“Aintree Grand National 2013” (CC BY 2.0) by stacey.cavanagh

Not many countries have such a rich and varied calendar of sports as the UK. There are major events that run throughout the year, from the Six Nations rugby tournament in February and March, all the way through to the World Darts Championships in December.

However, it’s from the spring through to the summer that many of the most exciting and high-profile events take place and, with them, naturally many betting opportunities arise. So, to set you thinking, here are just three events that you could put a bet on to make what is always a captivating season of sports even more exciting.

Rachael Blackmore to win her second Grand National in a row

Last year the Irish jockey rode into the history books when she became the first-ever woman to win the world’s most famous steeplechase on Minella Times. Last year she won while priced at odds of 11/1, but this year it’s highly unlikely that you’ll get odds as good at this. If she does come good, it will cap a remarkable season for Blackmore following on from her equally historic victories in Cheltenham’s Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup.

With 70,000 spectators expected on the day, it will certainly provide an unforgettable spectacle for them if she does indeed manage to ride Minella Times into the select group of consecutive winners of the race.

England cricket to return to its winning ways

Following on from their disastrous Ashes you, which saw the departure of head coach Chris Silverwood along with various other members of the back-room team, it was hoped that the 2022 tour of the West Indies would be the start of a re-set for English Test cricket. Nonetheless, following two close draws, the final match in the series saw England soundly beaten by 10 wickets with Joe Root’s role as captain hanging very much in the balance.

The summer sees two home series against New Zealand and South Africa, as well as a single test against India. This could very well be the chance for a new dawn for the team, if a long shot. For those avid bettors among you, perhaps it might be better to head for an online casino with a no deposit bonus, instead. That way, you’ll be able to play games for real money without any outlay yourself. There is a wide number of casinos to choose from and many also feature sportsbooks if you do fancy a punt on the cricket.

Rafael Nadal to win Wimbledon

Men’s tennis is at a crossroads with the old triumvirate of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Nadal starting to show their age. The latter, in particular, has been plagued by injuries and must surely be looking towards the end of his career. So it would be a fairy-tale ending if he could claim a 22nd Grand Slam title at this year’s Wimbledon, not to mention a joy for his many fans all around the world.

So there you have them, three very different bets for this summer of sport. Put them in an accumulator and, if all three do come off, that really would be something to celebrate.

The Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest horseracing events on the global horseracing event calendar – it’s considered by many to be the ‘World Cup of Jumps Racing’.

This idyllic corner of the Cotswolds hosts hundreds of thousands of fans across the four-day festival. With so many of the sport’s best steeplechasers and jockeys travelling to the southwest of England, the festival creates plenty of opportunities for bettors to get involved with the markets.

If the 2022 Cheltenham Festival is the first time you plan to bet on this iconic event, read on as we explore the top tips to give you the best possible chance of finishing the four-day festival in the green.

Increase your Bankroll with Bookmaker Promotions

If you want to maximise your betting bank for the 2022 Cheltenham Festival, many of the UK’s most reputable bookmakers can help you out.

If you only have one or two accounts with bookies that you’ve used over the years, now is the ideal time to broaden your horizons. That’s because most sites will dish out free Cheltenham bets to those creating accounts for the first time. Some will give you free bets just for signing up and becoming a member, while others may hand out free bets matched to the size of your first real-money deposit.

Spread your Risk with Each-Way Bets

Many of the 28 races staged across the Cheltenham Festival feature sizeable fields of horses. We’re not just talking seven or eight, it could be double that amount.

When you factor in the large fields with Cheltenham’s gruelling racecourse – and the plentiful fences to overcome – there is plenty of risk for punters to negotiate. Not to mention the plethora of failed betting systems that you’ll encounter in the lead up to Cheltenham.

One way to spread your betting risk at Cheltenham is to bet on horses each-way. This means you’ll not only get a payout if your selection wins, but you can also receive a percentage of your profits if your horse places.

Take Advantage of ‘Best Odds Guaranteed’ Promotions

Source: Photo

If you don’t have the time to place your bets at the Cheltenham Festival in the minutes leading up to the big races, it’s no problem. You can place your wagers for the upcoming day in the morning, just make sure you choose a bookmaker that offers ‘Best Odds Guaranteed’ on all its markets.

This gives you zero downside to your early selections. If the price falls on your selection, you’ll still get the odds available at the start of the day. However, if the price rises before the off, you’ll get the better starting price. This all adds up and gives you optimal value for your Cheltenham bets.

Look at the Past Performances of Runners at Cheltenham

It’s a good idea to get a measure of how well certain horses have raced at Cheltenham in the past. Of course, if you’re betting on a horse running at Cheltenham for the first time, it’s not possible to use past form as a guide.

Many races, however, feature regular runners at the festival. Some horses simply thrive off the Cheltenham atmosphere and the ground itself. Meanwhile, others may be well-suited on paper but lack the stamina to stay the distance.

Take Note of the Best Trainers at the Cheltenham Festival

One of the main talking points at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival will be which trainer finishes top of the pile as the most successful across the four days. It’s often a battle between Irish and English trainers. Ireland is well-represented with the likes of Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins leading the way in recent years.

Meanwhile, English trainers Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls have made their mark too. Keep an eye out for these names on the form guides, as well as emerging names like Henry de Bromhead.

With so many races, there are plenty of opportunities to profit at the Cheltenham Festival. You can afford to be selective and pinpoint the best picks of each day to give yourself the best chance of ending the week as a winner.