Horse racing faces ban in Wales as concerns rise over one of country's oldest traditions

Horse racing is at risk of being banned in Wales as concerns rise over one of the country's oldest traditions being taken away.

The sport, which dates back to the 16th century, attracts millions of fans across Wales each year.

The First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth, refused to rule out banning the sport during his fifth First Minister's Questions.

Reform MS Cai Parry-Jones asked the First Minister to make clear whether the Welsh Government would not follow calls to ban horse racing in Wales.

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Parry-Jones noted that Plaid Cymru supported the ban on greyhound racing in Wales, which "will be fully banned in Wales as early as next April".

He asked ap Iorwerth: "Will you confirm to the Senedd today that you will not be moving to ban horse racing with jumps here in Wales?"

In his reply, ap Iorwerth did not directly address the question, instead reminding him that the vote on greyhound racing "was a free vote, and I believe it was for most parties in the last Senedd".

The exchange comes just months after Plaid Cymru's Westminster leader, Liz Saville Roberts MP, called for jump racing to be banned in Wales.

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Speaking afterwards, Parry-Jones said: "The First Minister had a simple opportunity today to stand up for horse racing and the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend upon it. Instead, he refused to rule out a ban.

"Horse racing contributes millions of pounds to the Welsh economy, supports jobs in rural communities, and is an important part of our national sporting and cultural heritage.

"Reform believes decisions affecting rural Wales should be based on evidence, not ideology.

"The First Minister should now make his position clear and rule out banning horse racing in Wales."

Horse racing is a significant contributor to the British sporting economy, with the British Horseracing Authority saying in 2023 that "the racing industry has direct revenues in excess of £1.47billion and makes a total annual contribution to the UK economy (including induced effects) of £4.1bn".

There were 1,468 races across the UK in 2024, with over 2.3m people attending.

Despite the crowds that the big racedays bring, several racecourses are at risk of potential bans.

This could see the closure of Chepstow Racecourse, which hosts over 30 fixtures a year.

Ffos Las Racecourse is also at risk, having been rebuilt in 2009 and being the first new racecourse constructed in the UK in 80 years.

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse in Wales could be under threat, which hosts 14 jump fixtures a year.

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