As we approach the summer months, and nights get lighter for longer, there’s always that unwavering optimism about the sporting world. While the European football season might have finished for another campaign, and the dust has settled on the jumps season of horse racing, there is still plenty to look forward to for punters looking to get their fix of sports.
From tennis Grand Slams to greyhound betting, there are a plethora of big events coming up between now and late August, and with the weather getting better with each passing evening, and coronavirus restrictions hopefully a thing of the past, there isn’t a better time to visit new stadia or enjoy a televised broadcast of the summer’s best sports. Read on, as we look at four of the biggest sporting events to watch this summer.
Wales vs Scotland/Ukraine – World Cup qualifier (Football)
The next 10 weeks will feel look torture for football fans. Usually, this summer would mean there is an international tournament in some capacity, with the World Cup usually running between June and July, but with the weather in Qatar being so severe, the biggest competition in football will kick off in November.
England will be looking for their first win since 1966, but their full group is yet to be revealed. Wales could well set up an all-British affair in the Far East if Scotland are to beat the Ukraine in the final round of intercontinental qualifiers. A win for either the Welsh or Scots would be a landmark moment in their history, as they enter Group B with the Three Lions, Iran and the United States.
The English Greyhound Derby (Greyhound racing)
Perhaps the most prestigious event on the entire greyhound racing calendar, the English Greyhound Derby reaches its conclusion in June, with the winner receiving an enormous £175,000 in prize money.
The Derby has been running since 1927 and was held at White City until the 1980s before moving around a variety of locations including Wimbledon and Nottingham, before finding a home at Towcester in Northamptonshire. The race is 500 metres, so the dogs will need to be at their quickest while still maintaining their stamina.
Last year, Belgian trainer Patrick Janssens reigned supreme with Thorn Falcon, but with the dog struggling for form, the Betdaq tips are calling for a new winner, with the sport’s frantic pace and unpredictability certainly an enticing prospect.
Wimbledon (Tennis)
It might seem strange with Roland Garros currently going on to already be talking about Wimbledon, but with a full crowd expected back in the capital for the first time since Novak Djokovic’s 2019 win, anticipation is already building for the next Grand Slam. The Serbian was victorious last year as well, beating Matteo Berrettini, but given how competitive the French Open has been already in its early stages, there’s every reason to suggest an upset could well be on the cards when the tournament gets underway on June 27th.
The Hundred (Cricket)
After last year’s debut success, The Hundred is back, and is winning over a new generation of cricket fans with its fast pace, as a spin on the original 100-ball game. While some fear the tournament will affect the popularity of the T20 Blast, others are embracing the change, and you only need to look at the final from last August – where Southern Brave just edged past Birmingham Phoenix – to see how engaged the crowd were. It’s hard to look past the Brave for this year’s title, but the Trent Rockets and Oval Invincibles come in as 6/1 outsiders that are more than capable of putting a winning run together.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
