Written by George Lewis, Chairman of Caersws Trotting Races:
"Caersws trotting races was formed many years ago, and was run annually. Following the foot and mouth crisis the event was cancelled and the committee called it a day. I was then asked to carry it forward with a new committee which I did under the new name Severn Trotting Races at Caersws.
Trotting is another name for the American version of Harness Racing, where you put straps called hobbles on the horses legs to prevent them from galloping, hense the name trotting. The event has been going in Caersws since 1978.
The event started because local horse owners were fed up of having to travel many miles to the nearest location to trot in competition. There are about 47 venues where trotting takes place under the WBCRA rules. A fixture card is arranged each year from Caersws to Pembroke and from Swansea to Kington. Local owners not wanting to travel too far away could come to Caersws.
After the ceasing of the event due to the foot and mouth, I was asked to be chairman and form a small committee which I did. Before this I attended most venues around the country between April and October which is the season for trotting. I liked to watch the races, and also have a bet with the 20 or so bookmakers who attended each event.
The highlight at Caersws was S4C filming the event in 2005 and showing it on prime time tv the same evening. Their policy is to choose the best venues, and alternate the venues each year. In the same meeting which was held last August, a local horse called Believe, owned by local business man Basil Crowther and driven and trained by Derek Pritchard won the premier event and picked up £1000. I say highlight because there are 22 races on the card, and the more professional horses try to scoop the £1000.
The event this year will take place on Saturday July 1st. We attract about 3000 race goers. It is also a social scene where many from the farming communities meet in the beer tent and enjoy their day at the races.
I endeavour to try and get as many sponsors on board and collect around £4600 each year.
In March 2007 a presentation was made at the Unicorn Hotel in Caersws to distribute £1000 to local charities from the annual trotting races run by the Severn Valley Trotting at Red House Farm Caersws recently, by kind permission of the Davies family.
This annual event has grown in stature over the last few years, & in the previous 3 years, out of 40 or so races held each year under the WBCRA rules, Caersws has twice been voted the best meeting, & runner up in the other.
The 2008 Severn Valley Trotting Races will be held on Saturday 12 July. The first race starts at 1.30pm."
Written by George Lewis, Chairman of Severn Trotting Races at Caersws.
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Lori W Powys
Looking forward to the races today. Can someone tell me at what age trotters tend to retire and whether there is any sort of formal way of placing them with new homes at the end of their career? If not, I may be able to help through an Internet forum called equine rescue and re-homing. A lot of ex-racers and french trotters have been successfully placed with long term, knowledgeable family homes. It is a non-profitmaking organisation and we'd love to hear from any interested owners / trainers. Thanks
Mon Jul 13 19:08:31 2009
George Lewis, Caersws.
Richard Smith, having just read your comment on this wonderful site, you can contact me for further information here.We would be only to pleased to accomodate you on July 12th, & could give you some form of discount for a large party.
Wed Jun 4 09:00:30 2008
Scott Lewis
Hi richard I have seen your inquiry about this year's racing. There is plenty of parking and if you want to know more information check the website listed to the right of this page.
Mon May 12 14:40:13 2008
Richard Smith,Wirral
I have an enquiry about this years meeting on 12/7.I am arranging an outing for about 20 adults.We will travel by coach(mid size)& bring a picnic.Are the parking facilities OK for a coach and do I need to make any special arrangements with you.Is there a contact phone number.I have been to meetings at Caersws before & thoroughly enjoy the day,I think the present venue is splendid.
Fri Apr 18 11:00:46 2008
Scott Lewis
My grandad is one of the organisers of Caersws trotting, & what he & his little committee do is wonderful. Brilliant days racing, 20 or so races, not like others who only have 7 or 8. If you want to see welsh trotting at its best, come to caersws this year on July 12th. Well done to all at the SVT, keep up the good work.
Thu Feb 14 17:34:21 2008
George Lewis
Can I announce that the Severn Valley Trotting races at Caersws will be held on Saturday July 12th, first race 1-30.Please be early to enjoy this memorable experience.
Mon Jan 28 11:50:50 2008
Nikki lewis
Brilliant days racing so late in the season,The Grade A winnings of £1000 couldn't have gone to a better trainer & driver, well done to Melanie Langford & Live The Dream. Next years meeting cannot come soon enough for me.Well done to all the small committee at SVT for organising this rescheduled meeting to such a high standard.
Sun Oct 14 11:34:36 2007
Judith Lane
It was good fun!
Fri Oct 5 11:05:03 2007
B C, Gladestry
Had a good day at Caersws on Saturday, grade a final was a the best race of the season.
Mon Oct 1 14:30:34 2007
PJ, Powys.
Yesterday was the first time I attended the trotting races at Caersws. I have to say that it was a great experience! Held in a huge flat field, easily accessible from a main road, the event was superbly organised. Refreshments were excellent and available at very reasonable prices. The racing was exciting, with some top-class animals competing for some decent prize-money, despite it being late in the season because of previous bad weather. Indeed, the weather was kind on the day, and, just in case anyone thinks that I have some sort of commercial interest here, I can tell you that the event actually cost me money: I picked the wrong horses when trying my luck against the on-course bookmakers! All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable day out in the country. Make a note to come along next year!
Sun Sep 30 11:58:47 2007
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