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“We’ve ordered plenty of Guinness,” says Lucy Thomas, secretary for tomorrow’s Welsh International meeting at Trecoed in West Wales.

Three countries are set to be represented at the fixture, with runners from Ireland and England joining those trained in Wales for a meeting that has attracted 72 entries, 31 more than 12 months ago and a fillip for the sport of point-to-pointing in West Wales. Covid and the body blow of two years without racing due to Welsh government-imposed lockdowns hit racing in Wales, and so an improved entry is a welcome boost.

Special dispensation has been given to allow Irish point-to-pointers to run, raising the possibility of future West Wales fixtures gaining the same option. Irish stables can reach Wales easily via the Rosslare to Fishguard ferry, and for many smaller operators across the Irish Sea the chance to find opportunities away from the elite Irish yards could prove popular.

For tomorrow’s meeting there is also the incentive of much-increased prize money, with five of the seven races worth £1,000, and while there are no travel allowances local shipping agent Paul Murphy has secured discounted ferry crossings for Irish horses. They are being stabled with local racehorse trainer Rebecca Curtis, while there is a shuttle bus for foot passengers aiming to reach the course from the ferry terminal.

Josh Newman, who currently heads Britain’s leading trainers’ table for yards with 15-plus horses, is set to travel from his home in Somerset to the fixture, while Gloucestershire’s Max Comley, who is joint-second in the race, has also made entries. Tim Vaughan, who heads the leading owners’ table, and his son Ed, who is set to be crowned the Highflyer Bloodstock novice men’s champion, are likely to make their presence felt with representatives in all but one race.

Thomas, who says the course was watered on Thursday and rain fell overnight, describes Clare Morgan, a farmer who has been in charge of sponsorship, as “a legend” for her efforts, and adds that the day includes kids’ entertainment, food outlets and something musical in the beer tent after racing.

Entry for the public costs £15 per person, while those aged 16 and under get in free.