely successful and the Welsh Grand National, in particular, remains a landmark event. Other live horse racing events are also available at multiple venues, including:
- Chepstow Racecourse in Monmouthshire.
- Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse in Wrexham.
- Ffos Las Racecourse in Kidwelly.
Horse racing fans will be pleased to learn that in addition to the above, Wales boasts more than 25 venues approved by the Wales and Border Counties Racing Association (WBCA). For fans, it is worth doing some research into each as some of them offer discounts.
Ultimately, horse racing is something of a tradition in Wales. From the aristocracy to the working class, the sport has captured the hearts of fans through the years. For those interested in learning more about the horse racing events going on in Wales, this article will point them in the right direction. Fans can use the information collected above to guide their search, and they will find the perfect race to watch in no time.