04 Mar Major Sporting Events Essex Viewers Can Look Forward to in 2021
There is normally a lot to look forward to on the sporting calendar regardless of the year. However, 2021 is jam-packed with events that would excite any sporting enthusiast. The Premier League and Champions League campaigns are still to draw to a close, with plenty of English talent, while the British and Irish Lions take on South Africa in a three-match series.
Still, even though the above are massive moments, they don’t compare to the following for anticipation, build-up, and the overall spectacle. Plus, some even have a sprinkling of Essex thrown in for good measure.
Source: Pexels
The 2021 Cheltenham Festival
There might not be many Essex-based trainers and jockeys at this year’s event, but it doesn’t stop people around the UK and the world from tuning in to watch the spectacle. Of course, Essex has a massive horse racing affiliation due to Chelmsford City Racecourse that is widely featured in today’s racing results.
So, watching the likes of Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson, who is only on the other side of London, slug it out for training supremacy is a joy for most Essex residents. Plus, betting on the outcome takes the excitement to the next level because you never know when an outsider will romp home. As far as Cheltenham 2021 tips go, it’s hard to look past the likes of Shishkin (10/11), Al Boum Photo (5/2) and Honeysuckle (9/4).
Probably the best bet is Champ in the Gold Cup. He’s got plenty of value at 5/1 and the form and progressive nature to back it up.
The 2021 European Championships
Football takes over the UK for most of the year, but it usually loosens its grip in the summertime so that tennis and cricket can have their days in the sun. This year, which won’t be the case because the Euros are set to take centre stage.
Following England alone is normally enough for the Essex contingent to get excited about the country’s chances, especially when a few Essex boys end up on the pitch. But the action could be closer than ever with the rumour that the UK could host the tournament at short notice. The Prime Minister himself has even offered to host all of the games in Britain.
The UK has officially offered to host additional games at #Euro2020
We've suggested 1⃣2⃣ stadiums that would be the best-suited to hosting a tournament on home soil. 🏟️🇬🇧https://t.co/05IDf7gwcu
— FourFourTwo (@FourFourTwo) March 2, 2021
Thanks to Essex’s proximity to London, which means fixtures at Wembley, The Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge – three venues bound to be on the shortlist – are within distance for supporters.
The 2021 Toyko Olympics
You know it’s a blockbuster year when a major football tournament and the Olympics are staged back-to-back. So, once the footy is over, Essex residents should look forward to our track and field boys and girls bringing home the bacon.
After all, the county has previous with the likes of Fatima Whitbread, former Olympic gold medallist spending her teenage years in Chadwell St Mary. In Japan, Matthew Coward-Holley will lead the British shooting team’s charge as he looks to add to his record-breaking trap season in 2019. The Essex native became Britain’s first-ever world champion in the event and is a leading name in the competition.
The great thing about all of the sporting events on this year’s calendar is that they aren’t far away. Blink and you might miss Cheltenham!
