It is almost that time of the year again – where the racing community bristles with excitement ahead of a four-day carnival of events that is eagerly anticipated for months prior.
The Cheltenham Cup has grown to become something of an institution in the United Kingdom, with the racing extravaganza renowned for its top-class participants, hospitality and the betting that comes along with it.
Betting at the March event is notoriously tricky and as such it makes sense for anyone putting money on the line to get the best Cheltenham offers before placing their wager.
As with most sports betting, having a punt on the horses provides an unpredictable and difficult pastime.
The Cheltenham Cup is no different and in recent years a host of unfancied or outsider horses have put in the race of a lifetime to send their jockeys and trainers into rapture.
If you are heading along to the event in Gloucestershire this year, watching from the safe confines of your home or having a bet down at the bookies, there are a number of dos and don’ts that should be considered.
The first thing punters should do is pick their race – although most are taken in by grade 1 events such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup or the Festival Trophy, looking to some of the lower-profile races can reap dividends.
Looking at the trainer of the specific horses is a good start, with Willie Mullins leading the most winners to victory in the last four consecutive years and again set to send a bumper card of thoroughbreds across the water from his native Ireland.
Doing your research on a specific horse or jockey and their recent performances and results is a pre-requisite for any serious gambler and can be the difference between a big win or a demoralising loss.
At the end of the day, if you have a certain amount of money you can afford to lose that won’t spoil your day, having a good old-fashioned swing the dark could well be the way to go.