Hedgehunter romps to Grand National glory
Hedgehunter romps to Grand National glory

Well Hedgehunter the favourite came in first with 20 other horses following him the entire way around the course. Pity my money was on Clan Royal that was lead astray by a loose horse whilst in the lead and looking a great chance.

Tony McCoy, Clan Royals jockey was holding his head in his hands after the race obviously deeply disappointed - and who can blame him?

A great race with around 10 horses in contention all the way to the end. The bookies will be happy though with the pre-race low odds offered on places 2, 3 and 4.
- posted by Doolally @ 10:18 AM 0 comments

 
Aintree Grand National 2005
The Grand National is one of the biggest betting events in the sporting calendar and this year’s race is proving to be no exception. If you’re tempted to have a punt on any of the runners, its well worth having a look at the spread betting markets that Sporting Index provide.

Hedging Your Bets

Not surprisingly, horses with proven form over Aintree’s demanding fences figure prominently in the betting. This should be one of the most competitive renewals in years, and there are plenty of horses in with a shout. Hedgehunter, the bookies favourite, will be ridden by the fearless Ruby Walsh who was successful on Papillon in 2000.

The main beneficiary of Hedgehunter’s fall last year was Amberleigh House; he’s been out of form this season and has plenty of weight, but Aintree brings out the best in this old boy. Strong Resolve is another genuine contender. Second in the Welsh equivalent to the useful Silver Birch, this improving chaser has been well supported in the past week and is a cracking each-way investment. Similarly, Forest Gunner (a dual course winner and bold jumper) has improved with age and won a valuable National trial at Haydock in February. He’s partnered by female jockey Carrie Ford who rode him to victory around here last April.

Double Honour, trained by Philip Hobbs - who was second with What’s Up Boys in 2002 - is well priced and I think this grey could go one better. He had a look round the course in the Becher Chase in November and has been running well of late. All in all it’s difficult to call, especially with every horse likely to be running from within the handicap. However, if I was having a punt myself I’d favour Hedgehunter for the main bet with a saver on Strong Resolve and Double Honour.

Give the Wife One!

Buy (bet ‘high’ on) any horse in Sporting Index’s Grand National Index for £5 or more, and they’ll give you a free £1 buy of the same horse – for the wife obviously!

To qualify all bets must be placed before the Grand National starts on 9th April. All free bets will be booked at the price the horse starts the race at.


- posted by Doolally @ 12:50 PM 0 comments

 
Search Engines taken to Court over Click Fraud
PPC Companies Face Lawsuit

An interesting one to watch given my loathing of click fraud. I'm not sure it will actually get to court but it may be a good thing if it forces the companies to take more interest.

"The plaintiffs, led by Lane's Gifts & Collectibles LLC, a Texarkana, Ark., retailer, allege that the Internet companies knowingly overcharged for advertisements they sold and conspired with each other to continue doing so." Click the link above for more.
- posted by Doolally @ 11:03 PM 0 comments

 
Catering for a Growing UK Bingo Market
Growing UK Bingo Market

Traditional Bingo playing is huge in the Uk. Online play means the convienence of being able to play in your own home. Have a look at this press release if your looking for a game of bingo.
- posted by Doolally @ 1:54 AM 0 comments

 
Great April Bets
Things are really gearing up this month with a huge range of sporting events to have a punt on. The world's greatest steeplechase race, the 'Grand National', takes place on Sat April 9th and loads more besides. If you fancy a bet, try CORAL for great odds on all these sporting events.

FOOTBALL
Apr 5-6 - FOOTBALL - Champions League, quarter-final first leg.
Apr 7 - FOOTBALL - UEFA Cup, quarter-final first leg.
Apr 9-10 FOOTBALL - Tennent's Scottish Cup semi-finals.
Apr 12-13 - FOOTBALL - Champions League, quarter-final second leg.
Apr 14 - FOOTBALL - UEFA Cup, quarter-final second leg.
Apr 16 - FOOTBALL - FA Cup semi-finals.
Apr 26-27 - FOOTBALL - Champions League, semi-final first leg.
Apr 28 - FOOTBALL - UEFA Cup, semi-final first leg.


RACING
Apr 7 - RACING - Martell Cup (Aintree).
Apr 8 - RACING - John Hughes Trophy, Martell Melling Chase (Aintree).
Apr 9 - RACING - Martell Grand National, Martell Hurdle (Aintree).
Apr 12 - RACING - Nell Gwyn Stakes (Newmarket).
Apr 13 - RACING - European Free Handicap, Earl of Sefton Stakes (Newmarket).
Apr 22 - RACING - Sandown Classic Trial (Sandown).
Apr 30 - RACING - 2000 Guineas, Palace House Stakes (Newmarket).


FORMULA ONE
Apr 3 - FORMULA ONE - Bahrain Grand Prix.
Apr 24 - FORMULA ONE - San Marino Grand Prix (TBC).

GOLFApr 7-10 - GOLF - US Masters (Augusta).

SNOOKER
Apr 16-May 2 - SNOOKER - Embassy World Championships.

RUGBY
Apr 1-3 Heineken Cup quarter-finals.
Apr 16 - Powergen Cup final (Twickenham).
Apr 22-24 - Heineken Cup semi-finals.
April 30-May 1 - Zurich Premiership regular season ends.

CRICKET
Apr 9 - Opening day of county cricket season, MCC v Warwickshire (Lord's).


Have a great month!
- posted by Doolally @ 12:09 PM 0 comments