Two Events Welsh Sports Fans Have to Look Forward to Before the Year is Out

As the year draws to a close, Wales is preparing for a thrilling finale with three major sporting events that promise to capture the nation’s attention. So far, throughout the year, there have been plenty of talking points for those from the Land of the Dragons to get excited about. Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham completed their second consecutive promotion back in May as they climbed out of League Two, while Swansea City also claimed the bragging rights against heated rivals Cardiff.

Before the year is out, there is plenty more for the Red Dragons to get excited about. Here are two massive sporting events coming from Wales in the next couple of months.

Welsh Grand National 2024

The Welsh Grand National is a highlight of the sporting festive calendar. The iconic showpiece is renowned for its challenging conditions, often run on soft or heavy ground, which adds an element of endurance to the race. The iconic showdown takes place on December 27th at Chepstow, and the latest horse racing betting odds currently make Gitmaker a 9/1 favourite for glory. Whether the French steeplechaser can live up to his frontrunner tag remains to be seen.

Set over a demanding three miles and five and a half furlongs, the race tests the mettle of both jockeys and horses. Having a look at last year’s racing results, it was Nassalam who romped to glory by a whopping 34 lengths, with only five runners finishing the ominous course. This year’s showdown promises to be similarly exciting.

2-2 SGÔR TERFYNOL

Our third match of the Nations League ends with a draw.

Montenegro next

https://t.co/Ee3GvSzrRg #NationsLeague | #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/Qr8DfmQy38

— Wales (@Cymru) October 11, 2024

Can Craig Bellamy’s Wales Secure UEFA Nations League Promotion?

On the football front, Craig Bellamy’s Dragons are poised for two crucial UEFA Nations League matches that could define their standing in League B. The Welsh have made a strong start to this year’s instalment of the tournament as they look to bounce back from a disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign which saw them miss the European Championships for the first time since 2012.

With the former Manchester City and Liverpool striker at the helm, Wales are currently unbeaten in their first four games. They have managed to pick up victories home and away against Montenegro while drawing at home to Turkey and away against Iceland. Now, all attention turns to their two remaining games and whether the Red Dragons can get over the line and secure an immediate return to League A.

Wales visit the table-topping Turks on November 16th, before hosting the Icelanders in Cardiff three days later. If they can manage a shock victory in Istanbul, then avoiding defeat against Iceland should be enough to secure promotion. Anything less than all three points, however, means that Wales need the Turks to slip up against Montenegro in their final game to have any hope of a top spot in League B.

Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson has been the star of the show so far this term, netting three goals in four games. If he can continue in a similar vein, then promotion may well be a possibility.