This month marks a century of horse racing at Chepstow Racecourse, which opened in August 1926 after local dignitaries purchased 370 acres of Monmouthshire parkland. The venue nearly closed within months of opening and was transformed into an RAF base during World War Two, yet it has hosted royalty, Wellington bombers, and musicians like Tom Jones. Since its inaugural meeting, Chepstow has welcomed legendary moments including champion jockey Sir Gordon Richards' world record 12 consecutive wins and the fairytale triumph of Dream Alliance, whose 2009 Welsh Grand National victory inspired the Hollywood film 'Dream Horse'.

The Welsh Grand National, held since 1949, remains the highlight of the calendar and has produced winners who later succeeded at Aintree and Cheltenham. Former jockey Alan Johns praises the course, calling it "loved by jockeys" with "the nicest fences in Britain".