Keep an eye on this section if you’re looking for a tip on an upcoming sporting event from Dragon Bet’s Founder James Lovell.

When it comes to being a bookmaker January can often, and was, a quiet month. It gives you time to reflect on the busy Christmas period and a chance to set your mind to what’s coming up.

On the reflection side I’ve been thinking about the Welsh National at the end of 2022, and what a joy it was to be back there among a full crowd for the first time since Covid restrictions were lifted.

The big race itself was an epic and grueling encounter, run in proper Welsh wet weather with the victor being a horse called The Two Amigos, given a ride brilliantly by Welsh Jockey David Pritchard. Racing in Wales is constantly putting the country on the map and despite the economic disadvantages our trainers and jockeys face here, we keep punching well above our weight.

A race I don’t want to dwell on too much is the King George that took place on Boxing Day. For the month before I had told myself to go steady and not take too much money for BraveMansGame. I’ll blame the mother-in-law’s over generous Christmas drinks menu and the hangover that comes with it for me completely throwing the game plan out the window and taking as much as I could at all odds down. BraveMansGame duly won and I had a very long (and miserable) drive home from Surrey.

When it comes to looking forward, rugby and the Six Nations comes first on the list. Being Wales’ only online bookie, a Welsh triumph is going to be expensive. Before the return of Gatland I’d have been comfortable that wouldn’t happen. However, with the magic man back at the helm and the recent upturn in the regions form, I’m starting to think the 14/1 we’re currently offering could be a little too generous.

Beyond the Six Nations it’s now also time to start thinking about Cheltenham. The current favourite for the Gold Cup is Galopin Des Champs – he could be a real superstar and I’m sure if he gets to the track fit and well come March, he will be many peoples idea of a ‘Good Thing.’ The current second favourite is last year’s Grand National winner; Noble Yeats. He’s likely to be ridden by West Walian Super Jockey Sean Bowen. But for me, as much as Sean can work wonders in the saddle, I just can’t see the horse winning. If he does and I’m wrong, it won’t be Sportin Wales I’m writing for, but the Big Issue I’m selling.

Talking of Grand National winners, there was an impressive performance in the Classic Chase at Warwick back in mid Jan. The winner; IwillDoIt, had not been seen on track since winning the Welsh Grand National in 2021. I won’t bore you with how good a training performance it was from Sam Thomas (who trains his horses in the plush suburb of Lisvane on the outskirts of Cardiff). In my view he looks like he’s made for the Aintree race, and I’ll be starting to place a few small bets each week on him before the big race itself on April 15th.

Hopefully he’ll win and then I’ll be able to move to Lisvane as well. Until then, pob lwc if you’re having a bet, keep it fun, bet responsibly.