A History of the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow

Welsh Grand National is one of the most popular UK horse racing events. The betting race builds up towards Christmas. Bookies provide enhanced terms for the tournament.

The Welsh Grand National was first held at Ely Racecourse in 1895. It was moved to Caerleon Race Course in 1948. The competition moved from Caersleon to Chepstow in 1949. In 1969 the timing was adjusted to February to make room for better horses. A decade later it was changed to Christmas time.

The Welsh Grand National is held in a rural area just above the town of Chepstow. The race spans a marathon of three and three-quarter miles. Top horses have won the competition before. A trainer, Martin Pipe, was dominant in the late 80s and early 90s.

The inaugural Welsh Grand National was won by Richard Stanley 'Dick' Francis. He rode on a horse trained by Ken Cundell, Fighting Line. Francis won 350 more races at the event and clinched the National Hunt Jockeys’ Championship in 1953/54. His mount collapsed unexpectedly in the 1956 renewal. ESB won the race.

The Welsh Grand National has hosted some winners of the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Native River won the race in 2016. Burrough Hill Lad won in 1983. Synchronized won it in 2010. Bonanza Boy won two consecutive seasons in 1988 and 1989. Carvill’s Hill won at 11st 12lbs.