#ffoslasracecourse — Public Fediverse posts

FFOS LAS: Racecourse boss returns to helm after open-heart surgery for Family Fun Day he says means more than ever

Kevin Hire, 62, underwent a six-hour operation at Morriston Hospital last October after a routine walk across the racecourse left him struggling to breathe. He has been recovering ever since — and this weekend’s event, which he has helped organise, is his first major raceday back at the helm.

The turning point came unexpectedly last spring. Walking around 150 yards across the course, Kevin found himself severely breathless, his chest tightening and his vision affected. Tests initially suggested a minor problem, but further investigation revealed severe aortic stenosis combined with the need for a double bypass.

“I was told my heart was working at 61% capacity and would drop to 40% within a year, then to 20%,” he said. “There was a serious risk of loss of life.”

For Kevin and his wife Nicola, the diagnosis was a shock that changed everything.

“That moment, getting back into the car and going home — we just didn’t know what was ahead,” he said.

Surgeons at Morriston replaced his aortic valve and completed the bypass in a single six-hour procedure. He was home within a week, but the recovery has been long and difficult. An 18-inch incision down his leg and a chest opened for surgery — what he describes as membership of the “zipper club” — left him with limited mobility and a healing process still ongoing.

“You go from being independent to needing help with everything,” he said.

It was his family who became his anchor. His daughters Mali and Nia were a constant presence — even presenting him with a Ted Lasso-inspired toy soldier as a good luck charm — while his wife Nicola took time off work to care for him full-time throughout his recovery.

“I can’t thank her enough,” he said. “She stayed with me constantly. We went into the unknown together, but we came out the other side.”

Kevin says the experience has reshaped not just his personal outlook but his view of what Ffos Las is for.

“It’s tough out there. The cost of living is going up and every penny counts. We want families to come here and have a fantastic day without worrying about the cost,” he said. “It hasn’t just changed how I look at my work. It’s changed how I look at everything.”

Sunday’s Family Fun Day at Ffos Las has been designed with affordability at its centre. Children go free with a paying adult, meaning a family of six can attend for the price of two adult tickets. A K-Pop Superstars live performance is among the headline attractions, alongside go-karting, face painting, funfair rides priced at £1, and live spring jump racing.

Families are encouraged to bring their own picnics. A wet weather guarantee means anyone caught in rain during the event will be invited back to a future fixture free of charge.

“To see the kids smiling and enjoying themselves — that’s what it’s all about,” Kevin said. “If families can come here, spend time together and make memories, then we’ve done our job.”

The event takes place on Sunday 12 April at Ffos Las Racecourse, near Trimsaran in Carmarthenshire. Gates open in the morning, with racing through the afternoon.

For Kevin Hire, after months of recovery supported every step of the way by those closest to him, this Sunday is more than a race day. It is a reminder of what matters most.

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Ffos Las hopes racing will beat the weather as extra fixture added after big freeze

Extra fixture added after freeze wiped out jumps racing

The Carmarthenshire track has stepped in to “ride to the rescue” of jumps fans after the big freeze wiped out fixtures across Britain earlier this week. Last Saturday’s card at Sandown was the final meeting to survive before snow and ice brought National Hunt racing to a standstill.

Today’s preview and tips are provided in partnership with Betway and Boyle Sports

While West Wales has seen snowfall, conditions have been less severe than elsewhere, allowing Ffos Las to schedule an additional fixture featuring two Class 3 contests — a three‑mile handicap chase and a two‑and‑a‑half‑mile novices’ handicap chase.

Trainers have responded enthusiastically, with 135 entries at the opening stage, including runners from leading yards such as Dan Skelton and Nicky Henderson, as well as Welsh trainers Evan Williams, Mickey Bowen, Sam Thomas and Tim Vaughan.

Course confident — but weather warnings loom

Ffos Las clerk of the course Tracey O’Meara told the Racing Post earlier this week that temperatures were expected to stay above freezing, adding that Thursday “looks to be dry”.

However, the Met Office has since issued several weather warnings for parts of Wales, raising questions over whether conditions will remain safe enough for racing. The course’s coastal location often protects it from the worst of the cold, but officials will continue monitoring conditions through the morning.

Seven‑race card set to begin at 12.40pm

If the meeting gets the green light, racing will begin with a two‑mile novices’ hurdle at 12.40pm. Starzand brings the strongest form after winning here on seasonal debut, though Blowers — a shock 300/1 winner last month — is expected to relish the soft ground.

The 1.10pm maiden hurdle looks competitive, with Giantsgrave, Off The Jury and Jury’s In all attracting interest, while Bobby’s Nelson steps up in trip.

The 1.40pm novices’ handicap chase features just four runners, with Juby Ball heading the form after a Carlisle win. Nicky Henderson’s Alentejo makes his UK debut following wind surgery, while Largy Belter is expected to improve over the longer trip.

Hot Goddess makes her handicap debut in the 2.10pm hurdle, while Fresh Speculation and Our Dylan both arrive after recent wins. There Runs Mary steps up in trip.

The feature three‑mile handicap chase at 2.40pm sees Itseemslikeit return after a seven‑length win last time out, while Hurricane Highway — ridden by Sean Bowen — is considered well‑treated on softer ground.

Lady Henrietta, Nedzor and Leech are among the leading contenders in the 3.10pm handicap hurdle, before the card concludes at 3.40pm with a two‑mile handicap hurdle featuring Out Of Focus, Getaway With You and El Gavilan.

Today’s selections (via Sporting Life)

Full tips available via Sporting Life.

12.40 – Blowers
1.10 – Jury’s In
1.40 – Largy Belter
2.10 – Hot Goddess
2.40 – Hurricane Highway
3.10 – Nedzor
3.40 – El Gavilan

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Welsh trainers look for a strong start to 2026 as Ffos Las opens its racing calendar.

Sean Bowen closes gap in jockeys’ title race after Welsh double
Pembrokeshire’s Sean Bowen strengthens his title challenge with success at Welsh tracks.

Welsh racecourses prepare for busy winter season
How Ffos Las and Chepstow are gearing up for one of the busiest periods in the jumps calendar.

Ffos Las Racecourse: Preview and tips for Wednesday’s six‑race meeting

Race‑by‑race previews and tips are provided by Betano, who supply the latest horse racing odds.

For those interested in attending, full event details and tickets are available via Ffos Las Racecourse.

1.05 – Two‑mile maiden hurdle

Bernard Llewellyn’s eight‑year‑old Adrian switches from the Flat to hurdles for the first time. Conditions may suit, but those with experience over obstacles could hold the advantage. Toby Lawes’ Klimt Madrik ran well here in October over a longer trip and is expected to have the speed to go close.

1.35 – Three‑mile handicap chase

David Rees’ Esperti appeals after finishing second at Newton Abbot last month. He rises in the weights but has Sean Bowen booked and handles soft ground well. Henry Oliver’s Try The Money could place fresh, while David Pipe’s Shot Boii returns on a tempting mark, aided by 10lb claimer Rian Corcoran.

2.10 – Two‑and‑a‑half mile maiden hurdle

A small but interesting field. Legendary Luke is a point‑to‑point winner and bumper runner‑up, while Tamarind Bay, Gee Force Flyer and Allstitchedup have all placed over hurdles this season. Olly Murphy’s Gee Force Flyer, ridden by Sean Bowen, looks the one to beat, though Jamie Snowden’s in‑form yard could see Legendary Luke pose a strong challenge.

2.45 – Two‑and‑a‑half mile handicap hurdle

Ben Clarke’s El Bandido Pancho won on seasonal debut but must carry a seven‑pound penalty. Mickey Bowen’s Dance In The Park makes her stable debut and could be well‑weighted. Evan Williams’ Leech is down to a winnable mark after a good run last time and benefits from Ellis Collier’s 5lb claim.

3.18 – Two‑and‑a‑half mile handicap chase

David Pipe’s Jaipaletemps won here earlier this month over two miles and returns under the same claiming rider, despite a seven‑pound penalty. Veteran Ballywood was behind him that day and could place, while Ballybeen drops to an all‑time low mark and may be competitive on suitable ground.

3.48 – Mares’ handicap hurdle (2m6f)

Evan Williams’ Followango has placed on both starts this term and remains on the same mark, with a 7lb claim in hand. She looks a leading contender. Harriet Dickin’s Walkinthecotswolds returns for the new season and could run into a place under Bradley Harris.

Watching the action at Ffos Las

Racing at Ffos Las gets underway at 1.05pm with the opening maiden hurdle and continues through to the final mares’ handicap hurdle at 3.48pm, offering a full afternoon of competitive action over hurdles and fences.

With local trainers and jockeys among the runners, the meeting promises plenty of interest for Welsh racing fans. Those wishing to attend can find tickets and event details direct from Ffos Las Racecourse.

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