The Lydstep racecourse has helped nurture some of Wales’ finest jockeys, and tomorrow history will be repeating itself when the horses line up for the 75th point-to-point.
Since the first race was held way back in 1948, many Lydstep riders have gone on to forge successful careers as professional jockeys. These include Amroth-born Lorcan Williams as well as Pembrokeshre’s Alan Johns, Richard Patrick and the Bowen brothers, James and Sean.
Thanks to the cooperation of farmers the land, which lies just outside Tenby, has been turned into a racecourse by a team of volunteers with fences built and the ground prepared to ensure the best possible conditions for the horses.
This year’s lineup will include horses owned by the current point-to-point chairman David Llewellyn, as well as his predecessor Haydn Mathias, who has held the chair for the past 15 years.
David’s horse will be ridden by his son Harry, ensuring the family tradition remains firmly in place. David was himself a successful point-to-point rider while his brother, Carl, is well known for winning the Grand National on two separate occasions.
Haydn is part of the ‘Just the Wan’ syndicate, along with other members of the point-to-point committee.
Other South Pembrokeshire owners who will be cheering their horses on include Richard Huxtable, Alan ‘Chick’ Brown, John Mathias, Malcolm Price and Trevor Nicholas.
Trevor must be one of the country’s oldest owners having recently celebrated his hundredth birthday. He and Malcolm own the Hitdroadjack, and Trevor hopes to be at Lydstep on Easter Monday to watch him run.
The six race card will start with the Members’ Race, where local horses do battle to win the coveted prize.
Horses from all over the country are eligible to run in all of the other races – The Ladies and Men’s Open races are for experienced horses while the two Maiden races (for horses which have never won a race) provide an opportunity for less experienced horses to win for the first time.
The Lydstep point-to-point also offers an opportunity for youngsters to experience the thrill of racing for perhaps the first time, thanks to the pony races which are scheduled to take pace during the afternoon.
Bookmakers will be in attendance, and there will be on-course catering and a licensed bar, however people are also welcome to bring their own picnics.
Weather permitting, there will be a bouncy castle to entertain the young while live music from The Flyrites will follow the races.
The course is easily found along the A4139 with SA70 7SG for the Sat Nav and What 3 Words: BRISTLES/ SHAKES/ASTERISK.
Admission is £12.50 per person (cash only) and free for children under 16. Early Bird e- tickets are also available for £11 on pointtopoint.co.uk or via the link from the Facebook page Cresselly Point to Point.
A further meeting is planned at Lydstep on Saturday, April 22.
Should you require further information please contact Jan Mathias on 07866310272.
