SBK, the sportsbook app created by Smarkets, spoke to jockey ambassador Tom Bellamy after it was confirmed that Eclair Surf had made it into the Grand National as number 39 out of 40

Published

4 years ago

April 7, 2022

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Emma Lavelle-trained Eclair Surf was confirmed this morning as number 39 in the list of declared runners for Saturday’s 2022 running of the Grand National, so we spoke to SBK ambassador Tom Bellamy, who will be hoping to guide the eight-year-old to victory.
On Eclair Surf’s recent form:
- “He’s got a good chance. His form looks rock solid thanks to Win My Wings who won the Scottish National very well at the weekend. We gave that horse 10lbs in the Eider at Newcastle and got to within two lengths. I think Win My Wings came forward from Newcastle, whether that was fitness or she was just in a better frame of mind. The form is there in black and white though, so we go there with every chance.”
On how Eclair Surf will handle the Grand National test:
- “It will go one way or the other. He will either take to it and it will define him as a horse or he won’t get away with it. He has got better as time has gone on and hopefully there aren’t any mistakes. He just lacks a bit of concentration at the odd fence. Around Aintree, the fences come up so quickly that I don’t think he’ll get a chance to think about anything other than looking forward and jumping.”
On who he would ride if he had a choice of all the runners:
- “If I could ride one horse in the Grand National I would stick with the one I’ve already got in Eclair Surf. I’m very lucky to have a good ride going into the race so I really can’t wait.”
On his National record, and general thoughts on the race:
- “My time in the National hasn’t been great – pulled up, fell, fell! So I’m hoping to improve on that this time. I’ve watched the National for as long as I can remember, my Dad rode in it a couple of times so I went and watched him in 2000 but it was all over by the first fence! It’s a race steeped in history and it’s great to be a part of it, and winning would be a dream. There are 40 other jockeys saying that though, not just me. Everyone wants to win the Grand National and to have a horse with a chance is very special.”
Eclair Surf is fifth in the current Grand National betting on SBK at 15/1, behind Delta Work and Snow Leopardess (both 9/1), Any Second Now (12/1) and Escaria Ten (14/1).

Meanwhile, SBK tipster Tom Collins gave his thoughts on Eclair Surf’s prospects as well as his main fancies in the race, Escaria Ten and Enjoy D’allen.
On Eclair Surf:
- “It’s fantastic to see Eclair Surf get in at the foot of the handicap after a nervy wait this week, providing SBK ambassador Tom Bellamy with a ride in the Grand National. Racing fans and punters alike want to see the best horses running and Eclair Surf, who won the Classic Chase at Warwick in January before running subsequent Scottish National winner Win My Wings close in the Eider, fully deserves his place in the field. He’s officially 4lb well-in off a mark of 143 and looks a live player given his confirmed stamina.”
Collins’ two main Grand National selections, both of which are Irish raiders:
- “There is little doubt in my mind that Escaria Ten is a Graded horse running in a handicap, and the Grand National has been his target all year. His jumping is impeccable and he’s weighted to win.”
- “JP McManus purchased Enjoy D’allen after his latest run over hurdles at Leopardstown, which proves connections were trying to keep his chasing mark in the high 140s. He’s not the most prolific of performers but he’s been crying out for a stamina-sapping test.”

Soft2Bet Gathering: An Elite Golf & Padel Experience

Published

4 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

soft2bet-gathering:-an-elite-golf-&-padel-experience

Soft2Bet, a leading iGaming turnkey solutions provider, recently brought together industry connections for an exclusive two-day golf and padel experience at the Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland. The event brought Soft2Bet’s friends and connections together to enjoy a relaxed day of golf and padel, meaningful conversations, and shared moments in an inspiring setting, celebrating the spirit of connection and community that defines the company’s approach.

Set against the backdrop of one of Scotland’s best-known sporting estates, the day paired competitive play with the camaraderie and shared spirit that are such a valued part of the game. Attendees enjoyed access to Gleneagles’ most exclusive Ryder Cup & Solheim courses, where the relaxed setting encouraged genuine connection and reflected the supportive atmosphere that made the gathering especially memorable.

Gleneagles was a fitting venue for the occasion. With more than a century of golfing history, three championship courses and a reputation built on world-class hospitality, it remains one of Scotland’s standout golf destinations. Its PGA Centenary Course hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup and the 2019 Solheim Cup, making Gleneagles the only golfing destination in Europe to have staged both events.

The event reflects Soft2Bet’s belief that strong connections are built through shared goals, trust and collaboration. Creating space for in-person connection allows the company to deepen those relationships and support long-term success.

Harrison Barrett, VP of Business Development at Soft2Bet, commented: “Bringing the industry together in a setting like Gleneagles allows us to go beyond day-to-day operations and focus on what truly drives success, while playing golf and padel. Events like this are an opportunity to align on vision, exchange ideas and celebrate the momentum.”

Stuart Trigwell, Director of Business Development at Play’n GO said: “The time spent at Gleneagles, enjoying the incredible courses and engaging in genuine, strategic conversations, was an absolute highlight. It is events like these that reinforce the trust and collaborative spirit at the core of our relations.”

The gathering reflects Soft2Bet’s wider approach to the iGaming community engagement, creating opportunities for stronger collaboration and supporting growth across key markets.

The post Soft2Bet Gathering: An Elite Golf & Padel Experience appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Booming Games

Booming Games releases Ultra Buffalo Hold and Win

Published

4 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

booming-games-releases-ultra-buffalo-hold-and-win

Booming Games, a leading provider of premium gaming content, has launched Ultra Buffalo Hold and Win, an electrifying new slot that brings the energy of the plains straight to the reels. Featuring a classic 5×3 grid with 20 fixed paylines, the game offers a maximum win potential of 5,000x. Set against a striking desert backdrop, players encounter iconic wildlife symbols, including buffalo, eagles, and wolves.

The slot delivers a high-stakes experience with a suite of thrilling bonus features. Landing three Bonus symbols on reels one, three, and five triggers the Buffalo Bonus Wheel, offering Grand, Major, Minor, and Mini prize pots, as well as the enhanced Ultra Mode, which adds two extra rows to the grid.

Randomly, the Wild Buffalo Herd feature may activate to transform symbols into wilds and upgrade existing wilds to Wild x2, ratcheting up the excitement. Meanwhile, landing five or more coins triggers the Ultra Hold and Win feature, expanding the grid to 5×8 and raising the potential for massive payouts. Players who fill the extended grid capture the Grand Prize Pot, worth 2,000x their bet.

The intensity ramps up further with the Ultra Reel, unlocked by stacking a full 1×8 reel during Ultra Hold and Win. This dramatic addition multiplies or adds coin values to the rows below, pushing the game’s payout potential to a staggering 5,000x.

April will see Booming Games continue its high-octane release schedule with six new titles, including Fly On! and Fish Tales Monster Bass 10,000, boasting innovative features and maximum wins of 5,000x and 10,000x, respectively. These releases reinforce the studio’s focus on high-quality, high-volatility experiences designed for thrill-seeking players.

Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games, said:
“Ultra Hold and Win is an exciting evolution of our classic Hold and Win mechanic. Every spin holds the promise of big rewards, and with features like the Ultra Reel and Buffalo Bonus Wheel, we’ve created a modern, pulse-pounding experience that players are going to love. Step into the herd and feel the charge!”

The post Booming Games releases Ultra Buffalo Hold and Win appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Conferences

R. Franco Digital to showcase next-generation solutions at SiGMA South America 2026

Published

4 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

r.-franco-digital-to-showcase-next-generation-solutions-at-sigma-south-america-2026

R. Franco Digital, the Spanish iGaming provider, is set to exhibit at the SiGMA South America 2026, following a landmark year of commercial expansion.

The company will return to São Paulo from April 6-9 to present its latest suite of highly engaging games and services, tailored specifically for the evolving Latin American landscape.

R. Franco Digital enters this year’s exhibition having solidified its market presence across Portugal, Italy, and Peru, and is focused on leveraging that international expertise to support operators within Brazil’s maturing regulated framework.

Central to the showcase at Booth P105 will be the provider’s most popular games, including recent standouts such as Strange Spins, Genie Triple Bonanza, Diamond King Gorilla, Luxury Blast, Zorro: Final Duel and The Phantom.

These titles are designed to deliver localised, highly engaging player experiences, setting new standards for content in regulated and emerging markets.

In addition, R. Franco Digital will highlight the latest evolution of its IRIS platform. As a comprehensive, GLI-certified solution for casino, sports betting, and retail operators, IRIS is certified in key markets including Portugal, Spain, Colombia and Puerto Rico.

Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director of R. Franco Digital, said: “Brazil continues to be a primary focus for our global strategy, and SiGMA South America is the perfect stage to showcase how our games and technology can drive operational success. Our content portfolio and IRIS platform have evolved to meet the specific demands of players across the LatAm region.”

The post R. Franco Digital to showcase next-generation solutions at SiGMA South America 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.