Chepstow Racecourse is celebrating 100 years of horse racing this month, marking a century since its inaugural meeting in August 1926. The Monmouthshire track, which welcomed around 20,000 spectators at its opening, has a rich history that includes serving as an RAF base during World War Two and hosting music concerts.
The course has been home to the Welsh Grand National for more than 70 years, a race considered a highlight of its calendar and traditionally held during the Christmas festive period. Notable moments at Chepstow include Sir Gordon Richards' world record of 12 consecutive wins in 1933 and Dream Alliance's Welsh Grand National victory in 2009, which inspired a Hollywood film.
Looking ahead, Chepstow plans to introduce a three-day jump racing festival. Organisers hope this event will offer an "intimate" alternative to the Cheltenham Festival. Racecourse executive director Luke Admans is celebrating the centenary with a dinner, paying tribute to the efforts involved in establishing and maintaining the venue.