That’s what my brother asked.
I find it disheartening that I’ve never heard about Brian, given his extensive 50-year career as a horse racing journalist—especially considering my own passion for horse racing spanning over 30 years. With a focus on two-year-old horse racing and a fondness for Chepstow Racecourse, he likely shared valuable insights on numerous talented juveniles.
Recently, my brother shared a link to an article about Brian published on the Chepstow Racecourse website by Graham Thomas. In this piece, the proud Welshman delved into his deep interest in horse racing and reflected on his career in racing journalism. Brian’s contributions extended to various Pembrokeshire newspapers, including the now-defunct Barry Gem.
The 86-year-old continued (and continues) his writing journey with a column in the Western Mail, covering horse racing for an impressive fifty years. Despite the challenges faced by the newspaper industry, leading to the discontinuation of his column, Brian remains dedicated to his love of writing. Far from retired, this highly respected horse racing writer and author of numerous books on the sport is a familiar face at Chepstow Racecourse. In 2020, he received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement honor at the ROA Welsh Horse Racing Awards.
Brian fondly recounted his initiation into horse racing at the 1949 Welsh Grand National, with his true passion ignited at a transformative point-to-point meeting at Rhiwbina Farm. His journey in racing journalism began at the age of 15 when he voiced concerns to Horse and Hound magazine about the lack of local sports coverage—resulting in a job offer.
From contributing to The Sporting Life to writing under ghost names for publications like the South Wales Argus and The Hereford Times, Brian’s influence on racing journalism is vast. His collection of scrapbooks, cuttings, and notes spans generations of horses, trainers, and jockeys, many of whom started in point-to-point racing before transitioning to formal competitions.
Brian’s experiences include encounters with notable figures like trainers Evan Williams and Peter Bowen and Aintree Grand National-winning jockeys Hywel Davies and Carl Llewellyn. Recalling the vibrant atmosphere at Penllyn racecourse, he marvels at the bustling scene with 34 bookmakers— a stark contrast to today’s racing that often has just six.
Despite witnessing unforgettable moments like Prince Monolulu at Cheltenham, Brian’s heart still longs for a Welsh trainer to win the Welsh Grand National, a feat not achieved since 1905. Summing up his journey, he describes it as a “labour of love.”
In the realm of horse racing journalism, it’s truly a pleasure to read and write about a gentleman like Brian—a seasoned expert who, after fifty years, continues to exude passion and knowledge about the sport.