Chepstow Racecourse marked its centenary this week, celebrating a rich history as the heart of Welsh horse racing. Since its opening on August 6, 1926, with the inaugural race won by Conca D’Oro, Chepstow has hosted numerous unforgettable events, particularly in National Hunt racing, which began just a year later.

The track is renowned for the Welsh Grand National, held every Christmas, and has seen legendary performances, including Sir Gordon Richards riding 11 consecutive winners in a two-day meeting in 1933. The racecourse took over hosting the National from the now-defunct Ely Racecourse in 1949, with Dick Francis aboard the winner, Fighting Line.

Over the decades, notable horses like Bindaree, Corbiere, and Silver Birch have triumphed, achieving the prestigious Aintree and Chepstow double. Paul Nicholls, a 14-time champion trainer, reflected on the challenging nature of the Welsh National, recalling his first significant victory on Playschool in 1987.

Chepstow's legacy also reached the silver screen with the film Dream Horse, which chronicled the inspiring story of Dream Alliance, a racehorse that overcame adversity to win the Welsh National in 2009. Jan Vokes, who spearheaded the syndicate that raised Dream Alliance, described his journey as a true fairy tale.

As horse racing thrives in Wales, the future looks bright for Chepstow, a symbol of the sport's enduring appeal in the region.