Welsh & UK Harness Racing History
Harness racing in Wales has been going on since the late nineteenth century. At that time the horses concerned were Welsh Cobs which competed in trotting matches along the roads. Towards the end of the century the races were transferred to grass tracks erected for the day.
During the twentieth century the popularity of "trotting" ebbed and flowed with standardbred horses, imported mainly from America, replacing the native welsh stock. The horses which had earlier been ridden, changed to being driven in purpose-built sulkies in the mid twentieth century. The sport of harness racing has always been very popular in the rural areas of mid Wales and still commands much interest.
The oldest race meeting still run is Llangadog in Carmarthenshire which has been held on Easter Monday since 1884. It has had a few different venues and since 1999 the meeting is held on the hard track just over the mountain from Llangadog at Tairgwaith in the Amman Valley.
Despite being centuries old this most entertaining sport is still run on amateur lines today, with the emphasis being on fun and enjoyment for all participants alike. Harness racing has long been a very popular rural pursuit it remains a big leisure time activity that attracts fans from all walks of life and professions.