One of the most significant horseracing events in history will soon be here – the Cheltenham Festival 2020. For those who observed last year’s event, there were some sensational highlights, including the many wins that Willie Mullins achieved with Klassical Dream. Not to mention the other triumphs such as Nico de Boinville being crowned top jockey, and Willie Mullins being crowned top trainer with four wins in total.

However, it’s not just the horse racing that makes up this world-renowned event. There are lots of other reasons to attend Cheltenham this year. Including the champagne, fantastic catering, children’s entertainment, or perhaps even the sense of pride in dressing up for the occasion.

For those considering visiting Cheltenham for the first time or thinking of placing a bet, this can be nerve-wracking and surrounded by uncertainty. Take a look at the Cheltenham Champion day betting tips to gather hints and tips in choosing the very best horses taking part in this year’s festival.

Day one schedule for this year

Here are the races happening this year at Cheltenham, along with what time they kick-off, how long they will last, and what they’re worth.

• 1.30 pm Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 87y £125,000
• 2.10 pm Racing Post Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 1m 7f 199y £175,000
• 2.50 pm Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3) 3m 1f £110,000
• 3.30 pm Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 87y £450,000
• 4.10 pm David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 3f 200y £120,000
• 4.50 pm Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase (Listed) 2m 4f 44y £70,000
• 5.30 pm National Hunt Chase (Amateur Riders’ Novices’ Chase) (Grade 2) 3m 7f 147y £125,000

Horses to follow

Rowland Ward, 5th, in the JCB Triumph Juvenile Hurdle. Although not entirely living up to levels achieved on the flat, this horse which was bred to win classics always puts in the effort, particularly at Kempton on the second start.

Imperial Aura, 2nd, in the Timeform Novices Handicap Chase. One to focus on this year, Imperial Aura has gone up in effort which slowly built from March. Based on the Irish rivals to be faced this year, this capable horse has every chance of succeeding against them.

Garde la Victoire in the Paddy Power 45 Sleeps to Cheltenham Trophy Handicap Chase. With a fantastic finish at Cheltenham previously, Garde la Victoire is itching to get started. A previous grade one winner, this horse could eventually be involved in the Grand Annual or Gold Cup, although it’s stamina does need working on.

De Rasher Counter in the Paddy Power Cotswold Chase. Although yet to achieve gold, this horse has thrived recently despite the unfavourable circumstances during races. Although it may have dropped in the ratings, it could well reach the Nationals if Tiger Roll performs well.

Harry Sailor in the Ballymore Novices Hurdle. This long-term handicap project could do well this season, and with experience and course form behind it, this six-year-old horse has excellent prospects. It has overcome barriers and should do well if it has a chance through Albert Bartlett. Only the best horses will beat Harry Sailor this time around.

If the Cap Fits in the Galliardhomes.com Cleeve Hurdle. Will probably retain its crown in the Paddy Powers Stayers Hurdle but worth keeping an eye on to see how it does in the next six weeks. Despite past troubles and a slightly exaggerated betting reaction, hold tight to see how it performs at Aintree in April.

Lust for Glory in the Steel Plate And Sections Handicap Hurdle. Did well back in 2014, plus the hat trick achieved at Aintree during the grade one race the month after. Has made a great start this season and remains in top form. Not greatly handicapped but performs well on suitable ground — one to look out for at the first Cheltenham meeting this April.

What you need to know before heading to Cheltenham this year

We probably don’t need to tell you that the Cheltenham Festival is one of the most significant events in horse racing around the globe. As well as enjoying some much-favoured traditions year in year out, every year appears to bring something new and exciting. For those new to the event, be sure to experience the thrill of placing a bet on a favourite horse. We know it can be challenging to work out which horse to consider, so have a look at the above guide to boosting chances of success. This year kicks off with the 1.30 pm Sky Sports Bet Supreme Novices Hurdle (Grade 1), but there will be other races available on the day, so make sure not to miss out.

In the last couple of decades, poker has seen a revival. Online Poker has made the game more accessible to players around the world while streaming services like Twitch have allowed fans to watch the World Series of Poker tour action as it unfolds.

Today at poker sites, there are increasingly more options available – from the type of poker (it’s not just Texas Hold’em, you know) to the types of games and tournaments that can be entered. If you’re new to online poker, there’s a whole new world out there to learn about, but we will help you decide where to start with our helpful guide.

Cash games

The beauty of online poker and cash games is that they run 24/7. Whether you’re an early bird, a night owl, or somewhere in between, you can guarantee there will be an available game. No matter your skill level or bankroll, you’ll find something that suits your needs. One thing to be aware of is that you’ll be playing against people from all corners of the globe and varying levels of expertise – so if you’re a beginner, beware that a couple of Poker experts may also be sat at your table. If you’re unsure, enter a low-limit game before making the step-up to high-stakes where the more experienced players are.

An advantage to cash games is that you can drop in and out as you please. You are also able to sit out if you need to get away from your screen for a minute or two. There are many different cash games available, including full-ring (9-handed), 6-handed, 4-handed or even heads-up games.

Unlike in tournament Poker, the blinds in cash games always remain the same and never increase, so there’s no added pressure. The values of the chips represent their real money value too – so a £1 chip will be worth £1. 

Sit & Go tournaments

Sit & Go tournaments are perfect for beginners, as they are small tournaments which don’t cost too much to enter and last for a set amount of time. If you’re a new player, a Sit & Go is a great way to learn Poker fundamentals such as actions, blinds and strategies.

All players pay the same buy-in and are given an equal pre-determined number of chips. As soon as the tournaments have the required number of players, they are ready to begin. Prizes are awarded determined on where players finish, rather than how many chips they have left at the end.

The tournaments are split into three stages: the beginning, middle and end. If you start badly, there’s still the opportunity for you to claw your way back and make the final three hands. It’s worth saving two-thirds of your stash for the middle stage when there’s competition for places and players opt to go all-in. Like cash games, there are different types of Sit & Go tournaments and you’ll find them all in the Poker lobby.

Speed Poker

One of the newest forms of Poker, Speed Poker is usually played using Texas Hold’em rules. As the title suggests, speed is of the essence. Instead of playing at a single table, you’re playing against a whole pool of players. As opposed to regular Poker when you fold and lose the hand, in Speed Poker, you don’t leave the game, you simply join a new one and are dealt a new set of cards. However, in the final table, normal service resumes.

The instant fold function allows you to stay in the action at all times, so there’s not that boring period while you wait for the round to finish – you simply get transported to a new game. Playing in a pool allows you to test your abilities against all manner of skill levels, while you can stay in control of your own stakes with the different games available. If you want action, Speed Poker is for you and you’ll find yourself playing twice or three times as many hands as you would playing the standard game – perfect for those that get bored easily.

A representative from Oxford University has announced that they will begin offering degrees in poker for the 2023 intake.

Rather than equip their students with the knowledge of ancient kings and queens, dead languages, and archaic terminology that nobody finds impressive, they will instead teach them about something that might actually help them get ahead in life.

A degree in poker would show that those who graduate are able to think strategically, bluff when necessary, and thoroughly analyse their opponents.

Many believe this will equip them better in real life than a degree in Slavonic Studies or Roman History would. But how would the degree in poker work?

The degree will be taught by poker experts, who have already announced they won’t be wearing the traditional robes and definitely won’t be hosting suppers to socialise with their students.

One expert, who gained poker fame online, pondered, “Why can’t they just hang out in the SU like at every other university?” Participants to the degree are urged to study up on figures such as Daniel Negreanu, a giant in the world of poker.

A poker degree would present an opportunity for those undertaking it to learn skills in strategy and to gain an appreciation for modern times. Poker, especially online poker from Paddy Power, reflects the latest technology with its live variant featuring a real dealer, while many of its other variants test players’ abilities to think analytically as well as being able to take risks. In order to reflect this, a module will be taught on online poker.

The poker degree will feature a module on bluffing, which the representative of Oxford claimed is already a skill of many of their graduates. One of the board of governors has even suggested that if it is successful, future degrees could be awarded in backgammon, bridge, and even tiddlywinks. “We want to reach a broader variety of students, some of which might be fond of the popular counter game.”

Examinations would be undertaken in The Hall at Christ Church and would likely involve a tournament in poker involving all who are studying the subject.

Professors and lecturers may also participate. Experts suggest that the three years of intense study, with a possible year out, would adequately prepare all who matriculate for a life of putting their poker skills to good use. International relations, politics, and careers in the media await those who can show they have the strategic know-how and the ability to play the game.

Cambridge University – not to be outdone – will announce that their 2022 intake can study the art of TikTok, the social media revolution that allows anyone to become a viral star. Many sceptics suggest that TikTok will have fallen from grace by then, and the course should be widened to focus on other social media platforms. LinkedIn’s CEO is especially eager to have a course dedicated to the business networking site, but an insider suggested that nobody really uses LinkedIn and certainly nobody would remember their password for it for an entire three-year degree.

Whether the poker degree at Oxford University is successful or not, it is definitely a huge gamble for the ancient university to offer something that might benefit those living in the present day. But, one that might prove necessary.