Ffos Las Future safe

FFOS Las will stage 26 racing fixtures in 2012, it was announced today (THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER), allaying fears over the future of the racecourse.

During the summer the Carmarthenshire venue – Britain’s first new turf racecourse in 70 years – was fearful that its allocation by the British Horseracing Authority next year might fall to just 16. That prompted Chairman Dai Walters to express concerns over the financial viability of the track.

However, Ffos Las’s management today expressed satisfaction after negotiating 26 meetings, three fewer than in 2011. They are pleased too after increasing the number of Sunday fixtures to six.

The whole horse racing industry is cutting its cloth accordingly to suit the financially straitened times.

Tim Long, General Manager and Clerk of the Course, said: “It just wouldn’t have been viable for us to operate on just 16 guaranteed fixtures.

“We have those 16 meetings next year as well as nine self-funded fixtures – those for which there is no contribution from horse racing’s central funding – plus our Boxing Day fixture which we have until 2013 at least.

“We’re quite delighted with the spread of fixtures – there’s only one month (October) where there is just a single meeting, and we have seven during July and August. Getting the number of Sundays raised to half a dozen is excellent news because that’s when families can come out and enjoy an affordable day at the races.”

Racing professionals – racehorse owners, trainers and jockeys – and visitors alike enjoy Ffos Las because of its excellent racetrack and spectator facilities.

Next year’s highlights include William Hill Welsh Champion Hurdle day on the first Saturday in February when horses poised to run at March’s Cheltenham Festival will take part in the races.

“Ffos Las has been such a wonderful asset in its short life not only for the county and Wales but for the UK racing fraternity.Carmarthenshire council leader Meryl Gravell said it was fantastic news for the county.

“This decision will help cement Ffos Las well and truly in the great British horse racing traditions putting Carmarthenshire well and truly on the world horseracing racing stage.”

Further details are available online at ffoslasracecourse.com.