Welsh racing figures seek government influence to boost sport's popularity

Horseracing will have an even more prominent voice in the Welsh government after the formation of an all-party group for the sport, with Tim Vaughan and Alan Johns among those to attend a landmark first meeting at the Senedd Cymru.

Welsh racing leaders attended crucial meetings with Mark Drakeford's government throughout the Covid-19 pandemic alongside key figures in football and rugby, and the relationship between the Senedd and the sport has continued to grow since the crisis.

The establishment of an all-party group for racing is a notable success for the sport, featuring ten members of the Senedd. In the initial meeting in late June, discussions centred around the success of Welsh racing and how to develop a wider interest in the sport in the principality.

The ambition from project leader, and executive director at Chepstow and Ffos Las, Phil Bell is to create a similar marketing strategy to the widely successful Scottish racing campaign, tapping into the country’s proud sporting spirit to celebrate Welsh horses, trainers and jockeys and grow attendances.

Dawn Bowden, the minister for sport in Wales, was at Chepstow last Thursday to continue talks alongside representatives from Ffos Las and Bangor, while leading conditional Harry Davies was on hand to explain the new whip rules. A meeting has also been arranged for August with the head of marketing for Wales.

Dawn Bowden, Welsh sport minister, with leading apprentice Harry Davies

Vaughan argues Welsh racing is currently “punching above its weight”. Recent highlights include excellent seasons for jockeys Sean Bowen and David Probert, while in the training ranks Christian Williams, Sam Thomas, Evan Williams and Peter Bowen all scooped big prizes in the 2021-22 jumps season.

“It was really good to explain to them what affects us, what we do and how we can improve the sport," said Vaughan. "I’m super happy to be involved, if it’s good for Wales it’s good for me.

“I felt they were quite balanced with it all, we sat down and chatted it all through. It’s very much an open door to push, they were definitely receptive to a few ideas. We perhaps don’t promote ourselves as strongly as we can, we all want to give it a push. It’s great to be a part of it.”

One initiative will include the creation of a promotional website for Welsh racing, offering packages taking in stable visits and trips to racecourses. It is hoped this will launch later this year.

Meanwhile, racing’s participants will be formally celebrated at the Welsh Racing Awards at the Celtic Manor Hotel in Newport on November 3, when senior government officials will also be invited.

Members of the Senedd cross-party group for horseracing

Llyr Gruffydd ChairPlaid Cymru
Sam RowlandsConservative
Peter FoxConservative
Sam KurtzConservative
Alun DaviesLabour
Gareth DaviesConservative
Joel JamesConservative
Jack SargeantLabour
James EvansConservative
Mike HedgesLabour

Read these next:

'We've had it a lot worse' - tracks confident they can cope with record heatwave

'I've loved my time in racing but it's not for me any more' - jockey quits at 20

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.