Walters used to defying the odds as he eyes Welsh National success

Dai Walters owns about 70 racehorses

The Welsh Grand National is a highlight of the horse racing calendar, but two years ago there was a notable absence in the paddock at Chepstow.

Instead of cheering on his runners, prominent Welsh businessman Dai Walters was lying in a coma in a London hospital.

The then 77-year-old had been one of five passengers involved in a helicopter crash in Denbighshire on 1 November 2022.

"I broke my neck, my back, virtually everything I had," he said. "I was in a coma for very near five months, from November to March.

"Two years ago I didn't even know the Welsh Grand National was on."

The experience was a far cry from 2021, when Walters saw his horse Iwilldoit win the prestigious race.

Lucky escape

Walters had been flying with his Cardiff-based trainer and Gold Cup-winning jockey Sam Thomas when the helicopter struck a tree.

Reports initially suggested that no-one had suffered serious injuries, but Walters was later moved to intensive care.

"I was the oldest one there, there was another five in the helicopter who all had young families. It could have been a lot worse, everybody has come out of it alive," Walters said.

Hospital surgeons warned Walters that he would never be the same after his trauma, something he admits to.

"I never want to fall out with anybody, I don't stress myself in any way at all, I just enjoy life," he said.

"I am doing very well, I have a personal trainer three times a week, I'm playing golf, or trying to play golf I should say!

"I was very lucky to survive it and be here with good friends and family around me.

"If I hear a helicopter I think about it [the crash]. I won't watch anything with air accidents on the television, I'll just change the channel."

Humble beginnings

Walters is one of Wales' most prominent businessmen and entirely self-made.

Starting life as an apprentice labourer, he rose up the ranks at various opencast sites around Wales before establishing the Walters Group, which has been involved in some major construction projects in Wales.

Whenever he saw an opportunity to enter new markets, he "did it".

This included horse racing and he founded Ffos Las Racecourse in Carmarthenshire in 2009.

He says his passion for horses started from a young age.

"Since I was a kid really," Walters said.

"I started my own business fairly young. I had to forget about horses and just think about working. I'm sad to say I was work crazy. I hardly saw my children grow up. I see more of my grandchildren now.

"I think if you want to get on in life, you have got to work, and that's what I've done.

"I was never born of a golden spoon, but now I enjoy the horses. I'm getting excited about the Welsh Grand National."

Walters owns about 70 racehorses, although 30 of them have not yet run as he likes to buy yearlings.

"My daughter-in-law keeps giving me a row for spending too much money on horses, but I don't take a bit of notice of her. I'll just carry on," he joked.

Grand National chances

Walters has two runners in Friday's Welsh Grand National, the biggest day in Chepstow Racecourse's calendar.

Jubilee Express, like many of Walters' horses, is trained by Sam Thomas.

Despite not starting this season, he did triumph at Haydock Park on testing ground.

Iwilldoit, also trained by Thomas, is now a veteran having won the race in 2021 and finishing third last year.

"I think we've got a good chance with Jubilee Express. He's a young horse. It's just disappointing we didn't have a chance to give him a run before," said Walters.

"There are some horses coming over from Ireland, which is frightening looking at the racing card, but if you're not in it you can't win it.

"It's a lot about stamina. We know our horse will do three and a half miles, that's what it is."

The Walters and Thomas partnership has already tasted success this year with Lump Sum and Steel Ally coming in first and second at the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las.

"Let's hope we can do the same for the Welsh Grand National, but I doubt it very much," said Walters.

"If we get a place we will be happy, and as long as they come home in one piece, there is always another day."