Ieuan finds out his fate in bid for WRU council

THE prospect of crowds coming back to racecourses has been debated in the media after news that the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is talking about test events taking place.

Since racing resumed on June 1 at Newcastle, all fixtures have gone ahead behind closed doors with only jockeys, trainers, stable staff, medical staff, TV cameras, racing officials and racecourse management in attendance.

In England, owners have been allowed back on course since July 1 and it looks likely a limited number of owners will be authorised to attend meetings in Wales in the near future following the relaxation of Covid-19 guidelines by the Welsh Government.

There is a long way to go until the general public are given permission to go racing at all fixtures, but discussions are under way with a possible trial taking place later this month or in early August.

Ffos Las resumes racing in October with the Welsh Champion Hurdle meeting and the course management hope some public and hospitality areas could be open by then.

Looking ahead to 2021, the course is planning to recognise a famous Carmarthenshire jockey and his brothers who made headlines more than 100 years ago.

Jack Anthony, as he was known despite being named John, rode his first winner in 1906 and won the Grand National three times while still an amateur, on Glenside in 1911, Ally Sloper in 1915 and Troytown in 1920.

He turned professional in 1921. Twice champion Jockey, Jack retired from the saddle in 1928 and took out a licence to train. He sent out Easter Hero, the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, and Brown Tony in the Champion Hurdle.

Jack was the youngest of three brothers. Ivor Anthony trained the Grand National winner Royal Mail in 1937 and Owen Anthony trained Music Hall to win the big race in 1922.

The family came from the village of Llandyfeilog near Kidwelly, just a short distance from Ffos Las.

The track management are planning to remember this tremendous achievement and internal discussions are under way about how best this can be carried out.

Racing behind closed doors continues at Chepstow this Friday.