As the national hunt season gathers momentum, a new generation is finding their way to the racecourse. For many students, a day at the races can begin by the promise of affordable tickets, drinks, dressing up and music, with initiatives such as INVADES making race days more accessible to a younger and increasingly diverse audience. However, the appeal can become more than a day out: your enthusiasm could help shape the sport’s future, encouraging a new generation to look beyond the grandstand…
INVADES figures display that over three thousand students from seven universities – including Cardiff University – attended the Welsh Race Day Party 2026 at Chepstow on 11th October. With discounted tickets, the event demonstrates how racing is becoming increasingly appealing to younger audiences, as well as bringing people into Wales for what is widely regarded as the jump season’s unofficial opener.
At Cardiff, a former student had never experienced a race day until joining the university. The easy access to courses, such as Chepstow and Cheltenham, “illuminated the opportunity to get involved in racing”, as she felt “seeing such strikingly powerful horses handled with so much compassion, made [her] realise that the equestrian community work with the animals as one team, so commonly misunderstood by television spectators”. This creates an interesting opportunity for racing: the first attraction may be the party, but the hope is that the experience introduces young people to the sport and welfare behind it.
But what should first-time race goers actually watch for?
At Chepstow, the National hunt isn’t only picking a horse and hoping it wins. Watch how the horses approach and jump hurdles, how the combination navigate the undulating and challenging going of the course and if you can spot any tactical decisions made by a jockey. You could pick a horse from the parade ring and follow it, not just the leading combination. Where is it positioned? Did it have a strong start? A good jump? You might even find yourself cheering on some winners – even if you did only pick it for its cool name or funky colours. Perhaps you will find a horse you want to follow for the whole season!
As 2026 draws to a close, the intensely competitive Coral Welsh Grand National is held at our most local racecourse, the £170,000 feature race introduces an electric buzz for a social student outing, paired with your increasing knowledge and favourite horses could make for the perfect day out — especially when there is a Welsh win, such as the star jockey Sean Bowen and local trainer Rebbecca Curtis in 2025. This race was first held in Cardiff 1895-1948, meaning this race carries a piece of Cardiff’s own sporting history within it.
Beyond the betting slips and race day atmosphere, there lies an industry built around extraordinary work and care. Cardiff students interested in meeting the horses that tear up the turf, can attend National Racehorse open days at local yards, such as Pat Wilkins Stables, run by trainer Tim Vaughan; they can see training facilities and learn about equine healthcare and welfare. Christian Williams Racing also highlights variety within the industry: incorporating biomechanics and varied-terrain training into its approach. From jockeys and trainers, equine nutritionists, physiotherapists and business managers, there is a job for everyone to be involved in and support one of Britain’s most exhilarating sports.