The great-great-granddaughter of former Prime Minister and famous Gwynedd son, David Lloyd George, has been shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year.

Equestrian Lara Prior-Palmer, who has relatives in Criccieth, was longlisted for her book, Rough Magic: Riding the World’s Wildest Horse Race, published by Penguin Random House.

A record number of submissions - 151 - were considered for this year’s award, which is considered to be sports writing’s most valuable and prestigious prize, and 14 made this year’s longlist, including two-time winners Donald McRae and Duncan Hamilton who are both vying to claim a historic third title.

The shortlist was announced on Tuesday, 22 October, and Lara was named as one of those still in the running, along with just five other authors.

The six finalists are:

• Rise of the Ultra Runners: A Journey to the Edge of Human Endurance by Adharanand Finn (Faber & Faber)

• The Great Romantic: Cricket and the Golden Age of Neville Cardus by Duncan Hamilton (Hodder & Stoughton)

• In Sunshine or in Shadow: How Boxing Brought Hope in the Troubles by Donald McRae (Simon & Schuster)

• Rough Magic: Riding the World’s Wildest Horse Race by Lara Prior-Palmer (Penguin Random House)

• Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump by Rick Reilly (Headline Publishing Group)

• Position of Trust: A Football Dream Betrayed by Andy Woodward with Tom Watt (Hodder & Stoughton)

Each of the titles competing for the £30,000 prize and a trophy represents a different sport.

Author, sports journalist and chair of the judging panel Alyson Rudd said: “From another strong longlist, we now have an exceptional ‘Big Six’ going forward to the final stage, and the race really is wide open.

“This year’s shortlist not only showcases the often eye-opening struggles and solace that can accompany sporting achievement, but also provides astonishing insight into the complexity of the protagonists. Above all, the writing is impressive, ranging from assured to witty to deeply moving.”

The winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2019 will be announced at an afternoon reception at The Royal Horseguards Hotel on Thursday, 5 December.

The shortlisted authors will receive a leather bound copy of their book and a £3,000 cash prize.