Newcomers and novices hot to trot as races return
THE long-awaited Welsh trotting season is just about to start, with the first fixture happening tomorrow at the allweather track at Tairgwaith near Gwaun-cae-gurwen.
The excellent facilities at Tairgwaith allow the experienced horses to really show their speed, while younger trotters have the perfect conditions to help them build their racing careers.
The afternoon will start with the Nursery, which, as the name suggests, is where the young horses begin their careers.
This is always a popular race with the public, with everyone hoping to spot the future stars of the sport.
The first race for the punters is the Novice, where there will be interest in the progressive horses from last year – as well as some new additions. These are the horses which will soon be ready for Open racing. They are the champions in waiting.
The Open horses are divided into Grade B and Grade A, with the B race the next on the card.
There are some well-fancied horses here – Alibis Dream, who enjoyed four wins last year, as did Half Penny, while Blythview JJ should not be ignored with three wins to his credit in 2021.
Kentucky Roam and Llwyns Mercy return after a couple of years on the sidelines, while Lakeview Meg is always a popular contestant.
The next race will be the Baby Novice – these horses are just making their way on to the racing stage. And there are several newcomers to present a challenge.
The final race of the day will be the Grade A. These are the stars, and they all have their particular fans.
Second Affair is the only mare against the boys, but she can be brilliant on her day.
Dernol Yankee, Lakeside Pan and Ontop Shouder Cuda are all top performers, but at this stage of the season the question will be: how fit will they be?
Maureen (Mo) Lloyd, press officer for
Wales and Borders Harness Racing, said: “On Saturday at 1.30pm, competitors at Tairgawith will line up for the start of a new season. There will be the usual anticipation and excitement, as racing welcomes old and new friends – human and equine.”
The 2022 fixture list includes: ■ Saturday, May 14 – WBHR – Track TBC ■ Saturday, May 21 – WBHR – Track TBC ■ Saturday, May 28 – Synod Inn, 1.30pm ■ Saturday, June 4 – Kington Vale of Arrow, 1.30pm ■ Sunday, June 12 – Talgarreg (provisional) ■ Saturday, June 18 – WBHR – Track TBC ■ Saturday, June 25 – Presteigne, 1.30pm ■ Saturday, July 9 – Ludlow, 1.30pm ■ Saturday, July 16 – Caersws, 1.30pm ■ Saturday, July 23 – WBHR Ivington, 1.30pm ■ Saturday, July 30 – Penybont, 1.30pm ■ Saturday, August 6 – Talsarn, 1.30pm ■ Thursday, August 18 – Haverfordwest Show ■ Saturday, August 20 – Newbridge on Wye @ Cilmery, 1.30pm ■ Saturday, August 27 – Llanddewi Brefi, 1.30pm ■ Monday, August 29 – Llandrindod Wells @ Penybont, 1.30pm ■ Saturday, September 3 – WBHR Presteigne, 1.30pm ■ Saturday, September 10 – Beulah Show, 4.30pm ■ Saturday, September 17 – WBHR – Almely, 1.30pm ■ Saturday, September 24 – Charity – Track TBC