Reform UK's leader in Cardiff Bay, Dan Thomas, warns Plaid Cymru could hammer an industry worth £4.6billion by banning horse racing
The First Minister had a straightforward opportunity in the Senedd to reassure thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on horse racing and the many more who enjoy the sport.
Instead, he declined to rule out a future ban. That silence matters.
Just months after the Senedd voted to ban greyhound racing and shut down the only racing track left in Wales, legitimate questions are now being asked about whether horse racing could become the next target.
Plaid Cymru overwhelmingly supported banning greyhound racing, with only one of its members voting against.
The party's Westminster leader, Elizabeth Saville-Roberts MP, has also previously expressed support for banning Grand National-style horse racing.
Against that backdrop, the First Minister's refusal to rule out further restrictions is bound to fuel speculation.
This is about far more than one sport. It is about a pattern of decision-making that increasingly appears to put ideology ahead of evidence and the interests of rural Wales.
Animal welfare should always be taken seriously, but if Plaid were motivated by that – rather than left-wing ideology – they should be adopting our Reform Wales manifesto commitment on animal welfare.
Therein, we said we would introduce mandatory labelling of meat produced by non-stun slaughter, allowing informed consumer choice.
This measure would promote transparency, accountability, and public confidence.
They should also intervene to encourage local procurement, rather than taxpayer funds being spent on importing meat from developing countries with lower animal welfare standards.
For instance, the BBC reported that over 99 per cent of chicken in school meals in Merthyr Tydfil is imported from Thailand and China.
This is a betrayal of both animal welfare and Welsh farmers.
Horse racing is woven into the fabric of communities across Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
It supports trainers, stable staff, breeders, farriers, transport companies, vets, hospitality businesses, and rural jobs.
According to figures cited by the British Horseracing Authority, the industry generates more than £1.47billion in direct revenues and contributes around £4.1billion annually to the UK economy.
Those figures represent real businesses, real families and real communities.
Every year, millions of people attend race meetings across Britain. Horse racing is not simply entertainment; it is part of our sporting and cultural heritage, with traditions stretching back centuries.
Reform Wales believes such traditions should not be discarded or treated as political bargaining chips to appease the radical left.
There is also an important practical point. Thoroughbred racehorses receive specialist veterinary care, nutrition and training throughout their careers.
Any serious discussion about the future of the sport should also consider the implications for breeding, retraining and long-term welfare if racing were significantly reduced or prohibited, rather than assuming a ban is a silver bullet.
People living and working in rural Wales deserve better than policymaking driven by symbolism.
The First Minister could have put these concerns to rest with a simple commitment that horse racing is not under threat. Instead, he chose not to.
Reform Wales believes that decisions affecting rural Wales should be rooted in evidence, respect for our cultural heritage, and an understanding of the economic contribution these industries make. If the Welsh Government has no intention of banning horse racing, it should say so clearly.
If it does, the people of Wales deserve an honest debate before another longstanding part of our national life is put at risk.
