11. Short Debate: Horse-racing: An economic and sporting asset for Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:21 pm on 16 November 2022.

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Photo of Jack Sargeant Jack Sargeant Labour 6:21, 16 November 2022

Unlike my good friend Mr Davies, I did not have the bet in 1990 on the 100:1 winner, as I was yet to be born. But I will say that I do share Alun's connection with his family in terms of my passion for horse-racing. Mine came through my mum's father, Grandad Jim, so I speak with genuine interest in the future of the industry, and I think the best way to secure that future is to continue to have a strong focus on animal welfare. Members will be aware of the current petition going through the Petitions Committee surrounding greyhound racing, and I won't say anything specific about that report, or make any opinions on the committee, but we should note the progress made by the horse-racing industry, in particular, to animal welfare. I won't repeat the points the chair, Llyr Gruffydd, has already said, but I will share my personal opinion, when I say I think there are significant differences between the two industries there. 

But I thank the Member. I see, Llywydd, that we're running close to the time limit there. I thank the Member for bringing this debate forward. I thank him for his chairing of the cross-party group. It's an important industry to Wales, both economically, but also as family fun days, as you suggest, and I'm very much looking forward to being in Bangor-on-Dee with you all. Diolch.