0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:03 > 0:00:07- The Valleys - have always been my home.
0:00:07 > 0:00:12- Each valley with its industrial - scars and colourful characters...
0:00:12 > 0:00:15- ..have left - a lasting impression on me.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23- Over the coming weeks, - I'll revisit the Valleys...
0:00:24 > 0:00:28- ..and meet characters - who are naturally welcoming.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31- Why not jump on board my ride?
0:00:32 > 0:00:35- I'm shifting gear - and heading for the horizon.
0:00:42 > 0:00:47- The Vale of Neath - is also known as Waterfall Country.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- The valley's dramatic rivers - and waterfalls...
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- ..are an attraction for - many visitors and regular ramblers.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08- Pontneddfechan, Glynneath...
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- ..Resolven and Aberdulais...
0:01:11 > 0:01:16- ..are all villages that lead - to the valley's main town, Neath.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19- My journey starts - above the valley...
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- ..in an area that's - very familiar to me.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- My first port-of-call is - Craig y Dinas or Dinas Rock.
0:01:31 > 0:01:36- Alun, we're at Pontneddfechan and - it says Craig y Ddinas on the board.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39- But this isn't quite true.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44- It should be Craig y Dinas - as it was home to an ancient fort.
0:01:44 > 0:01:50- 'Dinas' doesn't mean city - in this context but a fort.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54- The term 'Dinas' in Welsh - is masculine...
0:01:54 > 0:01:56- ..so it should be Craig y Dinas.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- It's linked to Russia - for a special reason.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04- There was a brickworks here - and they made silica bricks.
0:02:04 > 0:02:09- Silica was used to line - steel and copper furnaces.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- They can withstand - very high temperatures...
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- ..and were exported to Russia.
0:02:16 > 0:02:22- The Russian word for firebrick is - dinas and derives from this area.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26- Across the River Mellte...
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- ..there's a unique works - that's shrouded in mystery.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- Both of us have worked - as headmasters in this area...
0:02:42 > 0:02:44- ..and I haven't been here at all.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46- I was only a mile or so away.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- This used to be a no-go area, Roy.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53- I knew about this place - and have roamed the area...
0:02:53 > 0:02:59- ..but I'd never visited the site - of Pontneddfechan's gunpowder works.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- It was famous throughout Britain.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- I didn't realize that - there were 60 buildings on site.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11- They were close to each other - in case one of them exploded.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17- It was imperative that the site - was in a secluded and remote spot.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- When serious explosions occurred...
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- ..at least the villagers - at Pontneddfechan were safe.
0:03:25 > 0:03:31- The Vale of Neath Powder Company - opened the site in 1857...
0:03:32 > 0:03:36- ..but was purchased by - Curtis and Harvey in 1862.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- They produced black gunpowder...
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- ..and required saltpeter, - or potassium nitrate...
0:03:44 > 0:03:46- ..sulphur and charcoal.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- The surrounding woodlands - provided the charcoal.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- Trams were used to import - the other materials.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- They were transported by rail - before being trammed here.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01- Water was required...
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- ..and beneath us - runs the River Mellte.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- Everything was sourced locally - and there were 65 workers on site.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- They were very successful.
0:04:11 > 0:04:16- Black gunpowder was used - in Welsh quarries and coal mines...
0:04:17 > 0:04:18- ..to create explosions.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22- In 1926, it was purchased by ICI.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25- But five years later in 1931...
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- ..the government - decided overnight...
0:04:29 > 0:04:31- ..that gunpowder was illegal.
0:04:31 > 0:04:36- Therefore, the doors closed - at the site in Pontneddfechan.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45- Sgwd Yr Eira is one of the most - idyllic waterfalls in the area.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50- It's the tallest, mightiest - and most captivating of all...
0:04:51 > 0:04:56- ..and thousands flock here - to tread under the cascade of water.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01- It isn't wise to do this - on a wet day in early spring...
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- ..but there are a few - who will oblige.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- This is one of your most - sacred places in Wales.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- It's indisputably - one of the wonders of Wales.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- Sgwd Yr Eira is on the River Hepste.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- What's the meaning of 'sgwd'?
0:05:19 > 0:05:23- You mentioned that the area - is the Waterfall Country...
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- ..but 'sgwd' or 'sgydau'...
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- ..are colloquial terms for - waterfall in the Vale of Neath.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- Don't forget that - many historical figures...
0:05:37 > 0:05:40- ..frequented the Vale of Neath.
0:05:40 > 0:05:46- Turner visited Aberdulais Falls - and roamed to the top of the valley.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- There was also - Alfred Russel Wallace.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- He was the brains, - not Charles Darwin.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57- You could say Darwin - was Alfred's apprentice.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02- He thought this was one of - the best places in Europe.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09- Those hills and steps - are steep on the way back.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- Let's have a coffee - from my flask first!
0:06:14 > 0:06:20- Before leaving the village, - we make a quick stop to reminisce.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- In Easter 1974...
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- ..children at this school - were put to a terrible test.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30- They had a new headmaster - me!
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- Thomas Stephens School, - Pontneddfechan...
0:06:35 > 0:06:38- ..had to be spelt out - over the phone many times!
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- It's been closed for years.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- It's such a shame - but the memories remain.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- We held special days - such as pet days.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- Horses, dogs and cats were welcomed.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- But a problem ensued when a boy's - rabbits met another boy's ferret.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59- It's a huge responsibility - and a pleasure to be a teacher.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- I hope I was an effective teacher...
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- ..and the children enjoyed - during my seven years here.
0:07:06 > 0:07:12- I've heard that many of them - have been successful in life...
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- ..despite having me - as their headmaster.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- The school is in a sorry state now.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- My journey continues - further down the valley...
0:07:40 > 0:07:44- ..at the populated Glynneath - which boasts a famous rugby club.
0:07:45 > 0:07:50- It remains a success thanks to - the support of this gentleman.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57- Last year, 57 left Glynneath Rugby - Club and only one saw the game.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- LAUGHTER
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- And he saw it in jail.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- LAUGHTER
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- Max, the locals know you well - and will disagree with me...
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- ..but I'll say it anyway.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14- You're regarded as a king here, - especially at the club.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- Just like you're a prince - in Llwyncoed!
0:08:17 > 0:08:19- You're the club president.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- The club's history - stems back over a century.
0:08:23 > 0:08:24- It started back in 1889.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- The centenary - was a week-long celebration.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- We played against every team - in the league.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33- It's steeped in history.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- It boasts a long list - of famous players.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- Let's start with Dai Morris.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- The immortal Dai!
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- Just one more guy here. - It's David Morris.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- Dai worked down the tower - in a pit called Number 4.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- Some say he was quarried - from rock a mile below.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- He goes to work each morning - much the same as you or I.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- The foreman calls him Mister - but the children call him Dai.
0:09:02 > 0:09:08- I can only describe him - as a genuine character.
0:09:08 > 0:09:13- Several of us are aware of - a famous story about Barry John.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- It was a terrible day - and he was in an awful state.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19- He was having a bath.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24- The club didn't supply any showers - at that time.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- Dai Knoyle - is the father of Tavis Knoyle...
0:09:27 > 0:09:30- ..who plays for Cardiff.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- He said, "Barry, come - and have a bath at the house."
0:09:34 > 0:09:39- "There isn't any room here - and the baths are too small."
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- Barry John climbs into the bath - and Dai is on the phone.
0:09:43 > 0:09:49- "Dad, Dad! Who do you think - is in the bath?"
0:09:49 > 0:09:51- "It's Barry John."
0:09:51 > 0:09:54- "Don't leave the water out. - We'll bottle it!"
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- He could sell it then!
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- You're part of this valley - and it means so much to you.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- Famous people have visited - and written about it.
0:10:08 > 0:10:14- I read a famous publication - by George Borrow.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- He penned the book, Wild Wales.
0:10:17 > 0:10:22- In the book, he refers to Oliver - Cromwell passing through the valley.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- Oliver Cromwell - described the place...
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- ..as the finest valley - in all Christendom.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- This is quoted - in George Borrow's book.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- The Vale of Neath - is opposite the Dulais Valley...
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- ..which is home to Banwen village.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- It's famous for two main reasons.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- It's the birthplace of St Patrick...
0:10:47 > 0:10:49- ..and the Banwen Miners Hunt...
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- ..which is famous - in the equine and hunting world.
0:10:55 > 0:11:00- When you envisage - a hunt in your head...
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- ..you think of men on horseback - wearing red jackets...
0:11:04 > 0:11:06- ..and posh countryside ideals.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- This hunt is different - as it stems back to Banwen's miners.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- The Banwen Miners Hunt - has derived from the working man.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- Men stepped out of the mines - and hunted on horseback.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- There isn't anything posh about it!
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- It started back in the 1960s.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- The first hunt was held in 1962.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- There were a few hunts - prior to this...
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- ..but it officially started - in this year.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- Did the miners have horses?
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- Yes, they used mountain ponies.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- They didn't use posh ones!
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- They just came out of the mines.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- This hunt is unique...
0:11:45 > 0:11:49- ..as it's a tradition - started by the miners...
0:11:49 > 0:11:54- ..and you are also unique because - you're the mistress of this hunt.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- Yes, and Jamie is the master - who works alongside me.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- But I'm Banwen's first mistress.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04- Men dominated the role - until two years ago.
0:12:04 > 0:12:05- Is it a full-time role?
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- Is it a full-time role?- - No, I'm a solicitor.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- I'm based in the town.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13- This is my hobby...
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- ..but I'm passionate - about agriculture and hunting.
0:12:20 > 0:12:26- The hunt includes 50 hounds - of Welsh and English breeds.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- Since the hunting ban - back in 2004...
0:12:29 > 0:12:34- ..it's evolved into a social event - for the hunters and their canines.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- Where do you get these dogs?
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- Do you buy or breed them?
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- No, we don't buy our dogs - as we usually breed them.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- We use dogs from other hunts, but - most of them have been bred by us.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- I also help Huw - with breeding the dogs...
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- ..and choose the parents.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- We also borrow and lend dogs - from other hunts.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- Do you also train them as puppies?
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- Do you also train them as puppies?- - Yes, and we keep older ones.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09- During the summer and winter, - they'll train with older dogs.
0:13:09 > 0:13:09- .
0:13:13 > 0:13:13- Subtitles
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- We're travelling - to the market town of Neath...
0:13:22 > 0:13:27- ..which is home - to one of our oldest markets.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- How long have you been here?
0:13:29 > 0:13:31- How long have you been here?- - Just over 20 years.
0:13:31 > 0:13:32- This stall sells Welsh goods.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- This stall sells Welsh goods.- - Yes, totally Welsh.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- There must be a demand for it, - or you wouldn't be here.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- Yes, our customers - come from all over.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- We sold a lovespoon - to an American this morning.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- This is a historic market.
0:13:49 > 0:13:50- Yes, it is.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- The market was established - during Queen Victoria's reign.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- It's the oldest in Wales.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- The heart of every market - is the butchers.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09- The young staff at Coles Butcher - are following a family tradition.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- The market is old, but - this stall stems back many years.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- When did it open?
0:14:17 > 0:14:22- My family has run this stall - since 1928.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- My great-grandfather started it.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28- It was run by your father - and grandfather too.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- My young son may also join me - behind the counter.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- We'll have to wait and see.
0:14:34 > 0:14:39- You sell various meats here, - but where does it come from?
0:14:39 > 0:14:44- The meat comes from an abattoir - in Maesteg and is farmed locally.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- You go directly to them.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- You go directly to them.- - Yes, everything is local.
0:14:50 > 0:14:51- The quality is better.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- What proves to be popular?
0:14:54 > 0:14:56- It depends on the day.
0:14:56 > 0:14:57- Do people like steaks on a Friday?
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- Do people like steaks on a Friday?- - They like a bit of everything.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- There's one more tradition - before I leave the market.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- The simple things matter in life.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- It's wonderful to see that - traditions are kept alive.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- My mother used to shop in Neath - when I was a child...
0:15:17 > 0:15:22- ..and would bring me to one of - these cafes for faggots and peas.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24- And they're still here today.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- If I wasn't full - after faggots and peas...
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- ..I'd maybe devour - an apple tart and custard.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- Coles Butcher make - 2,000 faggots every week.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- Two of them are here.
0:15:39 > 0:15:40- Oh!
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- The Castle Hotel - in the town centre...
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- ..is significant - to the rugby world.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- The Welsh Rugby Union - was formed here over a century ago.
0:15:54 > 0:15:59- A native of the area is the - current president of the Union.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- This is a historical room.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- The Welsh Rugby Union - was established here.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- But a meeting was held - prior to it in 1880.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- There was a meeting - held a year before it...
0:16:13 > 0:16:18- ..and also a month before - at the Tenby Hotel in Swansea.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21- This is the room...
0:16:21 > 0:16:26- ..where the Welsh Rugby Union - was officially established.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- There's an interesting - list of clubs.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- They included Bangor and Brecon.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- Llandovery and Lampeter...
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- ..Brecknock and Merthyr...
0:16:37 > 0:16:39- ..Cardiff, Swansea and Pontypool.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- There were eleven in total.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- We're at the Castle Hotel in Neath.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- It's your home town - and where you played rugby.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- Yes, that's true.
0:16:52 > 0:16:58- The grammar school in Neath - was excellent in those days.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- I'm glad I went to that school.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- It helped me progress to university.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- You studied at Cambridge University.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- You played full-back for Cambridge.
0:17:13 > 0:17:18- You gained a Blue award for rugby.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- But I was still involved - with Neath.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- You won a Welsh cap - for playing with the under 18s.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32- But you didn't receive a cap - for Neath and other clubs...
0:17:32 > 0:17:36- ..because another full-back - got in your way.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- A full-back - who played at the same time.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- Wasn't he JPR something?
0:17:43 > 0:17:45- Fair play, he wasn't too bad!
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- This set of steps - are famous and historical.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- Go up one side - and down the other side.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- Someone told me that - Napoleon slept in this bed.
0:17:55 > 0:18:02- He used these steps because - he was short and the bed was high.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- It helped him jump into bed.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- I'm not sure about the link - between Napoleon and Neath.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12- The event is correct - but the person is incorrect.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14- It was Nelson, not Napoleon.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18- Nelson and Lady Hamilton - stayed in this bed.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- Richard Burton slept here - with Elizabeth Taylor...
0:18:22 > 0:18:27- ..and Roy Noble without Elaine!
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- The hunting season is over by May - but the first May Bank Holiday...
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- ..signifies a momentous day - in the Banwen Miners Hunt calendar.
0:18:46 > 0:18:52- Nia Godsmark has organized the first - point-to-point races of this season.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57- But the cold and dismal conditions - won't dampen the day's proceedings.
0:18:58 > 0:19:03- Every horse and jockey - can't wait to race the eleven races.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- This is a sort of celebration.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11- The hunting season finished - a couple of months ago.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13- This is the start of a new season.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- May Day heralds a new season.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- People flock here from all over.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- Yes, there are horses - from all the hunts.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28- Every horse you see here - has been used for local hunts.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33- The horses look - all the same to me...
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- ..but which one should I bet on?
0:19:36 > 0:19:41- I haven't got a clue, - but I do like watching the race.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47- Jockey, Ben Jones from Carmarthen is - following in his father's footsteps.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- Today is an important day for him.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- I won't keep you, - but are you racing next?
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- Yes, I'm racing Lost Glory.
0:19:56 > 0:19:57- Shall I bet on him?
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- Shall I bet on him?- - I'm not sure, I'll try my best.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- Are you an experienced jockey?
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- Are you an experienced jockey?- - This is my first year.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- Do you enjoy it?
0:20:08 > 0:20:10- Do you enjoy it?- - Yes, I do.
0:20:10 > 0:20:15- I spotted your father earlier - and he was an experience jockey.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- He had 236 winners.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- How many have you had?
0:20:19 > 0:20:21- How many have you had?- - Nothing!
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- Don't worry and good luck, Ben.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26- Don't worry and good luck, Ben.- - Thank you.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- # William Tell Overture # - Gioachino Rossini
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- They'll race around - the course three times.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- And they finish here - where all the action lies.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- Off we go!
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- He's proving to his father that - racing still runs in the family.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- # William Tell Overture # - Gioachino Rossini
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- How was it for you, Ben?
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- How was it for you, Ben?- - It was tough and slippery.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- The surface was hard - and the soil was wet.
0:21:16 > 0:21:17- It was awful.
0:21:17 > 0:21:18- You came sixth.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- You came sixth.- - Yes, I think so.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- Did the horse perform well?
0:21:23 > 0:21:28- Did the horse perform well?- - Yes, it was his sixth race.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32- How do you feel - about him racing, Dai?
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- He rides incredibly well.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- He's a young lad - who's only had 20 races.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- He's a lot better - than when I started.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- He's got a good stride - and seems comfortable.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51- He doesn't panic - when he approaches the fences.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- I think there's a future for him.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- This rugby lad - has swapped the pitch...
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- ..for the racecourse today.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- These small races are competitive.
0:22:04 > 0:22:09- This horse enjoys it - and is jumping well today.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- We changed a few tactics - and he was leading.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- The favourite came from nowhere - and our jockey was confident.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- I think it was due to the length.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- You haven't got the stature - or background to be a jockey...
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- ..unless you've got a shire horse!
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- No, I'm not a jockey.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- I enjoy raising and breeding.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- Spring is busy as the mares - give birth to their foals.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- I'm in my element - and the family enjoy it.
0:22:45 > 0:22:46- It's in your blood.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- I come from a hunting - background in Llanarth.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- We've always had hunting dogs.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- All I wanted to do after rugby...
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- ..was breed, raise - and race my own horses.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- This is how we got into this game.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- Nothing surprises me on this trip.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- The country is awash - with glorious views.
0:23:13 > 0:23:18- The Vale of Neath - has been a pleasure to visit.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- History is my interest - and geography is my subject.
0:23:22 > 0:23:27- I like to take an unfamiliar route - or try something new.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32- I thought I knew everything - and everywhere in the Valleys...
0:23:32 > 0:23:38- ..but it isn't true as a new story - awaits us around the next corner.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:24:03 > 0:24:03- .