RACING fans can now experience the thrills and spills of the Coral Welsh Grand National course at Chepstow from the jockey's perspective thanks to new technology, writes Andrew Penman.

To most, horse racing is a sport that is experienced from afar, with spectators watching the jockeys tackle the course and fences from the comfort of a grandstand.

The team at Chepstow Racecourse were keen to bring racing fans closer to the action, which is why they have teamed up with Welsh jockey Sam Thomas, Cowbridge-based trainer Tim Vaughan, and Equine Productions, to produce a short video, which captures a lap of the Coral Welsh Grand National course from the jockey's perspective.

Viewers can ride along with Sam, as he guides his horse through the challenges of the spectacular course, describing in detail how the jockeys approach each section, navigate each jump, and hopefully, go on to win the most prestigious race in Wales.

The video, which can be viewed online at southwalesargus.co.uk/sport and on the Chepstow Racecourse website, will potentially be used within the At The Races and Channel 4 coverage of the prestigious race day on December 27.

Thomas said: "I had an amazing experience riding the Coral Welsh Grand National course as if it was a race – it made me wish I could have another spin!

"The course at Chepstow has always been great for racing. It is wide and undulating, with inviting fences, which in my opinion, are amongst the very best in the country."

Gates open at 10am on December 27, with the first race under starter's orders at 12.25pm. The meeting has seven races, with a total prize fund of £190,300.

Opera stars Bryn Terfel and Rebecca Evans will sing the national anthem ahead of the 2.35pm feature race. Advanced tickets can be purchased from £22 from chepstow-racecourse.co.uk