THE 2016 trotting season in Wales begins as it has for more than a century as the oldest harness racing committee in Britain, Llangadog, host their races at the all weather track of Tairgwaith raceway not far from Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.
In previous centuries racing took pride of place on Easter Monday however with the sport curtailing its season, this year the first fixture is on the Saturday prior to the Bank Holiday, April 30.
There are nine nursery horses, most never having been on a racecourse before but hoping to make a good start to their racing career. There will be plenty of competition especially in the higher grades with 11 of the top 12 money earners from 2015 all poised to begin their 2016 campaign, the only one absent is C U Choteau who sustained an injury in the closed season which may force her retirement.
The new season is always greeted with enthusiasm, for young and old alike, the trotting season signifies the start of summer.
The first meeting of the season is at Tairgwaith all weather track near Ammanford, this Saturday April 30 starting at 1.30pm.