S4C viewers will be trotting off to Ceredigion on Friday, 28 August and Saturday, 29 August to follow the races at Rasus Tregaron, or the Tregaron Festival of Harness Racing at Dolyrychain fields near Pontrhydfendigaid.
Ifan Jones Evans, 30, will present the coverage on S4C. Ifan still lives in his native village of Pontrhydygroes near Tregaron and says the Tregaron Festival is an important event for Ceredigion and for the whole of Wales.
“I’ve been going to the races since I was a boy. I went every year and I still do. The races bring a lot of money to the area, especially to the restaurants and pubs. During the festival, Lampeter, Aberystwyth and Tregaron are always full of people and everything comes alive. It’s an annual highlight for us in Ceredigion.”
As Ifan casts his mind back over past harness racing festivals in Tregaron, his greatest highlight of all time actually comes from last year’s festival.
“Rhys Evans, who’s a local driver and trainer, won the main race last year. It was quite a feat because he beat off all the leading competitors, including the Irish drivers. It’s such a fantastic place to win – especially if you’re from the area. I’m hopeful for a Welsh win again this year; it would be great to have a Welsh winner.”
Wyn Gruffydd and Gwenan Thomas will provide the commentary on Friday; Megan Taff – who’s won The Welsh Classic Race twice – joins Wyn on Saturday. Former Grand National winner, jockey Hywel Davies will be getting the latest tips from the bookies and insights from the drivers, as well as hearing the views of harness racing fans.
S4C viewers can compete for a £500 prize in the Watch and Win competition. You can register on-line at s4c.cymru/rasus, or by phoning 0844 811 5530 (calls cost 5p a minute).
The Friday afternoon programme, which starts at 2.30 includes live coverage of the Strata Florida Cup heats, while the programme at 5.30 follows the action from the Standardbred Sales Co. Battle of The Big Guns, the Junior Welsh Dragon 2 year old series and the Strata Florida Cup Final. The Welsh Classic Heats and Final, and The Little Welsh Dragon for three year old horses are just some of the highlights on Saturday.
Over the two days there will be a chance for viewers to look back at the racing season so far, hear in-depth interviews and learn more background information about the horses and trainers.
There will be English commentary on the red button service or the audio selection option, with Raymond Jenkins and Darren Owen.
On both days, there will be a break between the two afternoon programmes on S4C, but coverage of the races will continue on the S4C website.
Rasus Tregaron
Friday 28 August 2.30 and 5.30, S4C
More coverage on Saturday 29 August 2.15 + 5.15, S4C
English commentary available via the red button or audio select option
Website: s4c.cymru
A Slam Media production for S4C