Comment - Hats Off, Ffos Las

Wales is proving to the sporting world that it is more than capable of staging world-class events, minus the mishaps so often seen elsewhere. When Wembley was being built, albeit five years late, the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff coped admirably with herds of football supporters ambushing the arena each May to witness the F.A Cup Final. Recently, the SWALEC Stadium played host to the first Ashes Test match of the 2009 series, which saw England hold out to gain an epic draw. Many were sceptical as to how the area of Glamorgan would handle the pressure of the event, but all went smoothly. On the 18th June, history was made as Ffos Las opening its gates for the first time to the racing public.

Ffos Las, situated in West Wales, has been supported and funded by businessman Dai Walters, a keen racing enthusiast. Even though it is a dual-purpose racetrack, staging both Flat and Jump racing, it is Britain's newest National Hunt course and the first to be built in 80 years. The racecourse itself was previously an open-cast coal mine but once that industry closed in the 1980s, the area slipped into the unknown. After the farce that was Great Leighs, which went into administration after losing its licence, this new track has been a breath of fresh air for the surrounding area and everyone involved with the racing.

The arena can hold 10,000 people and was built at a price of £20 million, a big gamble which, at present, looks likely to be successful. This new track will benefit the trainers that reside in Wales, many of whom are young and look set to go to the top of training ranks. The most established Welsh trainer is Peter Bowen, who has plundered many big races over the jumps and sets a good target for his fellow countrymen and women to aim at. However, handlers such as Evan Williams, Tim Vaughan and Alison Thorpe have made a big splash in the racing pool over the past years and look sure to keep improving as their stock of horses increases. Ffos Las is a further indication that Wales is and will continue to be an important cog in the British Horseracing Authority's wheel.

Ffos Las held its first Flat meeting only yesterday but it received glowing praise from jockeys, trainers, owners and racegoers alike. Even though heavy rainfall arrived overnight, the going was still described as good, indicating just how good the drainage is at the course. Many jockeys were surprised (in a good way) just how well the course handled the conditions and the trainers were just as pleased. Charlie Hills, assistant and son of legend Barry, shared his opinions, stating: "Dad came and walked around the track before it opened and he thought it was top class. It does look a beautiful racecourse and is a lovely, flat track." Further testimony to Ffos Las' quality was touched on by Hills' son, jockey Michael. He said: "I'm very impressed as the track rides beautifully and I would have no qualms about riding a very good horse here." It would be no shock if the track were to be gained a good Listed race, dare I say maybe a Group race, in the near future.

It looks set to be a massive hit for the racing industry, which has had its reputation tarnished in recent weeks by trainer suspensions, racetrack incidents and corruption. With the reviews sparkling and the action glittering, a toast should be raised to Walters for making the idea a reality and to Ffos Las itself for bringing horse racing something to smile about. The track's official opening ceremony is to be staged on 28th August, you can blink, you won't miss it.