Over four in five Brits (81%) admit to being “fair weather ” sports fans – only tuning in for the major events such as the Ashes, the Super Bowl, and the Boat Race.

Two in five (39%) casual sports fans are only interested in football when it comes to major tournaments such as the World Cup or the Euros – while 35% only follow tennis during Wimbledon, and 23% say the same of rugby during the Six Nations.

And with Cheltenham Festival being held next week, one in five Brits are likely to become part-time horse-racing fans until after the Grand National and Royal Ascot have taken place, in April and June respectively.

The poll of 2,000 adults found that half (51%) will claim to be equestrian “experts” during the big three racing events – and 90% will get involved in betting, typically placing a stake on six races.

Three in ten (31%) have arranged a get-together with family or friends, so they can enjoy all the highs and lows of race day together.

And 26% take their interest to another level by purchasing a copy of the Racing Post in a bid to find an “absolute cert”.

A spokesman for 888sport, which commissioned the research, said: “There are many great racing events throughout the year, but Cheltenham is one of the biggest.

“The fact that so many people are interested in these events, despite not typically following the sport, shows the appeal that Cheltenham and other events hold.

“Across the 28 races there will be twists, turns, and upsets galore, spectators will be on the edge of their seats – we can’t wait.

“And their interest in the sport could capture their imagination so much they might even start to follow it throughout the year.”

The study also found that, of the 34% of adults who follow horseracing, 51% claim to become an expert in it – for the duration of the Grand National, Cheltenham, and Ascot in particular.

And 59% of all adults have bet on a horserace at one time or another – with 21% claiming to have a good instinct for picking out a winner.

The top three methods used when choosing which horse to place a stake on include its name (21%), the odds (21%), and past successes of the thoroughbred (20%).

Other popular tactics include monitoring the weather conditions (14%), tips from racing supplements and blogs (12%), and the colour of the jockey’s uniform (10%).

More than half (53%) have never been to a live racing event – although 40% would like to attend one in the future.

The study, carried out through OnePoll, also found that 35% of those who follow major sporting events are so passionate about occasions like these, they plan their entire year around them.

One in three followers (34%) of major sports also said they like to try out new sports – so perhaps horseracing could be one they get into.

The spokesman for 888sport added: “There are those who like to stick to one or two sports and follow them closely, those who watch everything going, and those who just watch the big events. Whatever your preference, there are plenty of events to choose from and enjoy.”