Notwithstanding the trials and tribulations of Great Leighs, now Chelmsford City, in Essex, Ffos Las Racecourse has the distinction of being the first new racecourse in Britain for 80 years. It stands on the site of what was formerly the largest open cast coal mine in Europe, five miles from Llanelli in Carmarthenshire, Wales. Ffos Las opened its doors in 2009 and, today, hosts 27 Flat and National Hunt Fixtures throughout the year.
Course Characteristics
The round course at Ffos Las consists of a flat, galloping oval, approximately a mile and a half around. The course is characterised by easy, wide bends that suit long-striding galloping types. However, the downhill finish favours horses that like to lead, or race prominently, especially on fast ground. The sprint course, which joins the round course at the top of the home straight is very wide, with gentle undulations throughout. On the National Hunt course there are nine average fences, or six flights of hurdles, per circuit.
Track Facts
The first ever winner at Ffos Las was Plunkett, trained by Evan Williams and ridden by Donal Fahy, on June 18, 2009.
One of the most valuable races on the Ffos Las calendar is the resurrected Welsh Champion Hurdle, formerly run at Chepstow. The 2013 winner, Medinas, followed up, at 33/1, in the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival the following month.