Blogs

Six furlongs at Ripon produces one of the north's fiercest sprint handicaps, a big-field charge where the draw and a clean getaway shape the outcome. Our trends guide covers the profile, the draw and the shortlist.

The Hundred returns this summer with eight city-based teams battling across explosive 100-ball cricket. Expect big-hitting, tactical bowling changes, and packed grounds as men's and women's competitions run side by side. Here's our full preview and analysis.

Neil Robertson returns as the reigning champion of the China Open, seven years after winning the title. Since then the event has not been part of the World Snooker Tour but has been revamped to return for this season.

The leading player award in the world is the Ballon d 'Or. The annual award voted for by journalists, captains, and coaches celebrates the best players in that year. Bookmakers always offer Ballon d'Or betting odds on which superstar will win the award, but there is often variance between bookies on who they have as the leading contender.