Ffos Las gets green light to keep racing
RACING will continue at Ffos Las despite the fire-break lockdown which has been introduced in Wales.
The Welsh Government has confirmed that elite professional sport can continue during the lockdown, which will run from 6pm this Friday, October 23, to November 9.
It means that Wales can proceed with their autumn international programme, the Guinness PRO14 is allowed to continue and Swansea City matches can go ahead.
And fixtures planned for both Ffos Las and Chepstow will take place as arranged.
The Gwendraeth Valley track’s next meeting takes place on Sunday, November 8.
Phil Bell, executive director of Chepstow and Ffos Las, said: “Following the announcement from Welsh Government regarding the ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown from Friday, we have been seeking clarification with regard to upcoming fixtures at both Chepstow and Ffos Las.
“We can confirm that the race meetings scheduled for Chepstow on October 27 and November 9, and at Ffos Las on November 8 will go ahead on a strictly behind-closed-doors basis.
“Sadly, these new regulations will not allow us to admit any racehorse owners to these fixtures.
“Throughout the summer and into the start of this jumps season, we have been working very closely with Welsh Government officials to allow owners on site when their horses run and will continue to demonstrate how we can safely host owners in line with other racecourses.
“Our thanks, of course, continue to go to owners who have supported both racecourses in recent months and at upcoming fixtures.
“We very much hope to be able to welcome them back on site as soon as we possibly can.”
There may have been no spectators on Sunday when Ffos Las staged the Welsh Champion Hurdle, but it was still a successful day for the track.
Sceau Royal produced a top-class display to capture the big race, while there were also impressive performances from the likes of If The Cap Fits, Estelle Ma Belle and Seelotmorebusiness.