Chepstow Racecourse centenary: Track celebrates its 100th anniversary

It came close to closing within months of first opening, was transformed into an RAF base during World War Two and has staged various music concerts, but this month marks a century of horse racing at Chepstow Racecourse.

The track was the brainchild of 10 local dignitaries who put their money together to purchase 370 undulating acres of picturesque Monmouthsire parkland.

Since opening its doors to about 20,000 spectators in August 1926 for its inaugural meeting, Chepstow has welcomed royalty, Wellington bombers and musicians including Tom Jones.

It has also hosted the richest race in Wales – the Welsh Grand National – for more than 70 years.

BBC Sport Wales recalls the major events at the south east Wales venue, where new milestones continue to be set.

Lords Tredegar, Glanely and Queenborough helped pay for the near-two-mile course on what was Piercefield Park.

Lord Harewood’s Conca D’Oro won that first race a century ago before the first jumps meeting held a year later.

Financial concerns almost saw the course fail to survive the first 10 years before steadily establishing itself one of only a handful of courses that hosts both flat and jumps action all year round.