Sport

Whether it’s a day out with friends or you are a beginner sports bettor, a day at the races is something pretty special. The atmosphere, the majestic racehorses and the excitement of placing your first live bet, there’s nothing quite like spending time trackside.

But for the newbie, attending the races can raise a whole lot of ‘what should I do?’ questions. If this sounds like you, then we’re here to help with our beginner’s guide to horse racing events: dos and don’ts for the big day.

DO:

Your research

Yes, you may be going for a sociable day with...

Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, has spoken of his delight after it was confirmed Facundo Cordero has agreed a contract extension with the reigning English and European champions.

The 22-year-old joined the Chiefs in July of last year, following in the footsteps of older brother Santiago, who enjoyed two highly successful seasons at Sandy Park, scoring 10 tries in 33 appearances.

Cordero – who can play at full-back or on the wing – made his debut for the Chiefs in last season’s Gallagher Premiership game away to Saracens.

Since then, he has featured...

Anyone would be hard pushed to think of a more infamous four and a half mile stretch than that of the Aintree steeplechase. For more than one hundred and eighty years, this particular racecourse has seen countless highpoints for racers who have gone on to make history – and, of course, the immense crowds of punters who turn their sites on those thirty fences each year.

From forty runners, the onus of choosing one winner from the line-up is on all of us. With teasers and early glimmers of insight trickling in over the preceding weeks – most recently, the five day declaration stage...

Can you think of any sporting events that bring the country together like the Grand National Festival? Football and cricket are more popular, but they are tribal most of the time. Even the World Cup ends in disharmony when England inevitably leave early.

The Grand National, however, is a picture of calm and serenity. Not only that, but everyone feels included. We’re from Exeter, which is 256 miles from Aintree Racecourse, and we’ll be just as involved on April 10th as the locals. The National has the power that other events can’t replicate, and that’s what makes it special. The...