Text
                    Sun

Saturday, January 28, 2023

EVERTON’S
LAST ROLL
OF THE
DYCHE
SEE SUNSPORT

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER

50

£1.10

thesun.co.uk

T&Cs apply. Online access required. Multiple code collect. 18+

THE

MALDIVES
DUBAI
FLORIDA
THAILAND
LAS VEGAS
SRI LANKA

LUXURY TO BE
HOLIDAYS WON

WORTH

£150K
SEE PAGE
30

EXCLUSIVE: SHOCK INTERVIEW
Ordeal . . .
Hannah and
below, in band,
third from left

S Club
Hannah
homeless

By STEPHEN MOYES

S CLUB 7 singer Hannah
Spearritt was left homeless at
Christmas despite her global
fame, she reveals today.
The 41-year-old — whose
band raked in £50million —
had to live in an office with her
partner and their two girls.
She said: “The kids’ beds
were there and we had the crayons out. It was stressful.”
Full Story — Pages Four and Five

POP STAR WAS FORCED TO LIVE IN OFFICE


2 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 2GM HS2 ‘ON TRACK TO LONDON’ Works . . . Euston station BRITAIN’S flagship high speed rail project WILL run into central London, the Chancellor insisted yesterday. Jeremy Hunt spoke out amid claims parts of HS2 could be scaled back or scrapped to save billions of pounds. He reckoned he did not see “any conceivable circumstances” where the line wouldn’t run on into Euston but By RYAN SABEY didn’t comment on the timescale. As costs soar, HS2 chiefs are considering delaying Euston’s redevelopment until 2038 or terminating HS2 at Old Oak Common near Acton, West London. More than £1billion has already been spent on work at Euston over the past six years. The Sun reported yesterday the entire project could be delayed by up to five years. Mr Hunt went on: “I think that it is a source of national embarrassment the Japanese opened their first high speed line in 1964, two years before I was born.” The first phase of HS2 between London and Birmingham is due to open by 2033. The next phases would see the line extended from the West Midlands to Crewe and Manchester. In the North East yesterday PM Rishi Sunak said the government was “committed to delivering all the plans that it’s announced with rail”. The Sun Says — Page Ten PLEA TO COVID QUITTERS 5M INACTIVE TOLD: BRITAIN NEEDS YOU JEREMY Hunt yesterday urged up to five million jobless or newly-retired Brits to get to work — declaring: “Your country needs you.” The Chancellor effectively begged those who quit during the pandemic or have been on long-term sick leave to help boost Britain’s fortunes. He pledged a series of shake-ups, which could include tax allowances, to get them off their sofas as he set out a vision for long-term prosperity. Mr Hunt said: “We will never harness the full potential of our country unless we unlock it for each and every one of our citizens. Nor will we fix our productivity puzzle unless everyone who can participate does.” He added: “‘If companies can’t employ the staff they need, they By RYAN SABEY, Deputy Political Editor can’t grow.” He said there are “five million people who don’t want to work with around one in five working age adults economically inactive”. Making a keynote speech hosted by Bloomberg in central London, the Chancellor said this was “an enormous and shocking waste of talent and potential”. Mr Hunt called upon those who left employment during Covid to rethink. He said: “So to those who retired early after the pandemic or haven’t found the right role after furlough, I say, ‘Britain needs you’. “And we will look at the conditions necessary to make work worth your while.” And he said: “Many of those people who decide to retire in their fifties will have a life expectancy well beyond 80. That is a very long time in which a rich and happy life could be one in which work plays a very important part.” UK unemployment figures have been at some of their lowest in nearly 50 years. And Bank of England boss Andrew Bailey earlier this month said though a long recession was expected, it was likely to be “shallow”. Whitehall sources said to get the retired over-50s working, they could raise the £1million lifetime allowance on tax-free pension savings. It is blamed for driving doctors and other professionals into early retirement. ryan.sabey@ thesun.co.uk The Sun Says — Page Ten Call . . . Mr Hunt yesterday CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS THE TWO BLONDIES THE Sun aims to have the highest standards and we abide by the rules in the Editors’ Code of Practice. The Sun is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation. To make a complaint to us go to www.thesun.co.uk/ipso, email editorialcomplaints@thesun.co.uk, or write to Editorial Complaints, The Sun, 1 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9GF. ABERDEEN 8 GLASGOW EDINBURGH BELFAST 7 9 LEEDS LIVERPOOL MANCHESTER 8 NORWICH BIRMINGHAM DUBLIN CARDIFF 7 NEWCASTLE PLYMOUTH 7 7 7 BRISTOL 7 SOUTHAMPTON 7 LONDON TODAY: A cold and frosty start across southern England. Once the early fog clears it will be sunny, before thick cloud spreads southwards bringing patchy rain. Brighter with sunny spells in North. TONIGHT: Largely dry with clear spells but overnight cloud will build with the chance of rain for most. In northern and western Scotland there will be a risk of gales. OUTLOOK: Wet and windy tomorrow with cloudy skies and outbreaks of rain across Scotland and Northern Ireland which will track south-eastwards. Monday will remain mainly overcast. SUN 7˚ MON 8˚ TUE 9˚ BUSINESSES will get priority over workers when it comes to cutting taxes, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said. He said he will push for slashing corporation tax when conditions are right after a planned increase from 19 per cent to 25 per cent in April. Mr Hunt said: “If you’re saying to me do I want to get taxes down, yes, I do. If you’re saying where would I prioritise, my first priority would actually be to bring down business taxes.” He insisted the “best tax cut right now is a cut in inflation” — but it will require the public to be patient. And he said it was unlikely there would be any significant levy reductions in the Budget in March. By PATRICK GYSIN FORMER Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries goes head to head with her old boss Boris Johnson as she kicks off a new telly show. Her interview with the former PM is the first of a weekly look at the news launching at 8pm this Friday on TalkTV. Nadine said: “Now’s the time to find out what he really thinks about a whole range of pressing issues.” SUJIKO 10 BUSINESS 1st FOR TAX CUT Place the numbers 1-9 in the spaces so that the number in each circle is equal to the sum of the four surrounding spaces. Solution on Puzzles page. 15 17 7 21 23 PUZZLES: PAGES 41-43 Pay row . . . teachers Schools strike ‘to hit 4.5m’ By PATRICK GYSIN MILLIONS of children face being turned away from classrooms next week as teachers strike. Half of state schools — 12,000 in all — are thought likely to have to close in England and Wales on Wednesday. About 4.5million pupils, including some in nurseries, will be affected. Former schools minister Jonathan Gullis said: “Pupils are having their education once again disrupted, harming their life chances. It is a shameful day for the profession.” National Education Union members are walking out over pay. Leaders are expected to meet Education Secretary Gillian Keegan on Monday for last-minute talks. Unless there is a breakthrough, teachers will join 100,000 civil servants, 70,000 university staff and thousands of train drivers in what some fear is, in effect, a general strike. Poll: Axe Nadhim MORE than half of voters think Nadhim Zahawi should be sacked as Tory party chief, a poll shows. The Cabinet minister is under fire after paying a penalty in a multimillionpound tax dispute. Two-fifths of those polled also told Redfield and Wilton they did not think PM Rishi Sunak had a mandate to govern. WE PAY FOR YOUR STORIES We are always after good stories – and we pay big money for them every day. Call our newsdesk and we’ll call you straight back. Call: 020 7782 4100 WhatsApp: 0742 372 0250 email: exclusive@the-sun.co.uk Need help with Sun Savers? Call 0207 860 1129 (Mon-Fri 10am-5.30pm) or email help@thesun.co.uk Today’s birthdays CAPITAL radio host ROMAN KEMP, 30, left, Olympic gold-medallist JESSICA ENNIS-HILL, 37, right, singer HRVY, 24, and The Lord of the Rings actor, ELIJAH WOOD, 42. lLAST night’s Health Lottery numbers: 5, 7, 29, 32, 45. Bonus: 16. EuroMillions: 8, 9, 15, 19, 31. Lucky Stars: 10, 12.
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... SO ABBY AND GLORIOUS MODEL Abby Champion bronzes up nicely on the beach. She slipped into a copper-coloured bikini during a photoshoot for Italian fashion group Calzedonia. The US catwalk star, 25, is used to globetrotting. In the past two months she has been working in Miami, Los By EMILY WEBBER Angeles, Milan, France’s Cap d’Antibes, Senegal and at Paris Fashion Week. And last month Abby was on holiday in Rio de Janeiro with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son Patrick, 29, right, who she has dated since 2015. ACE’S NET PROFIT ..and it’s a tradeMarc finish from Rashford BID TO PATENT HIS GOAL POSE EXCLUSIVE by STEPHEN MOYES MAN United star Marcus Rashford is using his head and trying to trademark his goal celebration. Picture: CALZEDONIA The striker, 25, has been pointing to his bonce each time he scores. KELLY: I STILL CAN’T FACE MY WASHOUT WEDDING VIDEO PAGES 36 & 37 His finger salute is a nod to boss Erik ten Hag, who has instilled a positive mental attitude in Rashford — who has nine Premier League goals so far this season. Other stars including Brighton’s Danny Welbeck, Newcastle United’s Joelinton and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka have all imitated the celebration. Now Rashford has applied to the UK’s Intellectual Property Office to trademark a silhouette design. If passed, the patent would protect against bootlegs for ten years on everything from computer games and digital images to sports gear, clothing, shoes, phone cases, books educational and motivational services. An intellectual property lawyer said: “This will give Marcus and his advisors the ability to take action against third parties who may be using the relevant image in the course of trade without consent.” Explaining the motivation behind the new celebration, England ace Rashford said: “It’s a completely different energy around the club. That puts me in a better headspace and I just feel really motivated now. That’s the area I was struggling in.” stephen.moyes@the-sun.co.uk Head Devil . . Rash and silhouette 3
4 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 V2 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: By STEPHEN MOYES Associate News Editor S CLUB 7’s Hannah Spearritt today tells of her family’s homeless hell after her landlord sold their rented pad. The pop icon, 41, partner Adam Thomas, 42, and their young daughters had two days to find a new place. They had to call in favours to stay at friends’ homes after they were asked a “crazy” £6,000 up front for a short-term rental. Hannah, who earned £150,000 a year and sang to packed stadiums in the 2000s, even temporarily crammed the family into a mate’s office space, using it as a living room. But Hannah said they made the best of their ordeal by turning the office space into an adventure for girls Taya, four, and Tora, three. Not including the office, the family has been in four houses in two months, and are still without a home of their own. To add to the agony, Hannah had been bedbound with an illness and the couple’s café venture has stalled. The singer admits her former earnings may seem a big sum for most people. Yet it is a pittance compared to the £50million generated by the band in their heyday with hits such as Don’t Stop Movin’ and Bring It All Back. Hannah told The Sun: “We were not on a good wage compared to the money being made. “People think we must all be millionaires but sadly it’s just not true. It was what it was and we enjoyed ourselves at the time.” Partner Adam, a personal trainer, weighed in: “S Club 7’s manager Simon Fuller did well for himself, didn’t he?” Fuller, 62 — also behind the Spice Girls — is worth an estimated £445million. The couple’s troubles began in autumn when their landlord gave them two months to quit the home in South West London. When he got a quick sale their move was rushed forward. And by early December they had two days to find a new place. They turned down the option of short-term rentals, with Hannah branding the up-front cash demands: “Crazy, extortionate”. Instead, a pal who was away over Christmas and New Year offered their house in Surrey. But it still left the couple with nowhere to go for two weeks before the festive season — forcing them to take refuge in another pal’s office, close to their empty café premises. Some nights they relied on kindness from family and friends. Hannah said: “Our landlord needed the money and the property sold so fast. We ended up with under two days to leave. “What screwed us is we didn’t have time to find another place. “We had somewhere over Christmas but ran out of time before we could move in. It was just a couple of weeks. “We filled the unopened café with our belongings — we were so lucky to have that storage space — but had nowhere to go. “We were allowed to stay in our friend’s office. “We just used it as our living room. We could work in there and the kids played. “It was extra space. The kids’ beds were there and we had the crayons out. The climbing frame was up; it was fun for them. “It was stressful but you deal with it, don’t you? Especially with the kids.” Hannah’s ordeal came despite the glamorous showbiz lifestyle she enjoyed 20 years ago — being wined and dined in glitzy venues lWE HAD TO STAY AT PALS’ PLACE AT XMAS lWE MADE LIVING IN OFFICE FUN FOR KIDS S Clubber . . . teen Hannah during her time in the band JUST 17 AND IN 7 HEAVEN 1998: Simon Fuller forms S Club 7 — Hannah, then 17, Bradley McIntosh, Jo O’Meara, Jon Lee, Paul Cattermole, Rachel Stevens and Tina Barrett. 1999: The band star in CBBC’s Miami 7 about their hunt for US fame. 1999: Debut single Bring It All Back hits No1 and sells over 600,000 copies. 2000: The band scoop the British Breakthrough Act at the Brits. 2001: They go on their and criss-crossing the globe as a pin-up girl. S Club 7 launched in 1999 and had four UK No1 singles and one UK No1 album. They gained more fame via TV shows including Miami 7 and Viva S Club before splitting in 2003 — after selling more than ten million albums worldwide. Hannah then focused on her acting career and headed for auditions in Hollywood. After landing a lead role in ITV sci-fi drama Primeval in 2007, she appeared in a West End show. She had a short stint in EastEnders in 2017, and a part in BBC’s Casualty. S Club 7 toured the UK in 2015 and are set for first tour after Don’t Stop Movin’ reaches No1. 2002: Paul quits to form a band with pals. The rest continue as S Club. 2003: They split after a greatest hits album, saying it was “time to move on and face new challenges”. 2014: Reunion for Children in Need. 2015: Bring It All Back tour. 2023: Comeback tour in the works. reunion gigs this autumn. But Hannah is the only original group member yet to sign on the dotted line for dates including shows at London’s O2 Arena. She is wrestling with her responsibilities as a mum and the café plans. Hannah said: “At the moment it’s S Club 6. “It hasn’t got the same ring to it, has it, but I’m going to make a final decision soon. “I just need to be sure everything will be okay health-wise.
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... V2 5 S CLUB HANNAH’S HELL Toughing it out . . . Hannah and partner Adam S Club’s manager Simon Fuller did well for himself didn’t he – PARTNER ADAM Picture: DOUG SEEBURG Last year was terrible but this year is going to be great – HANNAH People think we’re millionaires but we have nowhere to live There is no point being paid a pittance and getting exhausted. It has to be worthwhile and I have the kids to think about. I’d like them to see me up there. “It’s an opportunity to do things right this time.” She and Adam, who got together in 2013, were due to open a holistic café, Earth & Fire, last summer. But setbacks delayed the venture in Twickenham, South West London. It is awaiting more building work ahead of a launch later this year. Brave Hannah hugged Adam as she told The Sun: “There have been delays with the café. The reasons are very personal. It’s life stuff, and hard to explain. I had an illness that took it out of me and I hardly got out of bed in three months. The depths of life hit us; big hardships. “But ultimately we’re still here. And the café will open. We’re looking forward to the future. “The timing of it all is not important. So many people have had a difficult time. “I was going through some stuff but I’m not focusing on the past. We’re steadfast and we’re good. “Whatever doesn’t break you, as they say . . . ” Hannah added: “Last year was terrible but this year is going to be great. We hope our café will finally open this summer, and we’ll be able to move into our own home by then too. We have an allotment, and fruit and vegetables on sale in our café will be homegrown. “It’s exciting. We’ll be hands on, and it’s our new venture.” Last year Hannah thrilled her online followers by sharing videos of her kids excitedly running around the unopened café. The pop star revealed last June: “We’ve been working together as a family to create this brand-new holistic cafe concept. “They love visiting and seeing all the building work. “We are using sustainable materials and doing a lot of the work ourselves. “We’ll be using high-quality ingredients, filtered water and locally sourced produce. Opening this summer in Twickenham!” But setbacks delayed the venture until last November, and that target was also missed. Hannah’s 80,000 followers were simply told the café would be “Coming soon”. She told The Sun: “It has been tough but last year was the worst. “My anxiety has heightened. Moving is so stressful anyway. It has been challenging but life is full of ups and downs. “One day, after we’ve made a success of the café, I would like to live in Costa Rica with Adam and the girls. I’m giddy about the future.” stephen.moyes@the-sun.co.uk BOOB OP STRUGGLE HANNAH suffered with her health for three years after a 2013 boob job. It left her with depression and severe anxiety — which still has knock-on effects today. She talked about “breast implant illness” as a potential side-effect of silicone implants for ITV’s Celebrity Health Stories last October. Experts recognise the condition but research is limited. Hannah said she became so ill that at one point she thought she was going to die. She had the implants removed.
6 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 2GM STILL WFH? WTF! CBI: Bosses secretly want staff back in the office MOST bosses want staff back in the office rather than working from home, a business chief says. Companies have put up with workers only going in on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday — if at all. At home . . . worker And Tony Danker, the director general of the Confederation of British Industry, said the world of work had “gone crazy” since By ASHLEY ARMSTRONG the pandemic. Mr Danker, whose group represents 190,000 businesses, told a BBC podcast: “You ask most bosses — everybody secretly wants everyone to come back into the office. “I just don’t think that’s going to happen overnight. I think we are all coping with this but we’re going to be talking about this for a few years.” Around 38 per cent of workers are still doing so from home, according to official figures. Before the pandemic, just 5.7 per cent worked from home but that rose to 43.1 per cent just a month into lockdown. A recent poll found a quarter of workers wanted to work from home permanently while another quarter wanted to return to the office full-time. The remaining 50 per cent prefer a hybrid arrangement. Many enjoy the flexibility of a couple of days a week working from home, allowing them to walk the dog, avoid commutes, take exercise or juggle parenting and caring responsibilities. But some businesses fear they are falling behind their rivals as a result of home working. A LABOUR council cabinet member was spotted knitting on videolink as she discussed cuts at a Monmouthshire budget meeting. Rachel Garrick insisted: “Knitting increases my focus.” ashley.armstrong@the-sun.co.uk KILLED BY LOO Victim . . Tyre Nichols 5 cops face US murder charges By PATRICK GYSIN FIVE US cops have been charged with murdering a driver who was savagely beaten during a traffic stop. Tyre Nichols, 29, died in hospital three days after he was also reportedly pepper sprayed. Authorities were last night set to release video footage of the attack in Memphis, Tennessee. Nichols’ family said it shows officers savagely beating the FedEx worker for three minutes. They believe it caused him to have a heart attack They pleaded for any protests to stay peaceful as Memphis was braced for public outrage. All the officers are black and each face charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, misconduct and oppression. Army Brit terror rap A SERVING British Army member has been charged with terror offences. Daniel Abed Khalif, 21, is accused of placing an item that had the appearance of a bomb. He is also alleged to have “elicited or attempted to elicit information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism”. He was charged with the offences, said to have been committed in Stafford, after an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command. Khalif is in custody and due before Westminster magistrates today. By JOE HADDEN A MAINTENANCE worker was crushed to death by this street toilet yesterday. He got trapped by the “pop-up urinal” below ground level in London’s West End. Emergency workers called in a crane to hoist it out in an attempt to save the critically-injured man. But horrified onlookers watched as he was pronounced dead at the scene in the capital’s theatre district. Also known as telescopic or hydraulic urinals, they are raised out of the ground at night and stored below during the day. Fuel falls ‘withheld’ GREEDY petrol station chiefs have not passed on huge falls in wholesale fuel costs to drivers, according to research. The RAC found wholesale diesel costs dropped by 32p per litre between October and December. But average pump prices only fell by 20p per litre during that time. Retailers have been accused of unfairly inflating prices for profit. The stats come after The Sun this week revealed plans to appoint a Pumpwatch regulator to close the gap between forecourt prices and falling wholesale costs. The Sun Says — Page Ten GEAR UP FOR GONG Black Panther actress Angela Bassett, 64, will be honoured for her style at next month’s Costume Designers Guild Awards.
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 2GM SHOCK AND ROLL STAR CHALLENGER 2 1998–present COST WEIGHT LENGTH CREW RANGE £4.2M 75tons 44ft 3in 4 340miles (on-road) 160miles (off-road) TOP 37mph (on-road) SPEED 25mph (off-road) SIGHT The Challenger 2 holds the record for the longest confirmed kill of an enemy tank at 2.5miles in Iraq. Thermal Observation Gunnery Sight (TOGS) SECONDARY ARMAMENT MAIN ARMAMENT L30A1 120mm rifled gun with 47 rounds 7.62mm machine gun, 7.62mm chain gun and 2 x 5 L8 grenade launchers The rifling spins rounds as they exit the barrel, making it more accurate at range than Nato or Russian equivalents. With long-range diesel tanks it can travel up to 340miles in between refuelling. Its second-gen Chobham shell makes it among the best protected in the world. It can be fitted with explosive reactive armour, which blasts outwards to intercept incoming rounds. COMBAT ARMOUR Chobham/Dorchester (Level 2) which can withstand direct hits from shellfire STOP PUTIN PINCHING TANK TECH Plan to recover Brit war debris Concern . . . Putin, Challenger 2 and Wallace THE Army is thrashing out emergency plans to recover British tanks if they are damaged in Ukraine — to stop their top secret armour and technology falling into Russian hands. The fearsome Challenger 2s are protected by worldbeating Chobham armour made from a secret blend of ceramics, steel and shock-absorbing compounds. Britain led the world by pledging 14 Challenger 2s to Ukraine — but defence sources say it would be a nightmare if one was captured by Vladimir Putin’s invaders. His military scientists would then be free to study the armour and how to defeat it. A source explained: “The British armour EXCLUSIVE by JEROME is the best in the world. STARKEY, Defence Editor “In the history of Challenger 2s only one has been destroyed tractors on standby to recover in battle and that was by stricken tanks. friendly fire in Iraq. On paper the UK boasts 227 “The Russians will be desperate to try and kill and capture Challenger 2 tanks but only about 60 are battle-ready. a Challenger 2, partly for their About 30 are in Estonia, with propaganda but also to get 14 bound for Ukraine. their hands on its secrets.” The Challenger 2 holds the The latest Chobham armour – codenamed Dorchester — has record for the longest confirmed kill of an enemy tank never been breached by enemy at 2.5miles in Iraq — thanks fire, Army sources insisted. to its super accurate 120mm Top brass are working with main gun. Ukraine’s high command to Defence Secretary Ben ensure UK tanks can be Wallace pledged to rethink dragged back to safety if one is plans to cut the fleet as a knocked out of action. result of the war in Ukraine. A defence source said: “If a Under the last round of tank is destroyed or disabled Ministry of Defence cuts the the first option is always to try number was due to shrink to and self-recover. You tow it 149 upgraded Challenger 3s. with another tank or use a Germany has also pledged specialist armoured repair and tanks and US President Joe recovery vehicle — which looks Biden has offered to supply like a tank with a crane. Ukraine with 31 Abrams tanks “But the worst case scenario — but they are expected to take is that a tank is destroyed when a year to arrive as they are the lines are collapsing and due to be specially made. friendly forces are in retreat. A Ministry of Defence “Step one is the training and spokesman said last night: “We working with mission planners conduct a rigorous assessment to try and ensure the Challeng- of the risks associated with ers are not used in scenarios providing weapons for the where they think that collapse defence of Ukraine. a realistic possibility. “The tanks we are providing “Step two is making sure, at to Ukraine will be drawn from the tactical level, the Ukrainians the Army’s high readiness fleet are trained to recover a tank to ensure they reach Ukrainian under fire. They certainly don’t Armed Forces as quickly as lack the courage.” possible. The platforms are Other extreme options under already being prepared and consideration include having will be ready to move in the private military con- coming months.” 7
8 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 EXCLUSIVE: JUDGE Top marks . . . Bruno on Strictly By SIMON BOYLE Executive Showbiz Editor BRITAIN’S Got Talent is bigger than rival Strictly Come Dancing, new judge Bruno Tonioli insists. He became a shock addition to the ITV panel after 17 series on the BBC show, but Bruno reckons: “This is the biggest show on TV — I mean it, it is now that I’m here.” And he says his relationship with fellow judges Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden is “great” after an unseemly pay row overshadowed news of his new job. Bruno, 67, joined Simon Cowell, 63, Amanda, 51, and Alesha, 44, this week for BGT auditions at the London Palladium. And after filming for the first time, the Italian dancer declared to us: “This is the biggest show on British TV, now that I’m here. “I mean it. Oh, Simon is going to hate that I’ve said that — but oh well. I have nothing bad to say about Strictly, it changed my life. “This is completely different and it’s a completely different sort of judging. The range of this show, you see things that you have no idea are coming. “I have been in showbiz for 50 years now and I’ve worked with everyone from Tina Turner and French and Saunders to Michael Caine, so I know when something works and I know why it works — I know what this job needs.” Live-wire Bruno beat comic Alan Carr, 46, to replace David Walliams, 51, on the panel. And he insisted there will be no hard feelings with Alan, adding: “It won’t be awkward at all. “I haven’t had a clue about his negotiations. I love Alan and I know him, he is a very nice guy. “I didn’t know the situation with him, nothing was announced, and that’s showbusiness. “This was down to ITV — and I just said yes to the job when it was offered. He’s a professional, he knows how things go.” Bruno added: “I was actually on holiday and I got a text message from Simon’s girlfriend. “We’ve been friends for a long time, me and Simon, and she suggested we all get together. “I had no idea this job was around. I arrived in London on the ninth of January and my agent had a call from ITV. “I had no idea what it was about other than he said, ‘Oh, it’s something very big’ and I thought, ‘That’s good’. “Then I had a meeting on the 13th with ITV and I thought, ‘Great, this is fantastic’. “I have known Simon forever. I BGT is bigger than Strictly ...especially now I’m on it! SAYS BRUNO TONIOLI know that the show is right up my street. There were no long negotiations, I just said, ‘Yes, I want to do it’. “It happened so fast that I have practically nothing to wear. I am going to have to go shopping next week when I get to Manchester — I must make Simon pay. “Actually, he’s teased me about joining for years and then never offered me the job, so I still didn’t believe it until it finally happened.” Bruno, whose name was chanted by fans as he arrived for filming this week, joined BGT on a reported salary of £850,000. It is understood Amanda and Alesha were put out by rumours he would be paid more than them. They formed a pact to quit unless they were satisfied and a happy settlement was reached amid fears Simon would have to step in. Bruno has defended himself over the furore and insists that he had no idea what his co-stars were getting paid, but says their relationship is now “great”. He explains: “It is very vulgar to talk about money but I am definitely not getting what has been claimed. “I don’t know what the girls are getting but if they are getting more now then good for them, they deserve everything. “There is no frostiness with the girls, of course not. Who is frosty? We have been having a laugh. “This is working with a group of mates. I have known Alesha since Mis-Teeq and then of course from when she was on Strictly. “I have known Amanda since we met at a small party for Simon’s 50th. We all enjoy each other and respect each other. “When I am on the panel, the volume is a bit higher. “Simon already has a headache — he said I gave him a migraine yesterday, but we’ve known each other for years, since before he was a big deal. “He asked me to choreograph a video for his then-girlfriend, Sinitta back in the Eighties but it wasn’t So Macho or Toy Boy, I got lumbered with a naff one. “Simon used to drive a TVR in those days, it was very vulgar, and he was still living at home with his parents. I remember one day I
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... POINTS THE FINGER I don’t know what the girls are getting but if they are getting more now then good for them His fellow judges . . . Alesha, Amanda and Simon this week New talent . . Bruno at the BGT auditions this week, and left went to visit and he had this rambling rose that was so unkempt so I got out my pliers and just trimmed his bush. He was furious.” Bruno was drafted on to the BGT panel when David quit after ten years. That followed allegations that Walliams had made disparaging remarks about some of the contestants which had been picked up by a microphone. But despite the uncomfortable exit, he was quick to congratulate his replacement on bagging the coveted role — sending a gift and a warm message of support. I’ve known Simon since he was a nobody ...I used to trim his parents’ bushes Bruno says: “David was actually the very first person that sent me a text and a fantastic bottle of wine. He’s a very good friend. “We worked with each other ages ago on a film The Body In The Library and he was one of the cast. The second text was from Piers Morgan, he’s even trickier than Simon. “He begged me for six months to be on his Life Stories. “When we were both in America, I saw a lot of Simon on the CBS lot. I was doing Dancing With The Stars and he was doing American Idol, but my trailer was like a milk float and his was magnificent, he had a beautiful pile. “But one weekend, he left his jacuzzi on all weekend and flooded the place, including my trailer — and it ruined a pair of beautiful blue suede Dior boots I had just bought. I was furious. He owes me a pair of boots.” Bruno spent years juggling being a judge on Strictly and its US counterpart, Dancing With The Stars. Covid restrictions put paid to him jetting across the Atlantic and he left permanently in 2021. He was replaced by former pro Anton Du Beke. Because BGT auditions start in the first half of the year, Bruno would still be free to judge on Dancing With The Stars in the autumn. But he says his own dancing days are now well and truly over after appearing recently on The Masked Dancer as Pearly King, which he jokes “ruined my back”. simon.boyle@the-sun.co.uk 9
10 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 Sun THE SAYS Hunt’s punt IT is certainly a welcome change to hear the Chancellor bullishly talking up Britain’s prospects. Few are currently brave enough to do that. Jeremy Hunt even said yesterday that those despairing of our future, or even our present, are plain wrong. Our growth, he insists, is no worse than Germany’s and better than in France. This was a far chirpier Hunt than the funereal individual parachuted into the Treasury last year to calm the markets. Back then he delivered grim sermons about the impact of Covid, war and, yes, the mini-Budget under Liz Truss. But he and Rishi Sunak HAVE steadied the ship — even if we are still borrowing vast sums to stay afloat. And it was refreshing to hear his optimism about a new UK “Silicon Valley” of tech startups and entrepreneurship. Our Brexit freedoms, he said, are key to turbo-charging flagging productivity and growth . . . quite the admission from a former Remain campaigner. His ambition for “the most competitive tax regime of any major country” was music to our ears too. But, Mr Hunt, when will that happen? We agree that slashing inflation must trump immediate tax cuts. But what we see is the tax burden at a 70-year high — and the Chancellor himself hiking corporation tax six per cent in April. How is that attractive to the firms he wants? Factor in our inability to build enough affordable homes for workers and Mr Hunt’s Silicon Valley looks way off. Likewise his drive to lure comfortable early-retirees back to work will remain a pipe dream without some concrete incentive such as pension tax breaks. And, frankly, all talk of a golden future rings hollow with prices still soaring, pay lagging and the NHS in chaos. Voters want immediate action on those, plus major tax cuts in due course and real growth to make us all better off. The Tories may have little time to achieve any of it. Train shame WE don’t agree with Mr Hunt that it’s a “national embarrassment” Japan opened its first high-speed rail line some 70 years before we ever will. What IS is that HS2 was always a dubious idea, may never now do what it set out to and may have tripled in cost. What will be an embarrassment is if it proves as pointless, archaic and underused as we suspect. And the nation regrets the mind-blowing price tag wasn’t spent more wisely. Had our fill AS diesel fell 32p a litre on the wholesale market, the pump price dropped only 20p. Clinching proof that drivers are routinely ripped off. That Pumpwatch monitor cannot come soon enough. EXPERT’S VERDICT ON A SHAMBLES GARETH MORGAN is just the sort of businessman they need in the North. The company he founded near Sheffield employs 100 skilled workers who manufacture high-tech parts for the aerospace industry, which they sell abroad to countries including the USA. But when his customers from America fly into Manchester, they are forced to take a 40-mile taxi ride to Sheffield because the rail service — just like in much of the North — is very slow and totally unreliable. Dr Morgan, the boss of Advanced Manufacturing (Sheffield), can travel easily to London but to see suppliers and customers in nearby towns in the North he has to use his car. He agrees “1,000 per cent” that the planned 250mph highspeed train from London to Manchester should be scrapped now. It would take just half of the £160billion that HS2 will cost to give the North and Midlands a frequent, reliable, comfortable, electrified rail network that is as good as the service enjoyed by commuters in the South East. I have spent my life in civil engineering and was heavily involved in the building of the Channel Tunnel. Sadly, I have come to the conclusion that HS2 is a £161BILLION vanity project that is bleeding the rest of the rail network to death. As The Sun revealed yesterday, the project is not fit for purpose, especially when we can’t seem to design a station at London’s Euston that will accept the trains, which does seem to be rather stupid. HS2 must be abandoned before we throw more good money after bad. Out of control Governments have long talked about bringing prosperity to the North but HS2 is the biggest failure of the levelling-up agenda. All it will do is bring more people and money into the South East and not help the North nor the Midlands. Getting to and from London may be a priority for politicians and business leaders but the existing services are generally good. Why do you need to get to London 30 minutes quicker when you have wifi and your laptop on the train? Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said yesterday that it is a “national embarrassment” that Britain does not have a high-speed train like Japan. But HS2 Ltd, the company behind the project, has designed the scheme for trains to travel at 224-250mph which is higher than any other high-speed line in Europe or Japan. Why do we need the greatest and fastest and best in the world for a little country like ours? England is much smaller Civil engineer & Labour peer geographically than France, Germany or Italy. We don’t need trains that can do expected. Calculations for when he was Chancellor and 250mph an hour. The extra cost of the earth income were based on 18 trains he was very interested in my works and track to carry such an hour, with higher fares for figures. He wouldn’t say he was fast trains is enormous — and those using the line. Even the HS2 company going to scrap it but I think all for vanity. The cost of HS2 Phase 1 admits that no other high- there is a good chance that was originally meant to be speed line anywhere in the HS2 will either get truncated £10billion to 12billion. By 2016 world is able to run more than or dropped altogether. Spending about £80billion of it had risen to £15.1billion and 12 to 14 services an hour. It is time to bring the whole the money saved would dramby 2019 the cost had gone up improve local and to £54.5billion, an increase of project to an end before it gets atically out of control. regional rail services in the 361 per cent. Cancelling Part 1 of HS2, North and Midlands, where With construction from Birmingham to very few people used the inflation running at 15 London, would lose railways even before the rail to 20 per cent, the around £10billion strikes. cost is now £161billion because much of the Like Dr Morgan in Sheffield, — and who knows how land could be sold or those people want a reliable, much the final bill repurposed. east-to-west rail service so they will come to. HS2 Part 2, to Crewe can travel for education, jobs As well as costing and Manchester, could or shopping by rail rather billions more than easily be cancelled at than car. planned, HS2 minimum cost. It doesn’t have to be highwill bring in I talked to Rishi speed but it should have much less Sunak about it proper links, electrified hopemoney than BOW OUT . . . HS2 worker By TONY BERKELEY fully, joining cities such as Hull and Leeds, Doncaster and Sheffield, Manchester and Liverpool. It would really help places like Bradford, which has a terrible service for such a big city. Leeds station, in particular, is a mess. There is an enormous amount that could be done but, rather than wait 25 years for the “benefit” of HS2, it is much less financially risky to do smaller projects and, if one part goes wrong, you learn for the next one. I urge ministers to give the regions a modern network of rail services they deserve, as good or better than that around London, and to put the suffering residents along the HS2 route out of their long misery. The other £80billion that would be saved could be spent on the NHS, education and the quality of life the people in the North and Midlands so desperately need. l Lord Berkeley is a civil engineer and was deputy head of a government review into HS2.
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... WHAMMY 11 PAM Ruling . . on judge Boozing shame of judge at tribunal EXCLUSIVE by ISAAC CROWSON AN employment judge caught boozing on the job has been given a formal warning by bosses. Pauline Hughes sank alcohol in her chambers during a break in a case in August. The hearing was halted when her two colleagues on the panel noticed she appeared intoxicated. Judge Hughes said she had “little recollection” of the incident in Birmingham. She did not dispute drinking on the premises. A source said: “It’s shocking and troubling behaviour from someone in that position.” The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said it had taken into account Judge Hughes’s remorse. It added: “Judge Hughes, who has served the tribunal for many years, gave assurances as to her future conduct, including in relation to alcohol use.” By EMILY WEBBER PAMELA Anderson fixes the camera with a determined look and says she is “not a victim”. The ex-Baywatch star, 55, has a Netflix documentary and a memoir — which reveals a life of abuse — out this week. But she tells Variety magazine: “I’m not a victim and I’m not the damsel in distress. “I’ve made my choices in my life, but I’ve always been able to find myself again. And it’s created a strong person.” Discount gaffe . . chain Shopper joy over Halfords tills glitch EXCLUSIVE by ISAAC CROWSON HALFORDS was hit with a nationwide tech glitch yesterday that saw discounts applied at tills. Stunned customers were handed savings when money-off promotions were dished out randomly at the motoring and cycling products chain. Phil Gibbs, 44, only had to pay £23 for bike oil priced up as £44. He was told by staff at his local branch in Bedford that stores across the country were affected. The company director told The Sun: “I was gobsmacked. They looked quite frustrated when the products were being scanned and they were taking money off. “They let me off some oil — but wouldn’t let me scan a bike and get a load off that.” Halfords said a “technical error” saw promotions applied collectively but was “quickly remedied”. RAF BASE TARGET CLAIM ‘MATERNITY NURSE TERROR BOMB PLOT’ A STUDENT nurse appeared in court yesterday accused of planning a lone-wolf terror attack on an RAF base. Mohammad Farooq, 27, was allegedly found with a bomb outside a hospital last week. Cordon . . bomb alert at hospital He is said to have constructed a viable pressure cooker device using 13.7kg of a home-made, low-grade explosive mixture and a length of pyrotechnic fuse. By MIKE SULLIVAN and PAUL SIMS Farooq was arrested in Leeds last Friday outside the maternity unit of St James’s Hospital where he was due to start a shift. The alarm was raised at 4.23am after a man showed a gun to a passer-by and allegedly said he “felt like killing everyone”, the court heard. When officers looked inside a bag the man had, they were said to have found a pressure cooker with wires. An imitation Gediz 9mm PAK semi-automatic pistol was allegedly found on a nearby wall. Prosecutor Mark Luckett said the bomb squad was called and dismantled the device, while the defendant was detained at the scene. Yesterday, Farooq appeared at London’s Westminster magistrates’ court via a link from Bradford police station. Farooq was also said to have carried out “hostile reconnaissance” at RAF Menwith Hill, North Yorks, in preparation for an attack. Farooq, of Roundhay, Leeds, is said to have researched the base and staked it out on January 10 and 18. He is charged with engaging in conduct with the intention of committing acts of terrorism between July 12 last year and January 20. Farooq is further accused of possessing an explosive substance and an imitation firearm outside the hospital. There was no application for bail and Farooq spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. He was remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at the Old Bailey on Friday. mike.sullivan @the-sun.co.uk
12 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 2GM V2 DON’T FANCY SNORES MUCH...THEY RUIN SEX SNORING is ruining women’s sex lives, research shows. It disrupts sleep, making them tired and less likely to fancy getting fruity. Snort it out . . . snoring can hit sex And if they do get in the mood, they are 70 per cent more likely to have a condition which blocks orgasms. Researcher Dr Taylor Kohn said: “We found a strong EXCLUSIVE by SAM BLANCHARD association between female sexual dysfunction and poor sleep quality. “Both often go undiagnosed and untreated.” The findings are from analysis of the medical records of 3million women. Those with sleep apnoea — which makes breathing stop and start noisily during sleep — were found to be twice as likely to have sexual arousal disorder, meaning they struggled to get turned on. A link to female orgasmic disorder also meant many then struggled to climax. And women with insomnia were found two to three times more likely than average to have sex problems. Disruption to sleep is thought to trigger a drop in oestrogen and testosterone, hormones which are vital for sex drive and function. Dr Kohn, from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, said: “Our findings support the need to recognise the important relationship between sleep and sexual health in women.” Sleep apnoea is linked to being overweight so can be eased by losing weight and cutting alcohol and smoking. sam.blanchard@thesun.co.uk FLAMES OF HOPE Sylvia . . . in WW2 drama Ice Cold actress Syms is dead, 89 By KATIE DAVIS ACTRESS Sylvia Syms has died at the age of 89. The star, who last appeared in BBC drama Gentleman Jack in 2019, made her name playing a nurse in 1958 World War Two desert classic Ice Cold in Alex. Born in Woolwich, South East London, she was Bafta nominated for her role in 1974 romantic drama The Tamarind Seed with Julie Andrews and Omar Sharif. She portrayed former PM Margaret Thatcher in Thatcher: the Final Years on TV and on stage. And in 2006 she played the Queen Mother opposite Oscar winner Helen Mirren in The Queen. Sylvia’s kids Beatie and Ben Edney said she “lived an amazing life”, adding she “died peacefully” at a care home in London. 100 cops sex quiz By PATRICK GYSIN THE King and Queen Consort light candles to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. They were joined yesterday by Nazi concentration camp survivor Dr Martin Stern and Sudan genocide survivor Amouna Adam at Buckingham Palace. Charles, 75, said: “I hope this will be one way to remember all those poor people who had to suffer such horrors.” Meanwhile, actress Dame Joanna Lumley, 76, was helped by Holocaust survivor Joan Salter, 82, among others to hand out candles at London’s Piccadilly Circus. NEARLY 100 officers in one police force are facing sexual misconduct allegations. Sixteen are already awaiting hearings at Greater Manchester Police. Another 82 are under investigation. The figures were disclosed after Met officer David Carrick, 42, was convicted of rapes and multiple sex offences. Gtr Manchester deputy mayor Kate Green said the force, the second largest in England and Wales, was committed to reviewing vetting. “The vast majority of officers do a decent and valued job,” she added. 7 killed in shooting AT least seven people were shot dead last night in a terror attack at a synagogue in Jerusalem. A gunman opened fire at worshippers as they left the building in Israel’s capital. He was killed by security forces as he tried to flee. He was said to be a a Palestinian who lived in East Jerusalem. Ten people were wounded. A handgun used in the attack was seized. Last night the US condemned the “apparent terrorist attack”. The shooting came a day after Israeli troops killed nine Palestinians in a West Bank raid. HOLIDAY PAY Light work . . . Dame Joanna with Joan Half of employees spend work time planning holidays — taking an average of 65 hours a year, a poll found.
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... AFTER 20YRS AS ADVERT QUEEN.. Move over Mossy, here’s Maya In demand . . . popular Maya presents Love Island, inset NEW FACE OF RIMMEL MAYA Jama has replaced supermodel Kate Moss as the face of Rimmel London after signing a multi-million pound deal with the cosmetics brand. The Love Island presenter, 28, shot her first campaign on Thursday having taking over from Kate, 49 — who fronted the beauty firm for almost two decades. Star . . . Kate in early Rimmel advert, main pic, and below The contract is a sign of Maya’s growing stature in the industry. However, insiders warned that appointing a much younger woman as their new ambassador could EXCLUSIVE by SIMON BOYLE spark an ageism row. A source said: “Rimmel is one of the biggest brands in beauty come true for Maya.” The forwith a very British core, so mer Radio 1 DJ, who is worth pinpointing Maya to be their £2million, brought out her own figurehead shows she’s skincare range in 2020. She has also released very much the It Girl fashion collections with of the moment. “They needed a big PrettyLittleThing and JD name to take over Sports, plus modelled for from Kate, who had brands such as Adidas already stepped back and Maybelline. The Bristol-born star from the role. “Rimmel believes has been a hit with Love Island fans after replacing Maya ticks that box — plus they hope she Laura Whitmore, 37, on the ITV2 show in the can also appeal to a younger and more current winter series. Her previous TV gigs diverse audience. “A backlash is include BBC3 make-up expected given Maya show Glow Up, ITV talis nearly half Kate’s ent series Walk The Line age, but the company and BBC1’s Peter Crouch: are happy with their Save Our Summer. decision. It’s a dream simon.boyle@the-sun.co.uk PEAK BLINDER I’ve lost my legs but I’ll conquer Everest SEE PAGES 32 & 33 13
14 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 2GM 15 Jeremy Clarkson jeremy.clarkson@the-sun.co.uk DAM FINE . . . Hoover HS2 IS A LOAD OF BULL WHEN the economy is broken, it’s the job of government to employ as many people as possible to build important new stuff. This is how Germany got its autobahns and America got the Hoover Dam. Here, though, things are different. Because we are getting a railway line that cuts the journey time from London to Birmingham by four seconds. And now it seems we aren’t even getting that. Sources inside the HS2 project say that it’s too complicated and expensive to get the line all the way to Euston in London, so it’ll stop at Old Oak Common. Yup. That’s what we’re getting, folks. Not a bridge across the Channel or a new nuclear power station or a sewage system that keeps our faeces out of the nation’s rivers. But a new railway line that will only benefit people in Old Oak Common who wake up in the morning and think: “I want to go to the Bullring today.” And how many people is that? Well at a rough guess, I’d say none. CHINA WON’T LISTEN WE were told this week that if you buy a Chinesemade coffee machine it could well be listening to all the conversations you have in your kitchen. And it’s not just coffee machines. It’s television sets and doorbell cameras and hot tubs. Everything, everywhere in your house is listening to what you say. And watching what you do. Right. I see. So I am expected to believe that right now, in Beijing, there’s a man in headphones, in front of a screen, watching me talking to the cleaning lady about getting more bin bags. And is there another man sitting next to him who’s watching you trying to unblock the sink? Because that would mean they’d need six billion people doing nothing all day apart from listening to the whole non-Chinese world being as dull as ditch water. Royal magic is waning but it’s still best option WHEN I was younger, big royal events came along only once in a blue moon. We had the Silver Jubilee in 1977 and Charles and Diana’s wedding in 1981 then after that, nothing. There was more monarchy-based pageantry in North Korea. Now, though, it feels like we are breaking out the bunting and the plastic flags every other weekend. It’s a constant stream of weddings, funerals and jubilees. And it’s not over yet because in May, there’s a Coronation. It must be a nightmare for the organisers, because how do they make it feel different? And bigger. And better. Fly-pasts down the Mall? Done that. Put Brian May on the roof of the Palace? Done that as well. Soldiers marching up and down? Been doing that for centuries. Whatever they come up with, though, it’d better be good. Because I have a sneaking feeling there won’t be another Coronation after this one. It’ll be the last. For many years, there have been BIG DAY . . . Diana & Charles HIGH NOTE . . . Brian May on roof questions about the Royal Family. People have said it costs too much and that it’s stupid to have a hereditary head of state. And now, of course, those questions are getting louder. People are saying that thanks to Prince Andrew and Harry’s book, the whole royal thing is broken, that you could take it down to Jay Blade’s Repair Shop barn but the experts would be forced to conclude that all of the king’s horseman and all of the king’s men couldn’t possibly put it back together again. I see their point. The monarchy is built on a foundation of mysticism. It derives its magic powers from forces we don’t understand. It’s an institution built on fairy dust. And that is lost somewhat when they’re all Feisty Eva gets even more hot THE actress Eva Green described her film crew as “peasants” and the executive producer as “pure vomit”, we heard this week. So, not only a great actress and beautiful but also full of vim and vigour as well. I’ve always liked her. And now I like her even more. FORGET E.T. AND HUNT KILLER ROCKS VERBAL ROCKET . . . Billy Bob in movie AN asteroid the size of a Transit van screamed over South America this week, at an altitude of just 2,200 miles. There are satellites that are further away than that. It was, by any definition, a very close shave. Did we see it coming? Well, yes. Just three days earlier, it had been spotted by an amateur star gazer in Crimea. But neither NASA nor any of the other big agencies had a clue it was there. They claim they know the whereabouts of all the really big asteroids. The 10km monsters that would go fully Michael Bay on our behinds. And they reckon they have a handle on 90 per cent of those which are one kilometre in diameter. But the ones that are smaller than this, which could still kill hundreds of millions of people if they landed badly? They reckon about half have not been spotted. If you are wondering why, you have to remember what Billy Bob Thornton told the president in the movie Armageddon. “Our object collision budget is about $1million. That allows us to track about three per cent of the sky. And begging your pardon, sir, but it’s a big-ass sky.” That being said, I think we’d all breathe a little more easily if they stopped searching for signs of life on the other side of the universe, which we’ll never be able to meet or even talk to. And concentrate on finding the killer rocks which are in our back garden. falling in dog bowls and, like Prince Andrew, giving money to girls they’ve never met. At a Coronation, the congregation is expected to believe that a normal person goes under some kind of cloth, with an archbishop and some potions, and emerges a few moments later as a king. That might have worked in the Middle Ages and it was still just about working at the Queen’s Coronation back in 1953. But now? Nah. People are going to look at the scene in May when Charles is anointed and go, “What the bloody hell is that all about?” The Australians and Canadians will then excuse themselves, along with most of the rocky islands dotted round the world’s oceans, and then we’ll have a vote here. And everyone will decide they’d rather have an elected president. Really? You mean like Joe Biden, or Emmanuel Macron or Vladimir Putin? Of course, here, our head of state doesn’t have the ability to do much of anything at all. They can dissolve Parliament — which right now wouldn’t be such a bad idea — and, theoretically, they can start a war. But mostly they just go around the country being famous and opening ramps at libraries. And can you even begin to imagine the brightly coloured, prime-time X Factor candidate selection process that would be created to find a suitable person? The mere thought of it makes a little bit of sick come in my mouth. Because I know that, after months of constant shiny floored nonsense and telephone voting, there’d be a shortlist of two, Georgia Toffolo and Joey Essex. And shortly after one of them won, you’d look at William and Kate and think: “You know what, I’d rather have them.” VIM . . . Eva on red carpet
16 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 Elt hubby tour plea SINGER Sir Elton John’s husband has called on the Government to ease red tape for British bands. Filmmaker David Furnish, 60, said artists and their crews need to tour “without bureaucracy”. After meeting trade and business leaders, he said: “We need to recognise the financial and diplomatic value of UK culture internationally.” The number of British bands playing at European festivals has fallen 45 per cent since Brexit. LOADSAMONEY Plasterers, plumbers, joiners on over £1K a week I’m back! The average wage broke through the barrier at the end of last year FINAL McSTRAW A pristine 1986 McDonald’s plastic straw in a golden arches wrapper is for sale on eBay at £1,500. PLUMBERS, plasterers and builders are making more than £1,000 a week as they cash in on a skills shortage. Flash . . . TV Loadsamoney It had already risen by four per cent to £945 during the year, according to Hudson Con- By ASHLEY ARMSTRONG tract, which provides payroll services to the industry. But customers and project managers wanting jobs finished before Christmas pushed the average to £1,002 a week in December, it reported. The trend will revive memories of comic Harry Enfield’s obnoxious wad-waving plasterer Loadsmoney from the 1980s. The surge is down to a post- Covid skills shortage, with many tradespeople having left the country, given up or retired. Britain is said to be short of 250,000 construction workers — while just three per cent of young people are considering a career in the industry. However, despite the economic slump, many construction companies say they have full order books and need staff. Ian Anfield, MD at Hudson Contract, said: “Our figures illustrate the excellent earning potential for people who are prepared to put in the time and effort to learn a skilled trade.” He said no one was coming forward to replace Europeans who had returned home — as visa rules were too burdensome. He added: “These are the forces driving up labour rates and creating plenty of opportunities for the self-employed to earn a handsome living.” ashley.armstrong@the-sun.co.uk PITT & CLONEY Investigating . . airline ‘Upgrade fiddle’ by BA crew EXCLUSIVE by STEPHEN MOYES AN air steward charged a passenger £500 for an illegal upgrade during a flight, it is alleged. The crew member got the businesswoman to transfer the money into his account in exchange for a seat in First Class. But she reported the shady deal to British Airways bosses at Heathrow. They called in police and began an investigation into last weekend’s flight from Lagos. A source said: “This stinks. No passenger should pay directly into a crew member’s account. “The incident sparked an investigation with the suspicion crew have been fraudulently upgrading passengers — an easy win for unscrupulous crew.” First-class flights to Nigeria with fine wines cost £4,500 against a typical £1,120. BA said: “We take allegations of this nature seriously.” Pupil loo lock fury A SCHOOL is accused of breaching human rights by barricading toilets during lesson time. It has installed metal gates across the entrances as part of a crackdown on bad behaviour. Parents and students say it causes long queues when they are opened at break and lunch times. One mum said: “It is against human rights. It’s like they are in a prison.” Head Steve Durkin said pupils could go during lessons if they asked a teacher at Castle View School in Canvey, Essex. SWEET MEMORIES Emma Tighe, 45, star of a Cadbury ad at three, is auctioning 369 items of memorabilia that could fetch £4,000 in Shrops. By EMILY WEBBER SUPERSTAR pals Brad Pitt and George Clooney are back out in their matching leather jackets as they shoot a film. Brad, 59, left, and George, 61, have paired up for the first time since Burn After Reading 15 years ago. They are in New York filming Wolves for Apple TV+. They play a pair of “lone wolf fixers” hired to do the same job. George later drove a car with Brad riding “shotgun”, inset. Like their jackets, they were a perfect fit.
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... CELEBRITY COOKALIKE Inquest . . . Olivia Hanged cadet ‘a victim in sex case’ By JEROME STARKEY AN Army cadet was a victim of sexual misconduct by senior officers before she was found hanged in her room at the Sandhurst academy, an inquest has been told. Olivia Perks, 21, was found dead at the elite military training school on February 6, 2019. Mike Rawlinson, representing the officer cadet’s mother, Louise Townsend, said: “Her family are, of course, very concerned about sexual misconduct committed against her by senior military officers. “It was clearly something on Olivia’s mind in her last few days.” He wants to be able to question witnesses to find out what happened. His comments came at a pre-hearing review to set out the scope of the full, 15-day inquest to begin in Reading in April. It will also consider Olivia’s use of alcohol and details of a previous suicide attempt. One to meat . . . Razu, aka Salt Bahi, in kitchen Flamboyant . . . the real Salt Bae seasons food Kingpin . . . Allen Gang jail for bid to nobble drug jury That looks ya’reet tasty I’M SALT BAE OF OLDHAM Takeaway chef mimics millionaire By MIKE SULLIVAN A DRUGS kingpin and lackeys including a rogue juror have been jailed for attempting to fix a trial. Boxing promoter Leslie Allen, 66, recruited them to help him get off charges of having £150,000 of cannabis and cocaine and a pepper spray in 2018. Damien Drackley was on the jury but others grew suspicious and reported him to the Warwick crown court judge. Allen was convicted without the jury and jailed for 13 years. He has now been given five years to run consecutively after an Old Bailey trial. Drackley, 37, got four years for his role. His mum Lorraine Frisby, 56, of Birmingham, got two years and three months. Mark Walker, 57, known as the one-legged mechanic, was given nine months. Laurence Hayden, 54, was also found guilty over the conspiracy to pervert justice. He has been arrested in Spain. A TAKEAWAY chef is pulling in foodie fans — after taking on millionaire Salt Bae at his own game. Razu Kamali has won thousands of followers appearing as Salt Bahi in videos mimicking his celebrity counterpart. The Bangladesh-born head chef, 44, wears round sunglasses, black rubber gloves and a turned-round baseball cap, just like Salt Bae. And Salt Bahi, which means “salt brother” in Bengali, even copies the Turkish chef’s flamboyant seasoning technique as he sprinkles sesame seeds over a freshly cooked steak. The videos have been so popular, customers have been flocking to Bank Grill in Oldham. Boss Tayyab Ali, 27, said: “It’s Salt Bahi Affordable . . . Salt Bahi takeaway EXCLUSIVE by RICHARD MORIARTY done so well for us. We have had more than 20million views and its helped us attract new customers.” The pair hit on the idea during lockdown to give their customers something to smile about. However, instead of salt, Salt Bahi uses sesame seeds, which feature in many of the takeaway’s dishes. Tayyab added: “We have an open kitchen so you can see all the food being prepared and meet him. “When customers come in, he will put his glasses on and get into character and have a picture with them.” The takeaway is also a good deal cheaper than 39-year-old Salt Bae’s celebrity haunt in Kensington. Its speciality Mix Mash Up meat feast costs £14.95 — against hundreds of pounds for a Salt Bae steak. TALE OF THE TAPE Salt Bae Nusret Gokce REAL NAME Razu Kamali 39 AGE 44 28 across the world The Bank Grill in Royton, near Oldham RESTAURANTS A £1,450 24-carat gold-coated steak SPECIALITY DISH £8.45 waka waka chicken Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi CELEBRITY CUSTOMERS Local boxer Mark Heffron 50.5 million NO OF INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS 9,000 £40m ESTIMATED WEALTH Earns £35,000 a year £250,000 Rolls Royce CAR £15,000 Mazda Expensive . . . Salt Bae with steak 17
18 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 INVESTIGATES ANTWERP: Accused . . . Letby Doctor: ‘Always me’ tears of Letby By RICHARD MORIARTY A NURSE accused of killing babies wept as she told a colleague: “It’s always me when it happens”, a court has heard. GP Lucy Beebe said she saw Lucy Letby, 33, make the remark to another nurse amid a series of collapses of infants. She had cared for a girl said to have been murdered at the fourth attempt by Letby in 2015. Dr Beebe added: “It was unusual that she was seemingly well and then became unwell. “It had never happened to a baby I had been involved in the care of before or since.” Another nurse told Manchester crown court she recalled Letby telling her a baby looked “pale” even though she was 6ft away and the infant’s cot was covered by a canopy. Letby denies murdering seven babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Trial continues. ‘Abandoned’ . . Laura Mentally ill woman dead in flat 3yrs By ISAAC CROWSON A MENTALLY ill woman was found mummified in her flat where she had lain dead for more than three years. Laura Winham, 38, was abandoned and left to die by the NHS and social services, relatives claim. Schizophrenic Laura was estranged from her family and is thought to have died in November 2017. Her brother found her skeletal and mummified remains when he broke into her home with police in May 2021. Sister Nicky said those with a duty of care for Laura, of Woking, Surrey, had “wiped their hands of her and forgot her”. Ahead of a pre-inquest review at Surrey coroner’s court on Monday, the family’s solicitor said there were “so many red flags missed”. Surrey and Woking councils said they would support the inquest process. The NHS has been contacted for comment. From OLIVER HARVEY Chief feature writer, in Antwerp, Belgium GESTURING toward the mist-shrouded port of Antwerp, one-time master drug smuggler Paul Meyer insists its security is “leaky as a sieve”. Known as The Tall Dutch Guy in international drugtrafficking circles, Paul says he once moved industrial quantities of narcotics through the Belgian container port with nonchalant ease. RAID . . . police use explosives to break into container acting as torture chamber 110 CROSSFIRE . . . Firdaous El J, 11, who was tragically killed in the violence tonnes of cocaine seized last year...up from just 16 tonnes in 2015 £11 Sipping an espresso, the 60year-old former cocaine, heroin and hashish smuggler told me: “Every five or six weeks we did 20 tons. When you deliver, it’s party time. UK street value “Whether it’s cocaine or hashish or of that amount something else, if you want it through the port without authorities looking of the drug inside the container then Antwerp is the best place to do it.” Once better known for its cobbled old town and diamond district, Antwerp now labours under the unwanted label of Europe’s cocaine capital. So much of the so-called white gold was seized at the container port last year that a vast “cocaine-berg” built up, with incinerators unable to burn the drug quick enough. In its wake has come the bloodshed and mayhem of warring narco gangs using the port as a waystation to get cocaine to the UK and across Europe. This month an 11-year-old girl, named as Firdaous El J, died in Antwerp after being caught in the crossfire of a suspected drugs feud. Last year Bledar Muca, 39, an Albanian with false British papers, was assassinated in cold blood, with a shocking image of the gun-toting hitman caught on camera. And 25 miles across the Dutch border from central Antwerp, a narco gang built a soundproofed torture chamber to menace rivals or those who double-crossed them. A court heard last year that a refashioned dentist’s chair, with restraining straps for arms and legs, was found in a shipping container. One encrypted message from a gang member said of this chamber of horsuspected narco you can crack the mafia, and I believe rors: “It’s triple-isolated. gangs, whom he we can do the same in Belgium. 50 miles Even if you’re standing compares to terror That’s the reason I’m not giving in.” next to it, you’ll hear nothLocked in a war against what he group IS. ing.” Also his country’s Justice calls “narco terrorism”, the minister Finger clamps, scalpels, pliers, claw Minister, he and his family have has vowed to go after the cartel hammers, pruning shears, gas burners twice been forced to shelter in safe bosses hiding in places such as the and duct tape were also discovered in houses following kidnap threats UAE, Turkey and Morocco. So why has this thriving and the container, known as “the believed to be linked to drug cartels. treatment room”. Dad-of-two Mr Van Quickenborne, elegant North Sea city of 530,000 Former drug kingpin Meyer, who 49, revealed in a video interview: “In been hit with a “cocaine tsunami”? Driving through the sprawling port served seven years for trafficking, September a car was found 100 meters says he was not surprised by the from our house containing gasoline, area — a sea of cranes, queuing lorries and stacked containers that torture chamber revelation. guns and things to cuff your hands. could fill 16,600 football pitches — it Almost 6ft 6ins, he explained: “In They had plans to kidnap me. We had is easy to see why it is so porous. to stay in a safe house for a week.” my time they would rent a place, Last year customs seized a record take you there and torture you. Six Dutch nationals have been 110 tons of cocaine, which would have “Or they would put you in the trunk arrested. Then in December, another a UK street value of £11billion. This of a car and drive you to the forest threat was revealed and the family was up from 16 tons in 2015. and torture you there. When you do spent Christmas in protective custody. The most popular nations of origin The minister said: “Again, there are Panama in Central America, something wrong, when you don’t keep your promises, when you steal, were plans to kidnap myself and my followed by Colombia then Peru, both family. We had to hide in a safe in South America. when you lie, you have a problem.” On the face of it, the haul put a Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister house for a longer time. “It’s tough for me. Then I see what’s sizeable dent in the cartels’ interVincent Van Quickenborne tells me of his own ordeal at the hands of the happening in Italy when, ultimately, national trade. Yet according to Mr billion l ‘Industrial quantities’ of drugs from Americas DRUG ROUTES TO UK AND NETHERLANDS Antwerp France Belgium PORT Van Quickenborne it is just 11 per cent of the drug arriving in the port. He added: “Experts say if we raise that to 20 per cent we will be able to breach the business model. “And 90 per cent of the cocaine arriving in Antwerp isn’t destined for the local market, it goes to Holland and it goes to the UK.” In freezing fog, I joined Belgian customs as they searched for narcotics at the vast container port this week. Officers use intelligence gathering and intuition to attempt to secondguess the traffickers. Trucks pass through one of the port’s three X-ray machines. A few are then opened and checked by hand. Some seven million containers pass through the port each year but only two per cent can be scanned without causing major delays. Watching a lorry being checked, customs spokeswoman Florence Angelici, 43, told me: “There’s a lot of cocaine going to the UK. I don’t have a percentage but it’s a huge destina-
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... EUROPE’S COCAINE IMPORTS CAPITAL HORROR . . . modified dentist chair in torture chamber and inset, tools ASSASSINATED . . . hitman Bledar Muca caught on camera before being shot down SEIZED . . . stacks of cocaine taken at port ‘Britons should know drug use leaves blood on their hands...and on their noses’ – BELGIUM’S DEPUTY PM X-RAY . . . lorry enters machine to be scanned SCAN . . . image of inside a lorry being checked l90% is sent on to l Surge in murder UK & Netherlands and gang violence NARCO tion from Antwerp.” She added that the Belgian port is now expecting another surge in cocaine before the summer festival season starts. She said: “The smugglers act on demand. The two biggest peaks are at Christmas and before summer because of all the parties and festivals.” Smugglers will target shipments of bananas and other perishable fruit because they know they must be moved through the port quickly. Customs officer Sara Van Cotthem, 45, explained: “The criminals try to be very creative. They use fake bananas full of cocaine and pineapples stuffed with cocaine paste. They hide it in hollow wooden or metal beams and in false ceilings or floors in the containers.” Staring out at the snaking queues of lorries leaving Europe’s busiest port, it is clear the odds are stacked in the cartels’ favour. Sara admits that despite customs’ best efforts, the vast seizures do not seem to be putting much of a dent in street supply. She said: “Cocaine is still selling for 50 euros a gram. The price would increase if the goods were getting more scarce, but that’s not the case.” The billions in cash generated mean the 62,000 port staff, and others in the thousand or so companies that operate here, are susceptible to bribes from the cartels. Workers finishing their shifts are followed to bars by gang members who then earwig their chats. Stephan Vanfraechem, general director of Alfaport, which represents private companies in the port, said: “They don’t come at you with a gun and tell you to do something. “It’s more a matter of, ‘Would you like to earn a little extra money? It could take just 30 seconds and I’ll give you 50,000 euros’.” Cops, customs officers and dock workers are all targeted. Customs spokeswoman Florence added: “We currently have four customs agents in jail. It’s a problem but we have 3,000 customs agents in Belgium so it’s a very small percentage.” Mr Van Quickenborne has pledged to increase searches of high-risk contain- PLAYERS . . . Paul Meyer, MP Van Quickenborne and Dr Voeten SEARCH . . . customs official checks boxes of bananas before giving them the all-clear ers from Latin America by ten times and has earmarked more than £60million for scanners and additional staff. Yet officials face lavishly funded criminals hell-bent on protecting their supply lines. Antwerp has witnessed 200 incidents of drug-related violence, including threats, beatings and planted explosive devices, over the past five years. In his flat in the suburbs, narco gangs expert Dr Teun Voeten says Antwerp is a clearing house for cocaine, with Netherlands-based mobsters orchestrating the trade. The 61-year-old, who has written a book on the cartels plaguing Antwerp, revealed: “Holland is the biggest narco state in Europe. It’s a paradise for crime groups. There’s corruption and it’s very easy to launder money.” The journalist and anthropologist says the so-called Mocro Maffia — crime groups of Moroccan heritage — and syndicates from Holland, Pictures by PAUL EDWARDS Italy and Albania all operate in Antwerp. Dr Voeten cites a severed head of a drug dealer left outside a shisha cafe in Amsterdam in 2016 as a measure of the ultra-violence. He said the Mocro Maffia are known for their “excessive and symbolic violence” and that the beheading was “from Mexican cartels’ textbook”. With Belgium locked in a war with the narco gangs, its Deputy PM believes those snorting the drug at British bars, dinner parties and football matches are culpable in the blood-soaked supply line. A member of the centre-right Flemish Liberals and Democrats, he said: “Britons should know their drug use isn’t without consequence. “I’m not only talking about the health impact for them. Through their drug use they’re also supporting a network of violent criminals and exploited people “There’s blood on the hands of the users, and on their noses.” 19
20 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 sunsavers.co.uk Instagram: @sunsavers DEAL OF DAY LOOK great for less in the V by Very red angel sleeve midi dress, down from £30 to £16.50 at very.co.uk. SAVE: £13.50 CHEAP TREAT SLURP up the savings on a doner kebab flavour Pot Noodle. Was £1.19, now 70p at Morrisons. My Morrisons members can get it for 50p. SAVE: Up to 69p What’s new? Facebook.com/thesunsavers Edited by LEAH MILNER TOP SWAP TAKE THE GUESSWORK OUT OF SPREAD BETTING Where to find better butter deals THE rising cost of butter is taking a knife to household budgets. WALKERS is hunting for the best heartshaped crisp, with a £100,000 prize. Take a pic of it and share it on social media with #LoveFromWalkers while following and tagging @walkers_crisps. Keep the crisp and packet safe in case you win! According to consumer group Which? the dairy spread has gone up by 29 per cent in the past year. With a 500g tub of Lurpak now as much as £5, our finances are being spread ever more thinly. Find ways to save on butter with these easy tips. DISLOYALTY PAYS: Just because you have been using one brand for generations, it does not mean you have to stick with it. Although prices go up and down, the best value of the bigname brands this week is Country £2 A LITTLE squirt of Dettol clean and fresh lemon and lime burst, above, for £2 at Iceland, will go a long way. But you can clean up with Wilko’s lemon and mandarin all-purpose cleaner, below, for £1. SAVE: £1 LIVE AND CHURN . . don’t pay over odds By MEL HUNTER Life Spreadable, £3.10 at Sainsbury’s for 500g. The same store currently has the lowest price on Lurpak Spreadable, at £3.75. OWN IT: If you give supermarket ownbrand butters a chance, you can save even more. Both Aldi and Tesco have 500g tubs for £2.19. Aldi Nordpak spreadable is a good swap for Lurpak and costs £2.29. SPREAD THE LOVE: You might think that old-school butter blocks work out cheaper than spreadable versions, but often it makes more sense to stick to the soft stuff. The cheapest 250g block of Anchor is £2, while the cheapest 500g spreadable version — so double the amount — is £3.75 at Morrisons and Ocado. GHEE WHIZ: You can make your own butter using a pot of double cream. It won’t save much money, but it’s fun! You need a 600ml pot of double cream, £2.30 at Tesco, a clean marble and a litre jar with a lid, then use the recipe at bbcgoodfood.com. Give it a good long shake for DIY butter. GO LARGE AND GO HOME: WARM up with a heated massage Supermarkets tend to have cushion for your car, £43.99 at more deals on a regular 500g Halfords, where you can tub than the 750g version, but save ten per cent it pays to compare both sizes on motoring before picking up your usual. products when Always check the price spending at least per 100g to work out which £30. Use code will give you more dairy for PAYDAY10 until your dosh. Wednesday. lAll prices on page correct at time Leah’s little helper of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. 250 PRIZES TO BE WON PLUS! ABC123 You can use this code for Sun Savers competitions and offers too... £1 IS YOUR CODE WORTH £100? SHOP & SAVE SAY cheese! Original Philadelphia, 280g, is now £2, down from £3.25, for Tesco Clubcard holders. SAVE: £1.25 HOT RIGHT NOW POP the question for £1 with Asda’s solitaire ring in a heart-shaped box. At that price, it’s worth taking the risk!
V2 Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 21 POP PAEDO Row . . Carol & Michelle Carol in TV swipe at ex-pal Michelle By AMANDA DEVLIN CAROL Vorderman yesterday reignited her feud with former friend and Tory peer Michelle Mone. She said on live TV: “I dropped her like a stone when I realised what kind of person she was.” The former Countdown star — appearing on ITV’s This Morning — then looked at the camera with both hands up and said: “Sue me, Michelle.” It came while Carol, 62, was discussing a PPE contracts controversy surrounding Michelle, 51. The two were close pals but recently it emerged Carol ended the friendship “some time ago”. Lingerie tycoon Lady Mone denies that she or her husband benefited from the contracts. CO-LEAN IN FOR A CLOSE-UP! GLITTER OUT OF PRISON IN DAYS IF you have not yet started collecting for our Hols From £9.50, it is now too late to join in. But for those already taking part today’s codeword and token are below. If you are collecting Sun Savers codes, you will find today’s on Page 20. l lT&Cs apply TOKEN 22 FUZZ A Maccy D major A McDONALD’S branch is to play Beethoven to calm rampaging yobs. Fed-up staff are making the switch from pop hits after being pelted with coins during clashes involving more than 20 young trouble-makers. Classical music will play from 5pm in the 24-hour outlet in Wrexham. Wi-fi will also be turned off at times during the evening. Police Inspector Luke Hughes said: “Unless we have some local and unruly Beethoven enthusiasts, it should discourage some issues.” ROUGH ’N’ REDDIES Scruffy trainers covered in worn-out effect stains and graffiti are being sold for £1,010 by luxury fashion brand Balenciaga. Pictures: EAMONN CLARKE By EMILY WEBBER COLEEN Rooney grabs a coffee from her local cafe — and causes a stir as she drives off with a film crew in her car. The wife of ex-England footballer Wayne was dressed casual in a rollneck jumper and leggings when she was spotted in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, with a Caffe Nero cup. Coleen, 36, was then met in her Land Rover by cameramen getting footage as she drove, below. It’s not clear why they were filming but it comes after she signed up with Netflix for a documentary on her Wagatha Christie libel case win over Rebekah Vardy last year. Set for release . . Glitter. Left, in 1970s Travel plans checked DISGRACED glam rock singer Gary Glitter will be released from prison within a few days — but will not be able to disappear abroad. The pop paedophile, 78, will have just three days to register his name with his local police station and will risk being sent back to jail if he fails to attend. He must tell officers seven days in advance of any foreign travel, give details of his destination, any onward travel to another country and duration of stay. Officers can veto a trip if they believe there is a risk of further offences taking place. EXCLUSIVE by STEPHEN Glitter was able to travel to MOYES, Associate News Editor Cambodia and Vietnam despite a conviction for possessing hits in the 1970s. The Sun 4,000 child abuse images in revealed last year that he was 1999. He served two years for being readied for release after serving half of his 16-year jail child abuse in Vietnam. He will also have to wear a sentence — imposed in 2015 for tag and tell cops if he begins abuse offences. Because he was sentenced to a relationship with someone a determinate term — a fixed who has a child under 18. that cannot be A charity working with period dangerous sex offenders will reviewed — his case will not mobilise a group of up to six go before the Parole Board. Parole chiefs can block a revolunteers to be on hand 24 hours a day for Glitter so he lease if they believe a prisoner does not feel lonely after still poses a risk to the public. The Ministry of Justice said leaving prison next month. The aim is to make him feel freed sex offenders are monisafe and not tempted to slip tored by the police and Probation Service and may be sent back into offending. Glitter — real name Paul back behind bars if they Gadd — owns a house in Lon- breach strict conditions. stephen.moyes@the-sun.co.uk don. He had a string of chart
22 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 23 MACCA’S ABBEY RD NEAR-MISS Cumming . . . in 2009 Star Alan in return of OBE By ISAAC CROWSON ACTOR Alan Cumming has given back the OBE he was awarded in 2009 saying he does not want to be associated with the “toxicity of the Empire”. The 58-year-old Scot said he had made his decision following the Queen’s death. Cumming, hosting the US version of The Traitors now airing on the BBC, received the OBE for services to acting and his gay rights activism. He said on Instagram: “The Queen’s death and the ensuing conversations about the role of monarchy and especially the way the British Empire profited at the expense (and death) of indigenous peoples across the world really opened my eyes. “So I returned my award, explained my reasons and reiterated my great gratitude for being given it in the first place. “I’m now back to being plain old Alan Cumming again.” 1 3 GET BACK! Ex-Tory’s cash rap A FORMER Tory MP has been charged with failing to provide information relating to £39,000 of party donations. David Mackintosh, 43, was elected as Northampton South MP in 2015 but stepped down before the June 2017 election. The offences are said to have taken place in 2014, months after he was selected to fight the seat. Mackintosh, of Northampton, denied wrongdoing when he appeared at the town’s crown court by video. He is due to stand trial in October. By JOE MORGAN PAUL McCartney gets a hard day’s fright — past as he posed on the as he’s nearly run over famous zebra crossing. Sir Paul, left, was on a on Abbey Road. magical mystery tour with his The former Beatle, 80, almost needed help after an Uber driver whizzed daughter as she filmed him recreating the Fab Four’s 1969 album cover, right, for her documentary about the North London recording studio. Mary, 53, told S Magazine: “The bit where the car nearly ran him over was so funny.” One fan commented: “How did the driver not see him, it’s not as though the road is long and winding or anything?” 2 4
24 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 SAM: MY VILE ABUSE SAM SMITH has claimed anti-LGBTQ feeling in the UK is so bad that they have been spat at in the street since coming out as non-binary in 2019. The Unholy singer, who uses the pronouns they/them, said their personal life has improved immeasurably since then, but in public the vile abuse continues. In an emotional interview, Sam said: “What people don’t realise with trans/ non-binary people in the UK is it’s happening in the street. “I’m being abused verbally more than I ever have. So that was the hardest part. “Someone spat at me. It’s crazy. What I find hard is if that’s happening to me and I’m famous, I’m a pop star, can you imagine what other queer kids are feeling? “And it’s just so sad that we’re in 2023 and it’s still happening.” That is different to experiences in the US, where Sam believes politicians are more prepared to stand up for people. The three-time Brit winner told Apple Music 1: “It’s been crazy to be in New York and LA, because I feel like I can dress and be myself more in these cities than I can at home. “I went to the White House and having JOE BIDEN stand TARGET . . . up and say all these singer has things, talking been spat at about trans people and how he sees them, he sees us. “I haven’t heard that in my own country from politicians.” In more positive news though, Sam, who released their fourth album Gloria yesterday, said there’s lots more music to come. They added: “I’ve got my next three albums planned and possibly half are written. I have a very clear aim that I want to bring out probably another four records before I’m 35, because at 35 I want to go travelling.” SINGLES 1. Flowers – MILEY CYRUS 2. Escapism – RAYE ft 070 SHAKE 3. Kill Bill – SZA 4. Anti-Hero – TAYLOR SWIFT 5. Messy In Heaven – VENBEE & GODDARD 6. Calm Down – REMA 7. Let Go – CENTRAL CEE 8. Creepin’ – METRO BOOMIN, THE WEEKND & 21 SAVAGE 9. Martin’s Sofa – HEADIE ONE 10. Sure Thing – MIGUEL n MILEY CYRUS retains her spot at No 1 for a second week as part of an unchanged top five. HEADIE ONE’s new song zooms straight to No 9 while US singersongwriter Miguel has scored his first top ten tune with Sure Thing – 13 years after release. ALBUMS 1. What’s Rock And Roll? – THE REYTONS 2. Midnights – TAYLOR SWIFT 3. SOS – SZA 4. The Highlights – THE WEEKND 5. Rush! – MANESKIN 6. Wrong Side Of Paradise – BLACK STAR RIDERS 7. Curtain Call: The Hits – EMINEM 8. Equals – ED SHEERAN 9. Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent – LEWIS CAPALDI 10. Diamonds – ELTON JOHN n YORKSHIRE indie group THE REYTONS have scored their first No 1 album and said: “We’ve been dreaming of this for as long as we can remember.” Meanwhile HARRY STYLES’ third album, Harry’s House, has dropped out of the top ten after 36 weeks. TAYLOR SWIFT looks blooming lovely as she strips off to immerse herself in a flower-filled pool, right, in the video for latest single Lavender Haze. She also poses in bed alongside hunky US model Laith Ashley. The superstar released the video yesterday, which overshadowed the announcement of her ex JOHN MAYER’s first-ever solo acoustic tour. Speaking about the meaning of the song’s title, Taylor said: “I happened upon the phrase ‘lavender haze’ when I was watching Mad Men. “If you were in that lavender haze, that meant that you were in that all-encompassing love glow.” The cover of a record in the video shows the constellations of Sagittarius and Pisces – star signs of Taylor and partner JOE ALWYN. A video featuring the two of them would send Swifties into the stratosphere. WADING IN . . . pool. Left, video HERE TO STAY THE SPICE GIRLS lived together before making it big, and now new boy band HERE AT LAST are hoping to follow suit. The five-piece have already bagged three million TikTok followers and are preparing for a UK tour, including a show at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Feb 17. Life on the road won’t be hard for them as they are already used to being in close proximity after moving in together in Reading. In their first GETTING ALONG . . . new boyband Here At Last interview, JAMES THOMAS told me: “When we first got together we thought it would be like a uni house – arguments and an absolute pigsty – but it’s not that bad.” The group, also featuring PEDRO SANTOS, TOMMY LYON, ZACH LOIZOU and RYAN BURNS, formed in 2020 and have won support from LEWIS CAPALDI. Now they hope to be as big as ONE DIRECTION. Zach said: “It’s something to aspire to, definitely.”
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... Email: simon.boyle @the-sun.co.uk Twitter: @simonboyle87 MY TEAM Howell Davies Ellie Henman Jack Hardwick Emily Webber KANYE WEST stepped out with new wife Bianca Censori for a shopping spree in Los Angeles. The rapper wore a T-shirt printed with the coat of arms of Germany. Meanwhile, it was hard to miss Aussie architect Bianca, who joined Kanye’s Yeezy company in 2020, in her huge mustard furry jacket. Kanye was spotted with his missus in a Balenciaga shop, despite the French fashion house cutting ties with the rapper last year following his antisemitic rants. Gemma beams in Fat Tony IT’S A SPLASH HIT FOR TAYLOR COULD GEMMA COLLINS be about to become the new KATE MOSS? No, not as a catwalk model, but as the new best mate of the style icon’s closest pal, Brit DJ FAT TONY. Reality star Gemma claims the universe has brought her together with the DJ, after she used “cosmic ordering” – which she makes sound like a hippy dippy version of Amazon – to get him to perform at an upcoming party. Speaking on The Gemma Collins Podcast, she said: “This is the power of cosmic ordering, because he has agreed to do my birthday party which is just a dream come true. “I am a visual person and I do manifest. I came on this podcast a couple of weeks ago and I told you that I want the legendary DJ Fat Tony.” She added: “He’s done NAOMI CAMPBELL, KATE MOSS, VB (VICTORIA BECKHAM) and now The GC. “This guy is just something else and I was like, ‘He’s never going to do my birthday’. “But literally I truly believe that the power of cosmic ordering is so fabulous that you can make it happen.” KANYE GOES FUR IT ORA: WEDDING WAS WORTH THE WAITITI RITA ORA has finally confirmed she secretly tied the knot with Hollywood director TAIKA WAITITI last summer. Rita finally backs my story and admits she is married ceremony. She revealed: “Yes. I am officially off the market. It was The singer had dated some huge perfect, exactly how I wanted. “It is nice to keep some things celeb names over the past decade, including DJ CALVIN HARRIS and just to myself sometimes. It was nice and sweet. Sorry it’s not that Spider-Man star ANDREW GARFIELD, interesting. One day I’ll before finally finding The One. throw a big party.” Rita and her now Rita has been coy for hubby struck up a months about her wedromance while they ding — though in the were both working in video for comeback Australia in 2021. single You Only Love Now, five months Me, she wears a bridal after I told how the gown on a disastrous couple had got wedding day morning. married in a low-key The clip features wedding in London, self-shot congratulaRita has at last lifted tory messages from the lid on the intimate WED . . . my story in August showbiz pals including LINDSAY LOHAN and KRISTEN STEWART. She continued on Heart Radio Breakfast: “When the rumours came out, the ‘Is she, isn’t she’, I wanted to play on it, so for the video I wanted to do a wedding that didn’t go to plan . . . that’s not to say that is actually what happened.” On the track, Rita sings about finding her dream man. Rita sings: “I can’t believe you look at me the way I look at you/ ’cos no one has ever loved me the way that you do. “I’ve been messed up a thousand times but you make it right/and even on my darkest days you show me the light.” Despite finding her happy ending, Rita is still on the fence about taking her man’s name. She added: “I have thought about taking his surname but I’ve worked very hard for this Ora name. I don’t know. I haven’t really decided yet.” Later this year Rita will release her third album — her first since 2018’s Phoenix. For the first time, Rita has written or co-written the tracks as well as including voice notes from Taika. Rita added: “This is the first time where the music does all the talking. It explains my love story, which is on the album.” Massive congratulations to both and I look forward to my party invite arriving in the post. HUBBY . . . with Taika 25
26 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 Man on 7 ARE YOU A ROYAL MASTERMIND? TRY sex raps By MIKE RIDLEY A MAN was yesterday charged with raping a woman and sexually assaulting six others. The alleged attacks by Hanok Zeray, 31, were all said to have taken place in public spaces last year. He was nicked by cops probing a rape in the centre of his home city of Brighton last April. Sussex Police confirmed Zeray has been remanded in custody pending a trial starting on May 3. Det Sgt Melissa Trevelyan said the women were “in public spaces where they should’ve felt safe”. She added: “I’d like to thank them for reporting the incidents so we could take positive action.” Fort on a hill’s £3m A FORTRESS with a helicopter pad and moat is on sale for £3million. Built in the late 1800s and restored in 2010, the five-bed, four-bathroom pad is set in 15 acres. It also includes a warehouse, laundry room and garage, plus an apartment for staff and a twobed caretaker’s home. Surrounded by woodland, it is set at an altitude of 4,000ft in the hills of the Liguria region of Italy — and is just 30 minutes from the beach. Estate agent Lionard Luxury Real Estate says the “truly unique historical property” also comes with plans to build an infinity pool. Q5 Charles and Camilla marry ARE you a mastermind of monarchy? The Sun’s legendary photographer Arthur Edwards has been covering the Royal Family for more than 40 years. He has set 50 questions to find out if you will be crowned as a regal know-all. LONG MAY YE BRAIN LIFE & TIMES Which current royal stepped away from the spotlight and taught music at a primary school in Hull for 13 years? Queen Elizabeth’s parents were known as the Duke and Duchess of what at the time of her birth? Who was the last royal to die in active war service? Which royal spent most of their childhood in Australia? Why was King Charles’s 2005 wedding to Camilla Parker Bowles postponed for a day? Which country was Elizabeth II visiting when she found out she had become Queen? What are the names of the late Princess Margaret’s two children? What infamous TV spectacular did Prince Edward organise in 1987? What year did Edward VIII abdicate? ! $ % & ( ) * + , . What are the names of the children of Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex? What year was King Charles formally “invested” as the Prince of Wales at a ceremony at Caernarfon Castle? What tough boarding school did King Charles attend in Scotland, which he reportedly described as “Colditz in kilts”? What was Coronation Day nicknamed in the run-up to the Queen’s big day in 1953? Which actress was the first to play Queen Elizabeth II on stage? Which Prime Minister sent the Queen a gift of rubber gloves after noticing A Queen / 0 1 2 Q2 is born her doing the washing-up at Balmoral with bare hands? Which public building’s proposed extension was labelled “a monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend” by the then Prince Charles in a speech in 1984? Which year did the Queen dub as her “annus horribilis”? What was the name of the intruder who managed to get into the Queen’s bedroom at Buckingham Palace in 1982? Who described the royals as “a seedy, worn-out bunch of hags” on a rare visit to London for Queen Mary’s funeral in 1953? How old was the King at the Coronation of his mother in 1953? Which high street fashion retailer did Catherine, Princess of Wales, once work for? Which dukes have been in charge of organising Coronation ceremonies since 1386? What kind of dog do the new Prince and Princess of Wales have? What cocktail was said to be the favourite of both the Queen and the Queen Mother? Why did Sun royal photographer Arthur Edwards’ 1980 photo of Diana at the nursery school where she worked cause a stir? How old was the Queen when she first appeared on the cover of Time magazine? Which royal rebuffed a would-be kidnapper by telling him: “Not bloody likely!” Charles came very close to death in 1988 – what happened? Which member of the Royal Family was the last Viceroy of India? What item was covered in gold to sit atop the coronet worn by Charles at his investiture as Prince of Wales? 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 : ; < = > ? @ A
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... OUR QUIZ BY ARTHUR EDWARDS ALEXI LUBOMIRSKI RELATIONSHIPS Q6 Q2 Princess Margaret and family What is the name of Queen Consort Camilla’s first husband? What was the name of the RAF officer who Princess Margaret was forbidden to marry? What year did the then Prince Charles marry Lady Diana Spencer? What was the name of the husband of Princess Alexandra of Kent? Which American actress and model dated Prince Andrew in the early Eighties? What is the name of the woman from Zimbabwe who Prince Harry dated before Meghan Markle? ! $ Q 21 Princess Kate . . . but where did she once work? % & ( ) HISTORY Which king as a young man spent six weeks on the run, travelling around England disguised as a servant? What was the name of the artist who painted the most famous portraits of Henry VIII? ! $ Q2 Prince Harry, Meghan & children Which of the Queen’s first cousins gave up his place in the succession to marry a divorced Catholic woman? Which university was the meeting place for Prince William and Kate Middleton? Whose royal wedding was the first to be televised? What animal went with Princess Elizabeth and Philip on honeymoon in 1947? * , Q8 Kate and Wills at uni What was the name of the battlefield where Richard III was killed? Who was the first monarch of the Tudor dynasty? Which king died in captivity in Yorkshire’s Pontefract Castle? Which king did Shakespeare write three plays about? Which king was played on the big screen by both Laurence Olivier and Kenneth Branagh? Who was the monarch who agreed to the charter of rights known as Magna Carta? Which king’s feud with Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket led to the churchman’s murder in Canterbury Cathedral? How many Answers: children did Queen Victoria have? Page 33 % & ( ) * + - King Henry VIII Q 10 Elizabeth and Philip on honeymoon + , - 27 BRIGGS’ £6M TO CHARITY Snowman ace’s will By PATRICK GYSIN THE Snowman creator Raymond Briggs left almost his entire £6million fortune to charity, his will reveals. Apart from a handful of gifts to pals, he told trustees to distribute his legacy to good causes. The writer and illustrator was well known as a self-styled “grumpy old man” who lived simply — driving an old car and buying clothes from a charity shop. He died in August aged 88. His wife Jean died of leukaemia in 1973. Liz Benjamin, his partner of more than 40 years, died in 2015. Briggs, who also created Fungus the Bogeyman, left Briggs . . . and book his home near Lewes, East Sussex, ing of his and first to her children. He uttered by Liz’s threedecreed that his grave- year-old granddaughter stone be inscribed: “Ray- Connie in 1997. mond is not a normal patrick.gysin@ person” — a favourite saythe-sun.co.uk
28 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 WINDS HIT HUNT FOR MISSING STAR HIGH winds have again grounded helicopters searching mountains for British actor Julian Sands — and delayed a high-tech bid to pinpoint him. Sands, 65, went missing two weeks ago while hiking in the Baldy Bowl area of California’s San Gabriel peaks. Air and ground searches have been hampered by bad weather. By ALEX DIAZ But rescuers were hoping to zero in on his location using technology that can detect electronic devices. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said cops from the California Highway Patrol were using high-tech kit which sends out a radar beam to detect lost climbers. They added: “We are hopeful this can pinpoint an area where we can focus our Missing . . . actor Sands search efforts.” Infrared devices have also been used by search parties, but proved ineffective. Relatives of Sands have praised the “heroic” search efforts and said they were “deeply touched” by the support they had received. Yorkshire-born Sands, a father of three, has an extensive film and TV career. His rose to prominence in 1985’s A Room With A View and later appeared in Arachnophobia, Boxing Helena and Leaving Las Vegas. PICK up a copy of tomorrow’s Sun on Sunday for our special 15th birthday issue of Fabulous – featuring Christine McGuinness. The 34-year-old mum-of-three says she has been “shocked” by the celebrities sliding into her DMs since her split with Paddy. Our award-winning magazine also looks back at some of its most iconic covers and life-changing campaigns. Plus, you’ll also get TV Soap magazine for all the telly gossip. Both great mags are FREE with tomorrow’s Sun on Sunday.
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 29 EXCLUSIVE Icon . . the Scotsman £4,450! Loco fee for Flying Scot ride EXCLUSIVE by STEPHEN MOYES HIGH-rollers are splashing out £4,450 to ride on iconic steam train The Flying Scotsman — more than half what it cost to build 100 years ago. The bright green engine, the first to reach 100mph, is marking its centenary by crisscrossing the UK for various events. Premier class tickets are £4,450 per couple for a trip from London to Edinburgh, including a night in York and three in the Scottish capital. A single supplement is £425. Standard class is £3,550 per couple. One enthusiast called the prices “disgusting”. The famous engine cost £7,995 when it was built in Doncaster in 1923. It was retired in 1963 and has undergone a £4.2million refurbishment. Soldier’s £3.7m ‘lie’ A “DISHONEST” former soldier who brought a £3.7million trench foot claim against the Ministry of Defence could be jailed for lying to a judge. Former Royal Artillery gunner Brian Muyepa, 34, claimed the effects of being left in wet boots for hours were so severe he was left waddling about “like a penguin”. But his case was kicked out of the High Court after online footage showed him dancing. The MoD now wants Mr Muyepa, who was based in Salisbury, Wilts, tried for contempt of court. If found guilty, he could face two years’ jail. ‘Pinch by air drunk’ A DRUNKEN holidaymaker pinched a female passenger’s bottom on a plane, a court heard. Mohammed Razaq, 29, stood in a boxing stance in front of horrified families, it was alleged. And he caused £200 damage to a seat used by cabin crew on the flight from Dubai to Manchester last March, the city’s magistrates were told. Razaq, 29, of Burnley, Lancs, denied sexual assault but did not plea to charges of being drunk on an aircraft and affray. The damage charge was not put. He was bailed to appear at Minshull Street crown court on March 2. CAM AND GET IT A new bus lane camera caught out 52,355 motorists in a year — raising £1.8million from fines for the city of Derby. WOLF’S SQUID LAME Hardman out in first round of real-life show By JULIA ATHERLEY ORIGINAL Gladiator Wolf has been knocked out in the first round of the reality TV version of Squid Game. The bodybuilder, real name Michael Van Wijk, was believed to have been flown to Britain from his home in New Zealand by producers. But he was eliminated during the Red Light, Green Light challenge. Fan favourite Wolf, now 70, starred in eight series of Gladiators, which drew up to 16million viewers in the 1990s. He returned for a 2008 revamp. An insider told The Sun: “Everyone recognised him straight away and was excited to meet him. He was a really nice guy. It’s a shame he was taken out in the first round but he seemed in good spirits. “It just shows you how hard the competition was. If he found it hard what hope was there for any one else?” Squid Game: The Challenge is being filmed for Netflix at Cardington studios in Bedfordshire, with recreations of sets from hit Tough . . . Wolf in ’90s show and Sun story South Korean drama. Hundreds of contestants are fighting for a prize pot of £3.7million. The Sun revealed this week shooting had turned into a nightmare for some participants as temperatures plunged to -3C on the day they tried to get through the first round by standing still. Netflix said: “All precautions were taken.” julia.atherley@ the-sun.co.uk Gladiator NOT ready! KNOTTY GIRL IRINA By HOWELL DAVIES MODEL Irina Shayk wraps up Paris Fashion Week by tying herself in knots on the catwalk. The Russian, 37, wore an elaborate dress in the Thierry Mugler show. Irina, making her first Paris appearance in three years, wrote online: “It’s a hottt return.” She also posed backstage, left, with models Eva Herzigova, 49, Amber Valletta, 48, and Shalom Harlow, 49.
30 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 WIN the holiday of a lifetime with Travel Republic and The Sun. We have teamed up with Travel Republic for its 20th anniversary to give you the opportunity to win a dream holiday. There are 50 dream trips up for grabs, worth an incredible £150,000. And the top prize is a £7,000 trip for two to the stunning Maldives. With 18 great destinations available, there is something for everyone. Enjoy the nightlife of the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas. From casinos to performances, the city has it all. Catch some rays on the beaches of the Maldives or the Mediterranean. Or explore the luxurious city of Dubai and even ride a camel through the Arabian desert. Your return flights are included, so you and a plus one can jet off to a dream destination from Manchester or London airports. Stays range from roomonly or B&B to allinclusive, and from three to seven nights. Holidays will be randomly allocated among 50 winners. Check out all 50 of the holidays up for grabs and find out more on the top hotels you could be staying at by visiting thesun.co.uk/travelrepublic. To enter the competition, follow these steps: Either download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk. Go to the Offers section, click “Start Collecting” on the Win One Of 50 Worldwide Holidays With Travel Republic page. Collect TEN out of 18 Sun Savers codes. We will print one daily until February 14. Today’s is on page 21. Enter or scan your ten Sun Savers codes on the app or website before midnight on Monday, February 20, to be automatically entered into the competition. What are you waiting for? Start collecting Sun Savers codes today. Top prize: £7,000 trip to the Maldives ! $ JUST A TASTE OF TOP HOTELS ON OFFER... % & Holiday flights and transfers provided by: lVirgin Atlantic lEmirates lEasyJet lBritish Airways lQatar Airways lCorendon Airlines lAir Mauritius lSun Express lHoppaGo 50 Just collect worldwide holidays up for grabs It’s our biggest hols prize EVER 10 Sun Savers codes to enter USA: MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, above UAE: Caesars Palace Dubai SPAIN: Hotel Garbi Ibiza & Spa, Ibiza EGYPT: The Savoy Hotel, Sharm El Sheikh MALDIVES: Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa GREECE: Mitsis Alila Resort & Spa, Rhodes TURKEY: Pine Beach Belek, Antalya HUNGARY: K+K Hotel Opera, Budapest WIN £150,000 of holidays with and TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Collect TEN unique Sun Savers codes from 18. One code printed daily from January 28 to February 14, 2023. Last chance to start collecting is February 5, 2023. Competition closes at 23:59pm on February 20, 2023. Over 18, residents of the UK only. One entry per person. Winners selected at random from all valid entries. There will be 50 winners only. Allow 14 days from entry closing for draw to take place. Winners then notified within seven days of the draw. No cash alternative to prize in whole or in part. Prize is non-transferable. Subject to availability and blackout dates apply. Your information will only be used to administer this Promotion in accordance with our privacy policy. Promoter is News Group Newspapers Ltd. Not open to employees and agents of the Promoter and its group companies or Travel Republic, or third parties directly connected with the operation or fulfilment of the Promotion and their immediate families and household members. Winners will be required to participate in reasonable publicity relating to this competition. For full T&Cs see sunsavers.co.uk.
Ulrika adrian.chiles@the-sun.co.uk Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 31 Jonsson Ulrika.Jonsson@the-sun.co.uk I PREFER FRIENDS’ WISDOM TO DAFT ADVICE SOME fancy schmancy expert philosopher has come to the conclusion that we must not interfere in the big decisions made by our friends. Cambridge boffin Dr Farbod Akhlaghi claims that telling our mates to not marry someone, not date a person, not have children or not move abroad “violates a crucial moral right”. He says we must have absolute autonomy over big dilemmas such as this because they are transformative and a friend’s intervention can cause real harm. Well, if ever there was a friendship killer, this advice is surely it. I don’t know about you guys but I depend heavily on my friends’ advice. I value their knowledge, experience and wisdom – surely that’s a human instinct and the basis of a good strong friendship. Sometimes I don’t trust my own decisions but, moreover, when things weigh heavy on my mind, I always need a fresh, alternative perspective and opinion. I want and crave the input of people I know and trust. It’s surely a huge part of what friendship is about? We build our relationships on honesty, and while friendships are very much about what we have in common with one another, it’s also about listening to and hearing about how we may differ. I don’t surround myself with “yes people” – friends who constantly agree with me, pat me on the back immoral compass, and sometimes and tell me I’m doing the right I probably also deliberately like to thing. do something I definitely It’s often uncomfortable shouldn’t. to hear negative input, My small circle of close criticism or disagreement friends often have but I respect it far more different takes on than someone who just decisions I might need worships every decision I to make, and I love, make. So I always listen. appreciate and value Doesn’t always mean I that far greater than I do follow a friend’s advice, the opinion of a DILEMMA . . . philosopher who hasn’t because I have a strong backbone and a somewhat Dr Akhlaghi walked a foot in my shoes. ELOPE . . . cheap wedding BRIDES SAY ‘WE DON’T’ TO £40K BIG DAY RECENT statistics from UK wedding venues reveal there has been an exponential rise in couples shunning the big white wedding in favour of eloping. It’s not just the cost-ofliving crisis that has brought this about. Apparently it’s been going on for a while. When you consider that some weddings might include well over 100 guests and can cost anything between £10k and £40k (or even more, if you’re really fancy), it’s not surprising and it makes complete sense to keep the money and run off and make the big day a bit “basic”. It is only one day, after all. As someone who has been married three times, I think you’ll agree I speak with some authority on this subject. Don’t normalise nasty narcissists like Maxwell I DON’T think I heard the word “narcissist” until a few years ago. And if I did, I probably didn’t pay it much attention. It sounded so extreme, so drastic and so severe. Is it me or do I hear the word more often nowadays? Are there more narcissists around today? Or perhaps we’re better at recognising and identifying them, because now I feel like everyone I know seems to have come into contact with one. Only mental health specialists can diagnose this condition, so far be it for me to make any amateur analysis. But without pausing for breath, it’s easy to reel off some well-known ones. The King of the Narcissists is surely Donald Trump — displaying a few too many of the characteristics associated with this condition such as an unreasonably high sense of his own importance; attention seeking; desperation for admiration; an overinflated ego; very few boundaries; a lack of empathy; a pronounced sense of entitlement, the list goes on. Marry again? I’d be Team Elope Deeply worrying Picture: BACKGRID I was never a bridezilla and always did my best to keep things relatively simple. My weddings were all small, intimate affairs with fewer than 20 people in attendance each time. The odd one might have been a tad lavish in nature but they were never BIG. Probably due to the fact that I don’t even think I know 100 people. As things stand today, there’s no chance of a bloke ever putting a ring on it EVER again (caveat: I may have promised this in the past then changed my mind) but if I did, I’d be Team Elope. Or better still, Team Wedding By Zoom. But after my three marriage experiences, I’m not the most promarriage person in the room. In fact, if you’re a bride in a meringue dress, travelling in a fancy car covered in white ribbons and filled with flowers and you see a mad, middle-aged, blonde Swede shouting: “Don’t do it!” as you go past, that’s yours truly. Every time. Without fail. Even royal Zara is not immune to ‘mum guilt’ I’VE always had great admiration for Zara Tindall. Not just as a serious, ambitious and goal-driven sportswoman but also for largely shunning royal life, which is in part thanks to her mother, the Princess Royal, who refused to give her children titles. Now she’s opened up, very personally, in a podcast with her hubby, the cheeky Mike Tindall, both above, about how – like so many of us – she has suffered from “mum guilt” for going to work and leaving her children. I didn’t feel overbearing guilt about carrying on working after having my children. More often than not I just missed them and wanted to be with them. But it was very clear in my mind that, as the sole breadwinner, it was a need and therefore a must. I would never want to belittle stay-at-home mums for the great job they do but I firmly believe that continuing to work, just as Zara concurs in the podcast, has made us better mothers. We’re both lucky to have the opportunity to work and afford the childcare but at the same time, certainly for me, it really was a necessity. What is slightly frustrating, however, is that we never seem to discuss “dad guilt”. Either they don’t feel it or they’re not piping up about it. Maybe it’s something Mike can explore in another episode. Then, listening to Ghislaine Maxwell being interviewed on TalkTV this week, made me think: “There’s another one.” No hint of empathy for any of her victims. In complete denial about her conviction, choosing instead to moan about the food she’s being made to eat in prison. It’s deeply worrying how people like this truly believe their own PR. Or should that be BS? Then last week, in their infinite wisdom, the BBC started to broadcast a podcast with Shamima Begum — giving her a very public platform and opportunity to manipulate people’s opinion about her while she fails to take full responsibility for her actions. Prince Andrew is another contender, denying the merest hint of a suggestion that he might have been involved in anything dodgy. Incapable, it seems, of even pretending to have empathy or an ounce of understanding and responsibility. I met him when I was 20 BIG EGOS . . . Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew at Windsor Castle and he looked me up and down as if I was a heifer at a cattle market. Or as if he was God himself. Deeply uncomfortable. It’s in personal relationships that signs of narcissism appear to be becoming more common. I have two close friends who were married to narcissists and their stories are nothing short of shocking. The arrogance of these men; their disregard for others; their inability to understand the effect of their behaviour on their wives; the terrifying manipulation and exploitation of their partners for their own benefit. It’s hard to even imagine that these people are actually human because, ultimately, they are lacking so much in humanity. And with all these detrimental and dangerous characteristics comes the coercion and gaslighting. The relationships often start by saturating the victim with attention and affection — love-bombing them, in short — all under the guise of romance. Making them feel special and like they are the centre of the universe, only for them to gradually pull the rug from under the casualty’s feet. By which stage it’s all too hard to extricate yourself from the relationship and the narcissist, predominantly because the perpetrator will always convince the other person that they are in the right because they don’t carry guilt about anything. Or anyone. Granted, I’m sure many of us have shown the occasional narcissistic behaviour. Who doesn’t like praise, attention and admiration? Who doesn’t sometimes have a burgeoning ego and some repressed insecurities? I can think of a few politicians and divas like this but they’re not permanent characteristics that go on to damage other people. Research shows that narcissism affects 7.7 per cent of men in the population and 4.8 per cent of women. Perhaps it's not that surprising that there are nearly twice as many men with the condition, based on what I’ve heard anecdotally. On reflection, I now realise I was definitely in a relationship with a narcissist many, many years ago. It was a scary time because, as life marched on, I began to normalise his behaviour, I excused it and didn’t have the tools to find a way out. I went from being a happy, confident young woman to a tense, insecure, scared, dependent, shadow of my former self. Blurring the lines I may not have seen the signs all those years ago but I do now. Either that’s because there are more narcissists among us or we more clearly understand what makes one. In a world where we admire and promote ego and confidence so often on social media, where many have fixations with power, success and, moreover, beauty, where plenty of people laud attention-seekers and hold arrogance and manipulation by the likes of Andrew Tate in sky-high regard, we run the real danger of normalising this kind of behaviour. We also run the risk of blurring the lines between someone being a bit cocky and someone being abusive and taking advantage of situations and other people. I’m certainly hugely alert to it now. It is a mental health condition and needs to be treated as such. Some might say I’ve started to become somewhat forensic in my analysis of people’s behaviour. Because once bitten, twice as sharp.
32 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 GURKHA HERO’S INCREDIBLE FEAT By MIKE RIDLEY Did a runner . . . Roma Trousers off porn star flees cop car By AMIR RAZAVI A PORN actress high on cocaine fled half-naked after losing her trousers in a struggle with police. Roma Lawson undid her seat belt as she was being driven to a police station following her arrest for drug-driving. Her trousers came off as she wrestled the officers in the front seat before she ran off, naked from the waist down, through Margate, Kent. After being traced to a friend’s house, Lawson, who appears in adult films as Romana Ryder, was taken to hospital. But she continued trying to escape and bit a female officer on the leg. Cocaine addict Lawson, 34, of Herne Bay, admitted escaping and assaulting an emergency worker. She was given a suspended eight-month prison sentence at Canterbury crown court. The judge said she had showed a “prospect of rehabilitation”. IT was the news that left the whole of Britain feeling on top of the world on the Queen’s Coronation day. As millions packed the streets of London to see young Queen Elizabeth crowned, it was announced that mountaineers Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay had become the first to conquer Everest. Now, 70 years later, a wounded war hero has a date with destiny to make history when King Charles is crowned in May. Hari Budha Magar had both legs blown off above the knee when he was a soldier in Afghanistan and a terrorist bomb exploded. Despite his terrible injuries, fatherof-three Hari has set his sights on climbing Everest, the world’s highest mountain at 29,032ft, to coincide with the King’s Coronation. If he succeeds, ex-Gurkha Hari, 43, will become the first above-the-knee double-amputee to stand on the Himalayan summit. Hari, from Canterbury, Kent, had aimed to do the climb in 2018. But the Nepalese authorities banned him because they feared he was too disabled to make the gruelling climb and would perish on Everest’s snowcovered slopes. Three people died making the attempt last year and four the year before. Hari had to go to court to overturn the ban. He says: “Now, by a happy coincidence, I will be on Everest on the King’s Coronation. It would be amazing if I could do it on that day. “I may be on my way to the summit, or coming down. If we are at Base Camp we will organise a celebration, it all depends on the weather window.” Hari, who lives with wife Urmila, 40, and their daughter Samjhana, 26, and sons 15-year-old Brian and nine-year-old Ubran, grew up in Nepal before joining the Gurkhas as a teenager. PROUD . . . Gurkha Hari in camo Childhood dream Lane . . . in kiss scene No Love for movie fan visits Actually By ISAAC CROWSON FED-UP residents living on a street featured in hit movie Love Actually say they are still plagued by tourists 20 years after the film was released. Fans of the 2003 British rom-com were urged to stay away by the local council three years ago. But they continue to flock to St Luke’s Mews in Notting Hill, West London, for pictures. The lane, where homes sell for up to £3million, was in a famous scene as Andrew Lincoln’s character Mark used carols and cards to declare love for Keira Knightley’s Juliet. The owner of a pinkfronted house featured said: “My main problem is tour guides making money off the place.” Lauren Robertson, from Austin, Texas, visited last week and said: “It’s cool to see it in real life.” The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea said: “We want to help to protect residents’ privacy.” His farming family were so poor, he walked barefoot for 45 minutes to school each day. IN ACTION . . . He has dreamed of climbHari in the desert ing to the top of the world since he was a boy. Hari says: “As children, we read the legendary stories of Mount Everest. Climbing the mountain is my destiny.” His dreams of being a mountaineer appeared to end in an instant on April 17, 2010, when he was caught in a boobytrap bomb blast. As well as losing his legs he was also left with a severely damaged arm. Hari, a Corporal in the 1st Battalion Gurkha Rifles Regiment, was told he might not walk again. He says: “Eighteen months after the blast, I couldn’t even walk 100 metres. “I thought my life was gone. I started mixing my medication with alcohol, as I was trying to deal with my pain as well as my emotions. “I was lost. I’d joined the Gurkhas at 19, it was my life.” DECORATED But he used the Gurkha motto . . . for his “better to die than be a coward” to bravery inspire his recovery, telling himself that not only would he walk again, he would brave an extraordinary feat. He set his sights on climbing mountains, and started with the UK’s training climb on Himlung Himal, a highest peak, 4,413ft Ben Nevis in 23,400ft peak near Nepal’s border Scotland. He never looked back, scal- with Tibet, Hari stared death in the ing ever higher peaks, including Mont face for the second time in his life. His team were hit by a four-day Blanc in the French Alps at 15,780ft, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, blizzard that left them battling for survival at 20,000ft. Africa, at 19,340ft, before tackling Buried by snow, the climbers had 20,000ft peaks in the Himalayas. to dig themselves out and descend to He admits: “I don’t even walk properly now, but that doesn’t stop 18,000ft in hip-deep drifts, resting in howling gales that flattened their tents. me climbing mountains.” As they waited to be rescued, a On his long road to recovery, Hari has had amazing support from King freak accident with a camping stove triggered a fire that threatened to Charles and other royals. He says: “I met The Queen, and engulf their tent. They managed to I’ve met King Charles eight times, as douse the blazing shelter with snow he is the Colonel-in-Chief of the and thankfully, Hari’s prosthetic legs, which were inside, survived. regiment. He always recognises me. Now out of food, they were also “He knows about me climbing Everest. He’s always supportive. When down to their last two matches, vital for lighting their back-up camping I got injured, he sent me a letter.” But just before Christmas, during a stove for hot water and heat until the I lost my legs in Afghan... now I’m climbing Everest for the King storm blew out. Their only sustenance was slices of salami and half a packet of Horlicks malted milk drink they found in an abandoned tent. Hari says: “I did think I could die on the mountain. “When everything depends on the last two matches in your hands, you can feel a bit of pressure. At that moment we were focused on one thing — survival. I volunteered to strike the match to relight our camping stove. I was shaking. “I said ‘Namaste’ and prayed ‘Please make a spark’. “I struck the match and it lit first time, but it was so freezing that the stove started sputtering. I was thinking ‘Please don’t die’. “We moved it closer to the tent entrance and it lit with the extra oxygen. We cheered and clapped with relief, as we knew we were going to survive another day. “I hadn’t had Horlicks since I was young — it was fantastic as we desperately needed a hot drink and it gave us energy. “After three days there was a slight break and five guys came to rescue us and take us back to Base Camp. Then, after four days, a Nepalese Army helicopter airlifted us out. “There were so many incidents around the Himalayas due to the storm. All the helicopters were busy undertaking rescue operations.” Hari’s battle to overcome his physical injuries inspired him to go to the Supreme Court in Nepal to win the right to undertake his historic climb, perviously prohibited for people with certain disabilities. He says: “While I’ve had to adapt
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... TO CELEBRATE THE CORONATION SUPPORTERS . . Hari, arrowed, and. comrades meet Charles and Harry WHAT HE’S CLIMBED Picture: ANDY BATE/BLESMA HITTING THE HEIGHTS . . . Hari at Everest Base Camp, right, tackling ice climb, below, after conquering Mt. Kilimanjaro Ben Nevis (1,345m/4,413ft) – UK’s highest mountain. Mont Blanc (4,810m/15,780ft) – highest in the Alps. Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m/19,340ft) – highest in Africa. Mount Toubkal (4,167m/13,665ft) – highest in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. Chulu Far East (6,059m/19,880ft) – in Nepal. Mera Peak (6,654m/21,831ft) – next to Everest. after my injuries, I’ve realised nothing is impossible. I just needed to find a different way of doing it. “I joined forces with other climbers, disability organisations and people with disabilities to successfully overturn a ban on double amputees and the visually impaired from climbing Everest, at the Supreme Court in Nepal.” The actual climb presents further challenges. He explains: “Prosthetic legs are not designed to climb ice. Commercial crampons for amputees don’t exist, so we had to design some. I will take three different pairs of feet with me, one for walking, one for rock climbing and one for ice and snow. I will also take two different pairs of prosthetic legs. One longer set to use on the walk to Base Camp. “There I will change into my rock and ice climbing legs, which are short legs called ‘stubbies’ that have also been specially adapted. “Where my prosthetic leg meets my stump there is a heating element because of frostbite. I can’t afford to lose any more limbs. “The human body is not designed to operate at the altitude I’ll be climbing. Add to that my own challenges with reduced mobility and there is a whole new layer of difficulty.” Hari has a Crowdfunder page which has raised £150,000 of the £312,000 needed to fund his historic expedition. What will drive him on every one of the nearly 30,000ft of the mountain will be the thought he can inspire others. A film crew will follow every gruelling, courageous step. FIRST . . . Hari says: “Reaching the Hillary and summit is the ultimate test. Tenzing “My main aim is to raise beat Everest awareness of disability and on day of my message is that what- Coronation ever happens, life goes on until your last breath. People like myself should not be seen as miserable and living off benefits, but changing this perception will be a bigger battle than climbing Everest.” At the summit of the world’s highest peak he aims to take a photograph of himself with a prayer flag, the flag of his former regiment and those of the charities and organisations that have helped him. He adds: “This climb is not just for me, it’s for people with disabilities, the Gurkhas, for veterans, for the United Kingdom, for Nepal. “This is for all the people who have helped me. I hope I am able to make them proud.” Additional reporting: SARAH ARNOLD lYou can donate to Hari’s crowdfunder at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/harieverest 33 TELL US YOUR STORIES OF 1953 DO you remember the Coronation in 1953? Were you or a relative one of the 8,000 people who witnessed history in Westminster Abbey? Did you see the parade through London? Or were you among millions who watched TV for the first time when the Queen’s Coronation was televised? Perhaps you attended a street party. Tell us YOUR Coronation stories by going online to thesun.co.uk/theking. We will publish as many as we can before the King’s Coronation. Go to thesun.co.uk /theking ROYAL QUIZ ANSWERS From Pages 26 & 27 LIFE & TIMES 1. Katharine, Duchess of Kent. 2. York 3. Prince George, Duke of Kent – younger brother of Edward VIII and George VI 4. Princess Michael of Kent. 5. So he could attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II 6. Kenya. 7. David Armstrong-Jones and Sarah Chatto 8. It’s A Royal Knockout – officially known as The Grand Knockout Tournament. 9. 1936 10. Archie and Lilibet. 11. 1969 12. Gordonstoun 13. C-Day 14. Prunella Scales in Alan Bennett’s play A Question of Attribution. 15. Margaret Thatcher 16. The National Gallery in London. 17. 1992 18. Michael Fagan 19. The exiled Duke of Windsor – former Edward VIII – in a letter to wife Wallis Simpson 20. Four 21. Jigsaw 22. The Dukes of Norfolk. 23. A black cocker spaniel 24. Dubonnet and gin. 25. Her skirt was backlit, revealing the outline of her legs. 26. Three. 27. Princess Anne. 28. An avalanche in Switzerland missed him by feet, and killed a friend in his skiing party. 29. Lord Louis Mountbatten. 30. A ping-pong ball. RELATIONSHIPS 1. Andrew Parker Bowles. 2. Peter Townsend. 3. 1981 4. Angus Ogilvy. 5. Koo Stark. 6. Chelsy Davy. 7. Prince Michael of Kent. 8. University of St Andrews. 9. Princess Margaret’s wedding to Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960. 10. Her corgi, Susan. HISTORY 1. Charles II. 2. Hans Holbein. 3. Bosworth. 4. Henry VII. 5. Richard II. 6. Henry VI. 7. Henry V 8. King John. 9. Henry II. 10. Nine.
34 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 STUFF STORED IN ATTIC COULD BE WORTH £££s GAME TECH Hit by car . . McGregor Conor is almost killed on bike ride By ANDY ROBINSON MIXED martial arts star Conor McGregor was nearly killed yesterday when he was hit by a car while cycling. The ex-UFC champ was struck from behind riding up a steep hill. He filmed the aftermath of the smash and posted it on Instagram, saying: “I could have been dead there.” Car parts were scattered across the road next to his broken £5,000 Orbea mountain bike. McGregor, 34, said the driver had been blinded by the sun — but put the bike in the boot and gave the Irishman a lift home. The fighter, who was near home city Dublin, said: “Full speed straight through me. Thank you God, it wasn’t my time.” The notorious fighter appeared shaken but uninjured. Partner and mum of their three children Dee Devlin, 35, commented: “Beyond blessed babe Jesus Christ!!” Court claims . . . Green Bond girl staff hires ‘were not realistic’ By PATRICK GYSIN FORMER Bond girl Eva Green was “unrealistic” in her desire to hire expensive production staff for a sci-fi film, a court heard. The actress, 42 — Vesper Lynd in 2006’s Casino Royale — was an executive producer of A Patriot and was due to appear in it before production was shut down in 2019. Writer and director Dan Pringle said: “Eva was at times a little unrealistic about some of her suggestions of heads of departments/key crew.” He added: “I considered we may have to lower our sights to those with experience at slightly lower budget levels.” He said Green wanted to “reach for the stars”. Green is suing White Lantern Films claiming she is entitled to her £810,000 fee. It defends the case and counter claims she made “unreasonable demands”. The London trial continues. ON average, £814 of old tech has been left languishing in drawers and cupboards. Mint condition old Super Nintendos and limited edition Game Boys in good nick can fetch hundreds. Video games are also a great source of extra income. The 1990s Mario Kart NES, below, is bringing in more than £100 on Ebay at the moment. I’ve also seen the classic game Legend Of Zelda, right, go for up to £450. FURNITURE OLD everyday furniture is now worth five times its value compared to ten years ago, according to eBay. This is largely down to an increased demand for sustainability and more households wanting to recycle and upcycle their stuff. Look at sites such as eBay and Etsy for an idea of what kind of furniture is selling well. It’s not just old oak and elm wardrobes and dressers which are doing a roaring trade. Even early Ikea furniture and homewares no longer in production are worth more than their original cost. Ikea Skamt vases, left – originally just 75p – can fetch up to £15 each, while multicoloured sets can reach £90. YOUR house could be loaded with hidden gems . . . you just need to know where to look. This Morning’s moneymaking expert and pawnbroker Dan Hatfield says households have £76BILLION in unwanted items which usually get binned. So instead of letting these little treasures end up as landfill, untap their hidden value by turning them By KATY DOCHERTY into cash. Dan said: “We’re a nation of undersellers. “It’s so important to do your research and find out exactly how much you are due.” From Pyrex dishes to beanie babies, follow Dan’s guide to the treasure trove waiting to be discovered in your humble abode. Now’s the time to get your loft converted ...to CASH COMICS OLD comics are collectable thanks to the nostalgia factor. The vast majority worth anything are American and tend to be editions when a new hero or villain is introduced. A comic book featuring the first appearance of Spider-Man sold for £3.2million on eBay in 2014. UK comics can be worth a fair bit too. A first edition of the Dandy, right, is worth £5,000 – and if you have the original whistle that came with it as a free gift, that’s worth £20,000 all in. PYREX DISHES EVERYONE’S gran or mum has some of these glass dishes – and even the most basic type can fetch you around £50 to £100. It’s no surprise that a lot of these get thrown away, but they have an ever-increasing cult following. Kitsch is often key to hidden treasures, so the more retro your dishes, the more they can fetch. There are a few particular ones you should look out for. The 1961 promo gold gourmet casserole dish can go for £1,500. And a Lucky In Love patterned casserole dish can reach up to £4,800. The more garish and oldfashioned your item is, the better. VINTAGE TOYS ROYAL DOULTON EIGHTIES and Nineties kids are now all grown up and have disposable income. So when it comes to toys which were popular in their heyday they can complete the collection. A Princess Diana commemorative Beanie doll sold for £60,000 recently, and a Peanut Royal Elephant Beanie can be worth £4,000. Original Furbies will fetch £700 if they are in pristine condition. Film merchandise can also make you a buck or two. Original Jurassic Park action figures are really popular and a T-Rex figurine has been known to go for £3,000. Mint condition Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures can get you anywhere between £200 and £800. A Polly Pocket Partytime Stamper can earn you £5,000. THOSE china statuettes you used to see on mantelpieces everywhere are now worth a fair bit. Surprisingly, demand for the whimsical figures is coming from Japanese and Middle Eastern markets, as well as the US. Buyers love the kitsch factor – especially statuettes from the Eighties and Nineties. A Romeo & Juliet figurine from 1990 can go for up to £1,000. Even the ones that have been gathering dust on your nan’s side table could sell for £200 to £300. Resale values depend on how many of each design were made at the time and their condition. I suspect thousands of these have been chucked in the bin, but they are worth a fortune if you find the right market. n Doultso l a y o R igurine f 0 £ 1,00 Furby talking toys £ 700 MONEY SEWING MACHINES HUNT out that old sewing machine lying untouched in your attic. Thanks to sustainability and the cost of living crisis, everyone wants to make and mend now. Sewing machines are trading for hundreds of pounds. Keep your eyes peeled for a vintage Singer Featherweight model 222k, below. One of these is going for £750 at the moment. Sewing machine £750 LEGO LEGO is one of the most collected items in the world – and limited edition and rare builds will always sell well. A Star Wars Millennium Falcon set from 2007 is currently going for £7,000, which is 20 times more than its original value. As with any collectable the price you get depends on the condition. If your Lego is missing pieces or is clearly very used, you will see a decrease in value. Items still in original boxes will go for a lot more. Star Wars Millennium Falcon set £7,000 YOU can make new money from old money. Old currency, especially limitededition 50 pence pieces, can be worth much more than their monetary value. A rare 2012 5p, above, sells for anywhere from £40 to £100. Meanwhile, the Kew Garden 2009 50p coin can reach up to £200. They are all still in circulation, so check your wallet in case you’ve got one already.
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 35 IT’S AN EXPRESS DELIVERY Regal . . star as Queen By JULIA ATHERLEY ACTRESS Claire Foy has said she reprised her role as the Queen in The Crown because of her love for Imelda Staunton. She appears in a flashback that opens the fifth series — showing the Queen launch the Royal Yacht Britannia in 1953. Foy played Her Majesty in the first two series, and Staunton, 67, does so in series five and six. Foy said: “It is a lovely thing to do and I love Imelda. She is amazing.” The 38-year-old has also discussed her movie Women Talking, based on the true story of sex abuse in an isolated religious colony in Bolivia. The film is up for an Oscar and BBC’s Graham Norton asked if she will go to March’s ceremony. Foy said: “There are 12 in the cast so it depends on who they pick. It’s my child’s birthday. I probably shouldn’t go. Either way I’ll have a great time!” Picture: LEON IMAGES Foy’s joy at return to Crown Speedy arrival . . . newborn Toby and couple’s car Baby zoomer . . . Lauren and Jack with son Toby Good to meet roo A RARE tree kangaroo is thriving in Britain. The Goodfellow’s baby was jelly bean-sized when born last July and has been growing in mum Kitawa’s pouch since. But it delighted staff when it popped its head out at Chester Zoo. Manager David White called it a “real celebratory moment” for the endangered species usually found in Papua New Guinea’s mountain forests. But he added: “These remarkable animals are hunted for meat and their habitat is disappearing.” Birth as mum’s driven to hospital Weight’s rolled off A MAN too fat to ride a rollercoaster shed 5st and has now won a national weight loss award. Joe Thompson, 35, was a hefty 19st 9lb when he was turned away at Thorpe Park, Surrey. After joining Slimming World, he weighs 14st 6lb and has lost eight inches off his waist. He has been named Slimming World’s 2023 Mr Sleek for keeping the weight off for a year. Joe, of Woodford Green, East London, said: “It’s transformed my health and confidence.” A MUM was in a hurry to give birth as her tot arrived in the passenger seat of the car as her boyfriend raced to hospital “at 90mph”. Lauren Tilney popped son Toby out as Jack Baugh sped along despite nurses on speakerphone urging him to pull over. Labour of love . . Lauren and tot Lauren, 27, started having contractions in bed on Thursday night after watching Love Island. She jumped into their Honda CR-V for the 30-minute journey up the M6 from Stafford to Stoke. But ten minutes after setting off, mum-of-two Lauren realised they would not make it in time. The sales administrator told how Jack ploughed on behind the wheel ROGUE ROUNDABOUT A TEMPORARY roundabout has caused a series of crashes — as confused motorists drive straight through. Critics say unclear marking and poor lighting at the winding junction mean many do not realise it is a roundabout. An eight-year-old boy suffered a head injury in a pile-up at the danger spot in Croesbychan, Aberdare, South Wales. His gran Angela Williams, 62, said a driver “appeared not to see the roundabout and didn’t slow”. One mum said there are near misses there every day. Councillors said the Welsh government promised layout changes in “six to eight weeks” while a junction is built. Sun A COPY of the first 1962 Marvel comic to feature Spider-Man, autographed by writer Stan Lee, is tipped to fetch £30,000 at auction today in Stamford, Lincs. SPOT EXCLUSIVE by ADAM BENNETT and ELLIOT WRIGHT as staff at Royal Stoke University Hospital listened in on the telephone. Lauren said: “Jack was speeding down the motorway when I suddenly realised that the baby was coming. “I had to deliver it on my own. The adrenaline must have kicked in because I just pushed him out and it was over as quick as a flash.” The relieved couple arrived at the hospital to be greeted by a row of nurses waiting to check if the baby and mum were both OK. Toby weighed in at 6lb 13oz and is now home with his family. Jack, 30, recalled: “I knew I had to put my foot down, focus on the road and get Lauren to hospital as quickly as I could. “When Toby was being born next to me, I was so worried. The nurses at the hospital were on loudspeaker screaming at us to pull over but Lauren told me to just keep driving.” Lauren, who also has a three-yearold daughter, added: “Toby started crying immediately — which is always a good sign. “He looked in perfect health but obviously we were anxious to get that checked. I was taken in and they checked Toby over. “He weighed in at 6lb 13oz and, as we hoped, he’s in perfect health. “We’re now back at home and everything is lovely. “Looking back, I really can’t believe what happened. It was manic, it is unbelievable I managed to give birth on the motorway. But the main thing is our Toby is safe with his family where he belongs.” adam.bennett@the-sun.co.uk I WED DAD’S ‘KILLER’ HISTORY fan Ellie Taylor fell in love with her husband after he “killed” her father at a battle re-enactment. Peter Taylor, 32, was among Vikings who fought the English — including 24-year-old Ellie’s dad — at a re-run of 1066’s Battle of Stamford Bridge. She was also smitten when she saw Peter, of York, drinking mead in the rain. He said: “I recognised her from other battles and we hit it off. “She pointed out her dad and I was like, ‘Oh, I killed him earlier’. Not the best way to charm someone!” They had a Viking wedding last year. Peter said: “I’ve always lost to her dad since!”
36 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 REIGNING QUEEN OF GLAM By ELLIE HENMAN It was like biblical rain, you couldn’t see your hand in front of your So Kelly Brook must now face. It had not rained have bags of it, after revealing her big day was almost in that region for a washout. eight months and I The former Page 3 pin-up married her Italian model boydon’t think it friend Jeremy Parisi, 37, in a lowkey ceremony in Arpino, Italy, last has since July. Celeb fan . . . Reynolds SOME say it is good luck for a bride and groom if it rains on the day of their wedding. Trekker: Ryan put spring in my step By ALEX WEST And speaking about her big day in depth for the first time, Kelly, 43, said: “We all got pretty wet. It rained five to ten minutes before we said our vows. “We got ushered into this tower and it was like something out of a sitcom. There was a woman trying to carry a harp up five flights of stairs in this ancient tower. It haunts me still. “It was like biblical rain, you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. It had not rained in that region for eight months and I don’t think it has since.” Photos Kelly posted on her Instagram showed her looking dreamy in her flowing white gown. But she has now admitted that the rest of the snaps in her wedding album show her drenched. Kelly said: “I look completely stressed and with straggly hair. Jeremy watches the wedding video all the time but I can’t face it yet.” While it did rain on Kelly’s parade, she said it was still the best moment of her life. The TV beauty, who had been engaged three times before, said: “From someone who never thought they would get married it was magic — the best thing I have ever done. We were winging it the whole way. It made it so much fun. A DAD on a 3,000-mile charity trek across America was stunned to be messaged by Hollywood A-lister Ryan Reynolds. The Deadpool actor, 46, wanted to cheer on ultraendurance athlete Paul Edwards, 57. Football fan Paul is a Wrexham supporter — the National League club co-owned by Reynolds. Paul said: “I was having a coffee when my watch, which is linked to my phone, buzzed. “Ryan Reynolds was on the screen and I assumed it was a Twitter post. Then I read the message and it started, ‘Hi Paul’. “I thought it was someone messing around but we chatted about Wrexham FC. He is now following me on Instagram.” Paul hopes his fivemonth trek from the Pacific Coast in California to the Atlantic Coast at South Carolina will raise £15,000 for Hope House children’s hospices. ‘In a happier place’ Cancer . . nurse Angie Labrador headbutt saved life of nurse Main picture: SLIMFAST/BACKGRID By JULIA ATHERLEY A VET’S nurse says a labrador saved her life after checks on a lump the dog gave her led to a breast cancer diagnosis. Angie Shaw, 58, was left with a bump on her chest after being knocked over and headbutted by the canine patient. Still sore a week later, she went to her GP, who referred her for tests — revealing she had a fastgrowing tumour. Doctors said that without the dog’s intervention, it would not have been detected for another ten months due to its position, by which time it would have been terminal. Angie, of Leeds, who is now cancer-free after treatment, said: “That pet saved my life. “The lump was nothing to do with the cancer. But if the dog hadn’t butted me, the cancer would’ve spread and it would’ve been too late.” She is urging women to get breast lumps checked. “And it gave it the essence and authenticity of it being Italian and that is what I really wanted. You can’t have the rainbow without the rain.” Kelly met Jeremy in 2014, after she saw him in an Instagram video and sent a message. The Sun revealed the couple’s engagement last June, just weeks before they tied the knot. Kelly wanted a legally binding ceremony in her Italian lover’s home country — which left her just six weeks to organise their big day. She said on the Secret To podcast with Vicky Pattison: “Jeremy has a farm in Italy. “His home is Paris but his blood is Italian. His dream was to get married in the town where he has such fond memories growing up. We didn’t want to have a wedding in Italy and then get married in London a few weeks later and not tell anyone. I wanted to do everything on the day. “By the time we had all the paperwork we only had a small window where we could actually do it with all our work commitments.” Kelly was told she would not be able to have a bespoke wedding gown made in such a short space of time. She said: “I bought loads of beautiful fabric, loads of Chantilly lace. “I took it to a local dressmaker I work with. I showed her a few designs I liked and we just started making stuff.” Then Savannah Miller, the British designer and sister of A-list actress Sienna, stepped in to save the day for her main bridal gown. Kelly revealed: REAR PHEW . . . Kelly, left, on red carpet in 2000 and, right, in 2021 “About five weeks before, Savannah messaged me, and I said ‘I am getting married’ and she said ‘I will make you a dress’. “So she made my wedding dress, which was beautiful. I don’t know how she turned it around so quickly.” I wore my stuff for the parties. It was all white — and I never wear white. Kelly wore her own designs in the evening, including a mini-dress she wore for her first dance with Jeremy. She said: “I changed for din- ner because I was soaked and I changed again for the party. “My dress for my first dance was really short. Because I am booby and curvy there are only so many dresses that look good on me, especially in white. “You have to just go with what you feel comfortable with.” The pair said their vows in the Torre di Cicerone, a historic tower on the Acropolis of Arpino, then had the reception in the grounds with their closest family and friends. Kelly said: “I came away wishing I was a guest at my own wedding because it goes so fast and you are so stressed. “When you do a destination wedding, you are there for a few days so it doesn’t matter. As long as you are spending time with people. “You’re marrying the love of your life. That’s all that matters at the end of the day.” Like most brides, Kelly said she suffered from a bout of post-wedding blues. After returning from Italy, the couple and their dog Teddy headed to . . . Camber Sands, East Sussex. Kelly said the down time gave them time to reflect, although she plans to honeymoon in a more
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... ON HOW BIG DAY WAS NEARLY RUINED My wedding was a total washout... but it is still the best thing I have ever done AISLE KEEP AN EYE ON WEATHER ts . . . empty seats for guesple and platform where couthe l unti were due to wed weather turned TRAIN DEL ED BY BAD WEAAY THER . . . Jeremy and Kel before the heaven ly just s opened BRIDAL SHOWER . . . time for a brolly as the unexpected rains fall MARRIAGE IS FOR KEEPS . . . Cicerone Tower couple eventually where got married indoors Says KELLY BROOK exotic location later this year. Kelly said: “When we came home, I said I feel like I’ve lived my life in technicolour and now it’s just black and white. “Being around all your favourite people and dressing up in all those gorgeous outfits — there is no point doing it half-arsed. You would regret it.” “I had five changes in one day, and the music and the food and the flowers and the lights — all of it is just so intoxicating and then you come back.” The couple, who have homes in London and Kent, are now enjoying married life. And Kelly credits Jeremy with changing her perspective. She explained: “It is always good to have goals and push yourself but I’m not chasing loads of different things. “I am quite specific in what I want to do. It does become less and less as you get older. “Ninety per cent of the time I say no to things. You could waste a lot of time doing nonsense.” The former Big Breakfast host added: “There was a long time when I was very career driven and focused on myself. He’s my soulmate “It made other parts of my life suffer and ultimately it made me unhappy. I look back on pictures when I was younger and I see this skinny model and I think she was really unhappy. “She probably just got off a plane, probably not happy in a relationship. Running on anxiety and stress and adrenaline all the time is not good for you. I am definitely in a happier place. I make more mature choices. “It’s not that I want to step completely out of the public eye — I like being on telly and I like being on the radio — but the desperation has gone.” And while Kelly has overhauled the way she lives, there is one other big change she is ready to make after marrying Jeremy, who she described as her “soulmate”. Kelly said: “I will be Kelly Ann Parisi. “My passport is up for renewal in a year so I will do it then. I love that, I think it is traditional. “I don’t use Kelly Brook for anything but work. We are called Mr and Mrs Parisi.” WE’RE HOME AND DRY . . . the happy cou finally get married ple ins surrounded by fam ide, ily and friends 37
38 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 By NIKKI WATKINS and KIRSTY SPENCE ALL ABOUT YOU THE FAB DAILY TEAM: Senior Feature Writers Claire Dunwell, Kirsten Jones and Alex Lloyd, Contributing Editor Nikki Watkins, Feature Writer Yasmin Harisha, Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend, Senior Stylist and Fashion Writer Abby McHale Edited by LYNSEY CLARKE with JESS WILSON and JOEL COOPER TUCKING into stodge to beat the January blues? You’re not alone. More than half of us are. But while many are also trying to lose weight or become healthier, maybe it’s time to turn to lower-calorie “fakeaways” for our tasty treats. Here, Latoyah Egerton, author of Slimming And Tasty: 100 Delicious, Low-Calorie Recipes And Healthy Fakeaways, right, suggests comfort meals that will not make you gain weight – from deliciously healthy, calorie-counted kebabs and pizza, to a Big Mac dupe. l Slimming And Tasty: 100 Delicious, LowCalorie Recipes And Healthy Fakeaways, by Latoyah Egerton (£20, Greenfinch) is out now. Photography: Uyen Luu. Pink hearts tea caddy, £9.50, Emma Bridgewater Embossed storage jar, £5, John Lewis Tala flour storage tin, £7, Ocado Double cheeseburger WHAT’S IN STORE TO TIDY KITCHEN (Makes two burgers) Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Calories: 473 per serving YOU NEED: 250g extra-lean beef mince 1 tbsp tomato ketchup ½ tsp English mustard Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Low-calorie cooking spray For the burger sauce: 2 tbsp low-fat mayonnaise 2 small gherkins, chopped 1 tsp white vinegar Pinch of white pepper 1 tsp English mustard ½ tsp onion powder ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp pickle juice To serve: 3 burger buns Iceberg lettuce, shredded Low-fat cheese slices METHOD: In a bowl, mix the beef with the ketchup, mustard and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Then split it into four balls. For the burger sauce, mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. Mist a pan with cooking spray on a medium heat and add two of the balls. Press out as flat as possible with a spatula. Fry on each side for four minutes. Repeat with the other two balls. To build the burger, start with the bun’s base and add lettuce, burger sauce and a cheese slice. Add one patty, another bun slice, sauce and lettuce. Then place the next patty and the bun’s top. SMART storage solutions are a priority this year, according to consumer bible Which?. Organise your cupboards and counters with LEO ROBERTS’ stylish and practical finds. Hessian potato bag, £5, Dunelm Bamboo lunch box, £5.99, Lakeland Apollo wood egg cabinet, £15.98, Amazon Rainbow ceramic coffee canister, £8, Dunelm Swan retro bread bin, £14.99, shop.swan-brand.co.uk Speedy cheesy pizza (Makes two small or one large to share) Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Calories: 473 per serving YOU NEED: 110g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting 125g fat-free Greek yoghurt Low-calorie cooking spray 80g reduced-fat Cheddar, grated 120g reduced-fat fresh mozzarella For the sauce: 170g cherry tomatoes, halved 1 large garlic clove 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried basil Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper METHOD: Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Put all of the sauce ingredients into an ovenproof dish and bake for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the base. Mix the flour and yoghurt together in a large bowl until combined to form a dough. Sprinkle flour on the worktop and turn the dough out. Knead until it is springy to the touch. Spritz a pizza dish or large baking tray with cooking spray. Press the pizza dough on to the tray, forming two small pizzas or a large sharing one. Remove the sauce ingredients from the oven and mash the cherry tomatoes with a fork. Spread the sauce on the pizza base, then top with the Cheddar. Rip the mozzarella into small chunks and spread out evenly on top. Place the pizza in the oven on a high shelf and bake for 15 minutes.
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... LET THEM EAT FAKES Tandoori chicken kebab (Makes two kebabs) Prep time: 10 minutes, plus one hour marinating Cook time: 20 minutes Calories: 400 per portion YOU NEED: 4 tbsp fat-free Greek yoghurt 2 tsp chilli powder (adjust according to taste) ½ tsp garam masala ½ tsp ground coriander ½ tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground turmeric ½ tsp ground cardamom ¼ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground nutmeg 1 tsp grated fresh ginger 1 garlic clove, grated 1 lemon, juice only 2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, cut into chunks Low-calorie cooking spray Lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber, to serve For flatbreads: 75g self-raising flour, plus a little extra for dusting ½ tsp baking powder 75g natural yoghurt Pinch of crushed garlic Sea salt METHOD: Make the chicken marinade by mixing the yoghurt, chilli powder, garam masala, ground spices, ginger, garlic and lemon juice together in a large bowl. Add the chicken and mix well to make sure it is well coated. Cover and leave to marinate for one hour. Put all the ingredients for the flatbreads into a bowl, mix with a spoon, then use your hands to bring everything together into a dough. Sprinkle the worktop with flour. Turn out the dough and knead for a minute to bring it all together. Split the dough into two portions, then pat and flatten each piece. Use a rolling pin to roll each piece into a 12cm round, about 2mm to 3mm thick. Spray a griddle pan with low-calorie cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add each flatbread, one at a time, and heat for two minutes on each side until it has slightly puffed up and has griddle lines. Thread the chicken pieces on to a metal kebab stick (if using wooden sticks, soak them in water for 30 minutes first). Preheat the grill to high and grill the kebabs for seven minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked all the way through. Serve the chicken in the flatbreads with salad. Fish & chips (Makes two portions) Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Calories: 560 per portion YOU NEED: 2 wholemeal bread slices, blitzed in the food processor to make breadcrumbs 1 medium egg, beaten 2 x 150g skinless cod or haddock fillets 300g frozen or tinned peas Lemon wedges, to serve Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper For the chips: 2 large potatoes, peeled, cut into chips ½ tsp smoked paprika Low-calorie cooking spray For the tartare sauce: 4 tbsp low-fat mayonnaise 1 tbsp capers, drained and chopped 2 tbsp gherkins, drained and chopped 1 small shallot, finely chopped ½ lemon, juice only 1 tbsp chopped parsley. METHOD: Preheat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Meanwhile, bring a saucepan of water to the boil and add the chips. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for seven minutes. Drain the chips and give them a good shake in the pan so they get fluffy on the outside to help with the crispness. Season the chips in the pan with salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Spread the chips on a baking tray and give them a good covering of low-calorie cooking spray. Bake for 15 minutes. Next it is time to prepare the fish. Put the breadcrumbs and the beaten egg in separate bowls. Use one hand to pick up the fish and put it in the egg, and the same hand to take it out of the egg and drop it into the breadcrumbs. Then use the other hand to take it out of the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process twice. Lay the fish out on a baking tray, and after the chips have been cooking for 15 minutes, add the fish on the shelf below. Allow the fish and chips to cook for a further 15 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flaky. Prepare the tartare sauce by mixing all the ingredients together in a bowl. Warm the peas in a small pan or the microwave. Serve the fish and chips with the peas, tartare sauce and lemon wedges. Chinese chicken curry noodles (Makes 4 portions) Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 5 hours Calories: 400 per portion YOU NEED: 500g skinless and boneless chicken breast, diced 1 onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp tomato purée 1 x 400g tin of light coconut milk 1 tbsp ground turmeric 2 tbsp curry powder 1 garlic clove, finely chopped Thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, grated 1 tsp chilli powder ½ tsp Chinese five-spice 1 tsp soy sauce 150g dried egg noodles 100g frozen peas METHOD: Place all of the ingredients, except for the noodles and peas, into the bowl of a slow cooker and stir well. Set the slow cooker to high and leave for four hours. Add the noodles and peas and stir them together. Leave for another hour in the slow cooker, then serve. 39
dear deidre 40 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 No matter what the issue, I answer every single problem stories deidre’s photo casebook OLIVIA GETS THE WRONG IDEA: DAY 6 YOU MUST THINK I’M AN IDIOT. HOW COULD YOU CHEAT SO BLATANTLY AND SO MANY TIMES? SINCE my husband left, I have kept agreeing to sex with him because I miss him so much. I FOUND THE WOMEN’S UNDERWEAR AND PYJAMAS! OH! I SWEAR. IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK But this means I have not found the closure I need and I actually feel worse — like a prostitute. I’m 35 and he is 36. We were married for ten years and I hoped we would start a family. Then eight months ago, he told me he wanted to be single again. I was devastated and cried myself to sleep for weeks. Just as I started to feel better, he called to say he missed me. He said he wanted to talk and invited himself round. When I saw him, all my feelings flooded back. We chatted about old times over a bottle of wine and then ONLINE & SOCIAL Dear Deidre I REALLY THOUGHT HE LOVED ME BUT ALL THE TIME HE WAS PLAYING AWAY NOT NECESSARILY. THERE IS ANOTHER EXPLANATION… THE UNDERWEAR COULD BE HIS WHAAAAAAT? CONTINUES TOMORROW SALLY LAND Team: JANE ALLTON HILARY FREEMAN KALLY LEWIS CATHERINE THOMAS MICHELLE HARRIS Ex-hubby uses me like free prostitute Dear Deidre WHAT ARE YOU GOING ON ABOUT? Edited by HERE TO HELP YOU MY team of counsellors is ready to help every day. We usually reply to you within 24 hours and always change details on any published problems to protect identities. The Dear Deidre team advises and assists people for free, in an age when counselling sessions can cost £80 and funding for support is at an all-time low. If you want our help, please email deardeidre@the-sun.co.uk or write (enclosing an SAE) to Dear Deidre, The Sun, London SE1 9GF fell into bed. He said this would help us to say goodbye. The sex was the best we’d ever had because it was so intense and part of me thought that afterwards he would change his mind and ask to get back together. But he didn’t. And after he had left, I felt empty and alone. The next time he called, we had sex again, because I couldn’t resist. It’s now been happening for months, and I’ve realised his words mean nothing. He doesn’t miss me, he is just using me when he is bored or lonely. To him, I’m nothing more than a free prostitute. Now I wonder if he ever loved me. I feel I’m going backwards, not moving forwards. He keeps breaking my heart over and over again. I know I need to break this pattern. 0 DEIDRE SAYS: Feelings of love and attraction don’t vanish Need help with a dilemma or want to know more about how we can help? ONLINE: thesun.co.uk/deidre Follow and message us on: INSTAGRAM @dear.deidre TWITTER @DearDeidre FACEBOOK @DearDeidreOfficial WHEN my new girlfriend and I get to the bedroom, I’m always an embarrassing flop. She’s beautiful and kind and has a cracking figure, so I don’t understand why I can’t cope when we try to have sex. My mind is turned on, but my body just won’t co-operate. It’s never happened before. I’m 29 and my girlfriend is 20. We’ve been seeing each other for two months and I fear that if something doesn’t change, she’ll dump me. To be honest, I’m surprised she was ever interested in me in the first place. She’s out of my league – a ten, while I’m a five, maximum. She told me she likes older guys and she thinks I’m cute, sexy and funny. Each time we go to bed and I lose my erection, she is understanding, and I try to please her in other ways. She says she has enjoyed it, but obviously we both want to have proper sex. I’m starting to dread her sleeping over because I’m so anxious about this. I’m sure her patience is going to run out soon just like I’m running out of excuses. 0 DEIDRE SAYS: Most men have trouble keeping an erection at some point. In young men, this is almost always a psychological issue, not a physical problem. If you get early morning erections and masturbate normally, it’s likely the cause is in your mind. Usually, it’s a vicious circle – the more you worry it’ll happen, the more it occurs. My support pack, Erection Problems, will tell you how to sort this out. You sound like you may have low self-confidence, which won’t help. Remind yourself this girl really likes you. And read my support pack, Raising Self-Esteem. Dear Deidre I AM stuck in a sexless marriage with a man who says he isn’t sure he loves me any more. We have an eightmonth-old baby girl and although I love her dearly, I feel like crying every day. I’m 30 and my husband is 32. We have been together for seven years. Our sex life went off the boil five years ago and has never recovered. It has left me feeling THANK YOU FOR... unwanted, with no confidence. My husband said he wanted a child and I hoped once the baby was born things would improve, but instead they have got worse. We haven’t been intimate for six months. I’ve stopped trying to initiate it because I’m sick of being rejected. He won’t even hug me. When I tried to talk to him about it, he admitted he wasn’t sure how he felt about me, but didn’t want to split up our family. 0 DEIDRE SAYS: You can’t carry on like this. Please talk to your husband again and tell him you’re at crisis point. Couples counselling is a good idea, if he’ll agree. But if not, you can talk to someone alone. Find support through Tavistock Relationships (tavistockrelationships. org, 020 7380 1960). My Counselling support pack will tell you more. HELPING ME TO GET ON BETTER WITH SON Dear Deidre FOLLOWING my divorce, my wife made it difficult for me to have a relationship with my sons. She constantly undermined me. When I wrote to you, this had been going on for seven years. I’m 42 and my ex-wife is 40. My older boy, who is 15, constantly bullied my 13-year-old son, often hitting and kicking him. If I punished him, by taking his tablet away for instance, he would get his mum to come and pick him up. She never told him off or supported me. You suggested my son might still be angry about our divorce and said I should try talking to him directly. You Dear Deidre MY sister-in-law has ghosted me since I announced I was pregnant with my first child. I feel so hurt and I’m not sure what her problem is. We have been best friends since we met, but now she wants nothing to do with me. I’m 29 and she’s 34. A couple of months ago she announced she was pregnant with her third child. I was over the moon sent me your Troubled Teenagers support pack and suggested I call Families Need Fathers (fnf.org.uk, 0300 0300 363). Thank you so much. I’ve had a breakthrough. I took him out for a meal and he opened up. He is angry and also having some problems at school. I offered to help him and told him he could call me any time. We’re now getting on much better. 0 DEIDRE SAYS: I’m so pleased you have been able to start building a relationship with your son, and hope you can help him with his problems. So often, spending real quality time with a child can make a big improvement. for her. I did everything I could to support her. I accompanied her to her scans, helped her with shopping, and even babysat when she needed it. Yet since I fell pregnant there has been complete radio silence. I can’t understand what I’ve done. Surely she should be happy for me. 0 DEIDRE SAYS: It is very possible that she could be feeling fed up with her own pregnancy and is projecting her feelings on to you. She might not know how to handle you being happy about your baby. However, there is no way to truly understand why she is acting this way without talking to her. Ask to speak to her and explain how you were looking forward to sharing your pregnancy news and wonder if there is something wrong. I’m attaching my support pack, Rows With Friends?, which will help. overnight. And sex with an ex can feel both exciting and familiar – a thrilling combination. However, as your ex knows that you still love him and want him back, he is taking advantage of this. And you are letting him do it. That’s because love really can be a drug. My support pack, Addictive Love, explains more. The best way to get over him and to take control back is to go cold turkey. Block him and make it clear that this can’t happen again because it’s destroying your selfworth and stopping you from moving forward. Tell yourself, and him, that you deserve so much better than this. Ask a friend for support. You might find it helpful to talk to a counsellor. See my support pack, Moving On, for tips on how to get over a painful break-up. TEENAGE TROUBLES Dear Deidre I REALLY want to find a girlfriend but I’ve been on tons of dating apps and never get any matches. I’m starting to think I will never find a girl to date. This is really getting me down. I’m 19 and haven’t even kissed a girl. Dating apps don’t work. Should I give up on finding love? 0 DEIDRE SAYS: Don’t give up. But dating apps aren’t for everyone and they can be very superficial. You’re better off finding love by getting involved in activities you enjoy and making friends. That way you’ll meet someone you have things in common with. And your new mates can introduce you to their friends. My support packs, Widening Your Social Scene and Finding The Right Partner For You, will help. Dear Deidre MY relationship is going nowhere and I want out. But I’m scared that if I break up with my boyfriend, I’ll be making a big mistake and I’ll end up single and lonely. I’m 18 and he’s 20. We’ve been together for two years, and he was my first boyfriend. But he is always on social media looking at, and liking, other women’s pictures. And he makes no effort with me. I’m feeling bored and miserable. Is this just how a relationship is once it’s established? 0 DEIDRE SAYS: Relationships aren’t meant to make you unhappy. It sounds like yours has run its course. Don’t be scared to end it. In the long run you’ll be happier and have the chance to meet someone better for you. Read my support pack, Learning To Love.
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 41 We’ve got all your favourite brain teasers SUNDIAL 3 PAGES OF PUZZLES START HERE double Sun DOKU CALL 0905 757 0156 FOR CLUES OR SOLUTION TODAY’S TEASER 1 2 6 8 7 1 8 3 7 9 2 9 4 5 9 1 3 8 7 1 7 8 4 9 8 1 2 6 0905 757 0152 FOR TODAY’S TOUGHIE CALL CLUES OR SOLUTION 1 2 6 6 9 5 9 7 O S S E L 1 1 4 3 2 4 1 7 6 8 5 9 5 9 6 8 3 4 7 1 2 1 8 7 2 9 5 3 4 6 4 5 9 7 6 3 2 8 1 6 7 1 9 8 2 4 3 5 TOUGHIE TEASER 9 6 3 5 2 8 1 7 4 8 3 2 4 5 1 9 6 7 2 4 6 8 3 5 1 9 7 5 8 3 9 7 1 2 6 4 9 1 7 6 4 2 5 8 3 N A R T 3 9 5 4 1 7 8 2 6 6 3 1 2 5 4 9 7 8 8 7 2 1 9 6 3 4 5 L 4 5 9 7 8 3 6 1 2 MINDBENDER The following twelve pairs of letters can be put before and after the letters “UD” to form six six-letter words: GE AL LO LY EX DY IO FE ST TR PATHFINDER Beginning with the letter J in the shaded square below, follow a continuous path in the grid to find 16 words and names relating to Last Tango In Halifax. The trail passes through each and every letter once, and may twist up, down or sideways, but never diagonally. I J O S A L L Y R A ANNE REID COMEDY-DRAMA O C O B H S O J H A S GARDNER J A L S I N H W R I T IN HALIFAX O Y T A R R E N I G H R R A M D E K W A S A K D Y D E C E R S H I I H C R M O E R E A N T S A E A N N D I L X T A L R E N D G I F A G N C O W A R A L A H O N I I L A L K E R I O P L T G N M N O P I A U E W N O R B B D Y I ACROSS DOWN 2 Prince who married Grace Kelly (7) 1 Milky pudding topped with heated sugar (5,7) 3 Leaf depicted on the Canadian flag (5) 8 Fuel obtained from coal (4) 4 African state bordering Niger, Libya and Sudan (4) 12 Actor best known for Drop The Dead Donkey 5 Surname of Rising Damp star Leonard (8) and Between The Lines (4,7) 6 Ritzy resort in the principality of Monaco (5,5) 13 Surname of Shape Of You singer Ed (7) 7 Saxophone‑playing member of the Simpson 14 Nickname of rap star Marshall Mathers (6) family (4) 15 Yorkshire resort between Scarborough and 8 Member of a Native American people (8) Bridlington (5) 9 White wine and blackcurrant drink (3) 16 First name of soap actress Ms Wallace (6) 10 First part of Dante’s The Divine Comedy (7) 20 Location first reached by Robert Peary (5,4) 11 Form of WWII air‑raid shelter (8) 22 Mountain range with Corno Grande as its 17 Capital of the US state of New Mexico (5,2) highest peak (9) 18 Britain’s smallest bird (9) 23 Replace (a software program) (7) 19 Surname of the famous French stage 25 Surname of swashbuckling actor Errol (5) tragedienne Sarah (9) 26 Normandy ferry port (4) 21 Greek equivalent of the Roman goddess Juno (4) 29 Jump named after an Austrian figure‑skater (4) 24 Plant of the nightshade family with funnel‑shaped 30 ‘Hunter’ constellation (5) flowers (7) 31 Non‑Christian opponent of the Crusaders (7) 27 Spiced lamb cooked on a spit (5,5) 35 Memphis’ state (9) 28 Capital of Azerbaijan (4) 36 Integer not divisible by two (3,6) 29 Angular distance from the Equator (8) 38 Shipping forecast area south of Humber (6) 32 Front part of the brain (8) 39 Phone system on the internet (5) 33 Chopin or Bach, for example (8) 40 Epithet given to Mary, mother of Jesus (6) 34 Scottish islands, informally (7) 44 First name of Ms Meaden, Dragons’ Den 37 WE Johns’ flying ace (7) investor (7) 41 US state dominated by the Rocky Mountains (5) 46 John Cleese sitcom character (5,6) 42 First name of Kojak, as played by Telly Savalas 47 Description given to zero on the Beaufort on TV (4) Scale (4) 43 Glossy magazine launched in France in 1945 (4) 48 Queen Victoria’s Isle of Wight residence (7,5) 45 Doctors’ organisation (inits)(3) I Answers tomorrow. Check today’s answers before midnight by calling 0905 757 0158 for Across and 0905 757 0159 for Down. Calls cost £1 per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. Purchase the latest Sun Puzzle Books, including crosswords, wordsearches & sudoku, for as little as £4.99 from the HarperCollins website harpercollins.co.uk or phone 0141 306 3100 L E O N E P 1 T S E T C O S S E U O A K E Y A C L O 2 3 4 5 N JACOBI JOHN JOSH BOLT LANCASHIRE LAST TANGO NICOLA SALLY SARAH SIR DEREK WAINWRIGHT WALKER YORKSHIRE 6 7 8 9 10 11 A R D H M H R G L U V S T M C A W I U T 12 13 E N V E A P S E B O H R H I E U A T H N T T S A W S S B I I T E T G B R E A K R BIG BREAK BULLSEYE GLADIATORS LINGO POINTLESS TASKMASTER TENABLE THE CHASE THE CODE THE CUBE THE VAULT THE WALL THE WHEEL TISWAS WIPEOUT YOU BET 14 15 MINI ANAGRAM Correctly solve the anagrams (there may be more than one option) to fill in the grid and complete the crossword. 1 4 5 6 2 3 ACROSS 1 ALGA 5 THORN 6 ROXY DOWN 2 YARRA 3 EACH 4 NOT I Calls for extra clues and answers last no longer than two minutes (Sundial answers may vary). Helpline: 0333 202 3390 (9am-5.30pm). Service provider: Spoke, W1T 4HD 16 18 20 21 23 17 19 22 24 25 26 27 For how to enter see details on the following page. Answer tomorrow. B I T A L Calls cost £1 per minute from BT landlines plus network rates CR ED I C D D R L 1 2 4 3 6 8 7 5 9 T N V L N R N C D R E Y 2 7 6 8 5 2 9 4 3 1 £50 M G T H E W A L 9 6 YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS 2 4 5 3 1 7 6 9 8 WIN! The 16 names listed below are all TV game shows, but which one isn’t in the grid? 7 5 8 9 6 8 3 4 3 1 5 7 1 8 6 4 9 5 2 3 Check today’s answers by calling 0905 757 0155 before midnight. Calls cost £1 per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. WORDSEARCH 8 4 SEE how many words of four or more letters you can “dial” using the one at the centre in each word. You can make at least one word using all of them. Don’t use the letters more than once in any word. No proper names or plurals. Words from Collins Concise Dictionary. BRILLIANT: 35. EXCELLENT: 29. GOOD: 21. GREAT SCORE FOR KIDS: 16. YESTERDAY: Acorn, actor, cant, canto, carrot, cart, carton, cartoon, coat, coma, contra, coot, corn, corona, cram, croon, macro, macron, motorcar, orca, CORMORANT. the BIG quizword 29 28 30 31 32 33 35 34 36 38 37 39 40 42 44 45 47 43 46 48 41
42 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 We’ve got all your favourite brain teasers Place these words in the horizontal rows so that the letters in the diagonal staircase spell out another word connected with Location, Location, Location. Complete the puzzle and rearrange the letters in the shaded squares to spell out a Hollywood actress (8,8). 1 2 3 4 6 5 ADVICE 7 ALLSOPP 8 9 10 BEDROOM 11 13 14 DRIVE 15 17 18 19 6&3 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 The stage name of School's Out singer Vincent Furnier has played Ash "Three Socks" Morgan in Hustle and 10 & 7 He Nicholas Blake in Spooks Former 5 & 8 St. Johnfootballer who formed a TV punditry duo with Ian Clistjers, Belgian tennis star and winner of multiple 4 & 2 Ms women's US Open singles (first and second letters of name) Driver, who played Skylar in Good Will Hunting (first and 1 & 9 Ms last letters of name) 1 SELLER 2 3 4 5 6 23 24 25 26 27 29 28 30 31 ACROSS DOWN 1 Brother of AJ Pritchard (6) 1 ___ Ev’ry Mountain, song from The Sound Of Music (5) 2 Kate ___, Running Up That Hill singer (4) 6 Keith ___, Nicole Kidman’s 3 First name of Little Women actress husband (5) Ms Ronan (7) 7 ___ Jupitus, comedian (5) 4 Jurassic World star (5,5) 9 Mark ___, Luke Skywalker in the 5 ___ Moon, EastEnders character (5) Star Wars series (6) 8 Parklife singers (4) 11 2001 film starring Judi Dench and 10 Musical featuring Daddy Kate Winslet (4) Warbucks (5) 12 ___ Dennis, Neighbours actor (6) 13 Surname of Inspector Morse actor 15 The ___, Irish band (6) John (4) 17 ___ Perry, Chandler in Friends (7) 14 DJ whose real name is Norman Cook (6,4) 18 Dire ___, band who sang Sultans Of Swing (7) 16 ___ Laurel, Oliver Hardy's partner (4) 19 ___ Motown, Supremes’ record 21 First name of actress Ms Lumley (6) label (5) 23 ___ On The Bounty, 1962 film 20 1980s singer with the starring Marlon Brando (6) Blockheads (3,4) 26 ___ Daly, Strictly presenter (4) 22 Robert De ___, Goodfellas actor (4) 27 Amanda ___, The Good Karma 24 ___ Fielding, presenter of Most Hospital star (6) Haunted (6) 29 ___ Walters, Billy Elliot actress (5) 25 ___ Lupin, Harry Potter character (5) 30 Annual pop-music awards (5) 28 Johnny ___, singer of I Can See 31 ___ Berry, X-Men actress (5) Clearly Now (4) INITIALS If S is Silverview, what are these other John Le Carré novels? John Le Carré SUGURU Each cell in an outlined block must contain a digit: a two-cell block contains the digits 1 and 2, a three-cell block contains the digits 1, 2 and 3; and so on. The same digit must not appear in neighbouring cells, not even diagonally. 8 ® ACROSS 1 Reed instrument (4) 4 Grotesque spout (8) 8 Flemish artist (6) 9 Royal residence (6) 10 Velvety fabric (8) 12 Hue (4) 13 Colleague (6) 15 Tooth covering (6) 17 Female relative (4) 19 Car driver (8) 21 Market cart (6) 22 Scam artist (3,3) 23 US party member (8) 24 Whirling current (4) 5 1 3 1 3 2 3 1 4 2 2 Clergy 3 3 Band of colour 4 4 Ski-slope 5 5 Phase 6 6 Animal kept in the home 7 Measuring reel 7 8 Jumped 8 9 Crockery items 9 10 Paper fasteners 1. SP 2. TRH 3. TTSS 4. TNM 5. ASTIG 6. CFTD PIECEWORD T E D A D I S C L I S O H E L Y E R K T R I I C E R A E E N O E R OW E R N I C N E A S T E N L L A T T H U A R T E S E N N T E F A S A L I E S T C R E E I C H E 1. OH, US EURO 2. BOAST GREY RUGS 3. PHRENETIC 4. AS MEMBER RANTS 5. DENOTE BOY’S PEN 6. MOVE SUBTITLE Ten letters have been given a number from 1 to 10. Break the code to complete the crossword. 10 11 1 14 12 15 17 18 16 19 20 DOWN 2 Fox's tail (5) 3 Everlasting (7) 4 Chatter (3) 5 Portray (9) 6 Baby bird (5) 7 Freedom (7) 11 Grass-cutter (4,5) 14 Instruct (7) 16 Orchestrate (7) 18 Human body section (5) 20 Pottery fragment (5) 22 Feline (3) 22 23 24 Check today’s answers before midnight by calling 0905 757 0150 for Across and 0905 757 0151 for Down. Calls cost £1 per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. 1 11 Christ’s followers 13 11 21 Answer each clue so that every word contains the same letters as the previous word, plus or minus one. UNSCRAMBLE MINI CODE Unscramble these anagrams to spell out six songs by Madness. 10 BRICKWORK 1 Temporary breaks 9 10 8 5 1 9 2 7 1 5 4 9 4 8 2 9 A 3 A D E L N O P R S T 1 2 A 6 7 3 8 4 9 TWO-SPEED CROSSWORD 22 Answer tomorrow. Coffee time 7 20 21 A seven-digit passcode uses every digit from 1 to 6, one digit is repeated, and the sum of all the digits is 27. The third and fourth digits form a square number, and the fifth and sixth form a number one less than a square. The final two digits form a prime number. There is only one pair of adjacent digits which add up to an odd number, and adjacent digits are never the same as each other. What is the code? 10 9 Two sets of clues but the answers are the same HOUSE 16 1 Yesterday: Late Actor RIK MAYALL (Mahershala Ali, Little Richard, Yusuf Islam, Ang Lee, Karen (Carpenter)). Another Name Game in The Sun tomorrow. If you can’t wait until tomorrow for the answers, just call 0901 293 6298. Calls cost £1 plus your telephone company’s network access charge. COUPLES 12 THE NAME GAME UP TO £200 CASH TO BE WON! SUNRISER Crossword WIN! £100 BRAINBOXER EACH clue leads to a well-known name. Put the initials or stated letters in the appropriate squares to identify a singer: WORD WORKOUT theworld’s world’s THISis is the best best N THIS 6 6 2 3 5 10 brainteaser, brainteaser, TheThe Sun’s Sun’s clueless crossword. clueless crossword. Here play: Here is is howhow to play:to Each grid number in our Word Workout Each grid number in our game represents a letter. Word Workout game With the help of the Across clues only, can you fit the pieces into their correct positions So if you think is the letter A, in the grid? See next page for solution. represents a 4letter. write in all think the squares a ACROSS So if Ayou 4 iswith the I G N 1 4. All the alphabet is used and 1 Fazed, unnerved letter A, write A in all the we have supplied some letters N O 2 3 Bird’s sound • squares with a 4.will print the to start you off. We Agreeably G E R 3 All the alphabet answers tomorrow. is used 5 Extraterrestrial • andYESTERDAY’S we have SOLUTIONS supplied I O 4 ACROSS: Mass, Wit, Dessert purée some lettersWily, to start you Rite, Volt, Exchanged, C O U 5 6 Long period of time • off. We will print the Mannequin, Took, Vale, answers ___ up, feel more Fly, Bite,tomorrow. Jeep. DOWN: Work, A P 6 Latex, Pizza, Alone, Site, Elm, cheerful YESTERDAY Con, Gnu, Den, Aloft, Early, 7 C O N 7 Point of the Irate,Wily, Stub, Mass, Hemp. Wit, ACROSS: compass • Early 8 N Rite, Volt, For 4Exchanged, Extra Clues cloth measure L L 9 Call 0901 293 6299 Vale, or text Took, 8 Confirm • Bowman’s Mannequin, SUNWORD Fly, Bite, Jeep.to 64343 missile D E 10 10 Bind • Deem worthy DOWN: Work, Calls cost £1 plus Latex, your telephone 11 A company’s network access charge. 12 Fast-food meal in a Pizza, Site, Elm, B U R 12 TextsAlone, cost £1 plus your standard bun Con, Gnu,network Den,rate. Aloft, Early, Irate, Stub, Hemp. N Cryptic clues ACROSS DOWN 1 Hooligan beheaded with Old English 2 Sweeper's light touch (5) instrument (4) 3 Endless ale drunk entertaining 4 Carving may result in a gory leg (8) flier (7) 8 Dancing nurse embraces beloved painter (6) 4 Short cut to get fuel (3) 9 Football team in China excellent (6) 5 Show on here (9) 10 In church there's female with evil material (8) 6 Towel out for young winger (5) 12 Some sit in the shade (4) 7 007 has one to kill (7) 13 Guy destructive with old wife (6) 11 Cutting tool won war with elm in 15 Title kept by the Spanish Crown bits (4,5) Protector? (6) 14 EU acted to build train (7) 17 Soldier brought round uniform for kinswoman (4) 16 Settle musical score? (7) 19 One behind wheel sees hill in wet (8) 18 Trunk found in Brest or 21 Simple vehicle comes to burial mound (6) somewhere (5) 22 Tory chap is swindler (3,3) 20 Glass broken away in enormous 23 Frenchman in red coat slammed building (5) politician (8) 24 Man from Gwynedd yielding (4) 22 Moggy fur has nothing missing (3) YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION ACROSS: 8 E-pit-aph, 9 I'm-age, 10 Rob-ot, 11 Ragtime, 12 Deb-a-table, 14 So-b, 16 Do-t, 17 Min-or-poe-t, 19 Simila-r, 21 Pit-ta, 22 Cha-o-s, 23 Ob-s-c-ure. DOWN: 1 D-egrade-d, 2 Bit-by-bit, 3 C-art, 4 C-her-ub, 5 Kin-g Lear, 6 Da-l-i, 7 Here, 13 Time-les-s, 14 Short-cut, 15 Betrayer, 18 N-arrow, 19 Sack, 20 M-eat, 21 Posh. 17 10 12 14 23 6 11 11 12 8 16 12 7 26 23 16 14 5 9 24 20 21 26 3 26 23 4 23 2 3 8 22 1 26 11 14 21 26 18 19 9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 22 25 26 25 8 26 12 24 26 14 8 8 9 26 23 12 3 12 16 19 26 12 16 8 26 7 15 20 14 13 8 12 15 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 B W I
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 43 3 pages of puzzles 3 pages of puzzles WIN! Mini Anagram Sujiko Suko 538 792 146 3 < < 5 2 4 1 Last Saturday’s Prize Answers Crossword STEPHEN FRY T I I S L L AU R PO B R I N E R S I T MA L Wordsearch N SAURON Arroword AIDAN TURNER 9 12 15 N I C O L B L E 6 C 3 POST COUPON IN AN ENVELOPE TO: The Sun Puzzles Competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex CO2 8GP L O V E I S L I T S A H N O L D R HAM E I Z A NO N < > > > < < > F I N D TEL A B B OWE B R A L AN E I I E C D E E S S L D R E A I B GRA G M A I B A SEE SATURDAY’S NEWSPAPER FOR ANSWERS EMAIL ME E R I L L E ROB B L A MADN F A AN C A MARR S A G EMM Y A SEE SATURDAY’S NEWSPAPER FOR ANSWERS POSTCODE > Sunriser 5 RO A Y Allsopp, Drive, Advice, Bedroom, Vendor, House, Couples – spelling ADDRESS. 3 S A 4 5 4 2 3 2 1 5 Suguru 1 SEE SATURDAY’S NEWSPAPER FOR ANSWERS 1 4 3 2 5 2 1 5 ACROSS: 1 Gala 5 North 6 Oryx DOWN: 2 Array 3 Ache 4 Into PAGE 2 Top line 516 Middle 273 Bottom 849 2 2 Venus boosts personal charisma, while Mercury is powerfully placed in your chart of friendship and teamwork. While it’s good to be a valued member of a group, deep down you know you’re ready for leadership. If you’re single, a foodie friend can be a brilliant love and business match. Do think it through. GRADUATE 1 3 4 3 4 Enter the numbers 1 to 9 in the spaces so that the number in each circle is equal to the sum of it’s surrounding squares. Each coloured area should add up to the colour totals below. Pathfinder 3 1 5 The luck centre of your chart puts you in the right place at the right time to be a contender for a dream opportunity or a major prize. Romance rewards patience – and just when you think a relationship is fading, a partner says the loving words you’ve been longing for. Single? New love is wearing brand new shoes. Fill the squares so that each row and column contains 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The symbols tell you if the number in the square is larger (>) or smaller (<) than the number next to it. A S T H A C N X A H N 4 2 4 22 R A I G S H A L F A I 5 > 4 > 3 5 3 > 1 1 LOSE, Lone, Line, Fine, FIND. Add It Up 144 Futoshiki 2 Word Ladder 24 Y H R I A I E I I L R S O Y A > 4 × 1 + 3 + + − 5 × 6 + 9 × + + 7 × 2 + 8 D R A G 21 L J W N W R R D G A E Set Square A U R A You learn new skills quickly and feel at home wherever you are – especially if starting, or seeking, a new job. Venus, the planet of luxury as well as love, sets up a meeting with a lifestyle champion you’ve always wanted to meet. You may stumble over words, but your true meaning will shine. Luck circles “87”. 21 L O H E K E E N D R K L E T S A S N R E C O N N A L Letter Box 3 2 1 5 4 6 S H I R D E M A E W A 6 1 2 4 3 5 O B S A M D R E R O L 5 4 3 6 2 1 J O L T A Y I A L C I 4 3 6 1 5 2 12 Initials 1 5 4 2 6 3 < ADDRESS 2 6 5 3 1 4 > NAME TV Mag Solutions Sudoku 19 2 1 4 1 3 1. Smiley’s People 2. The Russia House 3. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Brickwork 4. The Night Manager 5. A Small Town In Germany 6. Call For The Dead ENTERING OUR PRIZE PUZZLES IS NOW EASIER THAN EVER! ENTER BY POST: Write your answers to CROSSWORD ANSWER: the puzzles, fill in your personal details, then WORDSEARCH ANSWER: cut out the coupon and post to the address below. (You ARROWORD ANSWER: can enter one, two or all three puzzles.) Commitment is your route to success and you have excellent money ideas, even when circumstances seem to change. Uranus, in your wellbeing chart, helps you devise an unusual but delicious eating plan and others follow it. Single? You’re smarter about love and see new potential in an old flame. 14 Mini Code 1 Respites 2 Priests 3 Stripe 4 Piste 5 Step 6 Pet 7 Tape 8 Leapt 9 Plates 10 Staples 11 Apostles 1 3 2 Neptune, the dreams-come-true planet, has influence in your creative zone today – so be sure pride doesn’t stop you saying yes to a second try at an activity. The rocky road to true romance has taught you a lot – and now you put it into practice, whether you’ve been with a partner for years or have met today. Unscramble 4 Delays are replaced by decisions as your chart regroups. But as Venus gets tangled up in your fitness zone, do remember purely physical romances need the most careful handling. If you’re already in love, there’s still time for a bond to fulfil your highest hopes. A family talent shows up in you – and it’s great. 1 R T P N S 4 1 2 4 A E D O L 1 4 1 2 4 D N E ON N E D TIBIA UPPER 6 letters DOTING EUREKA 7 letters MEANDER 9 letters EMERGENCE ITINERANT 11 letters IMPERMEABLE TYPEWRITTEN A S P L A T A L OP E R R Using only the numbers 1-4, fill the empty spaces so every row, column and smaller 2x2 grid contains the numbers 1 to 4. 3 letters EAT ELM ITS OAR WIT WOE 4 letters ARUM EASE TROT WITH 5 letters INTER INTRO SCREE TAPIR Yes, you have some important relationship choices to make, between a love that makes you feel secure about the future and a more passionate bond that may burn out too fast. An idea for sharing property with the wider family sounds great, but think carefully about how this would work in practice. 1. Our House 2. Baggy Trousers 3. The Prince 4. Embarrassment 5. One Step Beyond 6. It Must Be Love Minidoku Fit the words into the grid below. Pieceword KRISS KROSS Your fast-thinking, calm-talking chart makes you the zodiac’s smartest candidate for success. Jupiter adds the vital touch of luck to a project that means a great deal to you and yours. If you’re not completely sure of a new partner, think about how they treat their old friends, and your doubts should vanish. Kriss Kross Food from bees What you assume is a relative’s tall tale could lead to an interesting, even profitable, family discovery. When a new neighbourhood face looks familiar, you’re looking at future love, and someone who could make you blissfully content. If they’re a Pisces, there could be a spectacular wedding. 4 Solutions Under the weather That guy’s GN O E R Baby kangaroo I C A Y R D H S A N N Public persona B O J O R K S T T G O The piper’s son! T R O T Beard of barley E D C L Y A I S RK E OW Entry document Stare lustfully S C R E E Tailless primate R T E C E O U L P E A RR N E I N RG Boat paddle C E O N I I CO A L L A N D A BU Split open ON N L I N E R E S T I E N U S E Examine thoroughly At an opportune moment Hang on to SEE SATURDAY’S NEWSPAPER FOR ANSWERS Send into exile D I S C O H T R I L N I E E S T T E E S T H E E Cheap and nasty Mars and Mercury are rooting for you, so you have energy and courage. As soon as you spot an opportunity you go for it, even if it means pitting yourself against a good friend. When it comes to romance, you have almost too much attraction power – so be sure you don’t complicate your life. Initial “I” could be special. SEE SATURDAY’S NEWSPAPER FOR ANSWERS Nicola __, actress A L R E A A T T F A C CH Pear-shaped Tiny fruit vegetable Minidoku Bath fixture E RAN T U R Y R U P P E E LM E K W I AN D E R O I T E A T T A I N T E S N E E RGE NC Commotion (2-2) An ambition you’ve kept secret is to be revealed – this could mean spending some time away, but it shouldn’t harm a good relationship (and it could create some special reunions). Ready for new love? Your soulmate comes from an unusually talented family. Text messages can build a strong, lasting relationship. I T I N N M T A P I R E OA R ME E A B I L EM Earth for plants 4 3 1 2 Be in possession of Thoughts You can keep a conversation going until everybody understands the changes you want to make. Family weekend responsibilities can be shared out in a way that’s fairer to everyone involved but don’t forget to include yourself this time. Luck calls at a freshly painted blue door. WO I T I H Apply friction to 2 1 4 3 TAYLOR SWIFT 1 2 3 4 Sporting venue 3 4 2 1 Pictured singer’s first name 2 4 1 3 Assemble (a Novel in meal) in a digital form hurry (6,2) (1-4) Glass container CROSSWORD: Call 0904 043 5001 (£1.50 per call)* or text CROSSWORD then your answer, name and contact details to 88833 (£1.50)**. Or email your answer to puzzlecomps@the-sun.co.uk putting CROSSWORD in the subject line. To enter by post, fill in the below coupon or write your answer and contact details on a postcard and send to the address below. WORDSEARCH: Call 0904 043 5002 (£1.50 per call)* or text WORDSEARCH then your answer, name and contact details to 88833 (£1.50)**. Or email your answer to puzzlecomps@the-sun.co.uk putting WORDSEARCH in the subject line. To enter by post, fill in the below coupon or write your answer and contact details on a postcard and send to the address below. ARROWORD: Call 0904 043 5006 (£1.50 per call)* or text ARROWORD then your answer, name and contact details to 88833 (£1.50)**. Or email your answer to puzzlecomps@the-sun.co.uk putting ARROWORD in the subject line. To enter by post, fill in the below coupon or write your answer and contact details on a postcard and send to the address below. TERMS: Open to UK residents ages 18 or over. There will be one winner per competition. *Calls cost £1.50 plus your telephone company’s network access charge. **Texts cost £1.50 plus your standard network rate. Competition closes at 11.59pm on Friday 3 February. If you call or text after the closing date, you will not be entered but you may still be charged. Winners will be picked at random. Competition not open to employees of News UK, their families, or anyone connected to this competition. SP: Spoke. Helpline: 0333 202 3390. 1 3 2 4 £50 HOW TO ENTER 4 1 3 2 Complete the puzzle and rearrange the letters in the shaded squares to spell out a TV dancer (5,5). 3 2 4 1 ARROWORD
44 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 GOOD WEEK BAD WEEK JUSTIN Bieber, who sold his back catalogue of 209 tracks for £162million to London-listed Hipgnosis Songs Fund. NEW Greencore sandwiches boss Dalton Philips, who gave a lowexpectation profits forecast four months in. busin ss By ASHLEY ARMSTRONG ashley.armstrong@the-sun.co.uk @AArmstrong_says A CUT OF SAINSBOS Corner shop chain grabs 3% THE owner of COSTCUTTER and BARGAIN BOOZE convenience shops stunned the markets yesterday by spending nearly £200million on Sainsbury’s shares. Family-owned BESTWAY took a 3.45 per cent stake, making it the supermarket chain’s sixth largest shareholder. Bestway said it “did not intend to make a takeover offer” — and as a result will be blocked from making an bid for Sainsbury’s for six months. But the group explicitly appealed to buy more Share grab . . . Costcutter shares from other shareholders as an investment opportunity. Sainsbury’s is one of just two listed British supermarkets and despite its recent profit upgrade and strong sales, it trades relatively cheaply. Shares rose 4.5 per cent yesterday as investors were excited by the move. Bestway is Britain’s largest wholesaler, providing 3,000 stores with goods, and has 760 pharmacies through its WELL PHARMACY arm. Industry experts said it could use its Sainsbury’s shares to strike some sort of supply deal. And LLOYDS PHARMACY recently announced it would be pulling out of Sainsbury’s shops, potentially paving the way for Bestway’s Well Pharmacy to replace those services. SUPERDRY DIP DIRECTED OUT DIRECT LINE boss Penny James has been shown the door just two weeks after scrapping its dividend. The insurer’s shares fell almost a quarter after it axed the award, blaming a cold weather claims surge. James is out after four years, cutting the number of women running London-listed companies to just 17. SHARES in SUPERDRY tumbled by 20 per cent yesterday as the fashion retailer blamed a profit warning on shipping delays. It will break even rather than make £20million of profits as it had hoped. Boss Julian Dunkerton fears a squeeze on consumer finances may lead to “soft” spring sales. WEEKLY SHARE PERFORMANCE 21st Century Fox Inc A.....................2731 ½ 21st Century Fox Inc B.....................2551 ½ Anglo American......................................3557 Assco Br Foods.....................................1857 AstraZeneca............................................10622 Aviva................................................................457 ¼ BAE Sys.........................................................851 ¼ BAT*.............................................................3036 ½ BP.....................................................................489 ¼ BT Group*....................................................129 ¾ Barclays..........................................................185 ¾ Barratt.............................................................465 ¾ Bco Santander..........................................277 ¼ British Land ................................................. 441 ½ Bunzl.............................................................2978 Burberry Grp*.........................................2433 Carnival..........................................................786 Compass* .................................................. 1900 ½ Currys plc*....................................................66 ½ Diageo.........................................................3422 Drax Group.................................................637 Esken Limited.................................................5 ½ Experian*....................................................2895 Ferguson*..................................................11275 FirstGroup .....................................................109 ½ Frasers Group ............................................771 GSK.................................................................1410 Greggs........................................................2688 HSBC..............................................................600 ½ IAG......................................................................171 ¼ IMI...................................................................1463 ITV.......................................................................82 ¾ Imperial Brands......................................2010 Int Distrib Serv.........................................230 ¾ Intercont Htls .......................................... 5688 Johnson M*..............................................2162 Kingfisher......................................................272 Legal&Gen...................................................260 ¾ Lloyds Bkg Gp...........................................52 ½ London St Exch....................................7386 Man...................................................................251 ¾ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 177 147 9 30 578 18 1 85 13 7 20 6 7 54 75 28 12 257 37 41 325 1 6 3 60 7 8 39 3 42 9 50 27 10 5 3 104 12 ½ ¼ ½ ¼ ¾ ¼ ½ ¼ ¾ ½ ½ ¾ ½ ½ ½ ¾ ¾ ½ ¾ ½ ¾ ¾ ¼ ½ THE FTSE 100 CLOSED UP 321.72 AT 7,765.15 Marks&S.........................................................146 Mitch & Butlers..........................................161 Mitie Gp*........................................................79 ½ Mothercare ......................................................10 NWG................................................................308 ½ National Express.......................................135 ¼ Natl Grid.....................................................1028 News Corp A..........................................1659 ¼ News Corp B..........................................1676 ¼ Next ..............................................................6636 Pennon* ........................................................939 ½ Persimmon ................................................. 1443 ½ Prov Fincl.....................................................242 ¼ Prudential......................................................1371 ½ Rank...................................................................88 Reckitt..........................................................5584 Rentokil Itl ................................................... 503 Rio Tinto.....................................................6291 Rolls-Royce....................................................110 SSE*...............................................................1734 Sage Gp* ....................................................763 ½ Sainsbury ......................................................252 ½ Segro..............................................................843 ¾ Severn Trent............................................2844 Smith WH...................................................1594 ½ Smith&N........................................................1122 Smiths News*..............................................50 ¾ Stand Chart ................................................. 712 ½ TUI.....................................................................179 ½ Tesco..............................................................246 ¾ Unilever........................................................4021 Utd Utils* ...................................................1078 Vesuvius..........................................................418 ¼ Vodafone*.......................................................93 ¼ abrdn................................................................212 ¼ * = ex dividend Data by MORNINGSTAR + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 4 10 2 13 2 7 100 86 200 16 70 40 69 1 218 2 78 3 16 3 9 32 27 6 20 4 12 4 1 68 21 4 1 7 ¾ ¼ ½ ¾ ¾ ½ ½ ¼ ¾ ½ ½ ¾ ½ ¾ ½ ½ ½ ½ ¾ ½ ¾ SLASH spiralling grocery bills by finding ways to get free food and supermarket essentials. Households are paying £677 a year more due to rising prices, according to market research firm Kantar. From supermarket vouchers to free food, shoppers can find ways to ease the price hikes. LUCY ALDERSON explains how. CHEAP FOOD CLUBS JOIN a food club near you and save hundreds of pounds on your groceries. They are usually run by local community groups or charities. And unlike food banks, you don’t need to be referred by a GP, school or community organisation. These clubs link up with local supermarkets, who donate food nearing their sell-by date. They are usually run from public places, such as church halls. What you can get, and how much you’ll pay for it, varies. Some charge a small annual fee or a few pounds on the door, while others are free. For example, charity BS3, which runs a weekly food club in a community hall in Bedminster in Bristol, charges £1 for an annual membership, plus £3.50 on the door. For this, you’ll get a bag of food worth between £10-£15. Elaine Wilshart, inset, who uses Bedminster’s food club, said she saves around £1,000 a year. She added: “There’s always tinned goods like tomatoes and chickpeas, and a good selection of fruit and veg. “Sometimes there’s protein like chicken and lamb koftas. There’s even been sea bass a few times.” Ask your local Citizens Advice branch or council if you have a food club in your area. You can also look on social media as many have Facebook pages posting regular updates. GET APPY SAVE money at the click of a button by downloading receipt scanner apps. GreenJinn, CheckoutSmart and Shopmium are popular ones. CheckoutSmart says shoppers can save hundreds of pounds a year on its website, while GreenJinn says you can save up to £1,500, and Shopmium says you can make £624. The free apps list offers on products you can buy from supermarkets. You then take a picture of the receipt, upload it to the app and you can get cashback on your shopping. The money will be paid back into your PayPal or bank account, but it could take up to two weeks to process. Download all of them, and you may find you can get the same deal multiple times. Money blogger Charlotte Jessop, who runs the Looking After Your Pennies site, said: “I pick up healthy snacks, like dried fruit bars, and drinks, like tonic water, from Shopmium, while I usually get yoghurt and fresh fruit and veg from GreenJinn. “On CheckoutSmart, I like to get cereal bars and lunchbox snacks, like fruit Winders.” FREE OR SUPER CHEAP FOOD THERE are apps and websites shoppers can use to pick up food for free. App Olio lists food nearing its ‘I save £500 at food club, I couldn’t cope without it’ SINGLE mum-of-two Vicky Johnson saves nearly £500 a year thanks to her local food club, where she picks up family essentials for free. Money is tight for the 47-year-old mental health worker from Alton, Hants. She gets up to £600 a month in Universal Credit and £145 child benefit, but struggles to make her cash stretch. Vicky visits the Alton Community Cupboard, run by a charity that collects leftover food from nearby supermarkets, including M&S, Sainsbury’s and Aldi. Food is given out free to residents, but they can make a donation. Vicky tries to go twice a month and picks up about £20 worth of food per trip. Items include bread, cheese, meat, fruit and veg to feed her and children Luis, 16, and Sofia, 12. She said: “This saves me a lot of money and I wouldn’t be able to cope without it. It takes the pressure off. “I can put the money towards other vital things or to pay bills.” Want to Join the sell-by date, available for free. You can often get bread, fruit and veg, pastries and more. You don’t pick up the food directly from the store but collect it from an Olio volunteer. Volunteers, known as food waste heroes, pick up the food from shops and take it home. They can keep ten per cent of the haul. The rest is listed on the app for neighbours to pick up. App Too Good To Go works in a similar way. It allows you to find local shops and restaurants, including Greggs, Burger King, Morrisons and M&S, selling surplus food at big discounts. You can buy a “magic bag” of food through the app for around £3 and then pick it up directly from the store. You don’t know what’s inside though, so you can’t guarantee you’ll have what you need. Big boxes of food nearing, or past, their best-before dates can be bought through the website Approved Food. A “lucky box” costs £1 but, again, you won’t know what’s inside. They can contain crisps, fizzy drinks, chocolate and cereal bars. GET CASH FROM YOUR COUNCIL IF you are struggling, you can apply to your local council for free cash or vouchers for food from the £421million Household Support Fund. What you can get varies, as each council decides what to do with the money. You’ll usually need to be on a GET MORE MONEY ADVICE IN
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... By TARA EVANS Got money problems? Email: money@the-sun.co.uk Write: Sun Money, News UK, 1 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9GF 6I switched provider but TalkTalk billed me £83’ WHEN I moved house last year I Q asked TalkTalk to switch my broadband to my new address, but VITAL SUPPORT . . . Vicky relies on food club to make ends meet Picture: OLIVIA WEST cut bills? food club low income to qualify, but local authorities may have different eligibility criteria. Luton Council is awarding up to £500 in supermarket vouchers. Some councils also have a separate welfare assistance scheme. You can get top-ups for energy, white goods, furniture and clothing as well as food vouchers. Again, what you can get will vary, and not every council will have a scheme — but in some cases, you could get hundreds. North Somerset Council, for instance, will pay out up to £600 a year to struggling families. Anna Stevenson, senior benefits specialist at Turn2Us, a charity that helps people in financial need access money available to them, said: “Be sure to contact your local council to find out what support is available in your area. Find your local council at gov.uk/find-local-council. HELP FOR FAMILIES PREGNANT mums or families with small children can get up to £442 a year for fruit, vegetables and other healthy food essentials. Under the Healthy Start scheme, you get £8.50 a week — £442 a year — for children under one or £4.25 a week — £221 a year — for children between one and four years old. Expecting mums can get the same amount for each week of their pregnancy, starting from the tenth week. People can apply by emailing healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk or they can call 0300 330 7010. TOMORROW’S it didn’t work. I moved to a new provider but TalkTalk still sent me a bill for £83. Can you help? IRENE RUSSELL, Wolverhampton You were tearing your hair out when a simple broadband switch didn’t go to plan. In September, you asked TalkTalk if your broadband service could be swapped over to your new home. But when you moved in and tried to get your internet fired up, it wasn’t working. The switch hadn’t worked properly, and you were left offline. You and your husband are in your mid-70s and confess you are not computer literate, so struggled to figure out how to get hold of TalkTalk A LUCY ALDERSON Sorts out your money issues to solve the issue. You ended up sending six letters in the post complaining about the service. After two weeks of trying to get the problem fixed, you decided to move to Sky. You sent TalkTalk a letter explaining this and cancelled your direct debit. TalkTalk still continued to charge you for the following three months and in total you paid almost £83. TalkTalk told me that it did try to £86,354 contact you over email and phone about the issue, but couldn’t get through. You said there were no missed calls on your mobile. It seems there had been a communication breakdown, but TalkTalk has provided you with a full refund, and a spokesman said: “We’re sorry to hear about Irene’s experience.” Always contact your provider before cancelling your contract or stopping your direct debit. Keep a record of when, and how, you tried to contact your provider if you’re struggling to get a response. If you’re still having issues after eight weeks, contact the communications ombudsman, who can help resolve your case. 45
46 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... AWARD-WINNING hot spot Edited by LISA MINOT VIRGIN Atlantic has named its newest plane, the Airbus A330neo, in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen of the Skies aircraft will begin flying in April this year, with routes from Heathrow to Miami, New York and Tampa, among other destinations. Corneel Koster, at Virgin l IT’S 27C in EGYPT – 14 nights’ all-inclusive at the 4H Grand Makadi Hotel is from £771pp including flights from Manchester on February 10. See redseaholidays.co.uk or call 0207 332 2660. DISNEY is launching an augmented reality experience to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company. Launching in London in spring, Wonder of Friendship: The Experience will be a series of installations and experiences spread across four themed rooms. Visitors will venture through the 1,000 square metre plot using Snapchat to scan QR codes, Atlantic, said: “Just like Queen Elizabeth during her historic 70-year reign, Virgin Atlantic is proud to fly the flag for the United Kingdom around the world. “We’re delighted to soon be welcoming ‘Queen of the Skies’ to our fleet and hope that it serves as a fitting tribute to an unforgettable, much-loved monarch.” l hot spot TURKEY is 20C – seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4H Sherwood Exclusive Lara in Antalya is from £589pp, including flights from Manchester on February 20. See jet2holidays.co.uk. which bring favourite characters to life, as well as participate in special experiences based on the films. There’ll be surfboarding games in the Lilo & Stitch world, musical swings in a jungle-themed Lion King world and an Alice in Wonderland-themed maze, left, in the Garden of Mystery. Disney’s Sarah Fox said: “Throughout our 100 years, Disney stories have shown the importance of friendship and appreciating the differences in others, so we couldn’t think of a better theme to celebrate our milestone anniversary.” The experience will open in London from May 12 to 21, before moving to Berlin and Paris. Tickets cost £17.50pp and H&M members can gain early-bird access two weeks ahead of general sale at seetickets.com. FRENCH RESORT GREAT FOR SKIING, EVEN BETTER FOR FOOD Good, Plagne home cooking ELEGANT . . . hotel room MERCURE SEAFRONT HOTEL, BRIGHTON WHAT’S IT LIKE? While it is a bit seaside-worn on the outside, the Mercure Seafront Hotel feels plush on the check inside – and in... comes at a check relatively affordable price. it out The Grade II-listed building is newly renovated and boasts a flashy reception with velvet armchairs, spacious bedrooms with all the mod cons and a ballroom with capacity for 150 people. ROOMS ANY GOOD? They are large and the king-size beds make for a good night’s sleep. Some rooms offer views looking on to the promenade and the sea. Our suite had a giant Art Deco bath with a rainfall shower. EAT HERE OR GRAB A PIZZA? Guests can enjoy dinner with a view at The Goulty, which serves steaks, salads and a great selection of ice creams. We tucked into the pan-seared salmon, with Parmentier potatoes (£17.50) and a Thai Panang curry (£16). For special occasions, you can book the restaurant’s Coast View Suite which, of course, offers stunning views across Brighton beach. WHAT ELSE? It’s the perfect spot for a romantic weekend break in Brighton. You’re right on the beach and can take a stroll along the prom, or the city centre and The Lanes are just a 15-minute walk away. Brighton Palace Pier and the i360 – a huge tower that takes visitors 162m above sea level – are both close by. For those wanting to venture a bit further, there are lots of National Trust sites for hikes in the East Sussex countryside. SO YOU’D GO BACK? Yes. It’s perfectly situated to explore Brighton and the South Downs. The city has great train links or you can drive and park at the hotel. WHAT’S THE DAMAGE? Double rooms cost from £134 per night with an inland view. Car parking from £25pn. See mercurebrighton.co.uk. EMMA GLANFIELD OUR home away from home in the heart of the French Alps made for a perfect relaxing winter escape. At Ski Beat’s hosted Chalet Laurier hideaway in La Plagne, my mate Hughie and I felt our troubles simply melt away. A spread of homely treats, laid out for us to enjoy after an exhilarating day on the slopes, were devoured on comfy sofas by the toasty log burner. And our rooms, left in a terrible mess in our morning rush to hit the chair lifts, were tidied and prepared, ready for another night of muchneeded sleep. Simply put, everything was taken care of. The joy of a chalet break is you get to concentrate on the skiing — with the price you’ve paid meaning you don’t have to budget for all your food and drink. Canapes and the first of many tipples were served on our arrival by delightful hosts Naomi and Sam before we settled into our woodpanelled mountainside home. That set the tone for a week of sensational service from the couple. We were roused each morning by sounds and smells of Naomi and Sam preparing a traditional full APRES SKI . . . plenty of watering holes in La Plagne ALPINE EATS . . . creamy chicken and tartiflette COMFY . . . cosy cabins STUNNING VIEWS . . . La Plagne sits right in the heart of the Alps GO: LA PLAGNE GETTING/STAYING THERE: A week’s fully hosted ski holiday in Plagne 1800 starts from £1,002pp including Gatwick flights, transfers, hosted chalet, cooked breakfast, evening meals with wine (six nights). A week’s stay at the Chalet Laurier starts from £1,230pp. See skibeat.co.uk or call 01273 855100. English breakfast — complete with imported Heinz baked beans. And if the bacon, sausage and egg combo is not for you, alternative options were laid on, including fruit, porridge, cereal, bread, yoghurt and cheese. Afternoon treats consisted of home-baked cakes of lemon drizzle, carrot, coffee and walnut varieties, and, of course, a classic Viccy sponge. And the dinners . . . wow. Starters included baked Camembert, courgette crumble and feta and goat’s cheese salads. Then hearty mains saw chicken Provencal, parmesan-crusted salmon, pork stroganoff, roast duck and beef casserole served up. All accompanied by mounds of fresh veg and assorted sides and sauces. But the tartiflette was the piece de resistance by a mile. A piping-hot pot of cheese, bacon, potato, onions, cream and white wine. Indulgence of the highest order. Of course, I always made sure to save room for dessert. Peach crumble, Bakewell tart, brownies and panna cotta were the highlights. But if all that meaty and cheesy food is not for you, don’t fear because vegan Hughie was extremely well catered for. As for the slopes, La Plagne is perfect for a mixed abilities trip. It is challenging enough for an experienced skier like me. And there are plenty of wide, sweeping green and blue slopes for Hughie, who had hit the snow just once before. With 52 per cent blue runs, 44 per cent red or black, plus 18 fun zones and snow parks, a boardercross course, toboggan runs and a waterslide, you couldn’t get bored if you tried. And with 70 per cent of runs above 2,000m and two skiable glaciers at 3,000m, we need not have worried about a lack of snow. It was definitely worth spending the extra £30 for a full Paradiski pass which granted access to Les Arcs as well as La Plagne for 265 miles of downhill runs in one of the world’s largest ski areas. The annoyingly charming and 47 infuriatingly handsome Julien, Oxygene ski school’s director, took us on a tour which ensured we were clued up on the best runs and lifts and learned our way around. Some of our group also went for daily lessons and improved rapidly, thanks to the patient, friendly and professional approach of the instructors. La Plagne sits in the heart of the Alps and provides stunning views of Mont Blanc and breathtaking open landscapes with snowy peaks poking through the clouds. For those, like me, who enjoy a tipple or four between runs, there are plenty of watering holes dotted about. We drank pints aplenty but our personal favourite was “warm-up water”— Fireball cinnamon whisky. La Folie Douce — famed for its wild après-ski parties — opened its first spot in Les Arcs in 2020 and it’s a must-do. As is the perfectly positioned La Bergerie bar with its DJs, live music and plenty of precarious table dancing. The ski down to the chalet, just in time for a pre-dinner hot tub dip, always seemed a little easier after a few late looseners. WILL PUGH
48 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 Edited by LISA MINOT take 3 OUR Take Three column offers a trio of cut-out-andkeep holiday suggestions. This week, we have picked out some top holiday suggestions for dog owners, including a stay at a cottage by the coast and a rustic escape near Bath. BREAKS FOR DOG LOVERS Flittermouse Cottage, near Bath: Just six miles from Bath city centre, this cottage is geared up for adventurous families and their four-legged companions. It sleeps four in two country-chic bedrooms and features a rustic woodburner. You are also close to a dog-friendly village pub, The Poplars Inn, which serves homemade pies and a catch of the day. There are also plenty of great walking spots nearby. Seven nights’ self-catering costs from £193pp, for arrival on February 11. SHOELESS RESTAURANT LEGEND SERVES UP Eating all seafood in Rhodes taverna was some feet! South Downs Cottage, Eastbourne, East Sussex: This traditional fisherman’s cottage in a quaint village is 200 yards from the sea, where you can rent a beach hut for the day. When your dog gets bored of paddling in the ocean or exploring the Victorian pier, take a walk through the magnificent South Downs National Park. The romantic home sleeps two. There is a pretty courtyard garden for al fresco dinners, a well-equipped kitchen and a living room with fireplace. Seven nights’ self-catering costs from £205pp. CHILL . . . view from the beach front Grand Suite at the Ixian. Inset, seafood dishes at Stegna Kozas THEY call him the Barefoot Prince of Rhodes, as he slips shoeless between the packed restaurant tables, greeting customers with a huge grin. GO: RHODES And that’s literally what happens. A stunning selection of seafood arrives at our tiny table at Stegna Kozas, overlooking the calm, clear waters in the pretty village of Stegna. Huge chunks of crispy calamari, delicate clams and a steaming bowl of mussels are followed by yet more treasures of the deep — sea urchin sliced and pickled, grilled octopus, deep-fried red fish in a golden crumb. The Greek salad, glistening with olive oil, and garlic pittas are irresistible. And even with full tummies, we are envious of the whole sea bass and bream served to fellow diners. Dimitris is the third generation of Kozas to dish up the freshest seafood at this cracker of a restaurant, which this year is celebrating its centenary. It’s obvious why the place has been around for so long and its latest barefoot owner is continuing the tradition of letting the island’s fish shine. I have to thank the clever team at the Ixian Grand & All Suites hotel for the stellar recommendation. Manager Michaelis has a host of ideas for exploring the very best of Rhodes, although leaving our swim-up suite was a struggle. The 5H adults-only beachfront hotel sits on the shores of the Aegean, with easy access to the sands and great views from its pools. Rooms are chic with a cool, calm palette but it is the private pools — some on rooftops, others tucked away in the landscaped grounds — that are difficult to resist. Our top-end sea-view suite is spacious and comes complete with an over-water deck “You like fish, yes?” says Dimitris. “I will bring you everything!” Lyme Hideout, Lyme Regis, Dorset: The contemporary Lyme Hideout has so much land for four-legged friends to roam, plus it is within walking distance of a pretty pebble beach with cafes and restaurants. It sleeps two, with one modern bedroom, a spacious lounge and great facilities for cooking. You will also be tucked away from the crowds and sheltered by tall trees. Brilliant walking trails, dog-friendly pubs and seaside attractions are right on your doorstep. Seven nights’ self-catering costs from £312pp. lEach of the above properties charges a £20 supplement for a dog. See holidaycottages.co.uk. GETTING THERE/STAYING THERE: Rooms at the hotel start from £115 for an inland-view room and from £350 for a Beachfront Grand Suite, per night. See theixiangrand.gr. A seven-night, all-inclusive package holiday including flights with easyJet from Gatwick on June 1 costs from £795pp. For more details see onthebeach.co.uk. with loungers, where even in early summer the chance to cool off with a dip was welcome. Opt for the all-inclusive and you have got plenty of choice. There is a buffet restaurant serving a good selection of fresh salads, meat and fish, plus pizza and pasta. And two à la carte restaurants promise relaxed fine dining. Muza Htista has a quirky Peruvian/ Japanese theme. And for traditional Greek delicacies, Milonges offers hearty fare at lunch and dinner. The speciality restaurants need to be booked in advance but the snack bar near the pool was our go-to when peckish during the day, the gyro wraps a big hit with my other half. Entertainment is low-key, with the lobby bar’s terrace overlooking the sea and pool bar perfect for a post-dinner nightcap. For those looking for a bit more nightlife, Rhodes Town is 15 minutes away and easily accessible by bus or cab. We took a cab there after dinner for a stroll through the pretty streets of the Old Town. Younger clubbing fans should head to Orfanidou Bar Street for partying until the early hours. For those looking to explore a little more of the island, car hire can be picked up for less than £40 for a couple of days. Lindos
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 49 Follow on Facebook @TheSunTravelEditor TREAT IN GREEK PARADISE ANCIENT WONDERS Acropolis at Lindos . . . below, a pool at the and, Ixian PRAGUE: Three nights’ B&B at the 4H Hotel Ambiance lates in the Czech capital is from £230pp, including flights from Manchester on February 6. See easyjet.com/ en/holidays or call 0330 365 5005. NORFOLK: Seven nights’ selfcatering at Rose Cottage in Winterton-on-Sea is from £592 in total, based on four sharing. Dogs welcome. For further details see wintertoncottages.co.uk or call 01493 800645. CYPRUS: Five nights’ half-board at the 5H Constantinos the Great Beach Hotel is from £219pp including flights from Gatwick on February 24. See thomascook.com. YORKSHIRE: Four nights’ selfcatering at The Hayloft at Flamborough Rigg in the North Yorks Moors National Park is from £356 in total, sleeping four and arriving on selected dates in February. See sawdays.co.uk. CARIBBEAN CRUISE: Enjoy a transatlantic cruise from Barbados to Southampton from £809pp, including a 13-night full-board cruise and flights to Barbados. Departing March 25, it calls at St Lucia, St Kitts, Antigua and Ponta Delgada in the Azores. See cruise.co.uk or call 0870 990 8824. LANCS GEM IS UK’S TOP GRUB PUB GRINNING RECIPE . . . Lisa with the barefoot Dimitris and its incredible clifftop Acropolis, with the 4th-century Temple of Athena, is a must-see. But go early or late as possible in the day to avoid the crowds. And prepare for a climb as you wind your way up through the narrow, whitewashed streets. Spring or autumn are perfect times to explore, with plenty of sunshine but lower temperatures. Toast the sunset Stop off for a breather at one of the many lovely rooftop bars and restaurants and after your clifftop ascent, grab some rays on the beach. Lindos and Pallas beaches have lots of facilities but the rocky cove at St Paul’s Bay offers a more relaxed, less-crowded vibe. Heading back to the Ixian Grand & All Suites, we stop off at Kalithea Springs. This thermal spa by the sea is an Art Deco gem and is once more welcoming guests following a ten-year restoration programme. It is five euros to enter and after admiring the restored buildings and beautiful pebble mosaics, you can relax on the beach or take a dip in the clear waters. Or simply sip a coffee or glass of wine at the on-site bar and restaurant. Back at the hotel, we grab two loungers in the gardens to soak up the last of the rays with a beer and wine to toast the sunset. Then it’s back to our room for a quick refresh and another night of great food, served yet again by friendly and attentive staff. Our fellow guests range in age from Instagram-obsessed young adults in their twenties to couples in their sixties. While it may not be right in the centre of the action on this popular Greek island, that is a huge part of its charm. We enjoyed days exploring the treasures of Rhodes but also had time to relax by the pools, on the beach or in the hotel’s excellent spa. It is close enough to the action to keep younger guests happy but secluded enough to ensure a properly relaxing, chilled break. You can almost see why the lovely Dimitris at Stegna Kozas chooses to go barefoot. A week at this lovely resort and I’d happily follow suit. LISA MINOT A LANCASHIRE inn has been crowned the UK’s best gastropub for 2023 by brewers Estrella Damm. The Parkers Arms just outside Clitheroe was described as “a little gem”. It is set deep in the hills and earned top spot for great food, made using locally sourced ingredients. The pub, above, came second last year and has swapped places with The Unruly Pig near Woodbridge in Suffolk, the previous year’s winner. Other top foodie pubs include the Freemasons at Wiswell, also in Lancashire, which came third, and Michelin-starred The Sportsman in Seasalter, Kent. The South had the largest number of pubs in the top 50 this year, with the Mariners in Rock, Cornwall, owned by celebrity chef Paul Ainsworth, coming 11th. There were five newcomers, including The Baring in Islington, North London. See top50gastropubs.com for the full list. ALTON Towers has revealed details of a horror attraction coming to the theme park this year. The Curse at Alton Manor has been built on the former site of Duel – The Haunted House Strikes Back, after that ride was closed in September. Opening in spring, the new one will take visitors on a journey of twists and turns through a cursed manor. While many details are yet to be released, the theme park said the latest attraction will include special effects designed to scare and surprise thrill-seekers. Kate McBirnie, head of product excellence at Alton Towers Resort, said: “The Curse at Alton Manor is no ordinary dark ride. “It has all the components of a supernatural tale. It is dark, compelling and promises some thrilling and scary moments along the way. Fans of eerie rides will certainly appreciate this one.” l PALM AND TRANQUIL . . . Love Island’s Ludus Magnus FIND THOSE LOVE ISLAND VILLA VIBES THE latest series of Love Island is well under way with its tanned and toned passion hunters – and a new base in sizzling Cape Town. But why leave all the fun to the contestants in South Africa? If you are sick of the cold weather in Britain, these sun-kissed villas from Pocket Wanderings are sure to be 100 per cent your type on paper. And who knows, you may even find your match while you are there. SOPHIE SWIETOCHOWSKI picks out the best Love Island-inspired villas in Europe, big enough to sleep the whole family (and more). For those after the real deal, you can book a room in the actual property featured in this Love Island series. It is the Ludus Magnus Estate – and the price is pretty reasonable for what you get. You will wake up each morning to the same rural mountain views as this year’s contestants do, enjoy the splendid swimming pool and relax on the swanky daybeds like them. The only difference is that instead of spending days lounging around the estate, you can explore the best of the area, including aprivate beach, the nearby Jonkershoek Nature Reserve and the Boschenmeer golf course. You will be sharing the villa with others, but there is plenty of room, including a huge garden backed by fields and rows of vines belonging to a Shiraz vineyard. A two-person room costs from £151.50pppn. For further details or to book, see booking.com. On a budget? The tenperson Enerji Villa in the Turkish coastal town of Kalkan costs just over £38pppn (see vintagetravel .co.uk). But you will not be scrimping on luxury here. The villa is perched on a hill, with a huge balcony overlooking the ocean, and five modern bedrooms giving the same unbeatable views. There is an indoor and outdoor pool, several sun loungers and a cosy corner with an outside cushioned sofa if you want to “pull someone for a chat”. Or you can stay in the pristine Villa Admetos, set in five-and-a-half hectares of private land in the celebrity hotspot of Mykonos, Greece. It sleeps six in three tranquil bedrooms. But instead of the colourful cushions and fairy lights you see in the Love Island HQ, the Grecianthemed holiday home has simple and stylish furniture, wooden beams and whitewashed walls. It’s also got a barbecue area, pool and outdoor dining table – and you are within walking distance of a popular beach. The villa costs from £90pppn (see oliverstravels.com). More privacy Anyone travelling in a group and with a little more cash to splash can splurge on a week in the 13-person Villa Lucy on the south-west coast of France. It costs from £188.81pppn (see lecollectionist.com) and is geared up for a blow-out family bash. There is a huge garden that boasts a pool and plenty of sun loungers, large dining spaces and even a cinema room – not that you will use it with the scorching summer temperatures in this region. And with seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms, you will have way more privacy than the contestants in the Love Island villa. If you get bored of soaking up the green landscapes from your sunbed, take a stroll into town for traditional restaurants and a quiet beach. STYLE . . . Villa Admetos, where you can chill like ex-Islander Olivia Attwood
50 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 51
52 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023
V2 Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 53
54 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... Overseas Travel Book your advertising 24/7 at: thesun.co.uk/advertise 55
56 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 With Steve and Val Bradley WIN Town & Country Curbridge boots worth £43.99 SHORT CUT: If your garden is looking dull at the moment, check out the container plants on sale in garden centres. You can pick up small plants such as Skimmia Rubella for a fraction of the price of the bigger ones – and they will soon catch up if you grow them on. l PLANT OF THE WEEK – Hamamelis ‘Jelena’: This witch hazel has fragrant, coppery, spidery flowers singly or in clusters during mid to late winter. It is a hardy, deciduous shrub that likes neutralacid soil and can grow to 3m high and 4m wide. The deep green leaves turn orangered in autumn. Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded position. l TIMELY TIP: Take hardwood cuttings now of woody plants such as gooseberry, dogwood, blackcurrant, redcurrant, forsythia, rambler roses and willow. Use last year’s shoots and insert pencilsized cuttings in soil or compost, leaving the top third showing above ground. See sungardening.co.uk. Winter rescue mission KEEP your feet dry this winter with these fully lined, 100 per cent waterproof, rubber-shell women’s boots. The fleecy insoles are odour-resistant and hypoallergenic, which will make everyone happy! We have six pairs to give away. TO ENTER: write your name and address on a postcard and send to T&C Boots Competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex CO2 8GP or visit sunoffers.co.uk/ gardeningcomp and complete the entry form using code TC2801. Entries close at noon on February 3. For more product information, see townandco.com. ACT NOW TO COMBAT COLD be there in summer. If your lawn is waterlogged, go over it with a garden fork, making sure you push the tool in to the full depth of the tines. It is best to work backHow many will survive wards to avoid treading is partly down to luck, where you worked and but your actions now closing up the holes. can help make a Brush garden sand difference. into the holes if the Lie waterlogged flooding was bad. containers on their Plants may look side for 48 hours to dead, but the collet excess water drain lapsed leaves protect out, then stand them the crown and can keep on pot feet or bricks so several degrees of frost drainage continues. If they are too big or DRAINAGE . . . tip at bay. Leave them alone until heavy to move, push a cane 10-15cm into the pots on their side the early spring, when you will see new buds compost several times to open air holes for the roots and pushing up. The key right now is patience, increase evaporation. Be careful to keep off frosty waiting to discover what makes it grass, or the footprints will still and helping where we can. YOU ASK l DO I need to insulate Q my water butt against frost? C SHAW, Thirsk, North Yorks Protecting the tap and water spout with several layers of bubble wrap is a good idea. Lower the water level in the butt so that it will leave room for the water inside to rise and expand as it turns to ice. HOW can I protect my pot-grown olive in cold weather? A Q THIS winter has thrown everything at our plants, from torrential rain to subzero temperatures. R KING, Wrexham Branches and stems of most olives may cope with temperatures down to -5C, so cover them with fleece if it gets colder. The roots can be frosted, so wrap the pot in two to three layers of bubble wrap. Move it to a sheltered spot if you can. A GET IN TOUCH SAFETY COVER . . . Val says dead leaves help to protect the crown of the plant Sun Gardening: 1 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9GF. Email: gardening@ the-sun.co.uk. Website: sungardening.co.uk.
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 57
58 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 59
60 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 61
62 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 Daly’s KO is Ell for Borth By ADAM HATHAWAY ELLIOT DALY is out of the Six Nations adding to boss Steve Borthwick’s England injury nightmare. Saracens confirmed utility back Daly (below) will miss 12 weeks after tearing a hamstring against Edinburgh in the Champions Cup on Sunday. Bath centre Ollie Lawrence has been called up by Borthwick, who already had doubts over forwards Courtney Lawes and Jamie George for next week’s opener against Scotland. Hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie is out with an ankle injury, flanker Tom Curry misses games against the Scots and Italy at least and another hooker George McGuigan is also crocked. However, Lions wing Anthony Watson will play for Leicester in today’s Premiership clash with Northampton after a month off with leg trouble. Henry Arundell starts on London Irish’s bench against Harlequins tomorrow after being sidelined since October with a foot injury. l ARRON REED scored a dramatic lastminute try as SALE beat BATH 30-27 in the Gallagher Premiership. First-half tries from Joe Carpenter, Sam Dugdale, Tom Roebuck and Tommy Taylor had put the hosts in control but 17 points from the visiting captain Ben Spencer gave Bath a sniff of victory until wing Reed struck. l RFU chiefs issued a grovelling apology for bungling changing rules for tackling in club games. They will now ask players and coaches to agree a height limit instead of a new ‘waist-or-below’ regulation. 2GM CRICKET FIRST ODI Chastened Roy SCOREBOARD First One Day International South Africa v Engla nd BLOEMFONTEIN: South won the toss. South AfricaAfrica beat England by 27 runs. SOUTH AFRICA †Q de Kock c Buttler b Curran 37 (41b) *T Bavuma c Curran b Ali H van der Dussen c Duckett b Curran 36 (28b) 111 (117b) A Markram c Malan b Stone 13 (19b) H Klaasen lbw b Rashid 30 (32b) D Miller c Willey b Curran 53 (56b) W Parnell c Malan b Archer 2 (4b) S Magala not out 5 (4b) K Rabada not out 2 (2b) Extras (lb1, w5, nb3) 9 Total (7 wkts 50 overs) Fall: 61, 87, 116, 171, 281, 287, 295.298 Bowling: Willey 6-0-38-0, Archer 10-0-81-1, Ali 8-0-51-1, S Curran 9-0-35-3, Rashid 10-055-1, Stone 7-0-37-1. ENGLAND J Roy c Parnell b Rabada 113 (91b) D Malan c Bavuma b Magala 59 (55b) B Duckett c de Kock b Nortje 3 (5b) H Brook lbw b Magala 0 (3b) *†J Buttler c de Kock b Nortje 36 (42b) M Ali c van der Dussen b Magala 11 (17b) S Curran c de Kock b Rabada 17 (21b) D Willey c Miller b Nortje 8 (9b) A Rashid not out 14 (17b) J Archer c Klaasen b Nortje 0 (4b) O Stone c & b Shamsi 1 (5b) Extras (lb2, w4, nb3) 9 Total (10 wkts 44.2 overs) Fall: 146, 151, 152, 196, 222, 234,271 250, 266, 267. Bowling: Parnell 8-0-42-0, K Rabada 10-046-2, Markram 2-0-18-0, A Nortje T Shamsi 5.2-0-55-1, Magala 9-0-46-310-0-62-4, Umpires: B P Jele & M Erasmus. . TON BUT A DEFEAT FOR JASE ROY ROAR . . . Jason lets rip after reaching his century JASON ROY scored a brilliant, barnstorming century that could save his career — but England still contrived to lose. Roy plundered 113 from just 91 balls but it was not enough to prevent England collapsing to a 27-run defeat in the opener of a three-match 50-over series. Being bowled out for 271 was a collapse of epic proportions after Roy and fellow opener Dawid Malan had raced to 146-0 inside 20 overs, in pursuit of South Africa’s 298-7. Fine bowling by speedster Anrich Nortje and burly trundler Sisanda Magala, plus a string of poor dismissals, turned the match at Bloemfontein on its head. Roy’s departure to a catch on the boundary was a big moment and half of England’s batsmen departed to flat-footed wafts or miscued attempted pull shots. Ben Duckett, playing his first one-dayers for six years, was caught behind for just three and Harry Brook, another star of England’s Test series win in Pakistan in December, was out for a duck on his ODI debut. Captain Jos Buttler made 36 but England’s chances started to ANDERSON . . . victory Ando’s back in groove By PHIL LANNING GARY ANDERSON claimed he is ‘too old to worry about’ slipping down to world No 22. The Flying Scotsman was adamant it is a fresh start for him in 2023 after winning his opening Cazoo Masters clash in Milton Keynes. Ando, 52, beat Dimitri Van den Bergh 6-4 and now faces Rob Cross in the second round today. The Scot had his earliest world championship exit since 2010 when he lost to Chris Dobey in the third round last month. But Anderson said: “New year, fresh start, a lot to learn again. “It’s hard doing something you don’t want to do. “I’ve been playing darts for a long time, it’s in my blood, so I might as well bite the bullet and get back on the board. “The main thing is that I’m back and enjoying playing darts. “We’ll keep plodding on, I’m too old to worry about things now. “The doubles tonight were a bit shaky. I had about 20 coffees before I played, I think I overdid the caffeine.” DAVE CHISNALL came from 4-1 down to beat RYAN SEARLE 6-5. JAMES WADE triumphed 6-2 over CALLAN RYDZ and STEPHEN BUNTING knocked out NATHAN ASPINALL 6-5. ROSS SMITH saw off DAMON HETA in another match that went to a deciding leg. FIA chief ‘no sexist’ By JOHN ETHERIDGE evaporate when he was caught behind. Sam Curran departed in similar fashion. The final wicket came when No 11 Olly Stone was caught and bowled by left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi. Buttler said: “We played some excellent cricket for the majority of the game. After that opening stand, we should have won. “We try to play a positive brand of cricket that has served us well. We didn’t quite commit to that. We could have put more pressure back on South Africa’s bowlers.” Despite England’s defeat, it was still a significant match for Roy, whose desperate recent collapse in form left his position hanging by a thread. He has already been dumped from England’s World Cupwinning Twenty20 side. But there can be few doubts now that Roy remains one of England’s first-choice openers at the start of a year in which they defend the 50-over World Cup. The Surrey slugger was back to his dynamic best with a string of brutal blows which shredded a high-class Proteas attack. Roy had not reached 50 in any of his previous 14 international innings since scoring a century in Holland last summer. His demise spread to domestic cricket, too, with dire form for Surrey and the Oval Invincibles in the Hundred. And he managed just 100 runs in eight innings in the South African T20 tournament. Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow — and maybe Ben Stokes if he can be coaxed out of one-day retirement — are certain to return. And with Phil Salt and Will Jacks pushing for a place, Roy knew he had to deliver. The fact is he has an average above 40 and a strike-rate above 100 across his one-day international career. That is why England have persisted with him despite a dramatic slump. Earlier, Jofra Archer struggled for consistency and went for 81 runs in ten overs in his first England match since March 2021. Rassie van der Dussen made 111 for the Proteas with Curran by some distance England’s best bowler, taking 3-35 in nine overs. By BEN HUNT FORMULA ONE’S governing body the FIA claims sexist remarks attributed to its president “do not reflect his beliefs”. Quotes from Mohammed Ben Sulayem resurfaced from his old website. He is reported as saying he does “not like women who think they are smarter than men”. The content has long been the subject of paddock talk. But an FIA spokesperson said: “He has a strong record on promoting women and equality in sport, which he is happy to be judged on. “It was a central part of his manifesto and actions taken over many years prove this. “The remarks from 2001 do not reflect the president’s beliefs.” Ben Sulayem has been a controversial chief since taking over in 2021. This week F1 lawyers wrote to him for tweeting about a potential sale of the sport.
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 2GM AUSSIE OPEN TENNIS DJOK’S DAD DUPED Novak claims pro-Putin fans ‘misused’ Srdjan Srdjan Djokovic, who stayed away from his son’s semi-final, was criticised for posing with protestors holding a Russian flag with an image of Vladimir Putin. Novak, 35, said the subtitles displayed in a right-wing YouTube video were incorrect. He insisted Srdjan said “cheers” and not “long live the Russians” as the Putin sympathisers have claimed. It is undecided if his dad will be present as Djok aims to win a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam crown — and his TENTH Aussie Open title — against Stefanos Tsitsipas (right) tomorrow. Serb Djokovic said: “It can happen to many people what happened to him. “He was passing through, made a photo, it has escalated. He was misused in this situation by this group of people. “I can’t be angry with him or upset because it wasn’t his fault. He went out to celebrate with my fans and that’s it. “It was unfortunate the misinterpretation of what happened has escalated to such a high level. “It has got to me, of course, as well. It wasn’t pleasant not to have him in the box. “My father, my whole family and myself have been through several wars during the 90s. “We’re against the war, we never will support any violence or any war. “I hope people understand that there was absolutely no intention whatsoever to support any kind tennis star’s representatives, Djokovic Sr said: “I am here to support my son only. I had no intention of causing such headlines or disruption. “I was outside with Novak’s fans, as I have done after all of my son’s matches, to celebrate his wins and take pictures with them. I had no intention of being caught up in this. “My family has lived through the horror of war, and we wish only for peace.” Djokovic was not at his unstoppable best in the first set but was then brilliant in the next two as he prevailed 7-5 6-1 6-2 against limited Tommy Paul. Greek ace Tsitsipas, 24, will present a different challenge after he eliminated Russian Karen Khachanov 7-6 6-4 6-7 6-3 from the first semi-final. But Djokovic said: “The fact that I never lost the Australian Open finals definitely serves as a great confidence booster.” A fan snapped on the Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday wearing a T-shirt with the letter Z — a pro-war, pro-Putin symbol — was allowed back in the stands for this semi-final. ProPutin flags were also flown. But one of Ukraine’s leading tennis stars, Marta Kostyuk, said: “It hurts a lot because you’re not allowed to bring out the flags and so on. “It really hurts that they were there for quite some time. “I don’t understand how this can be possible.” The Moscow-born Kazakhstani lifted the Venus Rosewater Dish last summer at SW19 (right). Though her “lucky” sister was there on Centre Court, Rybakina’s parents were not in London, with some believing it was down to possible visa issues. But the whole gang are here in Melbourne as she aims to beat Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in today’s Australian Open final, which starts at 8.30am UK time. Rybakina, 23, said: “For sure, they’re nervous. Every match I play they’re nervous, no matter if How lucky is my sister? She really is. ‘‘Wimbledon was only the second tournament she’d come to and I won. “Now she’s here with my parents, mum and dad. It’s the first time they’re all together here. “I’m super happy. They don’t see me often playing live, so I think this time, it’s a big result already.” Florida-based Sabalenka, 24, missed Wimbledon because Russians and Belarusians were banned owing to the war in Ukraine. She said: “I was feeling really bad that I missed it.” From DAVID FACEY in Dubai RORY McILROY and Patrick Reed are throwing birdies and eagles at each other. World No 1 McIlroy shrugged off the storm caused by Reed lobbing a tee peg at him with two birdies and an eagle in his final three holes at the Hero Desert Classic yesterday. That left him with a sixunder-par 66, a firstround score American Reed (above) equalled by eagling the 18th. McIlroy (left) grinned: “That was an extremely sweet way to finish a round. I’m usually a master at turning potential 66s into 70s.” SPORTS ROUND-UP: RESULTS & FIXTURES EMIRATES FA CUP FOURTH ROUND MAN CITY (0) 1 ARSENAL (0) 0 Ake 64 CINCH CHAMPIONSHIP COVE (0) 0 AYR (1) 5 McAllister 21 Dempsey 55 Mullin 61, 89 Bryden 82 P W D L F A Pts 21 22 20 21 20 21 22 22 22 21 12 11 10 10 8 8 8 5 3 3 4 5 44 27 6 5 46 29 5 5 33 25 3 8 42 36 6 6 28 22 6 7 30 28 5 9 28 29 7 10 30 47 9 10 20 36 5 13 17 39 40 39 35 33 30 30 29 22 18 14 BUNDESLIGA - RB Leipzig 2 Stuttgart 1. LIGUE 1 - Lorient 2 Rennes 1. LA LIGA - Almeria 3 Espanyol 1. SERIE A - Bologna 2 Spezia 0, Lecce 1 Salernitana 2. AUSTRALIAN OPEN (Melbourne) MEN’S SINGLES SEMI-FINALS - (3) S Tsitsipas (Gre) bt (18) K Khachanov (Rus) 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-3; (4) N Djokovic (Ser) bt T Paul (USA) 7-5 6-1 6-2. WOMEN’S DOUBLES SEMI-FINALS - (1) B Krejcikova (Cze) & K Siniakova (Cze) bt M Kostyuk (Ukr) & E Gabriela Ruse (Rom) 6-2 6-2; (10) S Aoyama (Jpn) & E Shibahara (Jpn) bt (2) C Gauff (USA) & J Pegula (USA) 6-2 7-6 (9-7). MIXED DOUBLES FINALS - L Stefani (Bra) & R Matos (Bra) bt S Mirza (Ind) & R Bopanna (Ind) 7-6 (7-2) 6-2. BASKETBALL BBL CHAMPIONSHIP - Caledonia Gladiators 76 Bristol Flyers 88, Manchester Giants 97 Surrey Scorchers 92, Sheffield Sharks 82 Plymouth City Patriots 77. NBA - Charlotte Hornets 111 Chicago Bulls 96, Brooklyn Nets 122 Detroit Pistons 130, Boston Celtics 117 New York Knicks 120 (OT), Houston Rockets 95 Cleveland Cavaliers 113, Phoenix Suns 95 Dallas Mavericks 99, LA Clippers 138 San Antonio Spurs 100. CRICKET FIRST ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL South Africa v England Bloemfontein: South Africa 298-7 (50 overs; van der Dussen 111, Miller 53). England 271-10 (44.2 overs; Roy 113, Malan 59; A Nortje 4-62). S Africa won by 27 runs. FIRST TWENTY20 INTERNATIONAL India v New Zealand Ranchi: New Zealand 176-6 (20 overs; Mitchell 59no, Conway 52). India 155-9 (20.0 overs; Sundar 50). New Zealand won by 21 runs. DARTS DJOK IN SHOCK . . . but Novak Djokovic defended dad Srdjan (inset, left) after he was pictured with Putin fans ELENA’S FAMILY TIES ELENA RYBAKINA has vowed to From ROB MAUL give her family a taste of what it’s live or they’re watching on TV. they missed at Wimbledon. Rory throws in low one Queen’s Park Ayr Dundee Partick Morton Inverness Raith Cove Rangers Arbroath Hamilton NOVAK DJOKOVIC says his From ROB MAUL in Melbourne father was “misused” by war initiatives. I hope that Russian propagandists — of people will let it be and we can stressing that all his family focus on tennis.” In a statement released by the are anti-war. Reid enjoys Andy result GORDON REID was inspired by Andy Murray as he lifted a 20th Grand Slam wheelchair doubles title. Reid (right), 31, was blown away by Muzza’s gutsy display in an epic five-set win over Thanasi Kokkinakis at this month’s Australian Open. Alfie Hewett and Reid beat Maikel Scheffers and Ruben Spaargaren 6-1 6-2 for their fourth Aussie crown. Reid said: “Andy’s grit and determination was so inspiring for me as a fellow Scot and a British player.” 63 THE MASTERS (Milton Keynes): 1st Rnd - D Chisnall (Eng) bt R Searle (Eng) 6-5, J Wade (Eng) bt C Rydz (Eng) 6-2, D van Duijvenbode (Hol) bt K Ratajski (Pol) 6-3, S Bunting (Eng) bt N Aspinall (Eng) 6-5, G Anderson (Sco) bt D van den Bergh (Bel) 6-4, J de Sousa (Por) bt G Clemens (Ger) 6-4, C Dobey (Eng) bt J Cullen (Eng) 6-4. GOLF DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC (Emirates GC, Dubai, UAE): 1st Rnd (GB & Irl unless stated) - 65 I Poulter, L Aaberg (Swe), 66 A Hidalgo (Spa), R McIlroy, P Reed (USA), L de Jager (Rsa), 67 R Bland, V Perez (Fra), T Pieters (Bel), A Arnaus (Spa), 68 T Fleetwood, O Wilson, C Syme, M Jordan, D Gavins, M Wallace, J-H Wang (Kor), H Du Plessis (Rsa), O Bekker (Rsa),. FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN (Torrey Pines, San Diego): 2nd Rnd (USA unless stated) - 132 S Ryder 64 68, 135 B Steele 65 70, 137 E Goya (Arg) 70 67, 138 B Grant 64 74, M Homa 68 70, T Montgomery 67 71, V Norrman (Swe) 67 71, S Stevens 66 72, S Theegala 66 72,. HOCKEY MEN’S WORLD CUP (Bhubaneswar & Rourkela, India): Semi-finals - Australia 3 Germany 4, Belgium 3 Netherlands 2 (SO). ICE HOCKEY ELITE LGE - Belfast Giants 5 Sheffield Steelers 3, Glasgow Clan 1 Guildford Flames 5. SQUASH J.P MORGAN TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS (New York): Finals, Men - D Elias (Per) bt M El Shorbagy (Egy) 11-2 11-6 11-4. Women - N El Sherbini (Egy) bt Nouran Gohar (Egy) 11-9 3-1. RUGBY UNION GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP SALE (22) 30 BATH (10) 27 Sale - Tries: Carpenter, Dugdale, Roebuck, Taylor, Reed. Cons: R. Du Preez. Pens: R. Du Preez. Bath - Tries: Annett, Joseph, B. Spencer. Cons: B. Spencer (3). Pens: B. Spencer (2). Saracens Sale Harlequins Gloucester Exeter North’pton Leicester Newcastle Lon Irish Bath Bristol P 12 13 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 W 11 10 6 6 6 5 5 5 4 4 3 D 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 L 1 3 6 6 6 7 6 7 8 8 7 B F 8 392 8 352 7 303 7 272 6 299 9 343 7 294 6 286 10 309 8 277 7 237 A Pts 268 52 259 48 307 31 276 31 293 30 366 29 336 29 319 26 308 26 300 24 332 21 UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SCARLETS (27) 37 BLUE BULLS (14) 28 Scarlets - Tries: D. Davis, Mathias, G. Davies, McNicholl. Cons: Costelow (3), D. Jones. Pens: Costelow (3). Blue Bulls - Tries: Z. Burger, Jacobs, Brink, Matanzima. Cons: C. Smith (4). ULSTER (21) 35 STORMERS (0) 5 Ulster - Tries: Doak, Moxham, Timoney, Toomaga-Allen, Lowry. Cons: Doak (4), Cooney. Stormers - Tries: Venter. Leinster Stormers Ulster Blue Bulls Glasgow B Treviso Munster Edinburgh Sharks Cardiff R Connacht Lions Ospreys Scarlets Dragons Zebre P 12 12 12 13 11 12 12 12 10 12 12 11 12 13 12 12 W 12 8 8 8 7 7 6 5 6 6 5 5 3 4 3 0 D 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 L B F 0 8 384 3 11 349 4 11 370 5 8 406 4 6 286 5 5 293 6 8 249 7 10 321 4 5 284 6 5 270 7 5 228 6 4 241 7 8 270 8 4 296 9 5 261 12 5 200 A Pts 188 56 260 45 261 43 345 40 259 34 330 33 198 32 266 30 261 29 288 29 274 25 315 24 310 24 380 22 336 17 437 5 TODAY’S SPORT GOLF (all weekend) USPGA Tour Farmers Insurance Open (Torrey Pines, San Diego). DP World Tour Dubai Desert Classic (Emirates GC, Dubai, UAE). DARTS (all weekend) The Masters (Milton Keynes). ICE HOCKEY Elite League (7.0): Belfast Giants v Sheffield Steelers, Cardiff Devils v Fife Flyers, Guildford Flames v Coventry Blaze (6.0), Manchester Storm v Nottingham Panthers. RUGBY UNION Gallagher Premiership (3.0): Exeter v Gloucester (4.30), Leicester v Northampton (2.0), Saracens v Bristol. United Rugby Championship (5.05): B Treviso v Munster (2.30), Connacht v Lions (7.35), Dragons v Glasgow (3.0), Edinburgh v Sharks (5.15), Leinster v Cardiff Rugby. RFU Championship (2.30): Caldy v Bedford (2.0), Cornish Pirates v Jersey Reds, Doncaster v Nottingham, Ealing Trailfinders v Coventry (3.0), Hartpury RFC v Richmond, London Scottish v Ampthill (3.0). National League 1 (3.0): Birmingham Moseley v Bishop’s Stortford, Cambridge v Rams (2.0), Leeds Tykes v Hull (2.30), Plymouth Albion v Chinnor (2.30), Rosslyn Park v Darlington Mowden Park, Sale FC v Cinderford (2.30), Taunton Titans v Esher. Allianz Women’s Premier 15s (3.0): Bristol Bears v Saracens (12.30), DMP Sharks v Harlequins (12.0), Gloucester-Hartpury v Sale Sharks, Wasps v Exeter Chiefs (1.30), Worcester Warriors v Loughborough. TENNIS (all weekend) Australian Open (Melbourne). TOMORROW BASKETBALL BBL Cup Final: Leicester Riders v London Lions (3.30). CRICKET Second One Day International: South Africa v England (Bloemfontein, 8am). Second Twenty20 International: India v New Zealand (Lucknow, 2pm). ICE HOCKEY Elite League: Dundee Stars v Cardiff Devils (5.0), Fife Flyers v Manchester Storm (6.0), Nottingham Panthers v Glasgow Clan (4.0). RUGBY UNION Gallagher Premiership: London Irish v Harlequins (3.0). United Rugby Championship: Zebre v Ospreys (3.0).
64 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 BOXING THE BRIT v THE BEAST MAGUIRE . . . boss rant Maguire: Snooker is ‘dying’ By HECTOR NUNNS STEPHEN MAGUIRE has attacked snooker bosses — claiming the sport is ‘dying’ and accusing them of breaking promises. The former UK Championship winner hit out after March’s Turkish Masters was cancelled because of funding issues. But the Scot, 41, claims the problem goes deeper. Ex-world No 2 Maguire raged: “The game’s dying right in front of our eyes. “They have to do something — there’s something wrong. “I spoke to the suits at the start of the season and they promised there would be tournaments on. “Turkey was always a question mark and it’s turned out to be cancelled, so the suits aren’t doing their job, which is not good enough. “They all gave me the same answer: We’ll look after you, the tournaments will be there, don’t worry. “The tournaments aren’t there, so there’s something wrong at the top of the game. I’ve either been lied to that things will be OK or they’ve just not been able to fulfil it.” A World Snooker Tour spokesperson said: “We share the player’s frustrations in the loss of the Turkish Masters from the tour this season. This event will be replaced. “We are proud to have built a sustainable business where prize money is growing, where players have a guaranteed income and which captures the imagination of the fans. “Unfortunately, this narrative doesn’t fit the story being peddled by a few players.” Hard Yardes ANT: I FEAR NO ONE AFTER GUN TERROR By WALLY DOWNES Jr ANTHONY YARDE has no fear taking on big-punching Artur that flying bullets are much Beterbiev after facing down explains scarier than fists. guns on London streets. After staring down the bearded The 31-year-old from Hackney grew up among deprivation and crime, with his childhood home brushed into the shadows of the flashy Westfield shopping centre in Stratford. Stabbings and robberies were commonplace until boxing helped lift the light-heavyweight ace up and out of a perilous environment. But his life is in danger again tonight as he takes on the 18-0 WBC, IBF and WBO champ Beterbiev, who has battered all his victims inside the distance and starves himself three days out from a fight to make himself as angry as possible. Yarde has shown no sign of nerves in the build-up to the Wembley Arena showdown and caveman that is Beterbiev, 38, he revealed: “It’s different. We are talking in terms of fear and I don’t fear anybody. “There’s no person in this world I fear because of certain situations I’ve been in and grown up around. “I’ve been approached by people with guns, I’ve had loads of boys around me with knives trying to stab me, getting ready to rob me. “I’ve been in certain scary situations, your heart is beating and you can’t go outside because madness is going to happen. “This is me being paid to fight — and I like fighting! “For someone who has come from where I have, this is special. I’m here to seize the moment.” Brave Brit Callum Johnson was bludgeoned inside four rounds by the Canada-based Chechen in 2018, labelling him a ‘pound-for-pound killer, an animal, a monster’. The Bond-villain accent, bear-like hair and thirst for blood make Beterbiev a frightening force. But Yarde reckons he has the chin and characteristics to win this war of the whiskers. Under a perfectly manicured moustache, he explained: “There’s nobody on this planet who can have his record and do what he’s done and be nothing to worry about. “I’ve seen little clips of him, he’s done basic things very well. “Clearly he hits hard but the little things he does do, he does well and he does them repeatedly. “He’s got a good engine but, at the same time, he gets hit. I’m not a person you can stand there and get hit by. It’s exciting. “I’ll admit he’s got a better beard than me. I can’t grow a beard like that. I’ve got to give myself a trimming and a grooming before the fight.” Yarde is the 6-1 long- thes un.c o.uk /sp ort Firs big- t with rep fight ort Wane’s Tong-tied ENGLAND hope to arrange autumn rugby league Tests against Tonga. Their three-match series against New Zealand is likely to be canned. SunSport understands England chief Shaun Wane aims to set up matches with the Pacific Islanders. Yet an ugly row between the NRL and Rugby League Players Association, which threatens the start of the season Down Under, could KO those plans. The stand-off is over delays in agreeing to a deal over wages and worker rights. Players are pulling out of promotional duties and will not rule out striking. And talks over a series with Tonga — World Cup quarter-finalists — can only move forward once the row is sorted out. shot with even his diehard fans giving him only a puncher’s chance. But he is refusing to dwell on the enormity of the task ahead — and will only look back at bashing Beterbiev and the bookies once he has secured the belts. He said: “I’ve not looked at the odds. There’s certain things I don’t pay attention to, it can distract you, it can take away your focus, it can make you overcompensate. “Someone can come and tell you stuff but sometimes I’m a bit dismissive. “I’m like, ‘ah, keep it to yourself, I don’t care’. “I’d rather find out after the fight. “You can hear something and it will play on your mind. It’s just human nature but certain things don’t matter. “The only thing that matters to me is when we both step into the ring, the bell goes ding, ding, ding and we start shimmying. “That is all that matters.” UP FOR IT . . . Yarde (right) says he can surprise rival Beterbiev BIG JAKE DATE TOMMY FURY has finally secured his celebrity fight with American YouTube sensation Jake Paul for February 26 in Saudi Arabia. The Riyadh showdown is, hopefully, part of the deal to take his big brother Tyson’s undisputed decider with Oleksandr Usyk back there two months later on April 29. The fight was twice postponed, with Tommy blaming a chest infection and then alleged US visa issues. Paul (bottom right), 26, has beaten YouTube novices, a basketball player and a few retired MMA veterans. Love Island hunk Fury, 23, is 8-0 at light-heavy. Fury (top right) said: “The world is about to see what happens when a proper boxer faces a YouTuber.” Paul said: “The moment of truth has finally arrived.” BRIT Matt Weston P stormed to the world skeleton title in St Moritz. The 25-year-old star, who took the Euro crown last week, smashed the field to win by a huge 1.79sec over four runs. He is Britain’s first world champion since Lizzy Yarnold in 2015 — and our first male winner since Kristan Bromley 15 years ago. Weston said: “It’s been a brilliant season but this is pretty special.” CON HORROR CONOR McGREGOR says knowing how to land “saved my life” after revealing a speeding car ploughed into him while he was out cycling. The Irish mixed martial artist and former twodivision UFC great posted a picture on social media of his wrecked bike in the middle of a road. McGregor (left) wrote on his Instagram page: “Got a bang off a car just now from behind. A sun trap, the driver couldn’t see me. Full speed straight thru me. “Thank you God, it wasn’t my time. Thank you wrestling and judo also. Having an awareness on the landing saved my life.” McGregor, 34, has not fought since suffering a serious leg injury in July 2021 but is expected to return to the octagon later this year.
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 65 WATFORD landed P defender Ryan Porteous on a 4 -year contract from Hibernian for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old, who has one Scotland cap, made 157 appearances for Hibs. He helped them to third in the Scottish topflight in the 2020-21 season. TETE . . . lots of interest Foxes in for Tete LEICESTER are set to complete the signing of Brazilian striker Tete until the end of the campaign. Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers has got in ahead of a number of Prem clubs who have been tracking Tete, 22, since last season. West Ham, Brentford and Leeds were also interested. The forward has been on loan at Lyon from Shakhtar Donetsk. Fifa let foreign stars suspend their deals with Ukraine clubs following Russia’s invasion. The ruling has complicated a move to the Foxes as it expires at the end of the season. It means Rodgers will only be able to sign Tete until the summer initially, while an agreement has also had to be reached with the French club over the termination of his loan. Tete has six goals and three assists in 17 Ligue 1 games this season and will give Leicester muchneeded firepower. SEMENYO . . . switch Ant is a Cherry BOURNEMOUTH sealed a £10.5million deal for Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo. The Ghana World Cup star has signed a 4 -year contract, with the Cherries retaining an option for a further 12 months. Bournemouth have paid £9m up front with a further £1.5m in add-ons. Semenyo, 23, is the club’s third January signing as boss Gary O’Neil battles to keep them in the Premier League. West Ham keeper Darren Randolph and Burkina Faso forward Dango Ouattara have also joined. Semenyo was born in London and came through the ranks at City. Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said: “Antoine is an exciting player and one we have monitored for a while. “He had interest from elsewhere and so we’re delighted to welcome him to the club.” But the move for Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson is OFF after the forward failed a medical ahead of a £22.5m switch. Ecua-door’s open, Conte HINCAPIE SPURS DREAM By ALESSANDRO SCHIAVONE PIERO HINCAPIE admitted he is open to joining Tottenham after revealing his love of the Premier League. UP FOR IT . . . Hincapie is a big admirer of Conte ’n Kane The left-sided centre-back, 21, has attracted interest from a host of elite clubs worldwide after some standout displays for Ecuador in Qatar. Spurs are exploring a deal for Hincapie but will be unwilling to match Bayer Leverkusen’s £80million valuation. Boss Antonio Conte wants a new defender in this window to beef up a struggling defence that has shipped 31 goals in only 21 Prem games — and Hincapie is on the shortlist. A summer deal would be more likely for a player who is happy at his current club and still learning his trade. And Hincapie could reportedly be snapped up for £20m this month before being loaned back to Leverkusen until the end of the season, in a deal similar to that of Pape Matar Sarr. The presence of Conte and Harry Kane at Tottenham are trump cards for Hincapie. He said: “I like the Premier League. In truth, Antonio Conte is a very good coach, undoubtedly one of the best in the world and I appreciate it if he likes me. “Also, they have Harry Kane, who is a fantastic striker, one of the greatest in the world. “I would like to play at Spurs at some point in my life but right now I am happy in Leverkusen and 100 per cent focused on them.” Spurs have already landed Dutch star Arnaut Danjuma on loan and are linked with a move for Sporting Lisbon wing-back Pedro Porro. GELHARDT A CAT LEEDS forward Joe Gelhardt has joined Sunderland on loan for the rest of the season. The hitman, 20, could make a debut against Millwall next week. Gelhardt (right) said: “I know how big the club is and the playing style seemed a perfect fit for me.” Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray said: “Joe is an exciting signing.” Kepa’s Spain pain soothed KEPA ARRIZABALAGA is due to be rewarded for reclaiming Chelsea’s No 1 spot — with a nod from new Spain boss Luis de la Fuente. Stamford Bridge keeper Kepa has played the last seven Blues games and, despite mixed results for the team, is showing a vast improvement that has not gone unnoticed. Spain next play in March — with the Euro 2024 qualifiers at home to Norway then away in Scotland. And Kepa, 28, is set to be named in the squad having not played for Spain since October 2020. He did not get on well with previous Spain coach Luis Enrique and was heartbroken to miss the delayed Euro 2020. Kepa has a much healthier relationship with new man De la Fuente, who has let it be By ANDREW DILLON known the keeper is very much in his thoughts. Kepa, also overlooked for last year’s World Cup, played for De la Fuente in Spain’s Under-21s and was in the Athletic Bilbao academy when he bossed the seniors. The 2020 arrival of Edouard Mendy at Chelsea saw him drop down the Blues’ pecking order — so much so he was axed from last year’s Club World Cup final. Kepa played in the semi-final and kept a clean sheet, only to be benched when Mendy flew to Abu Dhabi direct from Senegal’s victory at the Africa Cup of Nations. Mendy, 30, had surgery on a fractured finger this month, helping Kepa cement his place in goal. And Mendy’s Blues contract talks have stalled over wages. Silva service By ALESSANDRO SCHIAVONE BENOIT BADIASHILE says Thiago Silva is having a huge influence on him at Chelsea. The Frenchman joined the Blues in a £35million move from Monaco earlier this month. And he has partnered Silva, 38, for back-to-back clean sheets, including a draw at Liverpool. Badiashile, 21, said: “In Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly I have great defenders on my side who will make it a lot easier for me to learn, both in training and in matches. “I will keep watching them to pick stuff up. Silva is giving me beneficial tips all the time, on and off the pitch and in training. “He is a great defender, a legend — and having the chance to play with him is fantastic.” POT ARMY ALL GO AT WOLVES WOLVES have agreed to sign midfielder Joao Gomes from Flamengo for £15million. He is due in England next week for a medical — despite his Brazilian club pushing for the 21-year-old to join Lyon. Gomes (left) only made his club debut in 2020 but has become a star in the Brazilian league. KEP-ING IT REAL . . . Kepa reclaimed spot between the sticks From Back Page EX-CHELSEA defender Marcos Alonso has agreed a new deal with Barcelona until June 2024. The Catalan giants signed Alonso, 32, on a free last summer as part of a major squad overhaul funded by a controversial sale of future TV rights. MILLWALL’S £2.4million bid to sign Scotland striker Kevin Nisbet collapsed after the 25-yearold decided to stay at Hibs. Nisbet’s agents Quantic Sports said in a statement: “Kevin has thought long and hard but he’d rather focus on Hibs for the time being.” OUT-OF-FAVOUR Stoke defender Aden Flint, 33, is joining Sheffield Wednesday on loan. Flint, who played for Owls on loan from Cardiff in 2020, signed a one-year deal with the Potters last year but has not featured since October 2. BOLTON swooped to sign Cameron Jerome on an 18-month deal after the veteran forward was released by Luton yesterday. The 36-year-old, who has scored 137 goals in 614 league games for eight English clubs, could make his Trotters debut at Charlton on today. thinking and working together. Deep-thinking Potter is renowned for employing off-the-wall tactics to encourage team spirit. While manager of Swedish side Ostersunds he got his players to perform ballet, write a theatre show about Vikings and perform Finnish rap songs to an audience. Chelsea are already out of the FA Cup and have no game until they host Fulham on Friday. So Potter is using the time to work on mental as well as physical training. He has another couple of ideas planned for next week but they remain a closely-guarded secret. Chelsea’s new American owners turned to Potter as manager in September as part of a long-term project to transform the club after a £4.25billion takeover. Six new players have been signed this month alone at a total cost of £163.2million — which includes the £9.7m loan fee for Portugal forward Joao Felix. And they have agreed a £26m deal for Lyon defender Malo Gusto, 19. Potter, whose side have won only two of their last ten games, wants the growing numbers to be in harmony as quickly as possible. He said: “There will be an element of team bonding. We need to try to bring the group together. “It’s not just about the grass, it’s about how you interact as a team and as a group. “We have a window to do it and, with a lot of players here, we need to build some togetherness, some understanding. And we have to be creative with how we do it.”
66 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 MAN U v READING FA CUP RED-HOT SPELL KANE . . . record bid Kane’s a doubt for End tie Preston v Tottenham 6pm, BBC1 & By CARL LONG HARRY KANE could miss Spurs’ FA Cup trip to Preston today with illness. The Tottenham striker went level with Jimmy Greaves as the club’s alltime top scorer on 266 goals with his Prem winner at Fulham on Monday. Kane had a fever before that game and missed training on Wednesday and Thursday before returning yesterday. Tottenham No 2 Cristian Stellini said: “We have only one problem, with Harry, because he played the last game full of illness. “He didn’t train during the week, he trained this morning, but he wants to come with us and be available. “We know very well that Harry wants to play every game, so we are happy that Harry is involved in the game. But the only situation we have to take care of is this.” Richarlison is pushing to make his first start since a hamstring injury after last month’s World Cup. Arnaut Danjuma, who joined on loan from Villarrealy, is set to be on the bench against North End. Talks are continuing with Sporting Lisbon over the signing of right wingback Pedro Porro. Spurs have not won a trophy since 2008 and Stellini added: “We have to change the mentality. You don’t have to talk about winning trophies, you have to do it.” It’s time to dig Deep — Goals Page 10 Gil wind for Sevilla By TOM BARCLAY SEVILLA manager Jorge Sampaoli has spoken of his desire to sign Tottenham’s Bryan Gil. Spurs were not planning to let the Spanish winger, 22, go out on loan during this window. But their loan capture of Arnaut Danjuma could change things before Tuesday’s deadline. Argentine Sampaoli, who took over at Sevilla in the summer having bossed Marseille last term, said: “Bryan Gil is on my radar. I called him personally last year in Marseille. “He would give us things on the wing.” SunSport understands no deal is close and Gil will be in Spurs’ squad for today’s FA Cup fourthround clash at Preston. 8PM, ITV4 & ETH: Marcus is wizard, not me MAGIC BOOTS . . . firing forward Rashford is in a rich vein of form ERIK TEN HAG claims Marcus Rashford has conjured up his own revival rather than any ‘Harry Potter’ magic from the boss. RASHFORD FOR MAN UTD SINCE WORLD CUP Date Opponents Mins Goals Assists Dec 21 Burnley (h) 85 1 - Dec 27 Nottm Forest (h) 86 1 1 Dec 31 Wolves (a) - 45 1 Jan 3 Bournemouth (h) 90 1 - Jan 6 Everton (h) 90 1 1 Jan 10 Charlton (h) 30 2 - Jan 14 Man City (h) 89 1 - Jan 18 Crystal Palace (a) 90 - - Jan 22 Arsenal (a) 1 - 90 Jan 25 Nottm Forest (a) 57 1 - TOTAL 752 10 2 The Manchester United chief wanted to play down his own part in the incredible turnaround of the player’s fortunes under his charge. Instead, he puts it all down to the England international’s determination to find his very best form that has brought ten goals in his last ten games. Ten Hag said: “I’m not Harry Potter! It’s just confidence. Every player has to make his own confidence. He fought for this, he invested in this. “Of course, with my coaching staff, we bring in structures, especially in the way of play, that give him routines he needs to get into the right position. “But finally, it’s up to him, to the player, and when the player has the confidence then I’m convinced. “The way of play is most important but the environment and culture are also important, then the player can perform at his best. “It’s obvious that Marcus at this moment is in really good shape, really good form.” Rashford’s goalscoring run since returning from the World Cup is the best of any player in Europe’s top leagues. He scored another wonder goal against Nottingham Forest in the midweek on the back of his spectacular opener at Arsenal last weekend. New on-loan signing Wout Weghorst also broke his duck in the Carabao Cup tie at the City Ground and with Antony By NEIL CUSTIS on form in that game too, Ten Hag is confident in his attacking line-up — despite Anthony Martial’s ongoing fitness problems. Ten Hag said: “The front line now gives me a positive feeling, it’s getting stronger and they take benefit from each other. “In the first part of the season, we had many problems in the front line. “Often we had games where we didn’t have players who were 100 per cent physically and mentally fit. “Now that’s not the case as much and Marcus can take even more benefit from such situations.” United take on Reading tonight in the FA Cup fourth round as the only team in the country still fighting on four fronts. It means they are in a fixture run of ten games in 30 days but Ten Hag is not complaining. He said: “It’s tough but I think it’s always better to have games rather than training. Players like more games. “There is a good spirit and a good mood in this dressing room to cope with that. “We want to stay in those competitions as long as possible so we have to fight for that. It is good for the development of this squad. “Every day we have to give our maximum, good is not good enough. We have to do better. “It’s never at an end. We want to win every game. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is.” Tonight’s Cup game could give club captain Harry Maguire a chance to stake his claim for a regular first-team spot again. He is right down the pecking order for one of the centreback spots given the form of those ahead of him. And Ten Hag (above) told him to battle to get his place back. The Dutchman said: “It’s up to him. He has to fight for his position and things can change quickly. I have to say he’s training very well, I think he is making progress. “After the World Cup, he should have played but then he got ill. I can’t do anything about that and he knows that. “Then he has to wait for his chance, you have to wait for a change and make sure you are ready if the chance is there.” Meanwhile, Ten Hag says Jadon Sancho is on his way back after being sidelined since October, with the manager believing he has not been physically or mentally right to play. The winger, 22, only recently returned to full training with the first team since his last appearance at Chelsea. Ten Hag added: “He is training with the team and improving and we will make a decision after training.” Sancho is more likely to make the bench for tonight’s game as United aim for two trips to Wembley this season. They look to be on their way in the Carabao Cup after winning the first leg of their semi-final against Forest 3-0. But Ten Hag will not underestimate their opponents this evening, despite Reading standing 14th in the Championship. He said: “Every opponent will be tough, especially in the Cup. “For them it’s a perfect chance, we have to be aware of that and be on the front foot.” INCE: ERIK MUST SORT IT DROUGHT PAUL INCE says Manchester United By SAM ALEXANDER must lift a trophy for Erik ten Hag’s European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1991. Ince reign to fully take off. said: “It’s important for United to keep But the former United midfielder is determined to stop them winning this season’s FA Cup — by sending them tumbling in the fourth round tonight. Reading boss Ince knows all about ending a silverware drought having been part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s side that ended a 26-year wait for title glory. Ince, 55, was recruited by Fergie from West Ham in 1989 and went on to be a key part of United’s 1993 league triumph and Double success a year later. But he believes the building blocks were put in place when United lifted the FA Cup in 1990 and followed that CUP JOY . . . Ince and Bruce back in 1994 by beating Barcelona in the final of the winning trophies. They haven’t done so in six years, which can’t be right. “We knew we hadn’t won a title in 26 years. The important thing for us in 1990 was winning the Cup — United has to be seen to be winning trophies. “In that year we finished 12th or 13th, so to win an FA Cup was great. “But the second year, when we went to Rotterdam and beat Barcelona, the next pre-season after winning that there was a different feel around the club. “There was a belief and a faith to go on and win the title. We had this aura, a presence about us that we could beat teams even before we went out on the pitch. That was the most important thing, we could mix it. We could go to Wimbledon with John Fashanu and Vinny Jones — we could do that. “But we could also go to Liverpool and play, we could do that too. We had both components of a very good side.” Ince believes Ten Hag has brought the fear factor back to Old Trafford and sees similarities with the trophy-winning machine he was part of in the 90s. He reckons the prospect of facing United this season is very different to just 12 months ago. Ince added: “I sense that previously teams felt they could go to Old Trafford and get something. “What Ten Hag is doing now is giving this team a presence. I’m excited at the way they’re moving forward.”
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 2GM PLEA TO SEAGULLS FA CUP Caicedo: Let me leave ANTONIO . . . no move Moyes: Antonio won’t go By JORDAN DAVIES DAVID MOYES maintains Michail Antonio will NOT leave West Ham before the transfer deadline. And the Hammers boss is backing his wantaway star to deliver on the pitch — especially as he is the club’s ONLY fit central striker. Antonio, 32, hinted at a January exit while speaking on the Footballer’s Football Podcast, admitting: “There are talks, so whatever happens, happens.” The forward — whose contract runs out in June 2024 — has been linked with moves to Nottingham Forest, Wolves as well as MLS in America. But Moyes and Hammers’ board insist he is not for sale with Gianluca Scamacca and £12million new-boy Danny Ings out with knee issues. Asked if he was disappointed by Antonio’s comments, Moyes said: “Players are all entitled to having a voice but it is not coming from the club or me. “Sometimes players choose to do that, some of them want to go. But we want Michail here. “Sometimes players can be played around and talked to by agents. That can disrupt players but it can happen to any player, not just Michail. “We just need to hope he finds the form he had a while back and get us the goals which can get us away. I have given him every opportunity to try to do that for us.” Moyes revealed Ings was crocked 15 SECONDS into his West Ham debut as a sub in last week’s 2-0 win over Everton. He also has just three central defenders fit for Monday’s FA Cup fourthround trip to Derby, following Craig Dawson’s move to Wolves and Kurt Zouma’s hip problem. That may force Moyes back into the market before Tuesday’s deadline. He said: “I need to assess that and see if I can get by with what I have got. “If not, I would maybe need to go to the loan market. At the moment I don’t see that probably happening just yet, but it is a bit up in the air.” GUNNERS £60M BID REJECTED BRIGHT FUTURE . . . Caicedo’s terrific form has attracted big bids CAICEDO BRIGHTON RECORD THIS SEASON (all comps) 21 Games 1,832 Mins played 20 Chances created 1,248 Passes Passing accuracy 89% 1/1 Goals/assist 52% Win rate By JACK ROSSER it’s important for him to stay for another four months. Brighton v “He’s relaxed. I spoke with him MOISES CAICEDO last Liverpool like a father, not like a coach. night begged Brighton to “I am not an egoist, I underallow him a dream move Tomorrow, 1.30pm, ITV1 & stand the possibility to change to Arsenal. team and go to a very big team. The Gunners have had a understand why I want to take £60million bid rejected for the midfielder, while Chelsea saw a £55m offer turned down this month. Albion insist the Ecuador ace, 21, is not for sale and boss Roberto De Zerbi held talks with him on Wednesday to convince the player to stay until the summer. But Caicedo made a plea to Seagulls owner Tony Bloom on Instagram last night. He posted: “I am grateful to Mr Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. “I always play with a smile and with heart. “I am the youngest of ten siblings from a poor upbringing in Santo Domingo in Ecuador. “My dream was always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador. “I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful. “The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they “But my work is to give the up this magnificent opportunity.” Hours earlier, De Zerbi had style of play and advice for his said he had no concerns over career — and for his life.” If Caicedo leaves, De Zerbi says playing Caicedo. Ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup he would “expect” replacements before the window closes on clash with Liverpool, the Italian says Caicedo was “relaxed” and Tuesday but the ex-Shakhtar Donetsk boss is hoping for a not distracted by the speculation. He said: “I’m sure Caicedo will quiet end to the month. Brighton have already sold play focused only on Brighton. For him, so much can change if Leandro Trossard to Arsenal he leaves now or in the summer. for an initial £21m after the “The opportunity if you are a Belgian star, 28, fell out with good person and good player is De Zerbi following this winter’s there now. But it will also be World Cup in Qatar. there now, in the summer and next winter. Always. “I spoke with him only one time and his decision is with owner Tony Bloom and the club. “I can say my advice, my vision and my idea — but after this I just stay in my place. “I hope he can stay with us until the end of the season because my opinion is that is the best solution for both him and us. “It’s always difficult to change in the season because you can find some problems. For us, HANDS OFF . . . De Zerbi wants Caicedo to stay at Albion for now JURGEN’S KOP FLOP WARNING By KEN LAWRENCE JURGEN KLOPP warned his players will be “screwed” if they make a Seagulls video nasty on repeat and the same mistakes again at the stressed: “We had a few pretty scene of his biggest horror show. intense discussions after that. Sport WIGAN’S Miguel Azeez has been banned for one match for holding a flare after his side’s late equaliser in Cardiff. On-loan midfielder Azeez will miss the February 6 trip to Blackburn. SHORT 67 SHOCKER . . . Alexander-Arnold during 3-0 defeat But he has taken pity on those who produced what he calls the worst display of any team he has managed. That is why he will not force them to sit through more re-runs of the 3-0 defeat by Brighton a fortnight ago. The Liverpool chief defines that loss as the low point of his managerial career, admitting: “That was still the worst I saw. Pretty much everything went wrong.” Klopp (right) returns to Brighton’s home tomorrow in the FA Cup praying lessons have been learned. He points to two clean sheets since — a goalless draw with Chelsea and 1-0 third-round replay win at Wolves — as evidence of improvement. Klopp made his players sit through “But, no, they won’t be made to see it all again. It was a horror show and they could see everything that went wrong against Brighton. “We have changed. When you consider the performances in the two games since Brighton, it is like looking at two different sports. “But it’s Brighton and a lot of things are clear in what they are doing. You have to respect that and defend that. “If you don’t do that then you are screwed, there is no doubt.” Klopp revealed crocked Virgil van Dijk will not train for another fortnight — raising fears he could miss their Champions League last-16 clash with Real Madrid on February 21. Asked about his defence, Klopp said: “Last time we played Brighton, the front three did not defend properly. So it is not about defence, or midfield, it’s how we defend in general.” And Klopp accepts his star striker Mo Salah is struggling with an unsettled forward line. In his last three matches, the make-up of the front three has been different in each. Klopp said: “Oh yes, of course he is suffering. It was a well-drilled machine the front three, everything was clear. “In two or three weeks more options will be available [Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota are back from injury] and we can mix it up. We have Cody Gakpo as an important asset, like a connector. “There is no light at the end of the tunnel, there are finals and trophies.”
68 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 (3.0 unless stated) TODAY EMIRATES FA CUP FOURTH ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 Accrington Stanley v Leeds (BBC 1)....................... 12.30 Blackburn v Birmingham.................................................. Bristol City v West Brom................................................... Fulham v Sunderland......................................................... Ipswich v Burnley............................................................... Luton v Grimsby.................................................................. Man Utd v Reading (ITV4)............................................ 8.0 Preston North End v Tottenham Hotspur (BBC 1)... 6.0 Sheff Wed v Fleetwood Tn............................................... Southampton v Blackpool................................................ Walsall v Leicester (BBC Interactive)..................... 12.30 SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP Coventry v Huddersfield................................................... 9 Hull v QPR............................................................................. 10 Middlesbrough v Watford................................................. SKY BET LEAGUE ONE 11 Burton Albion v Oxford Utd.............................................. Charlton v Bolton (Sky Sports Main Event).......... 12.30 12 Cheltenham v Port Vale.................................................... 13 Lincoln City v Cambridge Utd........................................... 14 Milton Keynes Dons v Exeter............................................ 15 Morecambe v Bristol Rovers............................................. 16 Peterborough v Portsmouth........................................... Shrewsbury v Forest Green.............................................. SKY BET LEAGUE TWO 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 AFC Wimbledon v Stockport County............................... Barrow v Northampton..................................................... Crawley Tn v Salford City.................................................. Harrogate Tn v Sutton Utd............................................... Hartlepool v Colchester.................................................... Mansfield v Doncaster....................................................... Rochdale v Carlisle............................................................. Swindon v Gillingham........................................................ Tranmere v Leyton Orient................................................ 27 29 30 31 Hibernian v Aberdeen........................................................ Rangers v St Johnstone..................................................... Ross County v Kilmarnock................................................ St Mirren v Motherwell..................................................... 32 33 34 35 Dundee v Queen’s Park...................................................... Morton v Arbroath............................................................. Partick v Hamilton............................................................. Raith v Inverness CT........................................................... 36 37 38 39 40 Airdrieonians v Alloa......................................................... Clyde v Dunfermline.......................................................... FC Edinburgh v Falkirk....................................................... Montrose v Kelty Hearts................................................... Peterhead v Queen of South............................................ 41 42 43 44 45 Albion v Forfar.................................................................... Annan Athletic v East Fife................................................ Dumbarton v Bonnyrigg Rose.......................................... Stenhousemuir v Elgin...................................................... Stirling v Stranraer............................................................ CINCH PREMIERSHIP CINCH CHAMPIONSHIP CINCH LEAGUE ONE CINCH LEAGUE TWO VANARAMA NATIONAL 46 Aldershot v Oldham........................................................... Altrincham v Boreham Wood........................................... Barnet v Chesterfield........................................................ 47 Dag & Red v Yeovil.............................................................. 48 Dorking Wanderers v Solihull Moors............................... 49 Notts County v FC Halifax................................................. Scunthorpe v Bromley....................................................... Southend v Eastleigh......................................................... Torquay v Maidstone Utd.................................................. Wealdstone v Gateshead.................................................. York v Maidenhead Utd..................................................... VANARAMA NORTH - AFC Fylde v Chester FC, AFC Telford v Southport, Alfreton Tn v Kettering, Blyth Spartans v Buxton, Boston Utd v Scarborough Athletic, Brackley v Gloucester, Bradford P A v Chorley, Curzon Ashton v Farsley Celtic, Darlington v Spennymoor Tn, Hereford FC v Banbury Utd, Leamington v King’s Lynn Tn, Peterborough Sports v Kidderminster. VANARAMA SOUTH - Bath City v Farnborough, Chelmsford v Welling, Cheshunt v Slough, Dulwich v Eastbourne Borough, Ebbsfleet United v Concord Rangers, Havant and W v Hampton & Richmond, Hemel Hempstead v Dover, Hungerford Tn v Chippenham, Oxford City v Weymouth, Taunton Tn v St Albans, Tonbridge Angels v Braintree Tn, Worthing v Dartford. THE PITCHING IN NORTHERN PREMIER - Atherton Collieries v South Shields, Belper Tn v Bamber Bridge, FC Utd of Manchester v Warrington Tn, Guiseley v Hyde Utd, Lancaster City v Matlock Tn, Marine v Ashton Utd, Morpeth Tn v Radcliffe, Stafford R v Marske Utd, Stalybridge Celtic v Gainsborough Trinity, Warrington Rylands v Liversedge, Whitby Tn v Nantwich Tn. THE PITCHING IN ISTHMIAN PREMIER - Bowers & Pitsea v Potters Bar, Brightlingsea Regent v Folkestone Invicta, Canvey Island v Herne Bay, Corinthian Casuals v Bognor Regis Tn, Cray Wanderers v Lewes, Enfield Tn v Carshalton Ath, Haringey Boro v Hastings Utd, Hornchurch v Aveley, Horsham v Billericay, Kingstonian v Bishop’s Stortford, Margate v Wingate & Finchley. THE PITCHING IN SOUTHERN PREMIER CENTRAL Rushden & Diamonds v Stratford T, Basford U v Tamworth, Hednesford T v Alvechurch, Hitchin T v Bedford T, Ilkeston T v Coalville T, Kings Langley v Barwell, Leiston v St Ives T, Mickleover v Rushall Olympic, Nuneaton Boro v Stourbridge, Redditch U v Bromsgrove Sporting, Royston T v Needham Mrkt. THE PITCHING IN SOUTHERN PREMIER SOUTH Beaconsfield T v Chesham U, Bracknell T v Winchester City, Dorchester T v Swindon Supermarine, Gosport Boro v Hayes & Yeading, Hendon v Harrow Boro, Merthyr T v Salisbury, Met Police v Hanwell T, North Leigh v Hartley Wintney, Plymouth Parkway v Poole T, Weston-S-Mare v Truro C, Yate T v Tiverton T. TOMORROW EMIRATES FA CUP FOURTH ROUND Brighton v Liverpool (ITV 1)...................................... 1.30 7 Stoke v Stevenage....................................................... 2.0 8 Wrexham v Sheff Utd (BBC 1)................................... 4.30 CINCH PREMIERSHIP 26 Dundee Utd v Celtic (Sky Sports Main Event).......... 4.0 28 Livingston v Hearts (Sky Sports Football).............. 1.30 FA WOMEN’S CUP 4TH ROUND AFC Wimbledon v Charlton............................................... Arsenal v Leeds Utd..................................................... 2.0 Aston Villa v AFC Fylde................................................ 6.0 Bristol City v Oxford Utd................................................... Burnley v Cardiff.......................................................... 2.0 Chelsea v Liverpool FC...................................................1.0 Coventry United v Hashtag United............................ 2.0 Durham v Crystal Palace............................................12.0 Everton v Birmingham City.........................................1.0 Ipswich v Lewes............................................................ 2.0 Leicester v Reading...................................................... 4.0 Man City v Sheff Utd.....................................................1.0 Sunderland v Man Utd..................................................1.0 Tottenham v London City (BBC Interactive)...........12.0 West Brom v Brighton & Hove Albion........................ 2.0 Wolverhampton v West Ham...................................... 2.0 KARREN BRADY COLUMN – GOALS P16 OUR COLUMNIST ON Toffees had to roll the Dyche TO THE MANOR SEAN . . . Dyche worked wonders at Burnley and helped spark Troy Deeney’s Watford career (below) MY OLD PAL SEAN WILL UNITE CLUB THERE was only ever one man who could save Everton from their prolonged crisis and I’m convinced that man is Sean Dyche. Now the former Burnley boss is heading for Goodison Park, I’d put my house on the Toffees avoiding relegation. Now I’m biased when it comes to Dyche but I also have some insight about him, which I hope will cut through the snobbery which seems to go against him. He is pigeon-holed as a long-ball merchant and that might make him unpopular with a large section of Everton’s restless fanbase. Many of them would doubtless have preferred Marcelo Bielsa. But the former Leeds chief tends to be an 18-month sort of manager and I couldn’t see his extreme methods working in mid-season. Troy Deeney ON HIS EX-MANAGER FROM WATFORD DAYS Everton need a boss for the long term and have found one. Dyche is flexible with his tactics and outstanding in his manmanagement. Sure, his Burnley side were quite direct but they had one of the smallest budgets in the Premier League and they thrived under his management for years. Believe it or not, Everton do have better players than Dyche’s Burnley ever did. It is just that the club has lacked identity, direction and lead- ership for so long that many players have regressed there. Dyche won’t have Everton playing one-dimensional route-one football. Dyche was my assistant manager, and then my manager, when I was at Watford. I was a young idiot and Dyche told me as much. He was right and I needed it. When he was No 2 to Malky Mackay I didn’t like him and I didn’t think he liked me. So when he took over, I assumed I’d be out. Instead, he was the making of me. He told me home truths because he rated me and believed in me — he could see something there when a lot of people couldn’t. The season I spent under him was my breakthrough campaign, as I played regularly as a striker and scored 11 Championship goals. That following summer, I spent three months in prison, the lowest point of my life. But while I was inside, Dyche visited me and wrote to me. Watford were taken over by the Pozzo family that summer and Dyche lost his job. But he continued to ring me and message me regularly as my career progressed, telling me I deserved my successes. So, yes, I owe him a huge debt of gratitude but it is not just for the influence he had on my career
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... EVERTON MESS 69 FLASH GORDON . . . winger’s gone from hero-to-zero with Everton fans IT’S A GOOD JOB From Back Page down — or Moshiri will have to pay up the remainder of his deal. Dyche, who beat Sam Allardyce and Ralph Hasenhuttl to the post, will be joined by old Burnley coaches Ian Woan and Steve Stone. The 51-year-old will also be reunited with with former Turf Moor players James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Dwight McNeil at Goodison. Burnley sacked Dyche after nine years in April as they sank towards the Championship. His first game back in the Premier League will be a baptism of fire at home to leaders Arsenal used to his methods. He then next Saturday. planned to take over in the sumBielsa, 67, appeared primed to mer — leaving an interim mantake over from sacked Frank ager battling to beat the drop. Lampard after jetting to London The club were unwilling to on Thursday for crunch talks with accept his proposal and turned to Moshiri. Dyche, who now faces a transfer The former Leeds boss, who scramble to bring in reinforcewanted a £6m-a-year pay packet, ments for a relegation scrap P W had D L before F A Pts had already made Tuesday’s deadline. Arsen it clear19he 16 2of 1 45 reservations aboutal the balance He16 will 50 have funds from the Man City 20 14 the 3 3 £45m Everton’s squad and whether sale of winger Anthony 53 20 45 astleto his players couldNewc adapt high20 10 9 1 Gordon 33 11 39to Newcastle. Man Utd intensity style. deal could signal the £18m 20 12 3 5 32That 25 39 Bielsa then told of Coventry City striker Totte nhamMoshiri 21 11 3he arrival 40 31 36 wanted to Brigh worktonwith Everton’s 7 Viktor Gyokeres, 24, who has 12 19 9 4 6 strikes 37 27 31 younger players for the remainder in 27 Championship games Fulham 9 got 4 8 this 32 30season. 31 of the season while the 21 club Brentford 20 7 9 4 32 28 30 Liverpool 19 8 5 6 34 25 29 Chelsea 20 8 5 7 22 21 29 Aston Villa 20 8 4 8 23 27 28 Crystal Palace 20 6 6 8 18 27 24 Nottm Forest 20 P W F 35 5 D A Pts 6 L9 16 21 Arsen Leicesal 19 ter 1 45 20 16 5 2 3 12 50 28 16 35 18 Man City Leeds 20 14 3 19 4 6 3 45 9 53 26 20 33 18 Newc West astle 20 10 Ham 1 33 5 9 3 12 17 11 25 39 18 Man Utd Wolve 20 12 s 5 32 4 3 5 11 12 25 30 39 17 Totte Bournnham emouth 21 11 3 7 40 20 4 5 11 36 19 31 42 17 Brigh Evertton 19 on 6 37 20 9 3 4 6 11 15 27 28 31 15 Fulha Southm ampton 21 8 32 20 9 4 4 3 13 17 30 35 31 15 Brentford 20 7 9 4 32 28 30 Liverpool 19 8 5 6 34 25 29 Chelsea 20 8 5 7 22 21 29 Aston Villa 20 8 4 8 23 27 28 Crystal Palace 20 6 6 8 18 27 24 Nottm Forest 20 5 6 9 16 35 21 Leicester 20 5 3 12 28 35 18 Leeds 19 4 6 9 26 33 18 West Ham 20 5 3 12 17 25 18 Wolves 20 4 5 11 12 30 17 Bournemouth 20 4 5 11 19 42 17 Everton 20 3 6 11 15 28 15 Southampton 20 4 3 13 17 35 15 BOTTOM OF PREM DYCHE MANAGEMENT RECORD Seasons 2011-12 2012-22 Club Watford Burnley TOTAL Games 49 425 474 Win rate 35% 35% 35% PREM HIS LEAGUE POSITIONS AS MANAGER 7th 16th 19th CHAMP (R) 2nd (P) 11th 15th 10th 17th * 18th 1st (P) 11th 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 Watford which makes me believe Dyche is the right man for Everton — it’s his all-round managerial abilities. He will get the team fit and focused, he will give them a clear identity and he will connect with the fanbase. The club is horribly divided and Dyche will unite it. Footballers are like schoolkids. They need to be told what to do, they need direction and clarity. Fill their heads with too many weird and wonderful ideas and you risk losing them. Dyche gets that. He can be flexible but he is also clear and firm in his beliefs. His No 2 Ian Woan is an absolute top man as well. Everton need Dyche, as a squad and as a club, because they have been a mess for too long. For instance, I couldn’t understand why they were after Arnaut Danjuma. He’s a great talent — which is why Spurs ended up Burnley hijacking his move from Villarreal — but another flair player on the wing is not what Everton need. They need a back-up to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a player I’m convinced Dyche will work wonders for, and they need someone to anchor the midfield. Everton have a vast number of midfielders but no one who seems able to control things, to do the simple things well. So many good players have gone there over the last seven years and seem to have shrunk. There are a lot of players there on good contracts who the club want to get rid of. You can’t blame the players for that — it was the club who offered them big money — but that is not a healthy situation. The majority shareholder, Farhad Moshiri, has invested vast amounts in the squad and gone backwards. *When he left the club I’m not surprised he wants to sell up. But building a successful football club is not all about throwing money at it. It’s about having that long-term vision, which is what Dyche will bring. Everton were in severe danger of being relegated, of being out of the top flight for the first time in almost 70 years. Some say they need relegation to refresh and reset the club but I’m not having that. The Championship is tough, believe me, and there is no guarantee that Everton would come straight back up. They could have ended up in the wilderness for a generation like Leeds did if they hadn’t got this appointment right. I’m convinced they have made the right call for a change. With Dyche, Everton should be as safe as houses. Ant-ics are out of order SPEAK to Anthony Gordon and you will discover one of the most headstrong young players in the Premier League. But even he must be having a little wobble over how the decisions he has made in the last week may cause irreparable damage to his reputation at his boyhood club. Just 14 months ago, having made only eight top-flight starts, the winger spoke to the media after his first England Under-21 call-up. He said: “My aim is to be Everton’s best player, whether that’s this year, next year or however long it takes.” Maybe Gordon felt he already fulfilled that goal last season as he helped the Toffees narrowly avoid relegation. And objectively — once Richarlison had been sold to Tottenham in July — maybe he had. Yet to throw his toys out of the pram so quickly to force a move away from the club, as he has done this week by failing to show up for training three days in a row, has been staggering to watch. You might expect that kind of brazen unprofessionalism from ageing Cristiano Ronaldo, frustrated that living off his former glories was not going to cut it at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag. But not from someone who has made just 42 Prem starts and scored only seven top-flight goals. It is understandable Gordon, who turns 22 next month, may be finding it overwhelming playing for a club his friends and family support. It is somewhere that every loss and disappointment — and there have been a lot — weighs down on him more than other players. And he has admitted as much in the past. Certainly, to have idiots chasing you down the street shouting “f***ing d***head” — as he had after this month’s home defeat to By TOM BARCLAY Southampton — was an horrendous experience that could justifiably have led to him thinking, ‘to hell with them’. But there are ways of going about it, and especially with Everton’s 69-year run as a top-flight club in serious jeopardy. Gordon comes across as a hearton-his-sleeve kind of guy who will tell you what he really thinks. In an age of anodyne interviews from stars media-trained to the nth degree, he is a breath of fresh air when he speaks. His chat with the England Under21s press pack after September’s win over Germany at Bramall Lane was a perfect example. He branded modernday price tags like his own of £60million as “absolutely crazy” and made no bones about his intention to gatecrash England’s World Cup squad in Qatar. That honesty also hinted he would have liked to have left Everton in the summer when Newcastle, Chelsea and Spurs came calling. He said: “Because the place (Everton) is so good, it’s not a place where I’m like devastated because I have to stay. “That’s never been the case. I was never desperate to leave Everton.” He does seem to be now, though, and while his refreshing candour in interviews should be commended, the action he has taken to get his move should not. For the good of all parties, let us hope Newcastle can now come to an agreement with the Toffees for the young star, with a £45m deal said to be close. Because after the way he has conducted himself of late, it is hard to see the Everton fanbase forgiving their fallen idol. GORDON PREM RECORD AT EVERTON Season 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 TOTAL Games Starts % Games Mins Goals 11 3 35 16 65 4 1 25 12 42 29% 8% 92% 80% 49% 440 88 2,284 1,096 3,908 0 0 4 3 7 Assists 1 0 2 0 2
70 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 2GM FA CUP 4TH ROUND MANCHESTER AKE 64 MIKS AND Out of the Cup but Arteta eye is firmly on title THEY THINK IT’S ALL OVER . . . City superstar Haaland attempts a bicycle kick MIKEL ARTETA retreated from the Etihad, out of the FA Cup but unbruised for the title race ahead. The Arsenal boss made six changes against a virtually fullstrength City side but was only undone by a second-half Nathan Ake strike. This was the first meeting of the season between the Premier League leaders and the champions and it was a decent appetiser for the more serious battle at the Emirates on February 15. City progressed but Arsenal proved they have greater squad depth than many reckoned. It was not the worst outcome for Arteta because had he selected his strongest side and lost, we’d be 3 By DAVE KIDD CHIEF SPORTS WRITER talking of psychological scars. And while the old refrain of ‘Cit-eh, tearing Cockneys apart again!’ resounded around the Etihad in the final stages, Pep Guardiola’s men had done nothing of the sort. Leandro Trossard, on his full Arsenal debut, illuminated the first half and will add serious competition for places at the north London side, who lead City by five points with a game in hand. The previous time Arsenal visited this place, they were gubbed 5-0 early last season, with resounding NATHAN AKE’S last three goals for Man City have all been netted in different comps — FA Cup last night, v Liverpool in the Carabao last December and at Leeds in the Prem in April last year. 5 calls for Arteta’s head. How times have changed for Guardiola’s former right-hand man, now threatening to dethrone his old boss. City, despite their dominance of the Premier League, have only won one FA Cup in the last decade and Guardiola clearly has an appetite for another. Beating the leaders cannot be bad for their confidence yet this was not exactly convincing. For 64 minutes, it felt as if we were heading for a replay and a heavyweight trilogy between England’s best two sides in the space of 19 days. Ake ended that idea with a cool finish after sub Julian Alvarez had crashed a shot against a post. But Arsenal, closer to full strength after Arteta had made his substitutions, staged a serious spell of late pressure in an attempt to take City back to the Emirates next month. When the teams were announced, it was clear where Arteta’s priorities lay — those six changes included the benching of skipper Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba. Guardiola, clearly up for the Cup, changed only two of his starting line-up from last weekend’s victory over Wolves. Arsenal have added depth this month with the £21million signing of Trossard from Brighton. The Belgian forward, on his first Gunners start, gave John Stones an early filleting and teed up Takehiro Tomiyasu for a rattling long-ranger which City’s impressive stand-in ARSENAL lost their first away game since October 27 against PSV Eindhoven in the Europa League. They had won five in a row on the road before last night. 14 keeper Stefan Ortega pushed away. At the other end, Erling Haaland was giving Rob Holding a physical going-over. And when City’s goal machine pounced on a mistake from his marker, keeper Matt Turner raced out of his area to block and the Norwegian attempted a saucy 25-yard bicycle kick, only for Tomiyasu to clear. Trossard, having plenty of joy on the left flank, rinsed Rico Lewis and drilled a shot which Ortega dived to fend away. De Bruyne got some serious bend on a shot which narrowly cleared the far post. But for once, De Bruyne wasn’t even the liveliest Belgian on this pitch — Trossard continued to torment City’s defence and squared for MAN CITY have won 14 of their 17 meetings with Arsenal in all comps under Pep Guardiola (D1 L2), level with Burnley as the highest win count since he took charge of City.
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 2GM 71 CITY 1 ARSENAL 0 MATCHED AKE OF THE NET . . . defender Nathan Ake fires home City winner MATCH STATS Man City V Arsenal 8 Shots 5 Shots on target 3 2 Possession 54% 46% 493 417 Passes 11 Touches in opposition box 10 0 3 Corners 9 14 Fouls conceded Yellow cards 1 2 Red cards 0 0 To get your Dream Team ratings scan here with your smartphone To get your Dream Team ratings scan here with your smartphone Eddie Nketiah to shoot wide at the near post. Despite all their changes, Arsenal were playing some excellent stuff, knocking it about with pace and purpose. For City, though, there was always Haaland, who beat Gabriel and lobbed Turner only for his effort to land wide. City were growing tetchy — with ref Paul Tierney and with one another. Guardiola was doing his conkers on the touchline, even outFawltying Arteta. Stones limped off in first-half injury-time, after a heavy challenge from Trossard, and was replaced by Aymeric Laporte. Holding had just been booked for rugby tackling Haaland, the Arsenal centre-back’s selection Feb 5 Feb 12 Feb 15 Feb 18 Tottenham (a) Aston Villa (h) Arsenal (a) Nottm Forest (a) Prem Prem Prem Prem To get your Dream Team ratings scan here with your smartphone always looked like Arteta’s riskiest. To get your And at half-time Holding was Team while hooked in favour Dream of Saliba, Albert Sambi Lokonga replaced ratings injured Thomas Partey in midfield. scan here Guardiola soon with turned your to Kyle Walker and Alvarez but the spark was beginning tosmartphone go out of the contest when — out of the blue — City scored. Alvarez, Argentina’s World Cup winner, leathered a long-range shot against the foot of a post, Jack Grealish received the rebound, dribbled around Tomiyasu and laid back for Ake to guide his shot inside the far post. Arsenal almost managed an immediate response, Granit Xhaka’s artful centre almost fell to Nketiah but Laporte nicked it off his toes in the six-yard box. Arteta wasn’t NEXT 4 GAMES To get your Dream Team ratings scan here with your smartphone Feb 4 Feb 11 Feb 15 Feb 18 going to lie down, though, and he get your brought on formerToCity man OlekDream Team sandr Zinchenko and Odegaard. The visitors enjoyed plenty of late ratings pressure but City, scan with Laporte to here the fore and Ortega, withheld yourfirm for a place in the last 16. smartphone There will be better to come next month, when these teams meet at full strength and at full tilt for the title. But for the blessed Arteta, even a rare defeat felt like a minor triumph. To get your Dream Team ratings scan here with your smartphone To get your Dream Team ratings scan here with your smartphone To get your Dream Team ratings scan here with your smartphone BLOW . . . John Stones’ matchending injury HOW THEY LINED UP MAN CITY: Ortega, Stones (Laporte 45), Akanji, Ake, Lewis (Walker 58), Rodri, Mahrez (Alvarez 58), De Bruyne (Bernardo 75), Gundogan, Grealish, Haaland. Booked: Gundogan. ARSENAL: Turner, Tomiyasu, Holding (Saliba 46), Gabriel, Tierney (Zinchenko 66), Vieira, Partey (Lokonga 46), Xhaka, Saka (Odegaard 74), Nketiah, Trossard (Martinelli 66). Booked: Holding, Zinchenko. Everton (a) Brentford (h) Man City (h) Aston Villa (a) Prem Prem Prem Prem CAICEDO PLEA TO LEAVE AS GUNNERS BID £60M – P67 GUARDIOLA . . . through AKES From Back Page personality and second half we didn’t have him.” City exploited Partey’s exit as Ake, 27, struck his first FA Cup goal to book a fifth-round spot. It also handed Pep Guardiola’s Prem champs a psychological edge over Arsenal in the title race. Arteta hopes to bring in £80million-rated Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo before the window shuts on Tuesday after a £60m Gunners bid was rejected. He added: “If something is available, the club will try to do it when it is reasonable and is a player that can improve our squad.” Arsenal had chances to level after Ake’s opener but Eddie Nketiah missed their best chance of the night, while City keeper Stefan Ortega made two good first-half saves. Arteta, who made six changes to the starting XI who beat Manchester United 3-2 last Sunday, added: “We have taken chances in big games — that’s why we have beaten a lot of the big teams. “We must be more ruthless. We made it really difficult for them but lacked something to beat a team like this.” City had an injury blow of their own as defender John Stones limped off with a hamstring injury. The England man also earned a rocket from boss Guardiola, who said; “Today he was not ready, I saw it in the first minutes, maybe he was tired. “I don’t know how long he’ll be out but he was not ready and that’s why you get injured.” It was the 18th time Guardiola has got the better of the north London giants in his managerial career — meaning he has beaten them more than any other team. They meet again in the Prem at the Emirates on February 15 in a match that will be crucial to the title hopes of both teams. And Guardiola says this result will not have much impact on the league — and expects a different game next month. He said: “I don’t think that it will have any effect on the league. “But now I know they can go man to man when we go there. They saw what we can do — we saw what they can do. “We were definitely better in the second half. But Arsenal have taken a step forward. “It was a tight game and you realise how good a side they are.” Dutch ace Ake said: “It was the first one I ever scored with my right foot so I’m pleased with that.” GABRIEL MARTINELLI has agreed a new Arsenal deal until 2027. The Brazilian, 21, will get £180,000 a week — more than double his current salary.
72 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 2GM BLUE Sun POT’S ARMY! thesun.co.uk/sport Sport Your No1 pullouts FREE inside DYCHE GETS GOOD JOB EXCLUSIVE by ANDREW DILLON By KEN LAWRENCE GRAHAM POTTER has turned to the Army in a bid to build a better team spirit at Chelsea. SEAN DYCHE is Everton’s new boss after Marcelo Bielsa snubbed the Goodison Park job. Boss Potter took his troops to meet real soldiers as part of a bonding day to encourage more togetherness in the dressing room. He wanted to use the experience to help the flood of new signings settle in quickly at the club while Chelsea have some down time. The whole squad were taken to an army base near Liss, Hampshire, last Tuesday. But there was no rough stuff or hardcore drilling. Instead, Potter (right) used the experience to train the minds of his players with a series of mental exercises to get them Bielsa was owner Farhad Moshiri’s No 1 target but incredibly the Argentinian was only prepared to coach the club’s Under-21 side until the summer. After talks broke down with Bielsa in London, Moshiri turned to Dyche (left) to stop the Toffees tumbling out of the top flight for the first time since 1951. Dyche is understood to have agreed a contract worth around £5million a year until 2025. It contains a clause stating he will either dodge the sack — even if Everton go Turn to Page 65 Turn to Page 69 FIRST BLOOD TO PEP & CITY GORDON . . . medical Toon tie up £45m Ant deal By FRANKIE CHRISTOU y(7HA3A7*MQSSQL( |||+"!&' NEWCASTLE are set to splurge more cash after agreeing a £45million deal for Anthony Gordon. The Everton winger, 21, will travel to Tyneside today for a medical and to discuss personal terms after the Toffees dropped their £60m asking price. Gordon made it clear he wanted out of Goodison and trained away from the first team yesterday after failing to show up for the previous three sessions. Eddie Howe’s Toon will pay £40m up front, with £5m in add-ons, and Everton also benefiting from a sell-on clause. It takes the Magpies’ spending spree since October 2021’s Saudi takeover to £242m. The deal could make him the club’s secondbiggest signing — behind £60m record-buy Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad in August. Gordon made 65 Prem appearances for Everton but last started in the Boxing Day loss to Wolves. Toon have also handed defender Kieran Trippier, 32, a new deal until 2025. Out of order — Page 69 IT’S AKES AND PAINS Nath dumps Gunners out as Partey faces rib injury scan Manchester City.............................1 Arsenal..............................................0 By MARTIN BLACKBURN NATHAN AKE settled the battle between the champions and challengers to send Manchester City through in the FA Cup. POINT MADE . . . Ake after his winner while Partey (above) has a rib problem And Prem leaders Arsenal suffered a double whammy with midfielder Thomas Partey needing an MRI scan on a worrying rib injury. Defender Ake’s 64th-minute strike clinched City’s first FA Cup win over the Gunners since 1904 — when they were known as Woolwich Arsenal. Boss Mikel Arteta (left) revealed: “Thomas had discomfort and it was getting worse. He was uncomfortable and couldn’t continue. “We didn’t want to take any risks. On Saturday or Sunday he will have an MRI scan and see what he has. “It is true that Thomas is a big influence and a big Turn to Page 71 CAICEDO BEGS TO LEAVE BRIGHTON AS GUNNS BID £60M – P67 © NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS Ltd, 2023. Published in print and all other derivative formats by News Group Newspapers Ltd, 1 London Bridge St, London, SE1 9GF, 020 7782 4000. Printed by: Newsprinters (Broxbourne) Ltd, Great Cambridge Rd, Waltham Cross, EN8 8DY; Newsprinters (Knowsley) Ltd, Kitling Rd, Prescot, Merseyside L34 9HN; RPS Oldham Ltd, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 8EP; Newsprinters (Eurocentral) Ltd, Byramsmuir Rd, Holytown, Motherwell ML1 4WH; Adenium Ltd (Webprint), Mahon Retail Park, Mahon, Cork; Webprint, 2023 Bianconi Avenue, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin, Ireland; KP Services, La Rue Martel, La Rue des Pres Trading Estate, St Saviour, Jersey, JE2 7QR. For permission to copy articles or headlines for internal information purposes contact Newspaper Licensing Agency at PO Box 101, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1WX, tel 01892 525274, e-mail copy@nla.co.uk. For all other reproduction and licensing inquiries contact Licensing Department, 1 London Bridge St, London, SE1 9GF, telephone 020 7711 7888, e-mail enquiries@newslicensing.co.uk
HOLIDAY firm Travel Republic is celebrating its 20th anniversary and to mark the occasion, they have teamed up with Sun Travel to offer a range of great deals on breaks. From the Med to the Maldives and Benidorm to Dubai, there are holidays to suit every taste. All holidays come with flexible payment plans, protection and low deposits from just £35pp. So start planning your big holiday this year with Sun Travel and Travel Republic. Find out more in this special four-page pullout. WANT A BARGAIN BREAK? WE’RE ON THE CASE GREAT DEALS ON HOLIDAYS WITH TRAVEL REPUBLIC RATED 4.7/5 ON TRUSTPILOT DEPOSITS FROM £35pp 4* ALLEGRO ISORA, TENERIFE 7 NIGHTS • ALL-INCLUSIVE INCLUDES: ● Seven-night all-inclusive stay ● Direct flights with Wizz Air from Gatwick ● Departure date: 8 March 2023 HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS: ● Close to the beach ● Pool with waterslide ● FREE wifi throughout the resort ● Extensive entertainment 5* RAMADA RESORT LARA, TURKEY 7 NIGHTS • ALL-INCLUSIVE INCLUDES: ● Seven-night all-inclusive stay ● Direct flights with Wizz Air from Gatwick ● Departure date: 14 April 2023 FROM £493pp HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS: ● FREE bus service to private beach ● Six a la carte restaurants & bar ● Huge pool with slides and chutes SCAN THIS QR CODE WITH YOUR PHONE OR TABLET’S CAMERA TO VIEW ALL OF OUR INCREDIBLE OFFERS 5* IL MERCATO HOTEL & SPA, EGYPT 7 NIGHTS • ALL-INCLUSIVE INCLUDES: ● Seven-night all-inclusive stay ● Return flights with Wizz Air from Luton ● Departure date: 15 May 2023 FROM £321pp HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS: ● A la carte dining PLUS rooftop bar ● Six pools, including kids pools and spa pools ● Great entertainment, including dance lessons FROM £391pp TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Offers are applicable to selected departure dates. Hold luggage not included. Hand luggage is included. Other dates and departure airports available for a supplement. Prices subject to change, please call for the latest prices. Bookings are arranged by Travel Republic, ATOL 10581 and ABTA protected. Call: 0808 296 1627 VISIT THESUNTRAVEL.CO.UK/TRAVELREPUBLIC FOR THE VERY LATEST TRAVEL DEALS
2 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 CALL: 0808 296 1627 I thesuntravel.co.uk/travelrepublic 5* YOU & ME MALDIVES 7 NIGHTS • ALL-INCLUSIVE INCLUDES: ● Seven-night all-inclusive hotel stay ● Return flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow ● Return seaplane transfers ● FREE board upgrade until 31 Oct 2023. Book by 28 Feb 2023 ● Save up to 20% on hotel stays travelling until 30 April 2023. Book by 28 Feb 2023 ● Based on departure date: 2 May 2023 SAVE UP TO £497pp HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS: ● H20 underwater restaurant with Michelin-starred chef ● Unique rustic chic interior ● Peaceful adults-only island WAS £3147pp NOW £2650pp 5* COCOON MALDIVES 7 NIGHTS • ALL-INCLUSIVE INCLUDES: ● Seven-night all-inclusive hotel stay ● Return flights with Sri Lankan airlines from Heathrow ● Return seaplane transfers ● Save up to 30% on hotel stays travelling until 30 April 2023. Book by 28 Feb 2023 ● Based on departure date: 16 May 2023 SAVE UP TO £241pp HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS: ● All-inclusive premium upgrade from £81pp per night ● Interior by Italian designer Daniele Lago ● A pick of 50 nearby dive sites WAS £2647pp NOW £2406pp THE MALDIVES? IT’S NOT EXPENSIVE ATOLL PARADISE, PEACE AND QUIET AT A VERY AFFORDABLE PRICE DREAMING of the Maldives? You could soon be enjoying your very own slice of paradise without the big price tag. Head to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and take your pick of luxury resorts from the Cocoon Collection.These world-class retreats are spread across dreamy islands with overwater bungalows and pristine white sands. And you can be there, feeling the breeze in your hair, from just £1986pp. 5* JOY ISLAND MALDIVES 7 NIGHTS • ALL-INCLUSIVE INCLUDES: ● Seven night all-inclusive hotel stay ● Return flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow ● Return speedboat transfers ● Save up to 50% on hotel stays travelling from 1 July to 31 Oct 2023. Book by 28 Feb 2023 ● Kids stay FREE ● Based on departure date: 28 September 2023 SAVE UP TO £1068pp HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS: ● Extreme inclusive upgrade from £82pp per night ● Brand new island, opening in July 2023 ● Luxurious spa with incredible views WAS £3054pp NOW £1986pp SCAN THIS QR CODE WITH YOUR PHONE OR TABLET’S CAMERA TO VIEW ALL OF OUR INCREDIBLE OFFERS TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Offers are applicable to selected departure dates and all prices are correct at time of print. Hold luggage included. Hand luggage is included. Other dates and departure airports available for a supplement. Prices subject to change, please call for the latest prices. Bookings are arranged by Travel Republic, ATOL 10581 and ABTA protected. Call: 0808 296 1627 VISIT THESUNTRAVEL.CO.UK/TRAVELREPUBLIC FOR THE VERY LATEST TRAVEL DEALS
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... CALL: 0808 296 1627 I thesuntravel.co.uk/travelrepublic 5* FIVE PALM 4 NIGHTS • ALL-INCLUSIVE INCLUDES: ● Four-night all-inclusive hotel stay ● Return flights with Royal Brunei from Heathrow ● Save up to 45% on hotel stays, travelling Feb 2023 – 20 Dec 2023. Book by 4 Feb 2023 ● Based on departure date: 17 September 2023 SAVE UP TO £678pp HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS: ● Rooftop nightclub with resident DJs ● 12 restaurants, bars, and lounges ● Beachfront with private plot on The Palm Jumeirah WAS £1854pp NOW £1176pp PRICES THAT ARE DUBAI FOR LUXURY SHOPPING, LIVELY NIGHTLIFE AND YEAR-ROUND SUN IN THIS CHIC EMIRATE WITH Travel Republic’s superb savings, you can be rubbing shoulders with the elite in the millionaires’ playground of Dubai. Toasty temperatures, flashy bars and beautiful beaches are all on the menu here – along with an array of world-class restaurants. It’s time you visited this chic and mesmerising metropolis – and you can, from just £939pp. 5* ANANTARA THE PALM 5 NIGHTS • HALF-BOARD INCLUDES: ● Five-night half-board hotel stay ● Return flights with Emirates from Stansted ● Save up to 45% on hotel stays, travelling Feb 2023 –10 Jan 2024. Book by 4 Feb 2023 ● FREE half-board upgrade ● 20% discount on selected spa treatments ● Based on departure date: 15 March 2023 SAVE UP TO £575pp HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS: ● FREE shuttle bus to Mall Of The Emirates ● Three lagoon pools and deluxe spas ● Five restaurants and two bars WAS £1853pp NOW £1287pp 5* W DUBAI THE PALM 5 NIGHTS • BED-AND-BREAKFAST INCLUDES: SAVE UP TO ● Five-night bed-and-breakfast hotel stay ● Return flights with British Airways from Heathrow ● FREE room upgrade (from Wonderful Room King to Fabulous Room King) ● Kids stay FREE ● 20% discount on selected spa treatments ● Save up to 45% on hotel stays travelling Feb 2023 – 10 Jan 2024. Book by 7 Feb 2023 ● Based on departure date: 18 May 2023 £622pp HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS: ● Lively pool with DJ booth and daybeds ● Six bars and restaurants, including Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura’s Torno Subito ● Private beach location WAS £1561pp NOW £939pp SCAN THIS QR CODE WITH YOUR PHONE OR TABLET’S CAMERA TO VIEW ALL OF OUR INCREDIBLE OFFERS TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Offers are applicable to selected departure dates and all prices are correct at time of print. Hold luggage included. Hand luggage is included. Other dates and departure airports available for a supplement. Prices subject to change, please call for the latest prices. Bookings are arranged by Travel Republic, ATOL 10581 and ABTA protected. Call: 0808 296 1627 VISIT THESUNTRAVEL.CO.UK/TRAVELREPUBLIC FOR THE VERY LATEST TRAVEL DEALS 3
4 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 CALL: 0808 296 1627 thesuntravel.co.uk/travelrepublic 3* HOTEL SERVIGROUP PUEBLO BENIDORM 3* HOTEL SERVIGROUP CALYPSO 7 NIGHTS • BED-AND-BREAKFAST INCLUDES: ● Seven-night bed-and-breakfast hotel stay ● Return flights with easyJet from London Luton ● Saving of up to 30% on hotel stay ● Based on departure date: 9 May 2023 HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS: ● Two pools and a splash park ● Restaurant and three bars, including a pub ● Very close to the popular Levante beach 7 NIGHTS • BED-AND-BREAKFAST INCLUDES: ● Seven-night bed-and-breakfast hotel stay ● Return flights with easyJet from Manchester ● Saving of up to 26% on hotel stay ● Based on departure date: 3 May 2023 FROM £387pp HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS: ● Freshwater outdoor pool ● Three bars, including cocktail bar ● Located in the heart of Benidorm and near to shops, bars and restaurants FROM £444pp FIESTA OR SIESTA, BENIDORM’S THE BEST SPANISH RESORT THAT’S ALWAYS A FAVOURITE WITH BRITS IF you want sun, fun, sea and sand at the hottest prices, then Benidorm is the holiday destination for you. This perennial Brit favourite has everything you need for the perfect sunshine getaway and is known as the most family-friendly resort in Europe. Add in buzzing bars and restaurants plus exciting nightlife and this historic port town offers Moor for your money than just about anywhere else. 4* HOTEL SERVIGROUP NEREO 7 NIGHTS • BED-AND-BREAKFAST SCAN THIS QR CODE WITH YOUR PHONE OR TABLET’S CAMERA TO VIEW ALL OF OUR INCREDIBLE OFFERS 7 NIGHTS • BED-AND-BREAKFAST INCLUDES: ● Seven-night bed-and-breakfast hotel stay ● Return flights with easyJet from London Luton ● Saving of up to 30% on hotel stay ● Based on departure date: 9 May 2023 INCLUDES: ● Seven-night bed-and-breakfast hotel stay ● Return flights with easyJet from London Luton ● Saving of up to 30% on hotel stay ● Based on departure date: 9 May 2023 HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS: ● Lounge bar with international and premium drinks ● Outdoor pool with children’s area ● Great location with transport links to the town centre 4* HOTEL SERVIGROUP CASTILLA FROM £414pp HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS: ● Four pools and spacious terrace ● Close to buzzing Benidorm’s beaches, shops and bars ● Two bars and restaurant with show cooking FROM £399pp TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Offers are applicable to selected departure dates and all prices are correct at the time of print. Hold luggage not included. Hand luggage is included. Other dates and departure airports available for a supplement. Prices subject to change, please call for the latest prices. Bookings are arranged by Travel Republic, ATOL 10581 and ABTA protected. Call: 0808 296 1627 VISIT THESUNTRAVEL.CO.UK/TRAVELREPUBLIC FOR THE VERY LATEST TRAVEL DEALS
Gosh, Jupiter could be new star for Gary BROTHERS in arms Jupiter Du Gite and Editeur Du Gite will chase a unique Cheltenham double. The former tackles the Triumph Hurdle Trial at 11.40 while his big brother takes on mighty Energumene and Edwardstone in the Clarence House at 1.20. It’s always a family affair for Gary Moore — his boys Jamie, Josh and Ryan have ridden hundreds of winners for him. And ‘mad’ Jupiter Du Gite, has a touch of the yard’s top hurdler By JACK KEENE Goshen about him. He bolted up at 66-1 at Newbury and is 12-1 for the Triumph — a race Goshen threw away in 2020. Moore said: “I was shellshocked at Newbury but he couldn’t have won any easier. “He is mad in the head but he behaved well on the day, apart from when he went through the roof when I saddled him up. “He has been as good as gold since and hopefully he will get calmer as he gets older. Hopefully he is as good as Goshen. “It would be great if both could win but it will be tough for Editeur — it’s the Champion Chase in all but name.” Meanwhile WILLIE MULLINS could bring up his 4,000th career win today. The Closutton King sits on 3,999 global victories and would love to reach the feat with Energumene in the ClarJU BEAUTY . . . Jupiter Du Gite at Newbury ence House at Cheltenham. Favourite FREE WITH in association with Saturday, January 28, 2023 By JACK KEENE HOTSHOT Sean Bowen believes National treasure Noble Yeats will be poetry in motion on Trials Day at Cheltenham. The top jockey rides last year’s gutsy Grand National winner in the £100,000 Cotswold Chase on a bumper NINE-RACE Trials Day card at Prestbury Park. They teamed up to great effect at Aintree in December when bagging the Many Clouds Chase in style. That win catapulted Emmet Mullins’ nine-year-old into Gold Cup contention — with only Golden Miller and L’Escargot having done the Aintree-Cheltenham double. Noble Yeats is as short as 6-1 to join that exclusive club — but Bowen (left) is not looking that far ahead. First Noble Yeats needs to take down Protektorat in today’s Grade 2. Dan Skelton’s chaser, co-owned by Old Trafford legend Sir Alex Ferguson. And Bowen, 25, said: “It will be a tough race, Protektorat was third in last year’s Gold Cup and looked great at Haydock. “He is the one to beat on that form, but I wouldn’t swap my horse for him. “This will be the first time I’ve sat on him since Aintree and I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve not heard too much from Emmet as he likes Turn to Page 8 BOWEN ARROW AINT HE GOOD . . . Noble Yeats hit the big time at Aintree and runs in Cotswold today Sean: I’ll hit bullseye on National hero Yeats
2 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 Favourite BIGGEST & THE BEST, ALL OH, how I’d love to just write about some of the awesome horses running this afternoon. MATT CHAPMAN But that would be the easy route. So much is accepted and so little rarely questioned in the world of horse racing that I need to get a few things off my chest. I’ve not met a single person who thinks a person closely associated with one sport is a good option to promote another with sport they have nothing to do in association with in the eyes of the general public. In other words, AP McCoy would not be top of the list to advertise weight-lifting, and Frankie Dettori unlikely to be considered to promote synchronised swimming. But that’s what Great British Racing (GBR) decided was clever when they chose ex-footballer and soccer pundit Jermaine Jenas to front an advert to try and get people back racing after Covid. This week, unsurprisingly, it was revealed the project had failed dismally. Typically, GBR chose not to hold its hands up and admit it had wasted £1.6 million on the exercise. That’s an awful lot of cash in anyone’s book — and could have been used to really make a differ- be extinct. And all this at a time ence in so many areas of the game. when we are all trying to convince Instead, first we were told horse Government that betting on horses racing had to fight for its relevance. is a justified and fun. You could even discuss its role as I mean who knows what they actually even mean by that? But an intellectual pursuit. After all you have to be pretty just go with it for now. Then it was revealed a survey switched-on to bet on racing with so much information to sift through suggested people were very keen to go racing. Unfortunately, that dis- with weights, form, jockeys, trainers, courses and going. counted the relevance claim. It is certainly nothing like the But keep with me here. hell and chance of the dreaded Because out came Fixed Odds Betting Teranother backtrack. We minals where failure is were then informed guaranteed. even though people Anyway, how about were keen to go racing, today’s racing? we couldn’t take that Well, quite simply, it’s for granted. brilliant. I will be at Talk about going Donny keeping a very round in circles. close eye on the action CAP DU NORD (3.15 Just say you failed. at Cheltenham. Doncaster) is nicely GBR is linked with, It’s quality stiff at weighted and a top and so not surprisingly both tracks though. each-way bet in the similar, to the British In Gloucestershire we Sky Bet Chase. The Horseracing Authority. we go again for a twoground should suit Both — unlike normal mile smash-up between and canny Christian folk like you and I who Energumene and Williams can ready make mistakes every Edwardstone. I expect one for a pot. day of our lives and Willie Mullins’ runner are quite happy to to win and give the admit it — find it genius trainer his 4,000th impossible to ever actually tell it as winner worldwide. it is. It’s just excuse after excuse. Energumene is the class act and There is nothing wrong with a cock-up, even if it has cost £1.6m. this course suits him better than if the race had been at Ascot. And in general, other than the Also at Cheltenham are leading odd crusade, I am fairly sure those Gold Cup hopes Protektorat and at the BHA and GBR want the best for the sport. If they could just be Noble Yeats who fight it out in the Paddy Power Cotswold Chase. honest, and not talk to all of us as I think it is between those two if we are stupid, it would all be a and my money is on Protektorat lost easier to comprehend. after his Betfair Chase win. If I had £1 for every time a Then we have Paisley Park, child or family have asked me who struts his stuff in the to give them a ‘Yeeehaaa’ on Cleeve. He might be 11 now, course I could fund the but I think he can down sport myself. these and win the race for But GBR would a fourth time. He is some never latch on to anytestament to his great thing like that. trainer Emma Lavelle. It reminds me what Former Champion Hurdle outsiders in racing heroine Epatante, who is in are up against — it’s the Yorkshire Rose Mares’ about who you are Hurdle at Doncaster, is the and who you know. star turn up north for If GBR wants to Nicky Henderson. justify racing’s relevance She’ll get the job done then talk about the jobs but is no price. it provides and money We have a fantastic it raises in taxes. day of racing ahead. Then mention the Relevance? love and dedication It’s there for given to animals by everyone to see. those in the industry Even GBR and the fact that, can see that. without the sport, the Then again, thoroughbred would maybe not. ON AND Hands up if you wasted £1.6m, GBR M BOO OR BUST CAP IN HAND . . . Cap Du Nord can win Donny feature MATCH OF THE DAY! Energumene’s in Bloomin’ top form By JACK KEENE LIFE’s Bloomin’ marvellous for one of horse-racing’s shrewdest owners. Not only is Tony Bloom’s star chaser Energumene odds-on for a big Grade 1 on the telly today, but his super Seagulls are flying high in the Prem. The hugely popular chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion has long loved the Sport of Kings, but he only owns a handful of horses and has focussed on quality rather than quantity. You could say the same of Albion’s first team, who cost just £30 million to assemble but are battling for a place in Europe next season. World-class stars such as Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caceido and Kaoru Mitoma are currently taking Bloom’s beloved team to new heights. But racing fans would argue the most talented athlete on Bloom’s books is Energumene, who is chasing a fifth win at the highest level this afternoon. The nine-year-old was pencilled in for the Clarence House Chase at Ascot last weekend before that meeting was frozen off without a ball being kicked. The race was saved and added to a mouthwatering Cheltenham Trials Day card — but it is worth just £90,000 compared to the original purse of £175,000. Bloom and Co were still happy to ferry the horse across the Irish Sea, and if anything it was a relief to the former pro-poker player that Ascot bit the dust. ‘Uncle Tony’ — as he is known to Seagull fans — was in the stands to watch his Brighton team draw 2-2 with Leicester last weekend, but with the race delayed by seven days he will now be able to cheer his champion chaser on in the flesh. After the race he will jump in his chopper and hotfoot it back to the south coast ahead of tomorrow’s crunch FA Cup tie with Liverpool — the team they recently demolished 3-0 in the Prem. But there is a monster match-up with Edwardstone to contemplate first — with the winner of today’s big race likely to head home as the strong favourite for the Champion Chase at the Festival in March. Energumene’s big-race jock Paul Townend has been under the weather with the flu this week, but he wasn’t going to let TIME FOR A PRO BET PROTEKTORAT can edge out Noble Yeats as two top Gold Cup hopes go head-to-head in the Cotswold Chase. The Skeltons think a lot of their eight-year-old who was third in the Festival’s big one 12 months ago. FRODON HHH DON the case. Won this in 2019 and has been in fine form with a third in the King George last time. Will go from the front and his excellent jumping gives him a chance. NOBLE YEATS HHHH NOBLE hope. Grand National winner who showed his speedier side when winning an Aintree Grade 2 in style. He is a massive player for the Gold Cup in March and can go close here before a tilt at the big one. PROTEKTORAT HHHHH PRO bet. High-class chaser who was third in the Gold Cup last season but looked better and stronger when taking the Betfair Chase at Haydock. He By STEVE MULLEN TEMPLEGATE stays well and the decent ground is ideal. AHOY SENOR HH AHOY where? Grade 1 winning novice but hasn’t matched that form this year. Poor in the King George and has questions to answer. DUSART HHH DU to improve. Ended last season with a decent handicap win and had a quiet run over hurdles on comeback here last month. This is a hike in class though. SOUNDS RUSSIAN HHH RUSSIAN in. Personal best when a close second in the Rowland Meyrick. Stays trip well and capable of better. STAR RATING S Wold bea ter Wold cup Miss Wold A Wold a way End of th e Wold


Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... YOU NEED EVERY SATURDAY AS plenty of ex-jockeys will tell you — age is just a number. And I reckon old boy PAISLEY PARK (3.00) can prove just that and win a stunning fourth Cleeve Hurdle today at Cheltenham. The roof will come off if it happens and I think he can. This is competitive but, even though he’s 11 now, we’ve seen a better horse this year. His first run when a close second to Champ was very good and then he went to Kempton, which wouldn’t be his ideal track, and he backed up that Newbury run. Things went wrong for him in this race last year and he still managed to win. Let’s hope he can do it again — he’s been some horse. The Clarence House is the big one after being switched from Ascot and now it’s a completely different race. Energumene made the running in last year’s renewal and just got outstayed by Shishkin in a thriller. This is going to be a stiffer test at Cheltenham, particularly as it’s on the New Course which demands more stamina up the straight. Editeur Du Gite likes to go forward, so will Paul Townend try to drop in Energumene like he did in the Champion Chase last season? EDWARDSTONE (1.20) is a good stayer and his style of racing will suit a race with a strong pace. He’ll be dropped in for sure. It’s fascinating, and if I was forced to go with one I’d have to go with the value in Edwardstone. The Cotswold looks a cracker and, although Noble Yeats is a horse with great potential. He was good in the Many Clouds but only beat Dashel Drasher just over three lengths. PROTEKTORAT (2.25) is a different proposition. For my money he was even more impressive when he won the Many Clouds in 2021 and then he ran a great race to be third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last season. His performance in the Betfair Chase was excellent and he is proven at this level. He’s the one for me. The action gets underway with the in association with BARRY GERAGHTY MENE MACHINE . . . Energumene (left), owned by Tony Bloom (far, left) clashes with Edwardstone (above) a runny nose stop him riding one of the best horses around. Townend said: “I am delighted that the Clarence House Chase was rescheduled at Cheltenham. “It is a bigger field but Energumene is still the one you would want to ride in the race. He is the reigning champion chaser after all. “His run at Cork in the Hilly Way Chase was a nice introduction for the season. He didn’t do anything flashy, just did what he needed to. “This will be a bigger test as he takes on Edwardstone. Edwardstone is exciting but comes here off the back of an unseat which isn’t ideal, especially when you are taking on a horse like ours. “Reports say he is jumping well, but in top class races like this, you can’t come with any excuses. Editeur Du Gite will play a hand in the race as well; he likes to go forward but the bigger field isn’t a worry. “Energumene showed us last year that he can be versatile with the way he runs. I am really looking forward to getting going on him and I hope he can do the business.” So do most punters, with the Ladbrokes among a host of bookies to report strong support for the hot 1-2 favourite. It will be far from straightforward, though, with Alan King’s stable star Edwardstone waiting in the wings. The nine-year-old, who bagged last season’s Arkle at Cheltenham, has been serially underrated throughout his career and was relatively unfancied in the Tingle Creek last month. But he handed both Greaneteen and Shishkin their respective backsides with a runaway win under regular jock Tom Cannon. MY mate Frode has been going like a rocket up the gallops. And like me, he just cannot wait for the Cotswold Chase. The last couple of weeks have been about as frustrating as it gets with all the racing being frozen off. We have a period like this every winter where we lose a few meetings, but we’ve had two big cold snaps in a little over a month and it’s driving us jockeys up the wall. But these big days make up for it and I’m really looking forward to Cheltenham with Frodon. I was gutted we lost Taunton’s card last weekend as we strongly fancied him for the Portman Cup. I’ve won it a few times in the past on Yala Enki and we thought it was tailor-made for Frode. The Cotswold is obviously going to be a tougher task — it’s a Grade 2 and there are a couple of serious Gold Cup contenders in here against him. Protektorat showed improved form to win the Betfair Chase in BRYONY He has 6lb to find with Energumene on official ratings and if it wasn’t for his blip over Christmas — when he unseated early doors — he might be rated a little closer. King said: “The switch from Ascot to Cheltenham is no issue for our horse and nor is the delay of a week. He remains in fine form at home. “Of course, Energumene has been rerouted as well and he’ll be just as hard to beat this weekend as he would have been last — he’s a top-class two-mile chaser. “But we think plenty of Edwardstone too and we are excited to be taking on the reigning champion with him. “You have to give these races a go especially when you have a horse like Edwardstone.” The football can take a backseat for once — this is the real match of the day. he will run another cracker and do us and the team proud. He’s won six times at Cheltenham after all. Not many horses have a record like that. It’s not a huge field, only six, and that probably helps our chances, too. Lucy Wadham’s Midnight Mary warmed me up at WethNING erby on Thursday with a tidy GRADE 1-WIN victory in the mares’ handiJUMP JOCKEY cap chase. She is a real with trier and she battled in association bravely for me to win from the front fending a few off. Whenever another horse came to challenge her she found a bit more when it was needed each time. November and Noble Yeats is a That was a personal best perGrand National winner who has formance so I’m hoping we can progressed again this year. have a bit more fun with her in But Frodon is in absolutely fly- the coming weeks and months. ing form at home — he might be It’s gradually warming up and 11 now, but try telling him that. Cheltenham seem pretty positive He has been bouncing at Dit- that Trials Day will go ahead — cheat and we know he loves it so I say bring it on! around Cheltenham, especially on As always stay safe and keep the New Course, so I’m confident kicking! FROST STAY AWAY FAY (2.40 Doncaster) can come home alone in the River Don Novices’ Hurdle. William Hill report loads of lolly for this young gun and he goes to post with a five-star recommendation from Paul Nicholls’ gaff who believe he will prove to be well worth the 300k he cost cashed-up owner Chris Giles. And Hills are giving punters a right squeak by paying a massive six places online in the 1.50 at Cheltenham. That has got the curtains twitching and there has been early each-way dosh for Karl Philippe and Silver Hallmark. Meanwhile, a clued-up chap tells me Nicky Henderson’s crew are sending out positive signals about top-notch stayer Buzz. This fella looked a proper shooting star before fracturing his pelvis in December 2021. It’s a long trudge back from that, but Hendo’s gang are chuffed with their old pal’s progress and he will be ready to rumble this spring. And it was a belting week for a member of the tartan army who owns the filly Ciao Adios. A few shekels went west when she dropped anchor at Chelmsford in early January. But one of the nag’s caledonian cheerleaders kept the faith and whacked a ton on the schnozzle when she popped up at 25s in a two-bob heat at Southwell. Our man celebrated by hopping over Hadrian’s Wall to watch Celtic play a pub team in the Scottish Cup a day later. And he stuffed another fistful of folding in his sporran after having his wedge on The Hoops to win that mis-match 5-0 which they duly did. My mate ‘Lenny The Loafer’ needs a new goal after being given JUMP JOCKEY LEGEND with in association Paisley to give rivals Cleeve-ho Triumph Hurdle Trial where it should be a good battle between the four at the head of the market. I will be siding with SCRIPTWRITER (11.40) who improved from his first run to his second when winning here back in November. He has won a decent handicap at Wolverhampton since and he’s now rated 104 on the Flat which shows the speed he has. The vibes from trainer Milton Harris have been very strong and I think he might have the class edge here. It looks a match between HENRI THE SECOND (3.35) and Pembroke in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle. Henri The Second was a good winner of a Grade 2 at Sandown and he beat Authorised Speed in a bumper last season. He has a good, solid level of form and won like a progressive type the last day. ANDY AYRES TRACKMAN in association with the heave-ho from his job at the funeral parlour. Not that Len was unduly bothered . . . he’s never been a mourning person. Anyway, the old rascal has been on the blower about GA LAW (3.15) at Donny and he must have been putting his money where his mouth is as Hills report a carrier-bag of readies for Jamie Snowden’s classy top-weight. Away from the jumps, have a gander at Emma Owen’s DIVINE MESSENGER in the opener at Kempton Park (5.30). A shrewd pal told me this fella was being revved up for a tickle a few weeks back. The dough duly arrived at Lingers last time and a gaggle of geezers with well-worn faces and wideawake clobber looked double morose when he was chinned. ‘King of Kempton’ Danny Muscutt is booked for this recovery mission and can steer Emma’s engine home. 3
4 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 Favourite WE’RE THE BIGGEST AND THE BEST DONCASTER ON ITV: 2.05, 2.40 & 3.15 TEMPLEGATE 12.20 ..... Galahad Threepwood 12.55 .......... Watergrange Jack 1.35 ....................................Boothill 2.05.................................Epatante 2.40..................... Stay Away Fay 3.15 ..................................... Ga Law 3.50.....................................Jaytee 4.25 ..................................Go West TOM PEPPER 12.20 ........................ Fringill Dike 12.55 ............. Give Me A Cuddle 1.35 ...................................Cormier 2.05.........................Martello Sky 2.40.......................Idalko Bihoue 3.15 ..........................Tea For Free 3.50....................Croagh Patrick 4.25 ............ Beep Beep Burrow TIC-TAC: Left-handed pear shaped course, two miles in circumference, with 11 fences and a run-in of 240 yards. Apart from a slight hill 1m 2f from home the course is quite flat. FAVOURITES: (2018-2023): 418 have won out of 1,263 (33%). At the previous corresponding meetings, 27 have won out of 96 races (28%). LIVE ON SKY SPORTS RACING 12.20 12.55 2 TRAINER TRACE FIRST RACE FOR NEW YARD: 2.05 Finest View A King to A Martin; 4.25 Bombay Sunset L Bevin to L Wadham; Monteplex A Honeyball to B Ellison. RACEFAX: B Pauling won the 2.40 in 2016, 2019 & 2021. LONGEST TRAVELLERS: Saint Segal (1.35) & Galice Macalo (2.05) trained by Mrs J Williams, South Molton, round trip of 494 miles; Hold The Note (3.50) trained by Ewan Whillans, Hawick, round trip of 458 miles; Cap Du Nord (3.15), C Williams, Bridgend, round trip 434 miles. IN THE MONEY MONEY TALKS: Headscarf Lil (12.20) opened 9-2, second at 5-2f; Galice Macalo (2.05) opened 4-1, won at 3-1f; Since Day One (1.35) opened 5-2, won at 85-40; Cap Du Nord (3.15) opened 10-1, unplaced at 7-1; Norley (12.55) opened 13-2, third at 5-1. TOP EARNERS 2.05 Epatante ............... £957,344 3.15 Cap Du Nord ..........£215,914 3.15 Cloth Cap ............... £214,978 1.35 Tommy’s Oscar ...£165,893 1.35 Boothill ................... £144,682 3.15 Ga Law .....................£143,912 UNDER ORDERS FIRST TIME BLINKERS: None. VISORED FIRST TIME: None. FIRST RUN SINCE WIND OP: Maximilian (2.40). WEIGHTWATCHER: 3.50 The Late Legend (won off 112, down 6lb to 106); 12.55 Zafar (won off 111, down 6lb to 105). JOB JOCKEYS: J J Burke rides Salsada (2.05) for B Ellison, 5 from 12, 42%. D McMenamin rides Tommy’s Oscar (1.35) for A Hamilton, 18 from 60, 30%. C O’Farrell rides Beep Beep Burrow (4.25) for Jedd O’Keeffe, 3 from 12, 25%. 17-U63 CORMIER 21 B Ellison 7-11-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ross Chapman 83 Runs: 14 Wins: 4 (S,GS,2G) Places: 1 £104,699 Tough, plenty of ground to make up on Since Day One at Newcastle, ignore 3 113325 GANAPATHI 32 (T;D) P Neville 7-11-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . Sam Twiston-Davies 86 Runs: 14 Wins: 3 (S,G) Places: 1 £58,926 Experienced, raced too keenly at Wetherby latest, this is tougher 4 14-121 SINCE DAY ONE 21 (P;D) D McCain 7-11-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Hughes 92 Runs: 13 Wins: 6 (2S,3GS,G) Places: 3 £54,762 Made all and jumped well when winning at Newcastle, more to come 5 9-1252 TOMMY’S OSCAR 21 (BF,D) A Hamilton 8-11-2 . . . . . . . . . . . Danny McMenamin 97 Runs: 27 Wins: 10 (3S,4GS,2G) Places: 10 £165,893 Touch of class, ran well carrying a big weight at Newcastle, dangerous 6 TOP TRAINERS 2018-2023 B Hughes 17-128, N De Boinville 13-51, S TwistonDavies 5-63, L Williams 4-17, R T Dunne 4-27, C Hammond 4-36, K Woods 4-52. THIS SEASON: B Hughes 3, N De Boinville 2. -P1121 BOOTHILL 32 (T;D) H Fry 8-11-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jonathan Burke l99 Runs: 13 Wins: 5 (S,2GS,2G) Places: 4 £144,682 Class act, won with a bit in hand at Kempton latest, hard to beat HOT ‘N NOT TOP JOCKEYS LIGHTNING NOVICES’ CHASE (GRADE 2) (1) winner £28,475; 2m (6 runners) 1 TRAINERS with best record in last 14 days: B Ellison 4 wins from 14 runners; K Lee 2 from 4; J O’Keeffe 2 from 4; C Longsdon 3 from 6; N Henderson 3 from 10; L Wadham 2 from 9; I Williams 3 from 15; Jonjo O’Neill 2 from 13. JOCKEYS with best record in last 14 days: N De Boinville 3 wins from 6 rides; N Moscrop 2 from 7; E Smith-Chaston 2 from 7; S Twiston-Davies 2 from 10. TRAINERS who have had the most runners since last win: Miss A Murphy 40; G Boanas 38. JOCKEYS who have had the most rides since last win: B Lynn 37; J Hamilton 33. 2018-2023 I Williams 21-154, N Henderson 20-83, P Nicholls 16-69, N Twiston-Davies 13-62, D McCain 13-85, F O’Brien 12-57, C Longsdon 11-84, N Richards 10-67, B Pauling 10-79, N Mulholland 8-48. THIS SEASON: N Henderson 4, D McCain 3. HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY NEIL YOUNG HANDICAP HURDLE (DIV 2) (4); £4,330; 2m 3f. (9 runners) 1 R21-184 VINTAGE FIZZ 63 J O’Keeffe 6-12-1.................................Charlie Hammond 92 2 -435258 BIG BAD BEAR 30 (CD) N Richards 9-11-12................... Conor Rabbitt (7) 93 3 5-47213 NORLEY 38 (T;D) B Pauling 8-11-7 .....................................Beau Morgan (7) 97 4 0-21403 WATERGRANGE JACK 33 (D) N Mulholland 7-11-7.......... Robbie Dunne 96 5 621-126 GIVE ME A CUDDLE 54 N King 7-11-6..............................Nico De Boinville 92 6 /36-282 TREVADA 57 (T) O Sherwood 7-11-4 .................................. Jonathan Burke 95 7 1P47-32 KEEPYOURDREAMSBIG 31 N Twiston-Davies 5-11-3 .. Sam Twiston-Davies 98 8 214/3-1 GILBERTINA 33 (C,D) N Kent 6-11-2 .................................... Brian Hughes l99 9 5224-63 ZAFAR 54 (P) D McCain 8-10-13 ..........................................................Doubtful 89 BETTING: 4 Trevada, 9-2 Keepyourdreamsbig, 5 Gilbertina, 6 Vintage Fizz, 13-2 Norley, 8 Give Me A Cuddle, 10 Watergrange Jack, 16 Big Bad Bear WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED and 2022: See Div 1. 1.35 0-65112 SAINT SEGAL 1 (T;D;BF) J Williams 5-10-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ciaran Gethings 90 Runs: 8 Wins: 4 (S,3GS) Places: 1 £41,667 Taken well to chasing, given average ride here yesterday, this is tougher BETTING: 5-4 Tommy’s Oscar, 11-8 Boothill, 12 Since Day One, 14 Saint Segal, 16 Cormier, Ganapathi WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 1 1 1 1 1 2022: Third Time Lucki 7-11-5, H Skelton 8-15 Fav (D Skelton), 3 ran. Sunracing FORM (btn 14l) (Newcastle 2m nov Limited BOOTHILL (11-4) 7-4 jumped well, hcap ch (3) £7,922 good to soft). raced keenly in 4th, closer 2 out, led last, driven clear, bt Aucunrisque (11- GANAPATHI (11-10) 18-1 held up, headway 4 out, every chance 2 out, 4) 1l (4 ran) (Kempton 2m nov ch Grd weakening last, 5th of 6 (btn 9l) to 2 (1) £30,538 good to soft). Grandads Cottage (10-6) (Wetherby SINCE DAY ONE (10-5) 85-40 made 2m 3f nov hcap ch (3) £6,045 soft). all, went clear 2 out, alway in control, bt TOMMY’S OSCAR (11-10) SAINT SEGAL (11-2) 11-10 fav close up, bad mistake 7th, went 2nd before 5-4 fav chased leader, ridden and 2 out, led next, stayed on well, bt outpaced 2 out, plugged on last, 41/2l Christopher Wood (11-0) 21/2l (5 ran) CORMIER (10-5) 9-4 held up, pushed along 3 out, never landed a blow, last (Hereford 2m nov ch (3) £8,450 soft). 2.05 TEMPLEGATE’S VERDICT HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY NEIL YOUNG HANDICAP HURDLE (DIV 1) (Class 4); £4,330; 2m 3f. (9 runners) 1 83515-P GLENTRUAN 99 (H,T) P Neville 8-12-2 ..............................Tom Midgley (5) 89 2 -12343F COULD BE TROUBLE 33 (P,T) D McCain 8-12-1 .............Mr W Maggs (10) 92 3 2721563 THE NAVIGATOR 16 D Sayer 8-11-12 ................................... Conor O’Farrell 95 4 21-1175 FRINGILL DIKE 63 J O’Keeffe 6-11-9 .................Emma Smith-Chaston (3) 91 5 57-518P ERNESTO 28 (T,V) I Williams 8-11-7 .....................Mr Daire McConville (7) 87 6 -2P5524 GALAHAD THREEPWOOD 33 B Pauling 6-11-5.................. Kielan Woods 97 7 13-4012 KAJAKI 104 (B) N Richards 10-11-3 .............................. Danny McMenamin 98 8 2212234 GOOD BYE 33 (B;D) S Ender 8-11-2 ................................ Phillip Armson (3) 95 9 3148-62 HEADSCARF LIL 79 (BF) N Richards 9-10-11 .................... Brian Hughes l99 BETTING: 9-4 Headscarf Lil, 4 Galahad Threepwood, 5 Kajaki, 6 Good Bye, 13-2 Fringill Dike, 12 Glentruan, 14 Could Be Trouble, 16 The Navigator, 33 Ernesto WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 3-4 1 6 3 2 2022: Jay Jay Reilly 6-11-10 Harry Skelton 6-1 (D Skelton), 15 ran. SKY BET YORKSHIRE ROSE MARES’ HURDLE (GRADE 2) £28,475; 2m 1f (6 runners) 1 213-22 EPATANTE 33 (D) 2 17-222 MARTELLO SKY 21 (PH;D) N Henderson 9-11-8. . . . . . . . . . . .Nico De Boinville l99 Runs: 20 Wins: 11 (5S,4GS,2G) Places: 8 £957,344 Class act, not disgraced behind Con Hill this season, impossible to oppose L Wadham 7-11-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Hughes 91 Runs: 16 Wins: 8 (3S,2GS,3G) Places: 3 £88,102 Consistent, form has dipped this season compared to last, forecast bet 3 1-1114 FINEST VIEW 216 (D) A Martin 6-11-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Martin 86 Runs: 10 Wins: 5 (A,4G) Places: 2 £35,114 Connections hoping for black type, but improvement needed at this level 4 3-2431 GALICE MACALO 20 (TH) J Williams 7-11-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ciaran Gethings 88 Runs: 20 Wins: 4 (S,GS,2G) Places: 3 £49,050 Bounced back to winning ways at Chepstow latest, can hit the frame 5 01U54P PELTWELL 33 (P) N Mulholland 10-11-2 . . . . . . . Sam Twiston-Davies 76 Runs: 23 Wins: 8 (4GS,4G) Places: 1 £33,735 Struggled when pulled up over fences at Wincanton, hard to fancy 6 122- SALSADA F220 (PH,TH;BF,D) B Ellison 6-11-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jonathan Burke 80 Runs: 3 Wins: 1 (G) Places: 1 £8,601 Useful Flat form, jumping is not the best but she’s scope to improve BETTING: 2-7 Epatante, 4 Martello Sky, 12 Galice Macalo, 16 Finest View, 33 Salsada, 100 Peltwell WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 1 1 1-3 2 2 2022: Miss Heritage 8-11-2, Sean Quinlan 10-1 (L Wadham), 5 ran. Sunracing FORM 2m 1f hcap hdle (2) £21,124 good). EPATANTE (11-3) 7-1 held up, headway 4 out, went 2nd turning in, ridden GALICE MACALO (12-2) 3-1 fav led, went clear 2 out, very easily, bt and no chance with winner, btn 17l by Progressive (11-5) 10l (10 ran) (ChepConstitution Hill (11-10) (5 ran) (Kempstow 2m hcap hdle (4) £4,330 soft). ton 2m hdle Grd 1 (1) £74,035 soft). PELTWELL pulled up latest, (11-7) 28-1 MARTELLO SKY (11-8) 10-3 tracked chased leader, shaken up to lead leader, reminder after 3 out, pushed home turn, soon ridden and headed, along and four lengths down 2 out, no extra 2 out, 4th of 5 (btn 73/4l) to no chance with winner, btn 13l by Wynn House (11-6) (Wincanton 2m 5f Love Envoi (11-7) (5 ran) (Sandown hcap hdle (2) £15,249 good to firm). 21/2m Listed hdle (1) £14,238 soft). SALSADA (11-0) 1-2 fav handy, outFINEST VIEW (11-8) 11-2 mid-division, paced 2 out, one pace, btn 51/2l by pushed along before last, ridden and Carn A Chlamain (10-6) (9 ran) (Southno impression run-in, 4th of 13 (btn well 2m nov hdle (4) £5,446 good). 61/4l) to Island Mahee (10-7) (Cartmel EPATANTE will be pleased to see Constitution Hill isn’t in the line-up as the former Champion Hurdler has chased home her superstar stablemate on both runs this season. This is her first drop from Grade 1 level in more than three years. She has been working well on the gallops and her class can see her home at short odds. Martello Sky is the best of the rest after a trio of seconds in Listed races. Her stamina has been a little stretched a couple of times and dropping to this twomile trip looks a wise move. The others would be happier in a handicap. Galice Macalo had 10 lengths in hand at Chepstow last time when running them into the ground from the front. She’s likely to try those tactics again but is up against stronger opposition. Finest View was in good form for Alan King before joining new trainer Andrew Martin but she isn’t used to this higher standard. 2.05 2.40 ALBERT BARTLETT RIVER DON NOVICES’ HURDLE (GRD 2) £22,780; 3m (10 runners) 1 7-7111 GRAND SOIR 41 (D) J McConnell (Ire) 7-11-0 . . . . . . . . . .Mr Ben Harvey 96 Runs: 7 Wins: 4 (2G) Places: 1 £22,521 Irish raider, yard won this last year, should be in the thick of the action 2 53-213 HURRICANE BAY 33 (BF,C) L Wadham 7-11-0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nico De Boinville 89 Runs: 7 Wins: 1 (G) Places: 4 £9,291 Course winner, not suited by drop in trip at Hereford, better expected 3 1-13 IDALKO BIHOUE 28 N Twiston-Davies 5-11-0 . . . . Sam Twiston-Davies 97 Runs: 3 Wins: 2 (S) Places: 1 £10,940 Promising, lacked pace in the Challow at Newbury, looks a real stayer 4 2523-1 MAHONS GLORY 97 R Newland 7-11-0 . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlie Hammond 92 Runs: 14 Wins: 1 (GS) Places: 7 £18,015 Ex-Irish, struck first time out for new yard at Aintree, more to come 5 11-113 MAXIMILIAN 57 6 21-141 PARK THIS ONE 27 D McCain 7-11-0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Hughes 90 Runs: 6 Wins: 5 (3S,2GS) £24,391 Classy, unbeaten prior to Grade 2 third at Sandown, big threat to all J Snowden 6-11-0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jonathan Burke 98 Runs: 8 Wins: 4 (S,2G) Places: 2 £16,135 Talented, only defeat in three starts came in a Grade 2, could surprise 7 41-P36 ROCK ON COWBOY 27 8 1-1 STAY AWAY FAY 64 (T) B Pauling 6-11-0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kielan Woods 86 Runs: 5 Wins: 1 Places: 1 £1,129 Poor at Cheltenham, needs new trip to have a big effect, hard to fancy P Nicholls 6-11-0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lorcan Williams l99 Runs: 2 Wins: 2 (G) £6,535 Expensive recruit, won well on sole start at Newbury, strongly fancied 9 3-3112 THE WOUNDED KNEE 99 (T;D) P Neville 6-11-0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tom Midgley 90 Runs: 8 Wins: 2 (GS,G) Places: 3 £15,133 Stable debut, yet to finish out of the three in four starts, one to consider 10 -12121 TWIG 82 B Pauling 8-11-0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beau Morgan 96 Runs: 16 Wins: 9 (GS,4G) Places: 3 £23,337 Impressive at Kempton, yard have a great record in this, more to come BETTING: 9-4 Stay Away Fay, 7-2 Grand Soir, 5 Maximilian, 6 Twig, 7 The Wounded Knee, Idalko Bihoue,, 10 Mahons Glory WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 8 2-3 2-4 PU 3 2022: Mahler Mission 6-10-12, James Bowen 11-2 (J McConnell Ire), 7 ran. Sunracing FORM GRAND SOIR (12-0) 9-4 jt fav held up, progress 3 out, led 2 out, clear last, kept on well, bt Level Neverending (11-6) 23/4l (6 ran) (Thurles 2m 7f nov hdle €9,000 good to yielding). HURRICANE BAY (10-11) 2-1 fav soon led, headed 2 out, no impression on winner flat, 3rd of 13 (btn 4l) to Supreme Gift (11-0) (Huntingdon 21/2m nov hdle (4) £4,084 soft). IDALKO BIHOUE (11-7) 18-1 tracked leaders, pushed along home turn, plugged on in 3rd 2 out, 3rd of 12 (14l) to Hermes Allen (11-7) (Newbury 21/2m nov hdle Grd 1 (1) £34,170 soft). MAHONS GLORY (11-4) 14-1 slowly away, towards rear, headway 2 out, challenged last, led flat, bt Heezer Geezer (11-4) 3/4l (8 ran) (Aintree 21/2m mdn hdle (3) £5,446 good to soft). MAXIMILIAN (11-2) 11-4 held up, pushed along 4 out, rallied 2 out, went 3rd last, 3rd of 6 (btn 81/4l) to Henri The Second (11-2) PARK THIS ONE (11-2) 20-1 chased leaders, hit 3 out, outpaced before next, plugged on last, 4th (btn 91/2l) (Sandown 21/2m nov hdle Grd 2 (1) £34,170 soft). PARK THIS ONE (11-12) 8-15 fav led 5th, drew clear last, bt Happywifehappylife (10-7) 5l (7 ran) (Catterick 2m 3f nov hdle (4) £4,248 soft). ROCK ON COWBOY (11-7) 28-1 tracked leaders, disputing 3rd and outpaced last, well held flat, 6th of 13 (btn 30l) to Weveallbeencaught (11-7) (Cheltenham 21/2m mdn hdle (2) £10,562 good to soft). STAY AWAY FAY (11-0) 15-8 fav chased leaders, closer 2 out, plenty to do last, led run-in, soon clear, bt Heezer Geezer (11-0) 5l (10 ran) (Newbury 21/2m nov hdle (3) £6,535 good). THE WOUNDED KNEE (11-8) 20-1 chased leader, led 2 out, edged right flat, headed towards finish, btn 3/4l by Mofasa (11-5) (10 ran) (Cheltenham 21/2m nov hdle (2) £10,406 good). TWIG (10-7) 1-4 fav chased leaders, led 2 out, soon clear, eased, bt Ajp Kingdom (11-0) 14l (6 ran) (Kempton 2m 5f nov hdle (4) £4,357 good). TEMPLEGATE’S VERDICT STAY AWAY FAY cost north of £300,000 and looked a good prospect for Paul Nicholls when winning nicely on debut at Newbury in November. The form of that race has been franked and the 13-time champion trainer has been patient with him. Stepping up to three miles should suit given how strongly he finished last time and he is expected to kick on from that. Maximilian has had a wind op since an excellent third in a Grade 2 at Sandown early last month. He saw out a testing trip well when winning in the mud at Bangor before that and won’t be far away. Grand Soir made it three wins on the spin in Ireland when staying on strongly to win at Thurles. He will appreciate this stamina test and is high on the shortlist for the excellent John McConnell. Idalko Bihoue won easily at Worcester on debut and was pitched into the Grade 1 Challow where he was a promising third. He’ll be a threat if seeing out this extra half-mile. Mahons Glory was good at Aintree and has place claims in this tougher race. 2.40 3.15 SKY BET HANDICAP CHASE (1) value to the winner £56,950; 3m (12 runners) 1 132/31 GA LAW 77 J Snowden 7-12-0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jonathan Burke l99 Runs: 9 Wins: 5 (S,F,3G) Places: 1 £143,912 Classy, powerful win in the Paddy Power at Cheltenham, one to beat 2 PP-P4P WINDSOR AVENUE 33 (CD) B Ellison 11-11-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ross Chapman 94 Runs: 26 Wins: 8 (4S,GS,2G) Places: 5 £122,590 Tough win last year, 2lb lower this time but comes here completely out of form 3 244-16 ELVIS MAIL 56 (T) 4 2220-2 MISTER COFFEY 32 5 U0-127 DEMACHINE 27 (T;D) N Alexander 9-11-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bruce Lynn (3) 89 Runs: 24 Wins: 6 (3S,2GS,G) Places: 4 £84,000 Strong traveller, best form is over shorter, may find a few too tough N Henderson 8-11-4. . . . . . . . . . . .Nico De Boinville 98 Runs: 13 Wins: 3 (2S,G) Places: 7 £72,691 Encouraging return at Chepstow latest, will be sharper here, big run expected K Lee 9-11-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caoilin Quinn (5) 90 Runs: 14 Wins: 3 (S,GS,G) Places: 6 £63,771 Strong traveller, yet to prove he wants 3m, improvement needed 6 R3P-56 CLOTH CAP 56 (P,T) Jonjo O’Neill 11-11-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Hughes 87 Runs: 27 Wins: 5 (2GS,3G) Places: 3 £214,978 Regressive, but shaped better in the Becher at Aintree, more needed 7 2-1111 TEA FOR FREE 28 (D) C Longsdon 8-11-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lilly Pinchin (3) 96 Runs: 11 Wins: 5 (S,3G) Places: 2 £31,845 Winning machine, looked good when hacking up at Newbury, more to come 8 41P-3P UNDERSUPERVISION 28 (P;C) N Twiston-Davies 7-10-12 . . . Sam Twiston-Davies 94 Runs: 13 Wins: 3 (3S) Places: 2 £54,141 Won the Grimthorpe here last year, only 2lb higher this time, interesting 9 311-32 JAVA POINT 27 (T;D) T George 8-10-11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ciaran Gethings 91 Runs: 19 Wins: 5 (2S,GS,G) Places: 7 £48,406 Consistent, never stopped trying at Chelts latest, leading contender 10 UPP-22 SHANTY ALLEY 28 (P;C,D) B Case 9-10-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conor O’Farrell 90 Runs: 22 Wins: 3 (S,GS,G) Places: 7 £30,688 Bold jumper, ran well when second at Newbury latest, this is tougher 11 P-2132 COOPER’S CROSS 27 (PH) 12 5-5350 CAP DU NORD 27 (P;D) W Coltherd 8-10-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sam Coltherd 94 Runs: 14 Wins: 3 (2GS) Places: 5 £28,319 Improving with racing, solid effort at Musselburgh latest, place claims C Williams 10-10-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Tudor 87 Runs: 44 Wins: 7 (5GS,2G) Places: 8 £215,914 Strong stayer, flopped at Cheltenham but comes here off a competitive mark BETTING: 11-4 Ga Law, 5 Tea For Free, 6 Mister Coffey, 7 Cap Du Nord, 8 Cloth Cap, 10 Java Point, 12 Cooper’s Cross, 14 Demachine, Elvis Mail, 16 Undersupervision, Windsor Avenue, Shanty Alley WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 3 6 0 3 5 2022: Windsor Avenue 10-11-1, Sean Quinlan 40-1 (B Ellison), 16 ran. Sunracing FORM GA LAW (11-0) 5-1 headway 2 out, ran on gamely, led finish, bt French Dynamite (11-6) 3/4l (14 ran) (Cheltenham 21/2m (1) £90,032 good to soft). WINDSOR AVENUE pulled up latest, earlier (10-8) 25-1 chased leaders, mistake 3rd, ridden before 4 out, no impression run-in, 4th of 9 (btn 61/4l) to L’Homme Presse (12-0) (Newcastle 2m 7f (1) £39,865 good to soft). COOPER’S CROSS (10-10) 11-1 held up, headway 3 out, ridden, no extra near finish, 3rd of 13 (btn 51/2l) to Brave Seasca (12-1) ELVIS MAIL (11-8) 9-1 prominent, outpaced 2 out, no extra, 6th (btn 13l) (13 ran) (Aintree 21/2m hcap ch (2) £20,576 good to soft). MISTER COFFEY (11-10) 5-1 led, joined 3 out, headed 2 out, stayed on but no match for winner, btn 5l by Super Survivor (10-9) (6 ran) (Chepstow 3m nov hcap ch (3) £6,535 soft). DEMACHINE (10-13) 20-1 towards rear, ridden 3 out, no impression 2 out, 7th of 16 (btn 15l) to Midnight River (11-4) (Cheltenham 2m 5f (1) £56,950 soft). CLOTH CAP (11-7) 33-1 prominent, led 16th, headed last, faded, 6th of 22 (14l) to Ashtown Lad (11-5) (Aintree 31/4m hcap ch (1) £84,195 soft). TEA FOR FREE (10-13) 7-1 jumped soundly made all, went clear 2 out, stayed on strongly, unchallenged, bt Halo Des Obeaux (11-4) 61/2l (7 ran) (Newbury 23/4m (3) £7,407 soft). UNDERSUPERVISION pulled up latest, (11-8) 7-2 held up, outpaced 3 out, rallied, 3rd of 8 (btn 51/2l) to Eva’s Oskar (11-12) (Cheltenham 31/4m hcap ch (1) £39,865 good to soft). JAVA POINT (11-2) 11-2 chased leaders, went 2nd last, hung left flat, no impression, btn 81/2l by Rapper (11-6) CAP DU NORD (10-11) 7-1 rear of middivision, hit 18th, soon weakened, last (btn 39l) (11 ran) (Cheltenham 31/4m hcap ch (2) £13,008 soft). SHANTY ALLEY (11-4) 11-1 chased leader, hit 4 out, led 2 out until last, kept on, held, btn 3/ 4l by Grumpy Charley (12-0) UNDERSUPERVISION (12-1) 6-1 chased leaders, mistake 14th, ridden 5 out, faded 4 out, pulled up (13 ran) (Newbury 31/4m hcap ch (3) £12,853 soft). COOPER’S CROSS (10-11) 3-1 midfield, headway 4 out, mistake last, held on for 2nd finish, btn 61/2l by Minella Drama (12-0) (7 ran) (Musselburgh 21/2m hcap ch (2) £15,609 soft). TEMPLEGATE’S VERDICT GA LAW was impressive when winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup in November. He dug deep up the hill and was going away at the line. He has Grade 1 placed form on his CV and it would be no surprise to see him progress into more than a handicapper pretty quickly for trainer Jamie Snowden. Tea For Free is in the form of his life and made it four convincing wins in a row at Newbury on New Year’s Eve. A 7lb rise means he needs to take another step forward but there’s every chance he’ll do so. He gets on well with Lilly Pinchin who takes off valuable weight. Shanty Alley was carried out on his shield after a right battle at Newbury. He has winning form around here and stays well so has solid each-way hopes. Mister Coffey went close at Chepstow and is back from the same mark. He was second in the Kim Muir at last year’s Cheltenham Festival so won’t lack for stamina. Java Point has run well on both starts this season and is only 3lb higher than his last win. 3.15 PAUL NICHOLLS believes Stay Away Fay will have a good day at Donny. His six-year-old won on debut for the king of Ditcheat and is stepped up in class for the Grade 2 River Don Hurdle. Betfair ambassador Nicholls (left) said: “He won his point to point in Ireland and pleased us a lot at Newbury. He is a lot sharper now, stays well, wants good ground and I’ve had this race in mind for him since. He is in great shape.”
Favourite Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... ALL YOU NEED ALL THE TIME UTTOXETER GOING: GOOD TRADING FLOOR 3.50 SKY BET EXTRA PLACES EVERY DAY HCAP CHASE (4); value to the winner £5,281; 3m. (12 runners) 1 2111-56 TIM PAT 37 (T) D McCain 7-12-2 ...............................................Brian Hughes 92 2 6524-19 HAWTHORN COTTAGE 50 (B,T;D) A Murphy 10-11-13 .. Lilly Pinchin (3) 95 3 2423-2P EYEOFTHESCORPION 28 (P) F O’Brien 9-11-12 .................. Connor Brace 96 4 6-34323 TASTE THE FEAR 18 (P) R Newland 8-11-8..............Sam Twiston-Davies 89 5 27212-4 JAYTEE 53 I Williams 8-11-7 ..................................................................Doubtful 96 6 33-4P15 HOLD THE NOTE 30 E Whillans 9-11-6 ....................... Danny McMenamin 92 7 25-33F4 THE MACON LUGNATIC 33 B Pauling 9-11-5...................... Kielan Woods 90 8 F1-F231 GREAT D’ANGE 55 (T;D) T George 7-11-3 .....................Jonathan Burke l99 9 P41-360 THE LATE LEGEND 28 (T;CD) T Weston 10-11-0 ......................Jack Tudor 81 10 P21-533 MOROZOV COCKTAIL 15 (B;D) T Easterby 7-10-11 ........Jamie Hamilton 87 11 -2542P8 CROAGH PATRICK 31 (T) S England 8-10-8 ...............Jonathan England 76 12 2814/26 TOP DECISION 55 (T;C) S Drinkwater 10-10-6.................... Robbie Dunne 85 BETTING: 7-2 Great D’Ange, 9-2 Morozov Cocktail, 6 Eyeofthescorpion, 13-2 The Macon Lugnatic 8 Hold The Note, 10 Hawthorn Cottage, 12 Tim Pat WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: UR 2 4 1 4 2022: Hard To Forget 9-11-1 James Davies 9-1 (Henry Oliver), 6 ran. Sunracing FORM TIM PAT (12-0) 13-2 mid-division, ridden 10th, no impression 3 out, 6th of 8 (btn 91/2l) to Hitman Fred (10-10) (Ayr 3m hcap ch (3) £7,624 good to soft). HAWTHORN COTTAGE (11-5) 6-1 always in rear, outpaced 7th, well beaten 4 out, 9th of 10 (well btn) to Dame du Soir (10-0) (Cheltenham 2m 5f mrs hcap ch (3) £10,892 good). EYEOFTHESCORPION pulled up latest, (11-4) 4-1 held up in touch, headway 2 out, chased winner last, no impression, btn 41/4l by The Changing Man (10-8) (5 ran) (Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcap hdle (3) £8,823 soft). TASTE THE FEAR (11-12) 15-2 tracked leader, led 14th, headed 3 out, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 6 (btn 31l) to The Questioner (10-9) (Doncaster 31/4m nov hcap ch (4) £7,922 soft). JAYTEE (10-9) 11-2 in touch, effort when not fluent 3 out, stayed on same pace last, 4th of 8 (btn 61/2l) to Hurricane Harvey (11-8) (Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcap hdle (4) £4,684 good to soft). MOROZOV COCKTAIL (10-13) 6-1 in touch, mistake 5th, pushed along 4 out, plugged on flat, 3rd of 11 (btn 13l) to Rath An Iuir (11-1) HOLD THE NOTE (11-3) 17-2 prominent, , led 5 out, headed last, weakened run-in, 5th (btn 17l) (11 ran) (Kelso 31/4m amat 4.25 hcap ch (4) £4,414 heavy). THE MACON LUGNATIC (11-9) 6-1 chased leaders, pushed along 8th, hanging left 3 out, well beaten 2 out, 4th of 8 (btn 31l) to Loup De Maulde (11-5) (Huntingdon 3m 1f cond hcap hdle (4) £4,575 good to soft). GREAT D’ANGE (11-9) 3-1 prominent, jumped well, led home turn and soon pushed along, stayed on strongly last, bt TASTE THE FEAR (12-2) 18-1 chased leaders, reminders 10th, headway 3 out, every chance last, no impression, 13/4l TOP DECISION (11-4) 13-2 towards rear, ridden 3 out, well held, 6th (btn 16l) (8 ran) (Huntingdon 3m hcap ch (4) £5,446 good). THE LATE LEGEND (11-2) 25-1 led, ridden and headed after 4 out, weakened 3 out, tailed off, 11th of 14 (btn) to Shot Boii (11-9) (Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcap hdle (5) £4,684 heavy). MOROZOV COCKTAIL (11-3) 10-3 chased leader, bad mistake 10th, outpaced 3 out, kept on, 3rd of 6 (10l) to Onestepatatime (10-2) (Sedgefield 3m 3f hcap ch (4) £7,393 soft). CROAGH PATRICK (11-10) 9-1 towards rear, pushed along 4 out, ridden and weakened 3 out, tailed off, 8th of 12 (btn) to Pilot Show (11-10) (Catterick 3m 1f hcap ch (5) £4,423 soft). GOOD LUCK BEEP BEEP BURROW NH FLAT RACE (5); value to the winner £2,614; 2m 1f. (15 runners) 1 B BALCOMIE BREEZE 84 G Boanas 5-11-2 .......................... Tom Midgley (5) — 2 BEEP BEEP BURROW J O’Keeffe 6-11-2 ..............................Conor O’Farrell — 3 2 BOMBAY SUNSET 251 L Wadham 5-11-2 .......................Nico De Boinville 90 4 2-2 GO WEST 71 (BF) P Nicholls 5-11-2 .....................................Lorcan Williams 98 5 0 REMEMBER ALLY 33 (TH) T Leeson 5-11-2 ................... Tom Buckley (3) 73 6 RUE GALILEE T Easterby 5-11-2 ........................................... Nathan Moscrop — 7 10 DINO BELLAGIO 27 D McCain 4-10-10 ............................... Brian Hughes l99 8 97 LUNA AOIFE 33 J O’Keeffe 5-10-9 ............................................... Jack Garritty — 9 5-35 MONTEPLEX 249 (HH,T) B Ellison 6-10-9 .................... Patrick Wadge (7) 95 10 5 MUG BOOKIES 32 J Ponting 5-10-9 .................................Danny Burton (5) 89 11 0 CALL ME JACK 18 M Walford 4-10-3 ..................................Jamie Hamilton 73 12 ELUSIVE ENEMY T Weston 4-10-3 ................................................. Jack Tudor — 13 0 JOSH THE BOSS 58 (TH) N Twiston-Davies 4-10-3 .. Mr Jamie Neild (7) 77 14 JUST CHASING MAY B Pauling 4-10-3 .................................... Kielan Woods — 15 TEDLEY N Twiston-Davies 4-10-3 .................................. Sam Twiston-Davies — BETTING: 9-4 Go West, 5 Dino Bellagio, 7 Just Chasing May, 8 Beep Beep Burrow, 12 Mug Bookies, Bombay Sunset, Balcomie Breeze, Monteplex, Tedley WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 2 2022: Prairie Wolf 5-11-9 Ryan Mania 14-1 (Sue Smith), 8 ran. BIG-RACETRENDS Year Going Ran 2022 Good 16 2021 Soft 11 2020 G/Soft 14 2019 Good 11 2018 Soft 13 2017 Good 14 2016 Good 15 2015 G/Soft 14 2014 Soft 15 2012 G/Soft 15 2009 Soft 13 2008 Good 20 Winner Age WINDSOR AVENUE 10 TAKINGRISKS 12 OK CORRAL 10 GO CONQUER 10 WAKANDA 9 ZIGA BOY 8 ZIGA BOY 7 IF IN DOUBT 7 THE RAINBOW HUNTER 10 CALGARY BAY 9 BIG FELLA THANKS 7 AN ACCORDION 7 Jockey Quinlan, Sean Quinlan, Sean O’Connor, D Bellamy, Tom Brooke, Henry Bellamy, Tom Powell, B McCoy, A P Scholfield, N Elsworth, D Williams, C Farrelly, J (5) CLOTH CAP is a topper in the Sky Bet Chase. Horses towards the higher end of the weights have a good recent record with the past five winners all having at least 11st on their back. Undersupervision, Java Point, Shanty Alley, Cooper’s Cross and Cap Du Nord fall down on that trend. You must go back to 2016 for the last time a horse aged younger than eight came out on top so stick with the experienced tried and tested contenders. Ga Law, Mister Coffey and Tea For Free are all decent prospects and clearly have the talent to buck that trend but it has paid to to go with the older horses. A run within the past Trainer SP Wt Ellison, B 40/1 11-1 Richards, N 40/1 11-2 Henderson, N 9/1 11-12 T-Davies, N 8/1 11-10 Smith, S J 8/1 11-0 King, A 10/1 10-11 King, A 8/1 10-0 Hobbs, P J 4/1 10-11 Bailey, K C 25/1 10-9 Knight, H C 12/1 11-11 Nicholls, P F 9/2 11-2 Pipe, D E 11/2 10-3 OR Days 144 34 146 63 146 24 151 42 145 32 137 49 133 32 139 39 136 63 151 27 136 28 132 25 3.15 Doncaster Sky Bet Chase couple of months has also been essential with all of the winners this century ticking that box. Another must is for your fancy to have scored over at least three miles. It is testing at Doncaster at the best of times and this isn’t a race for a doubtful stayer. Elvis Mail struggles to tick that box. So we are left with last year’s winner Windsor Avenue, Demachine and Cloth Cap. They are all big prices so you can spread your stake but if you back just one the Cap fits best. EACH-WAY THIEF EACH-WAY THIEF HAVE a Cheltenham each-way double. BRAVE SEASCA (1.50) didn’t show his true form last time and is capable of bouncing back. Pair him with CAN YOU CALL (3.35) who was impressive when winning easily at Uttoxeter last time. His staying power is a big asset. 5 PROTEKTORAT is being backed in the clash of the Gold Cup hopefuls at Cheltenham today. The Skelton runner faces Grand National winner Noble Yeats in a Cotswold Chase that will tell us plenty about the Festival’s big race. Protektorat is on offer at 13-8 while the Emmet Mullins hope is 9-4. Coral’s Andy Lobo said: “Noble Yeats may be shorter for the Gold Cup but we think this will be Protektorat’s day. “He likes the track and was impressive at Cheltenham while we’re not sure exactly what Noble Yeats beat at Aintree last time.” The Clarence House Chase has been rerouted from Ascot and Lobo thinks there may be a shock result. He said: “Energumene is 8-15 ahead of 9-4 shot Edwardstone but don’t rule out Editeur Du Gite at 10s. He cashed in on Edwardstone falling last time but won it well and he can give them a scare off the front.” Paisley Park is another Festival favourite strutting his stuff – and he PUNTERS FANCY A PRO BET looks vulnerable too according to Coral’s form boffins. Lobo said: “Paisley is 11-8 and we’re keen to take him on along with Gelino Bello at 9-2. “We have got old pal Dashel Drasher in there at 3-1 and his form is solid. Don’t ignore Botox Has at 7-1 which looks solid each-way. “He has run well at Cheltenham before and will enjoy a longer trip.” Coral are celebrating passing the 50,000 mark with their free to join Racing Club. They have clocked up that impressive number of members in less than three months. The club gives all its members the experience of racehorse ownership, including stable visits, race day tickets and hospitality, all free to Coral customers. The firm’s Simon Clare said: “We are delighted to hit the 50,000 mark so quickly and hope it gives the sport a timely boost.” TEMPLEGATE 12.15 ..................................Fazayte 12.47 ................................ Benassi 1.27 ..................................Rambo T 1.57 .................Fortunes Melody 2.32................................ Go Dante 3.07 .....................................Animal 3.42...................Your Own Story 4.17 ....................... Barrier Peaks TOM PEPPER 12.15 .............................Royal Mer 12.47 ...................... Mr Hailstone 1.27 ......................... Astromachia 1.57 ......................Victorias Peak 2.32..................A Different Kind 3.07 .......................Point Him Out 3.42............................. Party Fuzz 4.17 ............................Nefyn Point nTIC-TAC: Left-handed oval course of 1m 2f, there are 10 fences per circuit and a run-in of 300 yards. nLEADING TRAINERS (2018-2023): D Skelton 80-322, O Murphy 30-168, F O’Brien 29-186, Dr R Newland 25-110. THIS SEASON: F O’Brien 11. nTOP JOCKEYS (2018-2023): H Brooke 13-101, N Scholfield 11-81, L Edwards 9-109, R Patrick 8-83. THIS SEASON: H Brooke 5. nLONGEST TRAVELLER: Your Own Story (3.42) trained at Kinross. Round trip of 584 miles. nFIRST RUN SINCE WIND OP: Bobby Socks (12.15), Ready To Please (4.17). nLIVE ON SKY SPORTS RACING 12.15 CAZOO CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS’ TRAINING SERIES HCAP HURDLE (Class 5); £4,330; 2m. (11 runners) 1 73221/8 ROB ROYAL 28 (D) J Coulson 11-12-0 ....................................... Toby Wynne 90 2 P4-6837 COUSU MAIN 33 (CD) N Mulholland 7-12-0 ..........Thomasina Eyston (6) 93 3 P72 ROYAL MER 59 (TH) D Pipe 5-11-12 .......................................... Jamie Brace 97 4 -513123 FAZAYTE 24 (BF) R Potter 8-11-12 .........................................Finn Lambert l99 5 95788-5 ELMOUNT 253 (T) A Ralph 7-11-11 ...........................................Jay Tidball (3) 90 6 2-1U553 BOBBY SOCKS 60 O Murphy 6-11-11 .....................................Daire Davis (6) 98 7 P1-809 YEOMEN WARDER 32 D Skelton 6-10-13 ......................Tristan Durrell (3) 74 8 4P9P310 RAZZO ITALIANO 28 (P,T;D) G Hanmer 6-10-13 .........Elizabeth Gale (5) 86 9 P9P5PP8 CHARLIE SIRINGO 89 (P) M Young 8-10-12 ............................... Luke Scott 72 10 95U-0PP THE WIRE FLYER 37 (B;D) J Flint 8-10-2 .............................Ellis Collier (3) 70 11 7789-6 CHRISTOPHER CLIVE 51 C Harris 5-10-2 ....................... Bradley Roberts 81 BETTING: 9-4 Bobby Socks, 7-2 Fazayte, 4 Yeomen Warder, 7 Royal Mer, 8 Cousu Main, 16 Elmount, 20 Razzo Italiano, Christopher Clive, Rob Royal WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 2 1 abd 2 2022: Good Impression 7-9-9 Ellis Collier 9-2 (D Burchell), 8 ran. 12.47 GREENBANK GROUP UK MAIDEN HURDLE (DIV 1) (4); value to the winner £4,466; 2m. (14 runners) 1 43F3-3 BENASSI 32 O Murphy 6-11-8 ............................................ Fergus Gregory l99 2 4-U0 FINEST HOUR 21 N Twiston-Davies 5-11-8 ........................Ben Bromley (7) 70 3 59 GENERAL HUBBLE 31 K Bailey 5-11-8.........................................David Bass 73 4 9-90 LIBOR LAD 38 (T) D Dennis 5-11-8 .......................................... James Davies 70 5 58/2- MR HAILSTONE 634 R Newland 7-11-8 .................................Luke Scott (7) 89 6 1-65 PEDLEY WOOD 21 J Tizzard 6-11-8 ...................................Harry Kimber (3) 93 7 38/3- SATURDAY SONG 563 A King 7-11-8 ................................Thomas Bellamy 90 8 5488 VIA DANTE 19 (H) D Pipe 6-11-8........................................ Fergus Gillard (3) 84 9 3P-70 WARNER’S CROSS 15 C Hobson 6-11-8....................Bradley Roberts (7) 71 10 73-9 BLACK SAM VICKI 92 A Ralph 5-11-1 ............................... Alex Edwards (3) 79 11 0 DOLLY BIRD 88 C Honour 5-11-1................................................Bryan Carver 70 12 26 GAYE LEGACY 38 T Symonds 5-11-1 ...................................Benjamin Poste 83 13 26F- ICONIC ROCK 352 A Ralph 7-11-1............................................Jay Tidball (7) 86 14 110/2- MILANS EDGE 630 (BF,D) D McCain 8-11-1 ...................... Theo Gillard (3) 98 BETTING: 13-8 Milans Edge, 2 Benassi, 7 Mr Hailstone, 8 Iconic Rock, Gaye Legacy WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 7 4 abd 2 2022: Grey Skies 6-11-1 Theo Gillard 12-1 (D McCain), 10 ran. 1.27 GREENBANK GROUP UK MAIDEN HURDLE (DIV 2) (4); value to the winner £4,466; 2m. (14 runners) 1 522 ASTROMACHIA 31 (BF) R Newland 8-11-8 ....................... Luke Scott (7) l99 2 907 CLARAS SOLDIER 29 F O’Brien 5-11-8 ........................... Liam Harrison (3) 72 3 66P-1 COILROCK 279 D Jeffreys 6-11-8 ............................................. Max Kendrick 94 4 0 HEY MISTER DJ 59 A Ralph 5-11-8 ....................................Thomas Bellamy 73 5 P- IMPORT EXPORT 284 O Greenall & J Guerriero 5-11-8 ...... Henry Brooke — 6 565-6 NIGHT JET 33 T Symonds 6-11-8 ..........................................Benjamin Poste 92 7 OUT OF IDEAS F176 Sarah Hollinshead 9-11-8 ....................Chris Ward (3) — 8 2321-32 RAMBO T 33 O Murphy 6-11-8 ....................................................Will Kennedy 98 9 15 SOME SCOPE 31 R Hobson 5-11-8.............................................Paul O’Brien 89 10 80 WEST PARK BOY 32 P Hobbs 5-11-8 ....................................Sean Houlihan 72 11 090 MILAGROSA 18 D Skelton 5-11-1.............................................David England 70 12 5- STARLIGHT GLANCE 284 H Daly 6-11-1.............................Richard Patrick 90 13 73-4 SWEET MAGIC 86 A Ralph 5-11-1 ...................................... Alex Edwards (3) 94 14 4-8P WITH POISE 27 C Honour 5-11-1 ................................................Bryan Carver 82 BETTING: 11-8 Astromachia, 5-2 Rambo T, 8 Sweet Magic, 12 Coilrock, Some Scope WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 3 2022: Sullivan’s Brow 7-11-1 Theo Gillard 16-1 (D McCain), 8 ran. 1.57 EBF MARES’ NOVICES’ LIMITED HANDICAP CHASE (3); value to the winner £6,244; 2m 5f. (6 runners) 1 1/342-7 FARNE 37 (PH) Noel Williams 9-11-10..................................... James Davies 93 2 212/4 WILD ROMANCE 63 D Skelton 8-11-9 .............................. Bridget Andrews 97 3 -211353 FORTUNES MELODY 33 (P,T) H Fry 6-11-7......................Ben Bromley (7) 94 4 /2-1232 VICTORIAS PEAK 28 (P,T;BF) N Twiston-Davies 8-11-3 .Thomas Bellamy l99 5 221-317 FAIRFIELD FERRATA 60 (D) J O’Keeffe 7-11-1 .................... Henry Brooke 89 6 805-758 MOON EAGLE 48 (PH) T Gretton 6-10-9.................................Lee Edwards 74 BETTING: 2 Victorias Peak, 3 Fortunes Melody, 4 Wild Romance, 11-2 Farne, 6 Fairfield Ferrata, 20 Moon Eagle WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED and 2022: No corresponding race. Sunracing FORM FARNE (10-5) 25-1 behind, outpaced VICTORIAS PEAK (11-2) 9-4 fav chased 13th, never on terms, 7th of 8 (btn) to leaders, nudged along 6th, stayed on Complete Unknown (10-12) (Ffos Las one pace last, btn 41/4l by Felicie Du Maquis (11-4) (10 ran) (Warwick 2m 2m 5f nov hcap ch (3) £7,352 soft). 5f nov hdle (4) £3,703 good to soft). WILD ROMANCE (10-13) 28-1 in touch, ridden 2 out, weakened, 4th of 5 (btn FAIRFIELD FERRATA (11-6) 4-1 led until 9th, weakened 2 out, 7th of 8 (17l) to 20l) to Harper’s Brook (11-2) (Bangor Ile De Jersey (11-6) (Southwell 21/2m 21/2m nov hcap ch (3) £7,080 heavy). FORTUNES MELODY (10-8) 5-1 always mrs nov hcap ch (4) £8,496 soft). prominent, 3rd when ridden after 3 MOON EAGLE (12-0) 50-1 mid-division, under pressure 3 out, no extra, 8th out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 7 (btn of 24 (27l) to Nephin Beg (11-11) (Cork 11l) to Tweed Skirt (10-13) (Wincanton 21/2m nov hcap hdle €6,300 soft). 21/2m (3) £7,407 good to soft). 2.32 DIEGOS 69TH KEEP BATTING BIRTHDAY HANDICAP HURDLE (2); winner £9,678; 2m 4f. (9 runners) 1 0P-P018 FLOUEUR 28 (PH,T) G Hanmer 8-12-1 ........................ Tabitha Worsley (3) 94 2 1137-20 A DIFFERENT KIND 76 D McCain 6-11-4.........................Theo Gillard (3) l99 3 15-0953 WEST TO THE BRIDGE 32 (P,T;D) D Skelton 10-11-2.. Bridget Andrews 95 4 PP1PP-P BALLYBEGG 81 (VH;CD) K Lee 8-10-13 .............................Richard Patrick 86 5 31F241/ ES PERFECTO 678 A King 8-10-12 .....................................Thomas Bellamy 95 6 1/124- GO DANTE 395 O Murphy 7-10-11 .........................................Fergus Gregory 98 7 32-101P RATHMACKNEE 14 (D) N Henderson 7-10-9 ..............Sean O’Briain (10) 92 8 12/7-3P CORRIEBEN REIVER 30 E Whillans 9-10-8 ............................. Craig Nichol 87 9 P273P-F DARGIANNINI 30 (T;D) H Derham 8-10-6 ................................Paul O’Brien 90 BETTING: 3 Go Dante, 9-2 West To The Bridge, 6 Rathmacknee, A Different Kind, Es Perfecto, 8 Floueur, 10 Dargiannini, 14 Ballybegg, 16 Corrieben Reiver WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 5 2 1 abd 5 2022: Hart Of Steel 7-10-12 Theo Gillard 7-1 (D McCain), 8 ran. Sunracing FORM FLOUEUR (11-10) 11-2 weakened quickly before 2 out, 8th of 10 (well btn) to Saint Sam (11-6) (Punchestown 2m 3f rated hdle €10,501 soft to heavy). A DIFFERENT KIND (11-8) 6-1 chased leaders, outpaced and weakened 2 out, 11th of 13 (well btn) to I Like To Move It (12-0) (Cheltenham 2m hcap hdle (1) £56,270 good to soft). WEST TO THE BRIDGE (11-10) 20-1 no impression 2 out, 3rd of 10 (btn 93/4l) to Flight Deck (12-0) (Chepstow 3m hcap hdle (2) £15,609 soft). BALLYBEGG pulled up latest, (11-12) 10-1 made all, idled run-in, held on well close home, all out, bt No Word Of A Lie (11-1) 13/4l (6 ran) (Uttoxeter 21/2m hcap hdle (3) £4,956 heavy). ES PERFECTO (11-7) 10-11 fav tracked leaders, jumped into lead 2 out, in control last, comfortably, bt Pozo Emery (11-7) 5l (16 ran) (Chepstow 2m 3f nov hdle (4) £3,769 good to soft). GO DANTE (11-7) 11-1 raced keenly in rear, never on terms, 4th of 7 (btn 13l) to Stage Star (11-7) (Newbury 21/2m nov hdle Grd 1 (1) £34,170 soft). RATHMACKNEE pulled up latest, (112) 10-3 led finish, readily, bt Gaelik Coast (11-9) 11/4l (5 ran) (Doncaster 2m 3f hcap hdle (3) £6,644 good). CORRIEBEN REIVER pulled up latest, (11-6) 13-2 led, headed 4 out, weakened 3 out, 3rd of 4 (btn 36l) to Since Day One (11-2) (Ayr 2m nov hcap ch (3) £7,917 good to soft). DARGIANNINI fell latest, (10-13) 9-2 led 2 out, headed last, held, 3rd of 11 (3/4l) to Storm Dennis (10-6) (Kempton 2m 5f hcap hdle (3) £6,753 good). GOING: GOOD TO SOFT 3.07 PAUL WAINWRIGHT 60TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS HANDICAP CHASE (4); £5,175; 2m 4f. (12 runners) 1 24212/4 FRANIGANE 30 H Whittington 8-12-0 ..................................... Henry Brooke 92 2 210-33P HOMETOWN HERO 33 (PH,T;BF) D Skelton 8-11-11 ... Bridget Andrews 98 3 1P3P-62 CHANCEUX 28 A Ralph 7-11-10........................................... Alex Edwards (3) 95 4 6412-62 POINT HIM OUT 79 E Lavelle 6-11-9 .................................Joe Anderson (7) 97 5 2PP5/7F DIOMEDE DES MOTTES 33 (T) R Newland 10-11-9 ...........Luke Scott (7) 83 6 8P11-3 GOLD EMERY 37 (BF) D McCain 7-11-7.............................. Theo Gillard (3) 94 7 413-633 ANIMAL 33 S Smith 7-11-5................................................... Liam Harrison (3) 89 8 P2-4441 NOT SURE 24 (B) K Lee 7-11-3........................................... Richard Patrick l99 9 63F4-37 DROP HIM IN 33 O Murphy 7-11-1 ..............................................Will Kennedy 92 10 4123-14 TIP TOP MOUNTAIN 26 (T;BF,CD) R Walford 8-11-0 ..........Bryan Carver 95 11 2/326-F DISCKO DES PLAGES 69 (T) R Hobson 10-10-7....................Paul O’Brien 87 12 0FP/705 LUIS VAN ZANDT 12 (T) S Davies 9-10-2................... Tabitha Worsley (3) 72 BETTING: 7-2 Not Sure, 6 Gold Emery, Animal, 13-2 Tip Top Mountain, 8 Chanceux WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 3 4 3 PU 2022: Keep Rolling 9-11-12 Tom O’Brien 3-1 (P Hobbs), 7 ran. 3.42 QUINNBET DAILY FREE BET NOVICES’ HCAP CHASE (4); value to the winner £5,281; 3m 2f. (8 runners) 1 /332-22 AUTONOMOUS CLOUD 38 F O’Brien 7-11-12................... Adrian Heskin l99 2 4/2P-16 PARTY FUZZ 27 (T) K Bailey 8-11-10 .............................................David Bass 92 3 7F52/5R SMACKWATER JACK 30 O Murphy 9-11-10 ......................Fergus Gregory 79 4 3F/1-53 PRESENTING JEREMY 29 D Skelton 8-11-9 .................. Bridget Andrews 95 5 1145-74 TIP TOP CAT 65 F O’Brien 8-11-9 ...................................... Liam Harrison (3) 90 6 315-242 YOUR OWN STORY 26 L Russell 7-11-7 .......................Stephen Mulqueen 97 7 6/P23-P JOBSONFIRE 93 S Allwood 11-11-4 ......................................Charlie Price (3) 82 8 3434-16 FAUSTINOVICK 69 (P,T) J Tizzard 9-11-2.........................Harry Kimber (3) 94 BETTING: 2 Autonomous Cloud, 4 Presenting Jeremy, 5 Your Own Story, Party Fuzz WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 3 2022: Docpickedme 6-11-12 Jack Quinlan 3-1 (H Whittington), 5 ran. 4.17 QUINNBET HANDICAP HURDLE (5); value to the winner £4,330; 2m 4f. (16 runners) 1 625/50- WINTER GETAWAY 452 (P,T) C Hitch 10-12-1 .......................Will Kennedy 87 2 87-24F INFLAGRANTE 59 K Bailey 7-12-1..................................................David Bass 97 3 7040-3U MIDNIGHT GOLD 24 N Mulholland 6-11-9.............................Adrian Heskin 94 4 3-26360 GEORGE BANCROFT 53 (BF) C Longsdon 5-11-9 ....................Ben Jones 85 5 3-54650 SAFE DESTINATION 33 N Twiston-Davies 5-11-9...........Finn Lambert (5) 87 6 6/3-306 KRACQUER 72 A Ralph 9-11-6 ...................................... Tabitha Worsley (3) 80 7 /055P-3 FLOY JOY F44 (BF) S Pearce 7-11-4......................................Nick Scholfield 91 8 1545233 NEFYN POINT 109 (T) D McCain 9-11-4.............................. Theo Gillard (3) 94 9 70960 OUT FOR THE COUNT 32 J Candlish 5-11-3 ..........William Shanahan (7) 76 10 5-90931 BARRIER PEAKS 18 (T) D Pipe 7-11-0 .........................Fergus Gillard (3) l99 11 3/848-9 HARD FROST 22 (PH) H Derham 6-10-13 ................................Paul O’Brien 82 12 2-30483 WATERLOO QUAY 14 (P) D Dennis 7-10-12 ....................Thomas Bellamy 97 13 31/38-P GOLAN CLOUD 28 (VH;D) J Candlish 10-10-11.................... Henry Brooke 90 14 /0P84-P MONEY FOR JAM 96 (BF) S Allwood 6-10-4 .......................... Craig Nichol 87 15 370633- KILCARAGH BOY 317 (T;D) R Armson 14-10-2 .................. Chris Ward (3) 93 16 0PPP- READY TO PLEASE 390 S Edmunds 7-10-2 ........................ James Davies 70 BETTING: 5-2 Barrier Peaks, 7 Nefyn Point, Inflagrante, 10 Midnight Gold, Hard Frost
6 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 CHELTENHAM COLOURS ON ITV: 1.2 TEMPLEGATE TOM PEPPER 11.40........................... Dixon Cove 11.40.........................Scriptwriter 12.10.............................Stage Star 12.10........................Panic Attack 12.40........... DELTA WORK (nap) 12.40.................... Minella Times 1.20.......................... Energumene 1.20......................... Edwardstone 1.50....................... Nocte Volatus 1.50.............................. Fugitif (nb) 2.25..................Protektorat (nb) 2.25............................Ahoy Senor 3.00.........................Paisley Park 3.00...........GELINO BELLO (nap) 3.35........................Rock My Way 3.35...............Henri The Second 4.10............. Hacker Des Places 4.10..........................................Pikar TEMPLEGATE’S TRIO: Delta Work and Protektorat (double) with Paisley Park (all Cheltenham). TOM PEPPER’S DOUBLE: Gelino Bello and Fugitif (both Cheltenham). SUNRATINGS’ NAP: KARL PHILIPPE (1.50 Cheltenham). SIRIUS, Sun On Sunday, nap: IL RIDOTO (1.50 Cheltenham). 11.40 TRAINER TRACE FIRST RACE FOR NEW YARD: 11.40 Naeva B Beaunez (Fr) to A Dunn; 12.40 Singing Banjo J P Walsh (Ire) to Barry Walsh; 4.10 Front View J P O’Brien (Ire) to Jonjo O’Neill; Jason The MilitantH De Bromhead (Ire) to P Kirby. RACEFAX: N Henderson won the 2.25 in 2020 & 2022. M Keighley won the 12.40 in 2014 & 2021. N Twiston-Davies won the 1.50 in 2017 & 2022. W P Mullins won the 1.20 in 2016, 2017 & 2018. V Williams won the 1.50 in 2013 & 2020. E Lavelle won the 3.00 in 2019, 2020 & 2022. TOP TRAINERS 2018-2023 N Henderson 41-299, W P Mullins 36-304, G Elliott 30-230, D Skelton 23-248, F O’Brien 21-189, P Nicholls 21-244, H De Bromhead 18-119, N Twiston-Davies 17-212, D Pipe 9-103. THIS SEASON: D Skelton 3, N Henderson 3, B Pauling 2, P Nicholls 2. TOP JOCKEYS 2018-2023 H Skelton 22-196, P Townend 17-95, P Brennan 16-154, H Cobden 13-184, A Coleman 12-120, T Scudamore 11-145, G Sheehan 9-76, C Deutsch 8-74, T Cannon 7-79, S Bowen 7-84. THIS SEASON: H Skelton 3, L Morgan 2, H Cobden 2. IN THE MONEY MONEY TALKS: Noble Yeats (2.25) opened 9-2 won at 3-1; Malinello (12.10) opened 5-1 third at 10-3; Henri The Second (3.35) opened 9-4 won at 7-4f; Can You Call (3.35) opened 9-2 won at 7-2f; Now Where Or When (1.50) opened 5-1 won at 4-1. TOP EARNERS: 2.25 Frodon .................... £1,129,959 12.40 Roi Mage .................... £798,792 12.40 Delta Work .................. £714,626 SCOOP6 LEG 1 .................... 1.50 Cheltenham LEG 2 ...................... 2.40 Doncaster LEG 3 ........................3,15 Doncaster LEG 4 ....................3.35 Cheltenham LEG 5 ...................... 3.50 Doncaster LEG 6 .....................4.10 Cheltenham UNDER ORDERS SEVEN-DAY WINNERS: None. BLINKERED FIRST TIME: None. VISORED FIRST TIME: 12.40 Legends Ryde. FIRST RUN SINCE WIND OP: Caribean Boy (1.50). WEIGHTWATCHER: 1.50 Allmankind (won off 160, down 11lb to 149) JOB JOCKEYS: Ned Fox rides Fautinette (4.10) for V Williams, 9 from 20, 45%. A Coleman rides Camprond (4.10) for P Hobbs, 4 from 10, 40%. P Townend rides Energumene (1.20) for W P Mullins, 797 from 2409, 33%. T Cannon rides Your Darling (1.50) for B Pauling, 6 from 18, 33%. Bryony Frost rides Frodon (2.25) for P Nicholls, 111 from 392, 28%. David Maxwell rides Simply The Betts (1.50) for P Nicholls, 17 from 62, 27%. A Cheleda rides Hacker Des Places (4.10) for P Nicholls, 18 from 72, 25%. 131 COMFORT ZONE 32 2 1142 MOMBASA 21 (T;D) P Hobbs 11-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr David Maxwell 89 Runs: 4 Wins: 2 (S,GS) £54,892 French recruit, UK form is nothing special, watching brief advised 3 11 SCRIPTWRITER F29 (TH;C,D) 4 3 ACTIVE DUTY 22 M Harris 11-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paddy Brennan 98 Runs: 2 Wins: 2 (2G) £33,322 Well regarded, impressive Grd 2 win here in Nov, leading contender B Pauling 11-0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luca Morgan 76 Runs: 1 Places: 1 £1,254 Maiden on the Flat, but shaped with promise in his maiden, one for hcaps TIC-TAC: The New course is an undulating left-handed, oval track of 1m 5f round with ten fences and an uphill testing run-in. FAVOURITES: (20182023): 159 have won out of 550 races (29%). At corresponding meetings, 74 have won out of 256 races (29%). JACKPOT: 1-6. LIVE ON RACING TV TRAINERS with best record in last 14 days: C Longsdon 3 winners from 6 runners; D Skelton 8 from 19; W P Mullins 15 from 40; N Henderson 3 from 10; G L Moore 3 from 12; I Williams 3 from 15. JOCKEYS with best record in last 14 days: P W Mullins 3 wins from 5 rides; P Townend 10 from 18; R James 2 from 4; S Bowen 5 from 12; Jamie Moore 2 from 5; H Cobden 3 from 8; H Skelton 6 from 16. TRAINERS who have had the most runners since last win: P Hobbs 38; T Symonds 28. JOCKEYS who have had the most rides since last win: S Ewing 61; T J O’Brien 29. 1 J O’Brien (Ire) 11-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jonjo O’Neill Jr 98 Runs: 3 Wins: 2 (2S) Places: 1 £38,333 Tough, battled well to win a Grade 1 at Chepstow, strongly fancied TRACKFAX . . . HOT ‘N NOT JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE (GRADE 2) 4-Y-O; winner £45,560; 2m 1f (8 runners) 5 63F11F FILS DE ROI 32 (D) F O’Brien 11-0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Hogan 88 Runs: 8 Wins: 2 (S,G) Places: 2 £25,488 Jumped poorly in a Grd 1 at Chepstow, will need to be slicker, oppose 6 3-1 JUPITER DU GITE 28 (H) G Moore 11-0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jamie Moore 97 Runs: 2 Wins: 1 (S) Places: 1 £5,970 66-1 but no fluke about his impressive debut win at Newbury, dangerous 7 2-3112 DIXON COVE 32 (T;D) 8 611712 NAEVA 27 (H,T;D) P Nicholls 10-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Cobden l99 Runs: 6 Wins: 2 (2GS) Places: 4 £59,049 Hardy filly, went down by a neck in a Grd 1 at Chepstow, respected A Dunn 10-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam Wedge 75 Runs: 6 Wins: 3 (2S) Places: 1 £29,630 Experienced, goes well in the mud but sure to lack the class of some BETTING: 9-4 Comfort Zone, 5-2 Jupiter Du Gite, 7-2 Scriptwriter, Dixon Cove, 20 Fils De Roi, 25 Mombasa, 33 Active Duty, 50 Naeva WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 1 3 4 abd 1 2022: Pied Piper 11-0, Davy Russell 11-8 Fav (G Elliott Ire), 8 ran. Sunracing FORM COMFORT ZONE (11-0) 10-11 fav rear, led 2 out, not fluent, stayed on gamely when challenged run-in, bt DIXON COVE (10-12) 7-1 handy, outpaced home turn, stayed on, p just held, nk FILS DE ROI (11-0) 15-2 led, not fluent 3rd, 5th and 3 out, headed 2 out, faded, fell last (9 ran) (Chepstow 2m hdle Grd 2 (1) £29,720 soft). MOMBASA (11-7) 4-1 ran on one pace, btn 17l by I Have A Voice (11-3) (4 ran) (Sandown 2m hdle (3) £6,244 soft). SCRIPTWRITER (11-0) 4-1 led last, bt Perseus Way (11-0) 21/4l (8 ran) (Cheltenham 2m hdle Grd 2 £28,475 good). ACTIVE DUTY (10-11) 10-3 kept on, 3rd of 8 (btn 31/4l) to Romancero Le Dun (11-7) (Ludlow 2m hdle (3) £5,446 soft). FILS DE ROI fell latest, earlier (11-0) 2-1 fav led 2 out, clear last, comfortably, bt Admiralty House (11-7) 41/4l (5 ran) (Huntingdon 2m hdle (4) £5,119 good). JUPITER DU GITE (10-3) 66-1 made all and set strong pace, drew well clear from 2 out, stayed on strongly, unchallenged, bt Klitschko (11-7) 15l (11 ran) (Newbury 2m hdle (4) £4,520 soft). NAEVA (11-4) 9-2 kept on, btn 12l by Sniper Point (11-2) (13 ran) (Cagnessur-Mer 2m 1f claim hdle £7,731 heavy). TEMPLEGATE’S VERDICT DIXON COVE was edged out by Comfort Zone in a Chepstow Grade 2 last month but can turn the form around now she’s 5lb better off. She finished strongly in Wales so the Cheltenham hill should be ideal. The Joseph O’Brien runner will be no pushover though and he’s got more to offer. Scriptwriter was impressive when scoring here in November and is fit from a win on the all-weather. This is tougher opposition but we know the track suits and he won’t be far away. Jupiter Du Gite tanked home by 15 lengths in modest company at Newbury and deserves a crack at this even though he’ll have to raise his game. 11.40 Sunracing STAGE STAR (11-7) 1-9 fav led, shaken up and went clear 2 out, ran on well, bt Mortlach (11-7) 11l (2 ran) (Plumpton 21/2m nov ch (3) £10,075 soft). FERN HILL (11-9) 11-1 chased leader who went clear, ridden, faded, 9th of 14 (btn 25l) to Remastered (12-1) (Kempton 3m hcap ch (2) £26,015 soft). UNEXPECTED PARTY (11-4) 8-13 fav handy, ridden 2 out, btn 12l by Loughderg Rocco (11-4) (6 ran) (Leicester 21/2m nov ch (3) £7,407 good). DATSALRIGHTGINO (11-10) 10-3, plugged on one pace, 4th of 8 (btn 16l) to Haddex Des Obeaux (11-2) (Doncaster 2m nov hcap ch (3) £6,535 good). LLANDINABO LAD (11-6) 5-2 fav tracked leaders, ridden and outpaced 3 out, rallied 2 out, stayed on, btn 51/2l by In Excelsis Deo (10-10) (6 ran) (Hereford 2m nov hcap ch (3) £7,352 soft). ANY NEWS (11-9) 11-1 rear, brief headway 4 out, weakened 2 out, 8th of 10 (btn TEMPLEGATE STAGE STAR was high class o all good signs as a chaser. H before a moderate effort in a he bounced back month and can over a trip that done much wr went close in g latest despite a drop in distanc Fire Dancer came when an all-out win He’s up a fair 6lb for that and coming too soon. Fern Hill d won well at Uttoxeter before this test. Consistent Unexpec and has a tongue tie on for t 12.10 12.40 GLENFARCLAS CROS CHASE (2); £18,210 1 6613-1 DELTA W 2 FPB3-P MINELLA G Elliott (Ire) 10-12-0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Runs: 29 Wins: 11 (4S,4G) Class act, won here in March, lo H Bromhead (Ire) 10-12-0 Runs: 24 Wins: 4 (3S,GS) 2021 National hero, likely to do w 3 517-33 ROI MAGE 4 312000 FRANCKY 5 1P-P87 SNOW LE 6 FP-635 FOXY JAC 7 6/314- DIESEL D 8 337-6P PLAN OF 9 5P-923 BACK ON 10 05948- MORTAL 11 24-362 SINGING 12 2P-65P DEISE AB 13 PPP-00 EASYSLA 14 11-333 LEGENDS 15 45-611 CREALION P Griffin (Ire) 11-11-3 . . . . Runs: 48 Wins: 9 (3S,GS) Lots to like about his comeback P Bowen 10-10-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Runs: 42 Wins: 9 (2S,7G) Bold jumper, this test could suit C Longsdon 11-10-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Runs: 23 Wins: 9 (3S,2GS, Stout stayer, won the Becher las M Morris (Ire) 9-10-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Runs: 34 Wins: 3 (S,G) Useful, jumping can be erratic b R Bandey 10-10-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Runs: 26 Wins: 6 (4S,2GS) Strong traveller, not seen since r SOFT (7.30AM INSPECTION) 12.10 TIMEFORM NOVICES’ HANDICAP CHASE (2) winner £15,609; 2m 5f (11 runners) BIG-RACETRENDS 1 PP-121 STAGE STAR 26 2 52-219 FERN HILL 32 M Keighley 9-10-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Runs: 23 Wins: 8 (S,GS,6G Strong stayer, decent form here 3 1P-232 UNEXPECTED PARTY 31 (TH;BF) G Elliott (Ire) 11-10-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Runs: 31 Wins: 3 (S,G) Promising earlier in his career, b 4 4-2134 DATSALRIGHTGINO 30 5 4P-422 LLANDINABO LAD 38 (BF) P Hobbs 10-10-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Runs: 21 Wins: 5 (3S,2GS) Quirky but talented, seems to sa 6 2343-8 ANY NEWS 33 Jonjo O’Neill 9-10-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Runs: 23 Wins: 8 (4S,GS,G Lost his way of late, but shaped b 7 212/13 MALINELLO 28 (T) 8 1-2713 PANIC ATTACK 33 (B,T) Year Going Ran 2022 Good 10 2020 Soft 10 2019 G/Soft 11 2018 Heavy 14 2017 Soft 13 2016 Heavy 9 2015 Soft 10 2014 Heavy 10 2013 Heavy 16 2012 G/Soft 10 2011 G/Soft 10 2010 Soft 12 Winner Age TORN AND FRAYED 8 CEPAGE 8 SIRUH DU LAC 6 FRODON 6 FOXTAIL HILL 8 ANNACOTTY 8 ANNACOTTY 7 WISHFULL THINKING 11 KATENKO 7 THE GIANT BOLSTER 7 WISHFULL THINKING 8 THE SAWYER 10 FUGITIF can take the spoils in the Paddy Power Premier Chase. Finishing in the first four last time out has been an important factor in winning this hot handicap. Some 17 of the past 25 winners could tick that particular box. That cuts out Brave Seasca, Allmankind, Coole Cody, Caribean Boy, Simply The Betts, Spiritofthegames, Your Darling and One True King. Looking at the official ratings, Now Where Or When, Precious Eleanor and Guy are on the low side to be winning this. It’s not essential to be a distance winner but a victory over the 2m4f is a definite plus. That’s where we Jockey Trainer Tw-Davies, S Tw-Davies, N Deutsch, C Williams, V Kelly, L (3) Williams, N Frost, B (5) Nicholls, P F Bargary, J (3) Tw-Davies, N Popham, I King, A Sheehan, G Keighley, M Johnson, R Hobbs, P J Coleman, A Williams, V Scudamore, T Bridgwater, D Johnson, R Hobbs, P J Sweeney, N (10) Buckler, R H SP Wt OR Days 5/1 10-10 131 30 8/1 11-12 154 24 6/1 10-6 134 50 13/2 11-7 154 35 12/1 10-0 133 14 13/2 11-9 151 49 5/1 11-8 144 56 9/1 11-12 156 49 4/1 10-13 147 21 7/2 10-3 145 45 9/2 11-3 148 50 11/2 10-0 134 7 1.50 Cheltenham Prem Hcap Chase part company with Il Ridoto who is talented but has yet to score at the important twomile mark. It’s unusual to win this without having run at least once over fences at Cheltenham before. Phoenix Way, Karl Phillipe, Silver Hallmark and Nocte Volatus come up short on that score. That leaves just one runner standing – FUGITIF. The Richard Hobson hopeful has track experience, carries the right sort of weight and won last time out, which has been a good pointer to success. P Nicholls 7-12-0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Cobden 98 Runs: 11 Wins: 6 (3S,2GS,G) Places: 2 £86,399 Top prospect, won a Grade 1 last season as a novice hurdler, lots to like B Case 8-11-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Quinlan 92 Runs: 12 Wins: 3 (3S) Places: 4 £35,137 Down the field at Kempton, but form prior was solid, one to consider D Skelton 8-11-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Skelton l99 Runs: 10 Wins: 2 (S,GS) Places: 4 £46,776 Handicap debut, sent off at single figures for last year’s Coral Cup, fancied J Snowden 7-11-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gavin Sheehan 97 Runs: 13 Wins: 3 (3G) Places: 4 £33,549 Consistent, found 2m too sharp recently, crying out for this sort of trip, go well T Symonds 8-11-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Noonan 89 Runs: 15 Wins: 2 (2S) Places: 6 £42,742 Disappointing at Hereford, but new trip could help, check the market N Mulholland 8-11-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Richie McLernon 84 Runs: 12 Wins: 2 (S,F) Places: 2 £23,783 Poor at Wetherby, but should strip fitter for that reappearance, do better B Pauling 8-11-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luca Morgan 90 Runs: 7 Wins: 2 (S,GS) Places: 3 £19,224 Lightly raced, but has a bit to find on his Newbury third, up against it D Pipe 7-11-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tom Scudamore 83 Runs: 16 Wins: 5 (3S,2G) Places: 5 £73,252 Course winner, outpaced at Kempton last time, others preferred 9 2362-3 IAMASTAR 71 (PH,TH) 10 35-12F DALAMOI 32 (BF,D) P Hobbs 5-11-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr David Maxwell (3) 78 Runs: 9 Places: 4 £70,940 Underwhelming at Kempton, set a tough task here, one for another day T Vaughan 6-11-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alan Johns 85 Runs: 9 Wins: 2 (S,GS) Places: 4 £16,721 Taken well to chasing, but faces another step up the ladder, best watched 11 3932/1 FIRE DANCER 22 V Williams 7-10-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlie Deutsch 96 Runs: 7 Wins: 2 (S,GS) Places: 1 £44,299 Ex-French, scraped home at Ludlow on stable debut, should go well BETTING: 10-3 Stage Star, 5 Fire Dancer, 13-2 Unexpected Party, 8 Malinello, Dalamoi, Datsalrightgino, Panic Attack, 12 Iamastar WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 3-PU 3 2 abd 5-PU 2022: Imperial Alcazar 8-11-12, Paddy Brennan 9-1 (F O’Brien), 8 ran. H Bromhead (Ire) 10-10-6 Runs: 29 Wins: 5 (S,2G) Taken well to this test, jumping i B Walsh 13-10-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Runs: 50 Wins: 5 (2F,S) Hard as nails, gave Delta Work a J Snowden 8-10-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Runs: 21 Wins: 5 (3S,GS,G Tough mare, very reliable but sh T George 7-10-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Runs: 22 Wins: 5 (2S,GS) Speedy type, not sure if he has t BETTING: 4 Delta Work, 11-2 Min Diesel D’Allier, 8 Roi Mage, 10 Back Attack, 14 Snow Leopardess, 16 Morta WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 2022: No corresponding race. Sunracing DELTA WORK (11-9) 4-6 fav pushed along 3 out, ridden and led narrowly final 100 yards, stayed on well, all R out, bt SINGING BANJO (11-2) 40-1 led 18th, mistake 6 out, joined 3 out, headed next, led again last, headed final 100 yards, rallied, just failed, sh hd F FOXY JACKS (10-11) 14-1 held up rear, ridden in 11th 3 out, stayed on, 3rd (btn 6l) (17 ran) (Punchestown 3m 1f crs S cntry ch €10,501 yielding). MINELLA TIMES pulled up latest, earlier (11-0) 5-2 tracked leader in 2nd, ridden
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 20, 1.50, 2.25, 3.00 & 3.35 g FORM 29l) to The Paddy Pie (10-2) (Wetherby 2m 3f hcap ch (3) £6,045 good to soft). MALINELLO (11-0) 10-3 stayed on, 3rd of 7 (btn 63/4l) to Tea For Free (10-13) (Newbury 23/4m (3) £7,407 soft). PANIC ATTACK (11-0) 17-2 tracked leaders, plugged on, 3rd of 10 (btn 10l) to Balco Coastal (11-3) (Kempton 21/2m nov Limited hcap ch (3) £13,615 soft). IAMASTAR (10-10) 14-1 chased leaders, outpaced 3 out, 3rd of 4 (btn 41l) to Thunder Rock (11-10) (Ascot 2m 3f nov hcap ch (3) £9,258 good to soft). DALAMOI fell latest, earlier (12-0) 11-10 fav tracked leaders, ridden 4 out, stayed on well, btn 1/2l by Enzo D’Airy (11-6) (8 ran) (Chepstow 2m 3f hcap ch (3) £6,535 good to soft). FIRE DANCER (11-8) 9-4 made all, clear 2 out going well, eased down from last, just held on close home, bt Striking Out (10-13) hd (7 ran) (Ludlow 2 1/ 2m nov hcap ch (4) £6,073 good to soft). E’S VERDICT over hurdles and is showing He won on debut at Warwick Newbury Grade 2. However k at Plumpton earlier this take another step forward should suit. Malinello hasn’t rong in his two chases and good company at Newbury a late mistake. This slight ce can help him get home. back from three years off at Ludlow three weeks ago. d will be a threat if this isn’t didn’t fire at Kempton but e that and should appreciate cted Party won’t be far away the first time to help him. SS COUNTRY HANDICAP 0; 3m 6f (15 runners) WORK 69 (T;CD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr Rob James (7) l99 Places: 8 £714,626 ot of weight but ace claiming amateur up A TIMES 31 (T) 0 . . . . . . . . . . . Jonjo O’Neill Jr 98 Places: 6 £489,679 well in these races, leading contender E 27 (T) . . . . . . . . . . Mr Patrick Mullins 92 Places: 16 £798,792 k at Tramore latest, one to watch closely Y DU BERLAIS 32 (T) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Bowen 81 Places: 13 £162,803 but he does lack experience, bit to find EOPARDESS 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aidan Coleman 95 ,3G) Places: 4 £227,846 st season, stays well but has a bit to prove CKS 32 (P) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shane Fenelon (7) 91 Places: 7 £105,871 but does have an engine, each-way shot D’ALLIER 318 (T;CD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Bannister 97 ) Places: 6 £113,799 running well here in March, dangerous ATTACK 31 (B) 6 . . . . . . . . . Darragh O’Keeffe 95 Places: 9 £78,020 is improving and big run expected N THE LASH 76 (CD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sean Bowen 90 G) Places: 4 £82,660 e and can go well off a nice racing weight 356 (P,T) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sam Ewing 85 Places: 3 £71,823 but regressive these days, easily dismissed BANJO 69 (P) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr B J Walsh (7) 95 Places: 14 £44,328 a real scare at Punchestown, respected BA 29 (P) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom O’Brien 87 ) Places: 3 £88,695 ave his best for Sandown, interesting AND 27 (P;CD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Richie McLernon 90 G) Places: 1 £177,978 better here latest, chance on his best form S RYDE 50 (T,VH) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gavin Sheehan 89 G) Places: 6 £55,118 he does take a big step up in class N 68 (P,T) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlie Deutsch 83 Places: 2 £88,906 the stamina for this test, bit to find nella Times, 13-2 Singing Banjo, 7 On The Lash, Foxy Jacks, Plan Of al, 20 Deise Aba, 25 Easysland 1 5 4 1 g FORM 3 out, 3rd of 5 (btn 25l) to Melon (11-8) (Cork 3m ch Grd 3 (1) €18,000 heavy). ROI MAGE (11-3) 50-1 led 2nd, not fluent at 5th, headed 2 out, faded, 3rd of 5 (btn 16l) to Minella Indo (11-0) (Tramore 23/4m ch Grd 3 €19,501 heavy). FRANCKY DU BERLAIS (11-5) 80-1 rear mid-division, pushed along 10th, 10th of 12 (btn 39l) to Fugitif (10-7) (Chepstow 2m 3f hcap ch (2) £18,210 soft). SNOW LEOPARDESS (11-13) 8-1 chased leaders until lost place and 9th, brief rally out wide when hit 3 out, never dangerous after, 7th of 18 (btn 12l) to Wishing And Hoping (11-7) (Sandown 3m hcap ch (2) £51,440 soft). FOXY JACKS (10-7) 28-1 prominent, 2nd halfway and led 10th, slight mistake and headed 3 out, ridden and headed straight, hampered early run-in, kept on one pace, 5th of 28 (btn 21/4l) to Real Steel (10-8) (Leopardstown 3m hcap ch €112,000 yielding). DELTA WORK (11-4) 5-2 fav went 2nd 2 out, ridden, challenged last, stayed on, led finish, bt Tiger Roll (11-4) 3/4l PLAN OF ATTACK (11-4) 25-1 rear, headway when pecked 19th, went 3rd 3 out, outpaced 2 out, 3rd (btn 22l) DIESEL D’ALLIER (11-4) 12-1 in touch, ridden 4 out, weakened 2 out, 4th (btn 30l) BACK ON THE LASH (11-4) 22-1 prominent and led a few times, lost place and mistake 24th, pulled up next EASYSLAND (11-4) 17-2 made most until 24th, behind when pulled up before 28th (16 ran) (Cheltenham 33/4m crs cntry ch (2) £39,022 heavy). PLAN OF ATTACK pulled up latest, earlier (11-0) 22-1 challenging when jumped big 2 out, ridden, 6th of 12 (btn 11l) to Clifton Warrior (11-7) (Clonmel 2m hcap hdle €12,600 soft to heavy). BACK ON THE LASH (10-13) 9-2 led until 3 out, rallied, one pace, 3rd of 11 (btn 33/4l) to Does He Know (12-0) (Cheltenham 3m 3f (1) £42,712 good). FOXY JACKS (10-3) 33-1 rear, kept on one pace, btn 11/4l by Birchdale (9-7) MORTAL (10-0) 18-1 faded, 8th (well btn) MINELLA TIMES (11-12) 25-1 rear, detached 7th, effort 4 out, never a factor, pulled up last (17 ran) (Leopardstown 2m 5f hcap ch Grd 3 €75,000 yielding). DEISE ABA pulled up latest, earlier (120) 11-2 chased leaders, ridden 3 out, weakened last, 5th of 11 (btn 16l) to Quick Wave (11-12) (Sandown 3m 5f hcap ch (2) £31,218 good to soft). EASYSLAND (11-6) 40-1 chased leaders, ridden 3 out, lost place 2 out, 10th of 11 (btn 27l) to Rapper (11-6) (Cheltenham 31/4m hcap ch (2) £13,008 soft). LEGENDS RYDE (12-0) 7-1 mid-division, held 2 out, kept on, 3rd of 10 (btn 53/4l) to Dame du Soir (10-0) (Cheltenham 2m 5f mrs hcap ch (3) £10,892 good). CREALION (11-3) 12-1 made all, challenged 3 out, pushed along 2 out, ridden last, ran on strongly run-in, bt Kapking (11-4) 5l (13 ran) (Fontainebleau 23/4m hcap ch £21,176 soft). TEMPLEGATE’S VERDICT DELTA WORK can show his class with Rob James’ 7lb claim taking off valuable weight. He’s an amateur in name only and Gordon Elliott’s star won the Festival Cross-Country just ahead of the great Tiger Roll. He was then a good third in the Grand National and returned with a solid win at Punchestown. He’s different gravy to these rivals and can give the weight away. Minella Times’ formline looks like a bad hand at Scrabble but he won the 2021 Grand National so will have no issue with this stamina test. It would be no surprise to see him return to form on this quirky track. Defending champion Back On The Lash goes from a 1lb lower mark and shaped well on the conventional track here in November. He looks solid each-way. Singing Banjo pushed Delta Work all the way at Punchestown and is almost two stone better off at the weights today. That can bring them close together again. Snow Leopardess has a fine record over the Grand National fences at Aintree so should be suited to this and is another for the shortlist. 12.40 1.20 ALBERT BARTLETT CLARENCE HOUSE CHASE (GRADE 1); winner £52,280; 2m (6 runners) 1 156-11 AMARILLO SKY 63 (T;CD) J Tizzard 7-11-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brendan Powell 84 Runs: 17 Wins: 7 (S,GS,4G) Places: 1 £86,617 Improving hcapper, but this is a huge step up in graded, outclassed 2 14P-31 EDITEUR DU GITE 32 (CD) G Moore 9-11-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Niall Houlihan 93 Runs: 17 Wins: 6 (S,2GS,2G) Places: 4 £190,562 Huge career best when hacking up at Kempton, jumps well, respected 3 112-1U EDWARDSTONE 32 (BF,CD) A King 9-11-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Cannon 98 Runs: 22 Wins: 9 (2S,6GS,G) Places: 6 £398,893 Classy, bolted up in the Tingle Creek but unseated at Kempton, can bounce back 4 1211-1 ENERGUMENE 48 (CD) W Mullins (Ire) 9-11-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Townend l99 Runs: 13 Wins: 11 (5S,G) Places: 1 £648,521 Reigning champ, looked as good as ever in the Hilly Way at Cork, sets the standard 5 PADDY POWER CHELTENHAM PODCAST HCAP CHASE (1) £56,270; 2m 5f (17 runners) 1 13F-10 BRAVE SEASCA 27 2 5P7-70 ALLMANKIND 32 (D) 3 3-7P15 COOLE CODY 14 (CD) 4 0F1P-5 CARIBEAN BOY 56 (P) 5 252-79 SIMPLY THE BETTS 27 (PH;CD) V Williams 8-12-0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlie Deutsch 96 Runs: 12 Wins: 5 (3S,2GS) £60,089 Talented, ran in the Arkle last year, expect a much improved performance D Skelton 7-11-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sean Quinlan 80 Runs: 17 Wins: 8 (4S,GS,3G) Places: 2 £203,389 Struggling, form has been abysmal since his Old Roan win in 2021, avoid E Williams 12-11-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam Wedge 96 Runs: 42 Wins: 10 (4S,3GS,2G) Places: 7 £351,524 Poor here last year, but then went on to win at the Festival, respected N Henderson 9-11-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Bowen 92 Runs: 20 Wins: 4 (2S,G) Places: 2 £96,378 Only midfield at Chepstow, but can progress from that, needs more P Nicholls 10-11-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr David Maxwell (3) 88 Runs: 22 Wins: 7 (5S,2G) Places: 5 £158,478 Track and trip winner, but still chasing a first win for this yard, e-w claims 6 112-12 KARL PHILIPPE 33 F O’Brien 8-11-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Hogan (5) l99 Runs: 14 Wins: 6 (3S,2GS,G) Places: 5 £47,064 Progressive, always staying on at Wetherby, one for three miles after this 7 448-21 FUGITIF 32 (T) 8 21FP-4 PHOENIX WAY 32 (T;D) 9 4P3-53 SILVER HALLMARK 32 10 383-44 IL RIDOTO 27 (PH,T) 11 5-2627 SPIRITOFTHEGAMES 27 (B) 12 F12U-2 NOCTE VOLATUS 38 (T) 13 3P4-15 YOUR DARLING 32 (BF,D) 14 1-0185 ONE TRUE KING 59 (P;D) 15 3P32-1 NOW WHERE OR WHEN 85 (P,T) 16 211-43 PRECIOUS ELEANOR 21 (CD) R Hobson 8-11-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gavin Sheehan 98 Runs: 16 Wins: 4 (3S,GS) Places: 3 £55,447 Impressive at Chepstow, shoulders 10lb more now, leading contender H Fry 10-11-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin Brogan 93 Runs: 14 Wins: 5 (2S,2GS) Places: 2 £96,263 Lightly raced for his age, shaped well on return at Chepstow, dangerous F O’Brien 9-11-0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jonjo O’Neill Jr 90 Runs: 10 Wins: 2 (2S) Places: 3 £30,535 Grade 2 winner, showed more at Chepstow, but others have stronger claims P Nicholls 6-10-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Cobden 97 Runs: 14 Wins: 3 (GS) Places: 2 £72,689 Classy, fourth in two of these here already this season, go well again D Skelton 11-10-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Skelton 89 Runs: 37 Wins: 5 (S,GS,2G) Places: 14 £215,891 Third last year, returns now off 1lb lower, should show up well again T Lacey 8-10-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stan Sheppard 90 Runs: 17 Wins: 3 (2S,G) Places: 3 £30,518 Steady improver, should come on a bundle for promising return, go close B Pauling 8-10-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Cannon 95 Runs: 12 Wins: 4 (S,GS,2G) Places: 2 £34,278 Shaped like a non stayer over 3m at Kempton, drop in trip should help N Twiston-Davies 8-10-4 . . . . . . . Mr James Turner (7) 81 Runs: 27 Wins: 7 (2S,3GS,G) Places: 5 £63,852 Solid handicapper, yard won this last year, but others appeal more S Crawford (Ire) 8-10-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J J Slevin 93 Runs: 16 Wins: 3 (S) Places: 8 £40,074 Better at Down Royal, but that was over the minimum trip, interesting 12P-64 FUNAMBULE SIVOLA 32 (D) H Daly 8-10-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom O’Brien 86 Runs: 22 Wins: 3 (GS,2G) Places: 13 £64,843 Course winner, but mare has a bit to find on her Sandown run, dismiss 0-1295 SIZING POTTSIE 32 (T;D) N Twiston-Davies 8-10-2 . . . . . . . . . . . Jordan Nailor (3) 81 Runs: 16 Wins: 1 (G) Places: 9 £53,814 Consistent, but rarely strikes gold, will be plugging but lacks a bit of class V Williams 8-11-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlie Deutsch 90 Runs: 21 Wins: 6 (2S,2GS,2G) Places: 6 £229,789 Runner-up in the Champion Chase, but yet to click this season, best watched 6 1.50 D Pipe 9-11-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Scudamore 85 Runs: 25 Wins: 6 (4S,GS) Places: 5 £120,365 Mudlark, but peak form still leaves him with plenty to find BETTING: 8-15 Energumene, 2 Edwardstone, 10 Editeur Du Gite, 50 Funambule Sivola, Amarillo Sky, 100 Sizing Pottsie WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 1 1 1-2 2 1 2022: Shishkin 8-11-7, Nico De Boinville 5-6 Fav (N Henderson), 4 ran. Sunracing FORM earlier (11-10) 5-1 rear, always going AMARILLO SKY (11-13) 11-8 fav led going well, hit 8th, pecked, smooth headway well 4 out, ridden clear last, stayed on, tracking leaders 4 out, went 2nd 3 out, bt Only Money (10-6) 14l (6 ran) (Newstayed on to lead next, soon clear, bury 2m hcap ch (2) £20,812 good). impressive, bt Greaneteen (11-10) 9l EDITEUR DU GITE (11-2) 28-1 made all FUNAMBULE SIVOLA (11-10) 18-1 set strong pace and soon clear, stayed chased leaders, pushed along 3 out, on strongly, unchallenged, bt Nube carried left 3 out, soon outpaced and Negra (11-8) 13l FUNAMBULE SIVOLA beaten, last (btn 23l) (6 ran) (Sandown (11-8) 22-1 plugged on, 4th (btn 36l) 1m 7f ch Grd 1 (1) £99,662 good to soft). SIZING POTTSIE (11-8) 66-1 tailed off, 5th (btn 40l) EDWARDSTONE (11-8) ENERGUMENE (12-0) 1-9 fav made all, not fluent 6th, clear 7th, not fluent 2 2-5 fav dropped to rear when blunout, easily, not extended, bt Epson Du dered and unseated rider 5th, (7 ran) Houx (11-4) 15l (4 ran) (Cork 2m 1f ch (Kempton 2m ch Grd 2 £56,950 soft). EDWARDSTONE unseated rider latest, Grd 2 €60,000 yielding to soft). TEMPLEGATE’S VERDICT ENERGUMENE was superb when winning the Champion Chase on the Old Course at the Festival and can strike again. He followed his Queen Mother success with an equally easy victory at Punchestown in April. He didn’t see a rival when skipping around Cork to land a Grade 2 on comeback last month. His only defeat came to a still-firing Shishkin in this race 12 months ago but that was Ascot and this track suits much better. Edwardstone won the Arkle but took his form to a new level when stunning a strong field to win the Tingle Creek at Sandown. He then suffered a rare blip when unseating in the Desert Orchid at Kempton’s Christmas meeting. He usually jumps brilliantly and will give Willie Mullins’ raider lots to think about. Editeur Du Gite is clear best of the rest. He took that Desert Orchid when Alan King’s star ditched Tom Cannon and has run well at Cheltenham before. Funambule Sivola was second in the Champion Chase but hasn’t come close to that form since. 1.20 THIS WAY FOR REST OF CHELTENHAM 17 222-23 GUY 39 (P) BETTING: 5 Fugitif, 11-2 Il Ridoto, 8 Your Darling, 10 Now Where Or When, Brave Seasca, Karl Philippe, 12 Phoenix Way, Nocte Volatus, 14 Guy, Caribean Boy, Silver Hallmark, 16 Coole Cody, Precious Eleanor WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 4 2 UR abd 1-7 2022: Torn And Frayed 8-10-10, S Twiston-D 5-1 JtFav (N Twiston-D), 10 ran. Sunracing FORM IL RIDOTO (10-12) 8-1 handy, lost place 3 out, switched and closed 2 out, one pace, 4th of 16 (btn 8l) to Midnight River (11-4) SIMPLY THE BETTS (11-5) 14-1 chased leaders, well held from 8th, 9th (btn 21l) BRAVE SEASCA (12-0) 17-2 rear, mistake 13th, well beaten 3 out, 11th (btn 22l) (16 ran) (Cheltenham 2m 5f hcap ch (1) £56,950 soft). FUGITIF (10-7) 6-1 smooth headway into 3rd 5 out, led 4 out, forged clear 2 out, stayed on strongly, easily, bt Golden Whisky (10-2) 5l SILVER HALLMARK (11-1) 9-1 handy, pressed leader 11th, ridden 5 out, kept on, 3rd (btn 7 1/4l) PHOENIX WAY (11-4) 14-1 rear, headway 5 out, ridden 3 out, kept on, 4th (btn 12l) ALLMANKIND (12-0) 33-1 rear, no show, 11th (btn 40l) (12 ran) (Chepstow 2m 3f hcap ch (2) £18,210 soft). COOLE CODY (11-8) 16-1 chased winner, lost place 7th, weakened 12th, tailed off, 5th of 6 (btn 41l) to Pic D’Orhy (11-8) (Kempton 21/2m ch Grd 2 £45,560 soft). CARIBEAN BOY (11-4) 17-2 handy, ridden and held from 4 out, weakened, 5th of 10 (btn 21l) to Farinet (10-0) (Chepstow 3m hcap ch (2) £13,008 good to soft). KARL PHILIPPE (11-10) 5-2 ridden 3 out, stayed on well, btn 21/4l by The Paddy Pie (10-2) (10 ran) (Wetherby 2m 3f hcap ch (3) £6,045 good to soft). SPIRITOFTHEGAMES (11-6) 7-1 held up mid-division, well in touch when mistake 4 out, shaken up 3 out, soon ridden and one pace, 7th of 11 (btn 15l) to Rapper (11-6) (Cheltenham 3 1/ 4m hcap ch (2) £13,008 soft). NOCTE VOLATUS (11-6) 4-1 led 3rd, headed 7th, led again 2 out, not fluent next, driven, no extra, btn 2 3/ 4l by Equus Dancer (11-2) (7 ran) (Hereford 2m 5f hcap ch (3) £7,352 soft). YOUR DARLING (11-2) 10-3 fav middivision, outpaced 4 out, rallied next, stayed on one pace, held, 5th of 14 (btn 91/4l) to Remastered (12-1) (Kempton 3m hcap ch (2) £26,015 soft). ONE TRUE KING (12-1) 17-2 pushed along and weakened from 5 out, 5th of 7 (btn 46l) to Laskalin (11-7) (Ludlow 31/4m hcap ch (3) £10,130 good to soft). NOW WHERE OR WHEN (11-5) 4-1 made all, ridden run-in, all out, bt The Greek (11-2) 1/2l (10 ran) (Down Royal 2m hcap ch €9,600 yielding to soft). PRECIOUS ELEANOR (12-0) 9-1 every chance 3 out, one pace, 3rd of 8 (btn 21l) to Certainly Red (11-11) (Sandown 21/2m hcap ch (3) £8,325 soft). GUY (11-4) 7-1 held up rear, chased winner 2 out, held, 3rd of 9 (btn 53/4l) to Bobhopeornohope (12-0) (Ludlow 3m hcap ch (3) £10,674 good to soft). TEMPLEGATE’S VERDICT NOCTE VOLATUS is capable of winning this and showed plenty when second on comeback at Hereford last month. He sees out this trip well and won’t mind some give in the ground. Brave Seasca was too bad to be true here last time after winning at Aintree. He stays strongly and can finish a lot closer. Il Ridoto has ability and has gone close in hot handicaps here on his past two runs. A drop to 2m would help as he doesn’t seem to quite stay this far but he’s a threat. Fugitif had lots in hand clocking a big personal best at Chepstow. He’s up 10lb for that but should have more improvement in him. Keep an eye on old boy Coole Cody with the Festival in mind. 1.50 7
8 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 Favourite FIRST PAST THE POST FOR TIPS AND FORM REST OF YOUR CHELTENHAM COLOURS SEAN From Page One to keep himself to himself but if he is going for a race like this I put full faith in Emmet getting him right for the day. Noble Yeats is very much going the right way.” Ain’t that the truth. Since winning the National last April under amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, Noble Yeats has two comfortable victories to his name. The ease with which he beat some classy rivals in the Many Clouds shows he is a genuine Gold Cup contender. But Bowen is keen to find out just how good he is today. He added: “He will be having a proper race in the Cotswold and we will learn a lot about him. “To be honest he does need to take another step forward but again I think he is capable of that. “He’s won a bumper race, a hurdle race and chases over regulation fences and also over the Grand National fences so he has done it all. “He is a very straightforward and doesn’t do much until you ask him. Hopefully there is plenty left in the locker when I need it.” Quiet-man Mullins said: “It was a nice performance in the Many Clouds which was a good race, a proper Grade 2 and he came through it well. “He’s had a nice step between runs and seems fresh and well and he should be able to equip himself well. “If he wins or be there or thereabouts then it will be on to the big one. “Sean has been great on him since taking over in the saddle. The horse has been working well and is spot-on.” 3.00 2.25 PADDY POWER COTSWOLD CHASE (GRD 2); winner £67,524; 3m 1f (6 runners) 1 70-133 FRODON 33 (T;CD) 2 91-P11 NOBLE YEATS 56 (D) 2 2134-1 PROTEKTORAT 70 (T;C,D) 3 21-535 AHOY SENOR 33 (D) 4 1151-6 DUSART 50 (BF) 5 12-142 SOUNDS RUSSIAN 33 6 7 8 31-217 BOTOX HAS 27 (C,D) 2 135-21 PAISLEY PARK 33 (T;CD) G Moore 7-11-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jamie Moore 89 Runs: 17 Wins: 5 (2S,GS,2G) Places: 5 £196,401 Always outpaced when tailed off here in the Relkeel Hurdle, ignore E Lavelle 11-11-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aidan Coleman l99 Runs: 25 Wins: 11 (5S,3GS,3G) Places: 9 £670,890 Three-time winner, looked as good as ever at Kempton, one to beat 11-11F GELINO BELLO 33 P Nicholls 7-11-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Harry Cobden 96 Runs: 11 Wins: 6 (2S,3GS,G) Places: 4 £121,069 Won the Sefton at Aintree last season, not clicked over fences, do better 4 2P-122 DASHEL DRASHER 27 (C) 5 33-312 GOLD TWEET 28 (T) 6 -53129 LORD ACCORD 63 (P,T) 7 1P8-13 MOLLY OLLYS WISHES 68 (D) J Scott 10-11-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rex Dingle 97 Runs: 24 Wins: 11 (7S,3GS,G) Places: 6 £279,669 Tough, ran well here in the Relkeel Hurdle latest, won’t be far away G Leenders (Fr) 6-11-2. . . . . . . . . . Johnny Charron 85 Runs: 17 Wins: 6 (5S) Places: 4 £239,414 Fair form in France, not sure if he has the stamina for 3m, best watched N Mulholland 8-11-2. . . . . . . . . . . Richie McLernon 81 Runs: 18 Wins: 6 (2GS,4G) Places: 3 £88,762 Improved over fences, not sure how good he is over timber, ignore D Skelton 9-11-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Skelton 87 Runs: 21 Wins: 7 (5S,2GS) Places: 4 £106,581 Tough mare, put in her place last time, find a few of these too classy BETTING: 11-10 Paisley Park, 10-3 Gelino Bello, 7-2 Dashel Drasher, 10 Botox Has, Molly Ollys Wishes, 33 Gold Tweet, 66 Lord Accord WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: PU 1 1 abd 2 2022: Paisley Park 10-11-6, Aidan Coleman 5-1 (E Lavelle), 5 ran. Sunracing FORM ahead 3 out, stayed on well, easily, bt DASHEL DRASHER (11-0) 8-1 led, City Chief (11-4) 29l (2 ran) (Exeter 3m ridden 2 out, headed run-in, outpaced nov ch (2) £13,615 good to soft). by winner, kept on, btn 6l by Marie’s Rock (10-13) BOTOX HAS (11-6) 7-1 GOLD TWEET (11-2) 6-4 fav headway to lead at the last, headed soon after, pressed leader until 7th, faded quickly rallied and kept on but always held, 3 out, 7th (btn 28l) (9 ran) (Cheltbtn 1 1/4l by Rosario Baron (10-7) (9 enham 21/2m hdle Grd 2 £39,865 soft). ran) (Pau 2m 1f hdle £12,101 heavy). PAISLEY PARK (11-7) 9-2 behind, LORD ACCORD (10-4) 10-1 ridden 4 ridden closer 3 out, pushed along, out, 9th of 15 (btn 26l) to Le Milos (11outpaced, rallied next, ran on, led 0) (Newbury 31/4m (1) £142,375 good). last, stayed on strongly run-in, bt Goshen (11-7) 41/4l (5 ran) (Kempton MOLLY OLLYS WISHES (11-6) 9-4 led and clear, quickened 3 out, headed 3m hdle Grd 1 (1) £45,560 soft). next where mistake, held, last of 3 GELINO BELLO fell latest, earlier (11-9) (btn 12l) to Miranda (11-0) (Kempton 4-9 fav made all, jumped right, joined 10th, led again 11th, went five lengths 3m Listed hdle (1) £14,238 soft). TEMPLEGATE PAISLEY PARK turned back the clock with a brilliant Long Walk Hurdle win at Kempton last time. He ran his rivals into the ground despite that speed track not playing to his strengths. He has won this race three times already and has seen off stronger opposition than this. He looks a banker for today’s accumulators. Dashel Drasher was second in the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle here on New Year’s Day. He’s an honest performer who likes the track so can go close again. Gelino Bello goes back over hurdles after an unlucky fall at Kempton. He won the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle in style at Aintree last March and Paul Nicholls will be hoping this is a confidence booster. A decent effort could see him jump into the Stayers’ Hurdle picture. The others have a fair gap to bridge with Botox Has returning here after a poor effort in the Relkeel. Molly Ollys Wishes may finish closer if repeating the form she showed when winning a Listed contest at Wetherby. That was over two miles but she has lots of staying power and could pick up the pieces for a place. 3.00 F1-711 PEMBROKE 39 D Skelton 6-11-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Skelton l99 Runs: 6 Wins: 3 (2S,GS) Places: 1 £11,192 Improving fast, couldn’t have won any easier at Ludlow, more to come (btn 41/2l) (6 ran) (Aintree 3m 1f ch Grd 2 £45,016 good to soft). PROTEKTORAT (11-10) 15-2 in touch, headway 11th, led 4 out, stormed clear, very impressive, bt Eldorado Allen (11-10) 11l FRODON (11-10) 9-1 handy, ridden 15th, kept on one pace, held, 3rd (19l) (5 ran) (Haydock 31/4m ch Grd 1 £112,540 soft). DUSART (12-0) 9-4 fav handy, closed 4 out, chance 2 out, held, 6th of 8 (15l) to Captain Morgs (10-12) (Cheltenham 3m hcap hdle (2) £11,447 good). SOUNDS RUSSIAN (11-12) 13-2 midfield, outpaced briefly 4 out, ridden 2 out, stayed on well, btn 1/2l by Into Overdrive (10-11) (11 ran) (Wetherby 3m hcap ch (1) £28,475 good to soft). 9 P3-12 ROCK MY WAY 27 S Hosie 5-11-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Scudamore 94 Runs: 4 Wins: 1 Places: 2 £4,860 Promising, ran a cracker when second here on hurdles debut, fancied 10 17-411 WAR SOLDIER 29 A Thomson 6-11-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ryan Mania 96 Runs: 8 Wins: 3 (S,2GS) Places: 1 £14,103 Improving, battled well to win at Haydock latest, test of stamina will suit 11 1-2302 WAY OUT 19 S Hosie 6-11-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tom Cannon 78 Runs: 7 Wins: 1 Places: 3 £4,089 Looks a future chaser, solid effort at Taunton latest, best watched 12 TEMPLEGATE’S VERDICT 1 6325-P MOKA DE VASSY 28 J Williams 5-11-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Noonan 74 Runs: 5 Places: 2 £15,721 Highly tried, pulled up in the Challow at Newbury latest, hard to fancy Sunracing FORM 2.25 3440-5 DOCTOR BROWN BEAR 33 (T) M Brassil (Ire) 5-11-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J J Slevin 72 Runs: 7 Places: 2 £5,516 Exposed as moderate, 0-7 over hurdles, flying way too high, avoid BETTING: 13-8 Protektorat, 2 Noble Yeats, 7 Frodon, 15-2 Ahoy Senor, 8 Sounds Russian, 14 Dusart WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 3 2 1 2 1 2022: Chantry House 8-11-6, N De Boinville 5-6 Fav (N Henderson), 5 ran. PROTEKTORAT was brilliant when winning the Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock on comeback and can cement his Cheltenham Gold Cup credentials here. The Skeltons say he’s a stronger horse 12 months on from his third in the big race last season and he’ll have no issues seeing out this trip. Grand National winner Noble Yeats soared to new heights when winning the Many Clouds over the Mildmay Course at Aintree last time. His engine makes him a massive danger. Sounds Russian is a nice sort and can stay on to take third ahead of the admirable Frodon after an impressive effort at Newbury last time. 217-1 CRUZ CONTROL 33 T Lacey 6-11-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stan Sheppard 95 Runs: 4 Wins: 2 (2S) Places: 1 £8,016 Well regarded, cruised clear on hurdling debut at Newcastle, interesting R Jefferson 8-11-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sean Quinlan 92 Runs: 11 Wins: 4 (3S,GS) Places: 5 £73,796 Progressive, stays well and ran a cracker at Wetherby latest, interesting FRODON (11-10) 18-1 led 2nd, until ridden and headed 3 out, kept on, one pace 3rd of 9 (btn 18l) to Bravemansgame (11-10) AHOY SENOR (11-10) 12-1 chased leader until 10th, ridden 3 out, faded, 5th (btn 33l) (Kempton 3m ch Grd 1 £142,375 soft). NOBLE YEATS (11-8) 3-1 led until 2nd, handy, dropped to last and pushed along 12th, closed 15th, switched and quickened to lead again last, stayed on well, bt Dashel Drasher (11-4) 31/4l AHOY SENOR (11-7) 2-1 fav jumped right, blundered badly 1st, led and hit 2nd, not fluent 13th, headed 15th, led 4 out, headed 3 out, held, 3rd (btn 31/2l) SOUNDS RUSSIAN (11-4) 13-2 held up behind leaders, kept on, 4th F31-21 CAN YOU CALL 28 (T;D) E Williams 8-11-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam Wedge 92 Runs: 12 Wins: 3 (3S) Places: 4 £24,448 Impressive win in a hcap at Uttoxeter latest, this is tougher, e-w claims N Henderson 8-11-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Bowen 90 Runs: 7 Wins: 4 (3GS,G) Places: 1 £58,105 Outclassed here in March, still has more to offer over fences, check betting 6 -41111 BLENKINSOP 28 (D) H Daly 6-11-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Doubtful 97 Runs: 9 Wins: 4 (2S,GS,G) Places: 1 £29,819 Improving through the ranks, loves a slog in mud, ruled out yesterday L Russell 8-11-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Derek Fox 96 Runs: 14 Wins: 6 (S,4GS,G) Places: 2 £249,244 Smart novice, but yet to click this season, this track will suit better 5 4-114 MOFASA 63 (BF,CD) M Scudamore 7-11-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luca Morgan 88 Runs: 4 Wins: 2 (GS,G) £16,592 Won here in Oct, flopped when beaten at 4-9 at Newcastle, jury’s out D Skelton 8-11-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Skelton l99 Runs: 19 Wins: 6 (3S,3GS) Places: 6 £384,132 Powerful, bolted up in the Betfair Chase at Haydock, sets the standard 4 11P-21 HENRI THE SECOND 57 (TH;D) P Nicholls 6-11-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Harry Cobden 98 Runs: 5 Wins: 3 (S,GS,G) Places: 1 £50,294 Progressive, looked a real stayer when winning at Sandown, go well E Mullins (Ire) 8-11-10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sean Bowen 98 Runs: 16 Wins: 6 (2S,2GS) Places: 2 £590,562 National hero, showed plenty of gears at Aintree latest, more to come 3 BALLYMORE CLASSIC NOVICES’ HURDLE (GRADE 2); £28,475; 2m 4f (12 runners) 1 P Nicholls 11-11-10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bryony Frost 92 Runs: 47 Wins: 19 (F,4S,4GS,9G) Places: 5 £1,129,959 Ran a cracker when third in the King George, jumps well, respected CHAPEL STUD CLEEVE HURDLE (GRADE 2) (1); winner £39,389; 3m (7 runners) 3 3.35 111-22 BONTTAY 54 (BF) F O’Brien 6-10-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paddy Brennan 90 Runs: 5 Wins: 3 (3G) Places: 2 £30,657 Useful bumper performer, not disgraced on hurdling debut, do better BETTING: 15-8 Pembroke, 11-4 Henri The Second, 6 Rock My Way, 10 Can You Call, 14 War Soldier, 16 Cruz Control, Mofasa, 25 Bonttay, Doctor Brown Bear, 33 Moka De Vassy, 66 Way Out WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 4 FE 2 abd UR 2022: North Lodge 5-11-5, Adrian Heskin 7-1 (A King), 6 ran. Sunracing FORM HENRI THE SECOND (11-2) 7-4 fav held up in last pair, went 2nd 2 out, led last, stayed on strongly, bt Henry’s Friend (11-2) 41/4l (6 ran) (Sandown 21/2m nov hdle Grd 2 £34,170 soft). MOFASA (11-8) 4-9 fav led until 2 out, faded, tailed off, last of 4 (btn 29l) to Tiger Jet (11-5) (Newcastle 23/4m nov hdle (2) £7,804 good to soft). BLENKINSOP (10-6) 10-3 rear, headway 3 out, led run-in, ran on, bt Moulins Clermont (10-5) 43/4l (10 ran) (Newbury 21/2m hcap hdle (2) £10,406 soft). CAN YOU CALL (11-2) 7-2 fav going well 3 out, led 2 out, drew clear after the last, stayed on, easily, bt Hermes Boy (11-3) 8l (11 ran) (Uttoxeter 21/2m hcap hdle (3) £11,110 heavy). CRUZ CONTROL (11-4) evens fav close up, every chance 3 out, led next, bt Leading Force (11-4) 8l (11 ran) (Newcastle 2m 1f mdn hdle (4) £4,901 soft). DOCTOR BROWN BEAR (10-13) 7-1 ridden 2 out, no extra last, 5th of 18 (btn 21l) to Foxy Girl (10-1) (Limerick 2m mdn hdle €7,501 soft to heavy). MOKA DE VASSY pulled up latest, earlier (10-12) 8-1 held up, headway 3 out, weakened, 5th of 11 (btn 21l) to Knight Salute (11-3) (Kempton 2m hdle Grd 2 (1) £34,170 good to soft). PEMBROKE (11-6) 2-1 held up in touch, closed from 5th, led and dived at 3 out, clear 2 out, easily, bt Amrons Sage (11-0) 16l (15 ran) (Ludlow 2m nov hdle (4) £4,929 good to soft). ROCK MY WAY (11-7) 66-1 went 2nd 2 out, ridden, challenged run-in, held finish, btn 11/4l by Weveallbeencaught (11-7) (13 ran) (Cheltenham 21/2m mdn hdle (2) £10,562 good to soft). WAR SOLDIER (11-6) 2-1 chased leader, hung left and challenged last, led soon after, hung left, stayed on, bt Matata (11-6) 3/4l (11 ran) (Haydock 2m nov hdle (3) £7,080 soft). WAY OUT (11-5) 8-1 led until 4th, chased winner, every chance 3 out, held last, kept on one pace run-in, btn 6l by Iliko D’olivate (11-5) (12 ran) (Taunton 2m 3f nov hdle (4) £4,792 soft). BONTTAY (11-4) 10-11 fav tracked leaders, every chance, wandered 2 out, stayed on, btn 3/4l by Jane Du Berlais (11-4) (17 ran) (Lingfield 2m nov hdle (4) £4,901 good to soft). TEMPLEGATE’S VERDICT ROCK MY WAY went off at 66-1 on his hurdle debut in good company here last time and was mighty close to landing the spoils in second. That was a fantastic start against quality opposition over this trip and any improvement can get him off the mark. Pembroke zipped away from his rivals for a 16-length win at Ludlow on the back of an equally easy success at Wetherby. His sights are raised here by the Skeltons but he clearly has a big engine and there’s every chance he’ll cope with it. Henri The Second is a massive threat after a Grade 2 victory at Sandown. He’ll have no problem getting up the hill and could give the weight away. War Soldier knows how to battle and can go well at double-figure odds for the in-form team of Sandy Thomson. 3.35 4.10 SSS SUPER ALLOYS HANDICAP HURDLE (2); winner £15,609; 2m 1f (16 runners) 1 U7/3-4 JASON THE MILITANT 118 (T;BF) 2 41-U4B CAMPROND 14 (C,D) 3 1232-8 MIGHT I 70 (BF) P Kirby 9-12-0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Williamson (5) 93 Runs: 12 Wins: 3 (2S) Places: 2 £71,223 Smart form in Ireland, but not sure how much ability he retains, bit to find P Hobbs 7-11-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aidan Coleman 96 Runs: 16 Wins: 5 (4G) Places: 7 £142,623 Quirky, not enjoyed chasing this season, big chance on best form H Fry 7-11-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lorcan Murtagh (3) 97 Runs: 7 Wins: 2 (2S) Places: 2 £37,033 Well regarded, found 3m too far at Haydock in Nov, better expected 4 2343-8 MARTATOR 56 (D) 5 414-24 NELLS SON 62 (PH) 6 4131-2 HACKER DES PLACES 91 (D) 7 17-332 BARRICHELLO 25 V Williams 6-10-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlie Deutsch 85 Runs: 14 Wins: 2 Places: 3 £189,995 Useful form in France, but showed nothing at Sandown, plenty to prove N Richards 8-10-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sean Quinlan 98 Runs: 10 Wins: 4 (3S,G) Places: 2 £53,971 Northern raider, did well over timber last season, fascinating contender P Nicholls 6-10-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . Angus Cheleda (5) l99 Runs: 10 Wins: 4 (3S,GS) Places: 4 £73,921 Ultra consistent, best form is in the mud and big run expected D McCain 7-10-6 . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Kavanagh (5) 92 Runs: 16 Wins: 4 (4GS) Places: 7 £51,684 Not a natural chase, but solid form over timber, one to watch closely 8 531U0/ FRONT VIEW 721 9 12124- TAKEIT EASY 413 10 2F5-16 PIKAR 28 (BF) Jonjo O’Neill 8-10-6 . . . . . . . . . . . Richie McLernon 90 Runs: 12 Wins: 3 (S) Places: 4 £36,403 Useful in Ireland, joined shrewd yard but long absence to overcome P Sly 8-10-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alan Johns 93 Runs: 14 Wins: 4 (GS,3G) Places: 4 £30,844 Progressive when last seen in 2021, likely to be better for the run, ignore D Skelton 6-10-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Skelton 96 Runs: 5 Wins: 1 (GS) Places: 1 £7,960 Unexposed, below par at Newbury, trainer rates him his best chance of the day 11 911-11 PUNCTUATION 50 (T;CD) F O’Brien 6-10-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paddy Brennan 97 Runs: 8 Wins: 4 (3S,G) £24,252 Winning machine, impressive win here in Dec, 8lb rise is fair, dangerous 12 13P6-4 HYSTERY BERE 63 (D) 13 1P-P FAUTINETTE 21 (HH) T Symonds 6-10-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jordan Nailor (3) 86 Runs: 13 Wins: 3 (2S) Places: 5 £33,291 Ran well when third last year, disappointing since, best watched V Williams 5-10-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ned Fox (7) 80 Runs: 3 Wins: 1 (S) £9,000 Lightly raced, pulled up on both starts for this yard, hard to fancy 14 4111-7 MALAKAHNA 63 (P,T;CD) I Williams 5-10-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charlie Todd 89 Runs: 8 Wins: 4 (4G) £41,888 Struggled at Newbury in Nov, freshened up since and more needed 15 121/23 LONG STAY 86 (T;BF,D) 16 -42445 CASTEL GANDOLFO 86 (B,T) F O’Brien 8-10-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Hogan (5) 94 Runs: 8 Wins: 2 (GS,G) Places: 3 £10,692 Consistent, beaten fav at Newbury, can go well off lovely racing weight F O’Brien 6-10-2 . . . . . . . . . Mr Tom Broughton (7) 97 Runs: 18 Wins: 2 (GS,G) Places: 8 £46,731 Takes a step up in class, but plenty to prove at this level, avoid BETTING: 7-2 Punctuation, 4 Might I, 13-2 Hacker Des Places, 8 Pikar, 10 Nells Son, 12 Barrichello, 14 Camprond, 16 Takeit Easy, Jason The Militant, Long Stay, 20 Martator, Front View, Fautinette WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 4 2 7 abd 1-PU 2022: Cormier 6-11-6, Jonathan Burke 9-2 JtFav (B Ellison), 12 ran. Sunracing FORM JASON THE MILITANT (11-3) 7-4 jt fav tracked leader in 2nd, not fluent behind clear leader 3rd, closer 4 out, one pace, 4th of 5 (btn 23l) to Jesse Evans (11-3) (Tipperary 2m hdle Grd 3 (1) €22,501 good to yielding). CAMPROND brought down latest, earlier (11-4) 13-2 not fluent, ridden, never dangerous, last of 4 (btn 34l) to Sebastopol (11-9) (Newbury 21/2m nov ch Grd 2 (1) £28,475 good). MIGHT I (11-9) 10-3 fav mid-division, ridden 2 out, soon one pace and held, 8th of 13 (btn 23l) to Botox Has (11-4) (Haydock 3m (1) £71,188 soft). MARTATOR (11-13) 16-1 led and went clear from 2nd, reduced lead 3 out, headed turning in, weakened quickly 2 out, soon tailed off, 8th of 9 (btn 42l) to Love Envoi (11-10) (Sandown 2m hcap hdle (2) £31,218 soft). NELLS SON (11-4) 3-1 rear, went 4th 5 out, ridden 3 out, no impression, 4th of 7 (btn 13l) to Bass Rock (11-4) (Carlisle 2m nov chs (3) £6,317 soft). HACKER DES PLACES (11-9) 8-1 tracked leaders, went 2nd 2 out, ridden run-in, held, btn 71/2l by Highway One O Two (11-11) (10 ran) (Ascot 2m hcap hdle (2) £32,676 good). BARRICHELLO (11-10) 9-4 chased winner, not fluent, shaken up 3 out, ridden, no extra, btn 16l by Notlongtillmay (10-11) (5 ran) (Musselburgh 21/2m nov hcap ch (3) £6,337 soft). FRONT VIEW (10-13) 20-1 handy, ridden, 12th of 22 (btn 27l) to Drop The Anchor (10-5) (Leopardstown 2m hcap hdle €75,635 soft to heavy). TAKEIT EASY (10-13) 9-2 held up in 5th, headway 3 out, every chance when ridden, one pace, 4th of 9 (btn 51/2l) to Tommy’s Oscar (11-12) (Doncaster 2m 1f hcap hdle (2) £9,626 good to soft). PIKAR (10-13) 9-4 fav pushed along 3 out, plugged on, 6th of 10 (btn 16l) to Blenkinsop (10-6) (Newbury 21/2m hcap hdle (2) £10,406 soft). PUNCTUATION (10-12) 9-2 headway travelling well last, driven along to lead after, ran on well, bt Too Friendly (11-0) 33/4l (9 ran) (Cheltenham 2m 1f hcap hdle (3) £11,110 good). HYSTERY BERE (11-2) 13-2 chased leaders, ridden 2 out, faded, 4th of 6 (btn 16l) to Filey Bay (10-10) (Doncaster 2m 1f hcap hdle (3) £6,971 good). FAUTINETTE pulled up latest, earlier (11-0) evens co fav led 5 out, ridden out, easily, bt Purprod Boiz (10-7) 1l (7 ran) (Vichy 2m hdle £9,000 heavy). MALAKAHNA (11-0) 13-2 mid-division out wide, lost place after 5th, pushed along and outpaced, 7th of 9 (btn 44l) to Red Risk (11-12) (Newbury 21/2m hcap hdle (2) £21,784 good). LONG STAY (11-0) 9-4 fav chased leaders, outpaced 3 out, rallied 2 out, switched 2 out, every chance last, 3rd of 7 (btn 71/2l) to Herbiers (11-10) CASTEL GANDOLFO (11-2) 11-2 led, hit 3rd and joined, headed 3 out, ridden, 5th (btn 20l) (Newbury 2m cond hcap hdle (3) £5,609 good). TEMPLEGATE’S VERDICT HACKER DES PLACES never runs a bad race and looks the answer to this red-hot handicap. He was third in the Imperial Cup at Sandown last season before a good win at Aintree. He returned with a decent second at Ascot and will stay out of trouble up front. Might I looked pretty rusty on return at Haydock and is better judged on his second in the Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree’s Grand National meeting. Dropping to two miles at Cheltenham looks wise and he has more to come. Punctuation landed his fourth win on the spin with lots in the tank here last month. He is best over this trip and an 8lb rise in the weights may not be enough to put the brakes on. Nells Son has been chasing with mixed results but is a Grade 2 winner over hurdles and could be a threat back at handicap level. Pikar was well backed before his handicap hurdle debut in a good race at Newbury. He didn’t fire there as the 2m4f trip may have stretched his stamina. Don’t write off the Skelton hope who still has few miles on the clock. 4.10
Favourite Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... MORE OF TODAY’S RUNNERS LINGFIELD ALL-WEATHER ACTION ON THE FLAT 12.33 SPREADEX SPORTS BEST PREMIER LEAGUE ODDS HANDICAP (Class 6); £3,402; 1m. (12 runners) 1 (3) 75226-1 LORDSBRIDGE GIRL 21 (D) W Knight 4-9-9 ............. Jamie Spencer l99 2 (1) 2954-14 MABRE 16 (CD) P Evans 6-9-9 ...................................Jordan Williams (5) 95 3 (10) 58/78-4 WAKE UP HARRY 21 (CD) S Dow 5-9-9...................................John Egan 81 4 (8) 77447-7 COME ON JOHN 21 (P;D) M Attwater 4-9-7 ...................William Carson 76 5 (11) 810968- IT’S A LOVE THING 37 J Butler 5-9-6............................ Darragh Keenan 90 6 (9) 91266-3 ALWAYS FEARLESS 21 (B;CD) R Hannon 6-9-6 .............Joe Leavy (7) 95 7 (4) 49607-0 LOST IN TIME 24 (B,HH) D Ivory 6-9-6 ..............................Robert Havlin 83 8 (5) 27313-8 BLUE COLLAR LAD 26 (CD) R Brisland 4-9-3...... Billy Loughnane (5) 98 9 (2) /2317-6 ADAAYINOURLIFE 22 (P;CD) M Usher 4-9-2 .................. David Probert 92 10 (12) 69352-6 STARRY EYES 24 (CD) B Johnson 7-9-2 ....................... Harry Burns (3) 94 11 (6) 527770/ HONOURS 444 G Deacon 5-9-2 ...............................................Rob Hornby 71 12 (7) 770009- TASKHEER 45 (H,T) D Steele 5-8-13 ....................................Joshua Bryan 70 BETTING: 3 Lordsbridge Girl, 4 Mabre, 6 Always Fearless, 7 Starry Eyes, Wake Up Harry WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 1 2022: Coase 5-9-5 Hollie Doyle 10-3 Fav (M Wigham) drawn 9, 10 ran. 1.08 TALKSPORT POWERED BY FANS HANDICAP (5); 3-y-o; value to the winner £4,187; 7f. (8 runners) 1 (5) 8294-83 STATES OF THUNDER 15 (P) M Botti 9-10 ........... Billy Loughnane (5) 93 2 (2) 681-5 MOLLY VALENTINE 24 (C) D Ivory 9-8 ...............................Nicola Currie 95 3 (3) 5222-1 ABBEY’S DREAM 26 (D) A Watson 9-7 .................................Luke Morris 98 4 (4) 076242- GERALT OF RIVIA 47 C Hills 9-7 .................................. Kieran Shoemark 93 5 (6) 334-6 IMPULSIVE LADY 25 J Tate 9-6 ................................................. Jason Hart 90 6 (1) 02-4 VASILISSA 14 R Hannon 9-4...................................................... Sean Levey 96 7 (7) 062- GWENDOLINA 28 C Cox 9-2 .....................................................John Fahy l99 8 (8) 905- ANGEL TIME 84 R Brisland 8-4 ....................................... Aidan Keeley (5) 83 BETTING: 11-4 Abbey’s Dream, 3 Gwendolina, 5 Geralt Of Rivia, 6 Vasilissa, 7 States Of Thunder, 10 Molly Valentine, 12 Impulsive Lady, 20 Angel Time WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 1 4 2022: Golden Spice 9-5 Luke Morris 9-2 (G Margarson) drawn 7, 8 ran. Sunracing FORM STATES OF THUNDER (9-4) 13-2 plugged on, went 3rd final strides, 3rd of 6 (4l) to Pocket The Packet (9-11) (Lingfield 7f hcap (5) £4,187 AW). MOLLY VALENTINE (9-4) 17-2 tracked leaders, kept on final furlong, 5th of 9 (btn 4l) to Expert Agent (9-3) (Kempton 6f hcap (5) £4,187 AW). ABBEY’S DREAM (9-2) 5-4 fav led 2f out, bt Sprezzatura (9-5) 11/4l (9 ran) (Newcastle 7f mdn (5) £4,320 AW). GERALT OF RIVIA (9-8) 11-2 close up, outpaced 2f out, stayed on, btn 13/4l by Huberts Dream (10-3) (5 ran) (Lingfield 6f hcap (5) £4,536 AW). 1.43 IMPULSIVE LADY (9-5) 10-1 in touch, ridden 2f out, not trouble leaders, last of 6 (btn 41/4l) to Star Child (9-7) (Chelmsford 1m hcap (5) £5,051 AW). VASILISSA (9-2) 13-2 one pace, 4th of 8 (41/2l) to Star Guest (9-2) (Lingfield 1m fll nov stks (5) £4,320 AW). GWENDOLINA (9-2) 7-1 tracked leaders, stayed on to go 2nd near finish, 1/2l by Captain Cisco (9-7) (14 ran) (Lingfield 7f nov (5) £3,672 AW). ANGEL TIME (9-2) 150-1 led, headed final furlong, one pace, 5th of 7 (71/4l) to Miss Sarajevo (9-2) (Chelmsford 7f fll nov stks (5) £3,725 AW). BETUK’S ACCA CLUB 5 FREE BET HANDICAP (6); value to the winner £3,402; 6f. (12 runners) 1 (7) 68409-8 HUDDLETON MAC 24 (T) C Wallis 5-9-9...............................Luke Morris 83 2 (8) 34550-3 GIVE A LITTLE BACK 23 (B) S Curran 4-9-9..................Jamie Spencer 94 3 (12) 679562- MUMAYAZ 47 A Carroll 4-9-8................................................. Jack Mitchell 97 4 (3) 03008-2 BEZZAS LAD 24 (D) A Carroll 6-9-8 ............................Alistair Rawlinson 92 5 (2) 87831-5 BOBBY ON THE BEAT 25 (P;BF,CD) P McEntee 5-9-8 . Josephine Gordon l99 6 (6) 2/2469- DESERT BOOTS 45 (BH;C,D) S Pearce 5-9-8 ........... Darragh Keenan 88 7 (5) 7418-78 VANDAD 17 (P,T;C) M Attwater 6-9-8..................................Robert Havlin 90 8 (10) 35628-4 DEPUTISE 4 (BH;D) M Wigham 7-9-6 ..................................... Sean Levey 95 9 (1) 706/99- MOOSMEE 142 (D) S Dow 6-9-1 .................................. Paddy Bradley (3) 72 10 (11) 5/434- JACK LESLIE 249 P Murphy 4-9-1 ........................................Joshua Bryan 93 11 (4) 57544-0 SOLAR PROPHET 13 (B,T;BF) G Boughey 4-9-1 .. Billy Loughnane (5) 87 12 (9) 05043-7 THOMAS EQUINAS 25 (PH) D Ivory 4-8-10 ........................Nicola Currie 82 BETTING: 7-2 Bezzas Lad, 6 Bobby On The Beat, Give A Little Back, 7 Mumayaz, 8 Solar Prophet, Desert Boots, 10 Deputise, 12 Jack Leslie WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 1-2 6 3 7 2022: Bobby On The Beat 4-8-10 Callum Shepherd 10-1 (P McEntee) drawn 2, 9 ran. KEMPTON TONIGHT TEMPLEGATE 5.30.............Divine Messenger 6.00 ....................................Rooful 6.30 ..................Cotopaxi Moon 7.00................................. Uzincso 7.30 .......................................Ziggy 8.00 ............Kensington Agent 8.30...........Swaffham Bulbeck TOM PEPPER: 5.30 Chloellie, 6.00 Rooful, 6.30 Karakoy, 7.00 Tiger Beetle, 7.30 State Legend, 8.00 Cool Lightning, 8.30 Tibbie Dunbar nTIC-TAC: Right-handed Polytrack course. 1m round with tight turns and a 3f run-in. nDRAW: None. nLEADING TRAINERS (2018-2023): H & R Charlton 48-272, C Cox 45-354, M Botti 42-405, E Walker 39-271. THIS SEASON: C Johnston 3. nTOP JOCKEYS (20182023): T Marquand 79-669, D Muscutt 56-474, R Ryan 48-4112. THIS SEASON: T Marquand 4. nLONGEST TRAVELLER: Angel Amadea (6.00) trip of 548 miles. nFIRST RUN SINCE WIND OP: Pride Of America (7.30). nLIVE ON RACING TV THE Placepot is a bet where you select a horse to be placed in the FIRST SIX races of any meeting. You can pick more than one horse in a race – you just multiply the number of selections in each race to calculate your stake. So for staking it’s 2x2x1x1x2x1 which adds up to 8 lines in the Placepot. You can stake what you POT LUCK want upwards from 5p a line and 50p a line would cost £4. £1 a line is £8 and so on. Provided at least one of our horses in each race is placed, we get a paid! TODAY’S SELECTIONS AT CHELTENHAM LEG 1: ..................Dixon Cove, ........................ Comfort Zone LEG 2: ..Stage Star, Malinello LEG 3: ................. Delta Work LEG 4: ............... Energumene LEG 5: ............ Nocte Volatus, .........................Brave Seasca LEG 6: .................Protektorat 5.30 Sunracing FORM BEZZAS LAD (9-1) 40-1 led, driven 1f out, headed towards finish, btn nk by Libra Tiger (9-7) HUDDLETON MAC (9-8) 22-1 held up, ridden over 2f out, never involved, 8th (btn 63/4l) (9 ran) (Kempton 6f hcap (5) £4,187 AW). GIVE A LITTLE BACK (9-9) 15-2 keen in touch, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 12 (btn 1l) to Bond Boy (9-5) (W’hampton 7f hcap (6) £3,402 AW). MUMAYAZ (9-10) 9-2 raced keenly towards rear, hung left over 1f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, btn 11/4l by Calonne (9-8) (8 ran) (Lingfield 7f hcap (6) £4,266 AW). BOBBY ON THE BEAT (9-10) 15-8 fav close up, pushed along 1f out, kept on, 5th of 8 (btn 3 3/ 4l) to Beauzon (9-9) THOMAS EQUINAS (8-12) 16-1 led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th (btn 91/2l) (Chelmsford 6f hcap (6) £4,004 AW). DESERT BOOTS (9-10) 11-2 held up, pushed along 3f out, never a factor, 2.18 BETUK OVER 40,000 LIVE STREAMED RACES HCAP (4); value to the winner £5,129; 6f. (7 runners) Sunracing FORM headed 2f out, weakened, 5th of 7 COUNT OTTO (9-10) 7-4 tracked (btn 41/4l) to Manigordo (9-1) (Musselleaders, led over 1f out, soon clear, burgh 7f hcap (3) £8,100 good). ran on well, bt Touchwood (9-6) 1 IMPEACH (8-13) 11-1 always outpaced in 2 / 4l IMPEACH (9-8) 4-1 weakened 1 rear, never on terms, 5th of 6 (btn 6l) final furlong, 4th (btn 6 / 4l) (7 ran) to Miss Nay Never (9-9) (Chelmsford (Lingfield 6f hcap (4) £4,995 AW). 5f hcap (3) £8,100 AW). TYGER BAY (8-1) 5-1 in touch, pushed along 2f out, ran on, nearest finish, THE GREEN MAN (9-10) 20-1 held up, struggling 2f out, plugged on, 7th of 3rd of 9 (btn 1 3/ 4l) to Annaf (9-9) 13 (btn 53/4l) to Justcallmepete (9-6) (Lingfield 6f hcap (2) £13,190 AW). (Southwell 6f hcap (4) £5,129 AW). STONE OF DESTINY (8-11) 9-1 in rear, ridden 1f out, not trouble leaders, RATTLING (9-8) 10-1 held up, ridden 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, 5th 6th of 8 (btn 4 1/ 4l) to Embour (8-1) of 9 (btn 5l) to Elegant Charm (9-2) (Lingfield 5f hcap (3) £18,319 AW). (Kempton 6f hcap (4) £6,281 AW). TOUSSAROK (9-9) 16-1 led, ridden and HUGE DAILY BOOSTS ONLY AT BETUK NOVICE STAKES (5); value to the winner £4,320; 1m 4f. (6 runners) 1 (2) 4-1 NOW THEN WENDY 11 (D) H Morrison 6-9-9 ........................ Jason Hart 97 2 (1) 5 ARIS DE CRAT 22 L Allan 5-9-7 ...................................... Darragh Keenan 78 3 (5) FERROBIN J14 (P,T) M Young 9-9-7..........................Billy Loughnane (5) — 4 (6) 33227-2 BERKSHIRE BREEZE 11 (BF) A Balding 4-9-4 ............... David Probert 98 5 (3) 4 POLEMON 14 (T) A Watson 4-9-4 ............................................Luke Morris 93 6 (4) 4-3 CASA LUNA 14 R Varian 4-8-13 ..........................................Jack Mitchell l99 BETTING: 7-4 Berkshire Breeze, 3 Casa Luna, 7-2 Now Then Wendy, 4 Polemon, 14 Ferrobin, 50 Aris De Crat WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED and 2022: No corresponding race. GOING: STANDARD TO SLOW CLASSIFIED STAKES (Class 6); winner £3,140; 7f. (14 runners) 1 (8) 900- AXEL JACKLIN 179 (B;D) C Banham 7-9-2 .. J Haynes 2 (14) 0-42 CHLOELLIE 21 (V;CD) J Jenkins 8-9-2 .............. C Lee 3 (10) 526- CHRISTINES ANGEL 50 A Carroll 6-9-2.. J Fisher (5) 4 (6) 5-82 DIVINE MESSENGER 7 (V;C) E Owen 9-9-2 D Muscutt 5 (4) 579- EASTERN STAR 50 A Carroll 7-9-2 ....... M Phillips (3) 6 (3) 5-66 ELEGANT ELLEN 9 (H) A Murphy 5-9-2 A Farragher (3) 7 (13) 59-5 FACT OR FABLE 23 (P;C,D) J Moore 6-9-2 .. C Bishop 8 (7) 9-00 FAST FLO 8 (BH,HH) C Dunnett 4-9-2 ....... K O’Neill 9 (11) 60-9 NAADYAA 14 (VH) J Parr 4-9-2 .. T Hammer Hansen 10 (9) 8-77 NO DIGGITY 14 (B;C,D) J Butler 7-9-2 ....... S Cherchi 11 (12) 437- RIVER CHORUS 30 (D) P McEntee 5-9-2........ R Ryan 12 (1) 00-5 SECRET TRYST 21 (H) W Knight 4-9-2 .. T Marquand 13 (2) 5-33 SHAMSHON 16 (BF) S Williams 12-9-2 .. L Catton (5) 14 (5) 60-0 SIX O’CLOCK SWILL 24 (T) M Pattinson 5-9-2 O Stammers (3) Divine Messenger l99, River Chorus 98, Eastern Star 97. 4 Divine Messenger, 9-2 Shamshon, 5 River Chorus, 15-2 Eastern Star, 8 Elegant Ellen, 12 Christines Angel, Naadyaa 6.00 1 2 3 4 5 6 (5) (3) (4) (1) (2) (6) FILLIES HANDICAP (5); winner £4,187; 7f. (6 runners) -243 QUEEN OF BURGUNDY 10 (T;CD) M Appleby 7-9-9 F Larson (3) 424- ANGEL AMADEA 116 (BF) R Menzies 5-9-6 ... C Bennett 43-2 PIFFLE 19 (D) E Walker 4-9-6 .................... T Marquand 998- AREILLE 37 (P) J Jones 4-9-4 .......................... D Hogan 112- ROOFUL 40 (CD) E J-Houghton 5-8-13......... C Bishop 00-9 SOCIAL CONTACT 23 (D) A Carroll 4-8-10 ....... C Lee Rooful l99, Queen Of Burgundy 98, Piffle 97. 15-8 Rooful, 9-4 Piffle, 4 Angel Amadea, Queen Of Burgundy, 20 Social Contact, 33 Areille 6.30 MAIDEN STAKES (5); winner £3,780; 1m. (14 runners) 1 (13) 3- COTOPAXI MOON 70 (BF) J Ferguson 4-10-2 D Muscutt 2 (5) TABLES TURNED (HH) J Auvray 4-10-2 .. M Tabti (7) 3 (7) 8-8 MEMBERRY 15 G Deacon 4-9-12 ............... G Bass (3) 4 (4) SAPPERDEAN L Dace 4-9-12 ................ R Clutterbuck 5 (11) 6-9 CHERWELL 24 E J-Houghton 4-9-7 .............. C Bishop 6 (14) 7-5 ACLAIMED ART 25 (P) J Tate 3-8-10 .................. C Lee 7 (2) 2- PERFECT APPROACH 32 M Botti 3-8-10 ..... Doubtful 8 (6) KARAKOY H & R Charlton 3-8-8 .................... T Whelan 9 (9) PAPAL MUSIC C Cox 3-8-8 .......................... S Osborne 10 (1) LEXINGTON HERO J Channon 3-8-6 ..... R Dawes (7) 11 (8) GOLDKIT P & O Cole 3-8-5 .............................. K O’Neill 12 (10) 0 CARAMAY 13 W Muir & C Grassick 3-8-3 .... C Hardie 13 (3) 8 EXQUISITE BEAUTY 14 W Jarvis 3-8-2 ........ F Norton 14 (12) 97- SARATOGA SPIRIT 45 C Hills 3-8-2 ..... Jimmy Quinn Cotopaxi Moon l99, Saratoga Spirit 89, Aclaimed Art 87. 9-4 Cotopaxi Moon, 9-2 Karakoy, 6 Goldkit, 13-2 Papal Music, 10 Aclaimed Art, 14 Lexington Hero 7.00 9th of 13 (btn 8l) to Satin Snake (9-3) (Kempton 7f hcap (6) £2,916 AW). VANDAD (9-7) 50-1 chased leaders, ridden 2f out, soon weakened, last of 8 (63/4l) to Man On A Mission (9-2) (Lingfield 5f hcap (5) £4,187 AW). DEPUTISE (9-10) 9-1 held up towards rear, headway 2f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, never going pace to reach leaders, 4th of 8 (btn 3l) to Blackjack (9-5) (Southwell 6f hcap (6) £3,402 AW). MOOSMEE (8-12) 25-1 in touch, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 9th of 10 (btn 12l) to Hodler (9-5) (Epsom 7f hcap (4) £6,156 good to soft). JACK LESLIE (9-2) 6-1 tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, no impression, 4th of 8 (btn 6l) to Spangled Mac (9-2) (Bath 6f mdn (5) £3,942 good to soft). SOLAR PROPHET (9-7) 4-1 fav ridden 3f out, no extra final furlong, 11th of 13 (btn 11l) to Run Teddy Run (9-1) (Southwell 1m hcap (6) £3,402 AW). 1 (6) 773751- COUNT OTTO 270 (H;CD) A Perrett 8-9-11..........................Sean Levey l99 2 (1) 3311-23 TYGER BAY 14 (B,T;CD) C Allen 6-9-8 ...................... William Carver (3) 98 3 (3) 46626-6 STONE OF DESTINY 7 (D) M Appleby 8-9-5 ............Alistair Rawlinson 94 4 (5) 417605- TOUSSAROK 164 (D) C Johnston 5-9-5 .................................. Jason Hart 87 5 (7) 47227-5 IMPEACH 16 (B,T;CD) C Allen 5-9-5 ....................... Billy Loughnane (5) 90 6 (4) 21230-7 THE GREEN MAN 13 (P;D) J Parr 4-9-4 ............................ David Probert 86 7 (2) 71351-5 RATTLING 17 (D) R Hannon 4-9-3................Alexander Voikhansky (7) 93 BETTING: 6-4 Count Otto, 3 Tyger Bay, 7 Stone Of Destiny, 8 Rattling, 10 Impeach, Toussarok, 12 The Green Man WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED and 2022: No corresponding race. 2.53 9 HANDICAP (4); winner £6,281; 1m. (13 runners) 1 (5) 01-6 BILLY MILL 17 (CD) B Millman 5-9-11 ........ S Osborne 2 (13) 17-9 GEORGE MORLAND 25 (PH;C,D) A Murphy 5-9-7 F Larson (3) 3 (10) 048- SEASETT 58 (P;D) C Fellowes 5-9-7 ....... C Shepherd 4 (9) 9-29 COUNSEL 5 (H,T) I Williams 5-9-7 ................. K O’Neill 5 (12) 097- SENSE OF WORTH 32 A Carroll 7-9-6 ............... C Lee 6 (11) 81-5 TIGER BEETLE 25 (PH,TH) M Rimell 5-9-6.... W Cox 7 (8) -229 MAY NIGHT 7 (P,T;C) S Williams 5-9-5 ............ R Ryan 8 (1) 344- CRYSTAL CASQUE 28 (CD) B Millman 8-9-5 O Searle (7) 9 (4) 0-04 UZINCSO 9 (CD) J Butler 7-9-5.................... D Muscutt 10 (3) 219- SPELLS AT DAWN 221 (H) A French 4-9-3 J Watson 11 (2) 1217 ASDAA 7 (P;CD) C Johnston 7-9-3 ................. F Norton 12 (7) 2-13 MAWKEB 14 (B;BF,D) M Appleby 5-9-2 T Marquand 13 (6) 700- NEW SHEPARD 247 (CD) R Eddery 4-9-0 ... D Hogan Mawkeb l99, Asdaa 98, Crystal Casque 97. 7-2 Mawkeb, 5 Asdaa, 15-2 Crystal Casque, 8 Tiger Beetle, May Night, Billy Mill, 10 Uzincso, 12 Counsel 7.30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (8) (4) (2) (1) (7) (6) (5) (3) HANDICAP (2); winner £12,885; 1m 3f. (8 runners) 12-5 KING OF THE SOUTH 16 (V;D) W Knight 6-10-0. C Shepherd 118- PRIDE OF AMERICA 217 (T) A Murphy 6-9-9 T Marquand 01-2 ZIGGY 16 (C) H Eustace 5-9-6 ..................... D Muscutt 9/5- SKY DEFENDER 117 (C) D O’Meara 7-9-1 .. J Watson 241/ VAZIR J26 (P) A King 5-8-10 ............................ K O’Neill 493- STATE LEGEND J29 I Williams 4-8-8 ........ S Osborne 11-2 CAPITAL THEORY 17 (BF) C Johnston 4-8-7 F Norton 315- MELEK ALREEH 156 D Simcock 4-8-7 A Farragher (3) Ziggy l99, Capital Theory 98, Pride Of America 97. 5-2 Ziggy, 11-4 Capital Theory, 11-2 King Of The South, 15-2 Pride Of America, Melek Alreeh, 10 Sky Defender Sun FORM ZIGGY (9-6) 10-3 close up in 3rd, headway final furlong, stayed on and went 2nd post, btn 11/4l by Forest Of Dean (9-6) KING OF THE SOUTH (9-6) 5-1 tracked leader, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 5th (btn 4l) (6 ran) (Newcastle 11/4m cnd stks (2) £15,462 AW). PRIDE OF AMERICA (8-13) 4-1 led to 2f out, weakened rapidly when headed, 8th of 9 (btn 10l) to Quest The Moon (8-13) (Compiegne 11/4m Listed £25,210 good). SKY DEFENDER (9-10) 25-1 tracked leaders, unable to quicken over 1f out, no extra, 5th of 11 (btn 4l) to Surrey Mist (9-4) (Windsor 1m 3f hcap (3) £7,560 good). VAZIR (9-2) 5-4 fav held up, nudged along 2f out, progress into 4th when bumped rival over 1f out, joined leader 100yds out, kept on well and led close home, bt Teddy Blue (9-2) 1/2l (8 ran) (Deauville 11/2m mdn £9,821 AW). STATE LEGEND (9-9) 4-1 led, headed inside final furlong, 3rd and no extra towards finish, 3rd of 8 (btn 2l) to Thundering (9-5) (Newcastle 11/2m hcap (4) £4,995 AW). CAPITAL THEORY (8-11) 2-1 fav prominent, led over 9f out, ridden over 1f out, headed close home, btn 3/4l by Base Note (9-8) (9 ran) (Lingfield 11/2m hcap (3) £8,208 AW). MELEK ALREEH (9-11) 5-2 led, joined 4f out, headed 3f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 10 (btn 43/4l) to Jahoori (9-4) (Ffos Las 11/2m nov mdn (4) £4,860 good to soft). 8.00 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 FILLIES HANDICAP (5); winner £4,187; 6f. (7 runners) (1) 321- ROGUE MISSILE 188 (D) T Clover 5-9-9 . T Marquand (5) 946- STARSONG 45 (P;D) M Appleby 4-9-6 ............ T Ladd (3) 22-1 COOL LIGHTNING 23 (D) J Tate 4-9-6 ............. R Ryan (4) 848- SHARRON MACREADY 89 (D) D Loughnane 4-9-5 L Pearson (3) (2) 52-1 KENSINGTON AGENT 10 (D) A Carroll 4-9-1 ... C Lee (6) 46-5 ANNIE GALE 11 J Fanshawe 4-8-11 ............ D Muscutt (7) 4-62 CAMACHESS 11 (CD) P McBride 7-8-9 A Farragher (3) Rogue Missile l99, Cool Lightning 98, Kensington Agent 97. 9-4 Cool Lightning, 7-2 Kensington Agent, 4 Rogue Missile, 7 Annie Gale, 8 Camachess, 10 Sharron Macready, Starsong 8.30 HANDICAP (6); winner £3,140; 2m. (11 runners) 1 (5) 157- TIBBIE DUNBAR J79 W Kittow 7-9-13 .... C Shepherd 2 (9) /06- PRESUMING ED J38 A West 8-9-12 T Hammer Hansen 3 (2) 534/ ISAYALITTLEPRAYER J21 (PH;BF) G Moore 6-9-12 R Clutterbuck 4 (11) 21/5 CHENG GONG 20 (VH) N King 7-9-12 ......... T Whelan 5 (10) 558- RAY’S THE ONE J33 M Pattinson 6-9-11 O Stammers (3) 6 (7) 660- GOLD SOUK J21 D Steele 6-9-10........................ W Cox 7 (4) 93-2 HOOVES LIKE JAGGER 23 (H;BF) A Carroll 5-9-10 T Marquand 8 (3) 507- FIGHTING POET 28 (T) R Phillips 5-9-9 .... D Muscutt 9 (1) 06-0 ABSTRACT 24 A Carroll 5-9-6 .............................. C Lee 10 (6) 9/2- SWAFFHAM BULBECK J32 S Edmunds 9-9-5.. C Hardie 11 (8) 80-0 BALLET BLANC 21 A Perrett 4-9-4 ................ G Rooke Swaffham Bulbeck l99, Hooves Like Jagger 98, Tibbie Dunbar 97. 13-8 Swaffham Bulbeck, 15-8 Hooves Like Jagger, 10 Tibbie Dunbar, Presuming Ed, 12 Ray’s The One, 20 Fighting Poet 3.28 GOING: STANDARD TOP ODDS EVERY DAY WITH BETUK CLASSIFIED STAKES (6); value to the winner £3,402; 1m 2f. (8 runners) 1 (7) 4342-31 BEAU GESTE 7 (C) A Carroll 7-9-4 .....................................Molly Gunn (7) 98 2 (2) 9609-73 CATCH MY BREATH 3 (P,TH;C) J Ryan 7-9-3 ........... Darragh Keenan 91 3 (8) 84267-0 GLENCOE BOY 14 A Carroll 6-9-3..............................................John Egan 83 4 (4) 355-683 NO SUCH LUCK 7 (H,T;CD) R Ingram 6-9-3 .....................Robert Havlin 97 5 (1) 06631-6 GUITAR 19 M Smith 4-9-2 ...................................................... Luke Morris l99 6 (3) 47045-6 HAMMOCK 23 (P) J Moore 4-9-2 ......................................... David Probert 80 7 (5) 55678-7 VAXHOLM 24 (P,T;CD) F Brennan 4-9-2 .................Jordan Williams (5) 82 8 (6) 019650- VOLENTI J104 S Durack 4-9-2............................................... Jack Mitchell 77 BETTING: 9-4 Beau Geste, 3 No Such Luck, 9-2 Guitar, 5 Catch My Breath WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED and 2022: No corresponding race. 4.03 IT’S TIME TO TURN TO TALKSPORT HANDICAP (6); 3-y-o; winner £3,402; 1m 2f. (8 runners) 1 (1) 087- THINK CHAMPAGNE 94 A Carroll 9-11 .....................................John Egan 87 2 (7) 6634- DOVENA 107 (HH) A Perrett 9-10 .........................................Robert Havlin 98 3 (5) 3253-36 DOWNTOWN DUBAI 15 (BH) C Johnston 9-10..................... Jason Hart 97 4 (4) 0806-32 THE PUG 17 (BH) S Kirk 9-9 ................................................. Rob Hornby l99 5 (2) 0806- WILPENA POUND 72 (BH) Sir M Prescott 9-9 ....................Luke Morris 83 6 (3) 93341-6 FULLFORWARD 17 (B) M Madgwick 9-9..................... Aidan Keeley (5) 91 7 (8) 690-8 ALODIA 22 S Kirk 9-6 ................................................... Billy Loughnane (5) 77 8 (6) 04999-4 ARLECCHINO’S STAR 22 M Usher 9-0............................. David Probert 84 BETTING: 11-4 Wilpena Pound, 3 Downtown Dubai, 4 The Pug, 5 Dovena, Fullforward WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED and 2022: No corresponding race. Sunracing FORM THINK CHAMPAGNE (9-2) 50-1 pushed along 3f out, soon beaten, 7th of 10 (13l) to Laafi (9-2) (Nottingham 1m mdn (4) £6,426 good to soft). DOVENA (9-1) 8-1 kept on, 4th of 7 (41/4l) to Solitary Trees (8-13) (Chelmsford 11/4m hcap (6) £3,996 AW). DOWNTOWN DUBAI (9-8) 9-4 no extra, 6th of 8 (5l) to The Angelus Belle (9-6) (Newcastle 1m hcap (6) £3,402 AW). THE PUG (9-9) 11-2 rallied final furlong, went 2nd last stride, btn 1 1 / 4l by Gilded Moon (9-5) DOWNTOWN DUBAI (9-10) 6-4 fav led, headed inside final furlong, lost 2nd last stride, 3rd (btn 11/4l) (5 ran) (Lingfield 11/4m hcap (6) £3,402 AW). WILPENA POUND (9-7) 200-1 behind, last of 6 (17l) to Majestic Pride (9-7) (Chelmsford 7f nov (3) £8,100 AW). FULLFORWARD (9-9) 10-3 no extra, last of 6 (btn 1l) to Little Roman (9-1) (Kempton 1m hcap (6) £3,140 AW). ALODIA (9-2) 25-1 weakened, 8th of 10 (btn 71/4l) to Comedian Leader (9-9) (Southwell 7f hcap (6) £3,402 AW). ARLECCHINO’S STAR (9-2) 12-1 weakened 1f out, 4th of 5 (btn 91/2l) to Tollerton Forest (9-8) (Kempton 7f class stk (6) £3,140 AW). NELLS SON (4.10 Cheltenham) hasn’t taken to chasing and will be much happier back over the smaller obstacles where he has a Grade 2 win on his CV. TEMPLEGATE 12.33 ..............Always Fearless 1.08................... Molly Valentine 1.43 ...............Give A Little Back 2.18.............................. Tyger Bay 2.53.............................Casa Luna 3.28......................No Such Luck 4.03..........................Fullforward TOM PEPPER 12.33 ...................................Mabre 1.08.................................Vasilissa 1.43 ............ Bobby On The Beat 2.18.................................Impeach 2.53..............Now Then Wendy 3.28..................................... Guitar 4.03.............Think Champagne nTIC-TAC: Left-handed all-weather Polytrack of 1m 2f, 2f run-in. nDRAW: Little effect. nLEADING TRAINERS WITH RUNNERS (2018-2023): A Watson 77-392, R Hannon 74-526, A Balding 49-268, A Carroll 42-434. THIS SEASON: G Boughey 3, A Carroll 2, M Appleby 2. nTOP JOCKEYS WITH RIDES (2018-2023): L Morris 98-920, D Probert 83-655, R Havlin 55-373, J Mitchell 48-327. THIS SEASON: L Morris 3, B Loughnane 2, D Probert 1. nLONGEST TRAVELLER: Toussarok (2.18) & Downtown Dubai (4.03) trained at Middleham. Round trip of 540 miles. nFIRST RUN SINCE WIND OP: Taskheer (12.33), Jack Leslie (1.43). nLIVE ON SKY SPORTS RACING nGROUP 1 winner Princess Zoe is set to make her hurdling debut at Punchestown on Monday. Tony Mullins said: “She has schooled well and Punchestown looks a nice place to start.”
10 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 Favourite 9-1 WINLESS in their last ten, Everton are 9-1 with Ladbrokes to lose their next five — v Arsenal, Liverpool, Leeds, Aston Villa and Forest. LEAGUE TWO 2017-18 THE BOOKIES’ BOOTROOM SCAN FOR ALL TODAY’S ODDS CORAL MARKET LEADER MAN City to win Champions the Arsenal League, the Europa League and David Moyes’ (right) West Ham the Europa Conference is a 57-1 treble with us. CORAL SUPER SERIES EVERY week get a free hit at £50 Coral the with Super Series. up sign Just online and answer four questions on one of the weekend’s big games. This week it’s Brighton v Liverpool tomorrow. So, Q1 Who will win the match? Q2 When will the first goal be scored? many How Q3 corners will there be? Q4 How many players will be carded? 12.30pm, BBC1 & CHELTENHAM CHESTERFIELD CAMBRIDGE UNITED CARLISE COLCHESTER COVENTRY THERE will be shocks in the FA Cup this weekend — but this will not be one of them. Stanley are 20th in League One and needed a replay and extra-time to beat mid-table Conference side Boreham Wood in the third round. And after fighting back from 2-0 down at Cardiff, before going through 5-2 in their own replay, nobody can doubt Leeds’ appetite. New striker Georginio Rutter (left) is in line for his Whites debut after arriving from Hoffenheim. He looks a nice price at Sky Bet’s 5-1 to score the opener. FORECAST: 0-3 football traders CRAWLEY TOWN WLEY TOWN FC CRA CREWE EXETER CITY Leeds to win to nil today FOREST GREEN WEST SUS EX S NOLI CEDERE 18 96 GRIMSBY TOWN LINCOLN CITY MORECAMBE NEWPORT COUNTY STEVENAGE SWINDON LUTON TOWN NOTTS COUNTY WYCOMBE WANDERERS MANSFIELD PORT VALE 29-20 YEOVIL Brighton Cup KO would put heat on Klopp T EV . to 8-1 to land the centre-back. His old club, the Foxes, are 14-1. STOKE COULD CROAK The third round of the Cup was full of shocks, so we might be asking too much for more of the same. But as well as Derby getting one over West Ham, 4-1 League Two high-fliers Stevenage could cause Stoke some Cup pain. And I wonder if 11-5 Ipswich might just see off Burnley. REAP WHAT YOU ’STOW A Walthamstow punter pulled off one of the most incredible accas I’ve ever seen last week. His £10 turned into £162,000 when he correctly predicted the outcome of 20 matches across Europe. BET OF THE WEEKEND Sunderland have lost just four times in 14 games on the road in the Championship and banged in 22 goals. So, Fulham to beat the Black Cats today and both teams to score will hopefully give us some fun at 15-8. BARNET ACCRINGTON STANLEY S NO HAPPY ENDING TO THIS MOY STORY West Ham’s David Moyes is the short-priced favourite to be the next Prem manager out. And with Derby on a decent run, the League One side will fancy their chances of a Cup upset at home on Monday. At odds of 4-1 or so, I’d be backing the Rams to inflict more pressure on Moyes. HARRY COULD GET THE HURRY UP Harry Maguire has had just four league starts this campaign as Erik ten Hag’s new-look Man United have galloped up the table. Not a great outlook for the former England captain, now 29, who cost United £80million when he arrived from Leicester in 2019. While the Old Trafford gaffer may not fancy him, plenty of other clubs do. Villa are our 3-1 favourites to land him before the end of the transfer window with the struggling Hammers in Accrington Stanley v Leeds . ENAGE F C Inside line from 16-5 HILLS go 16-5 that leaders Arsenal win the Prem, Chelsea finish top six and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland finishes top Prem scorer. GULL DE SACK! WHEN I was kid I had a trial for Brighton, who were then — just about — still a First Division side. I’d played on rock-hard pitches and had big rubber boot studs but when I trotted on to the Goldstone that May morning it was so lush. I ran back into the dressing room and chief scout Jimmy Melia helped change my studs. Anyway, I didn’t score, got subbed at half-time . . . and was never heard of again! Things turned out a bit better KEVIN DUNNE in association with for Jimmy, who became manager and took the Albion to the 1983 FA Cup final the following season. As he led ’em out at Wembley, I said: “There’s the bloke who used to do my boots up.” Brighton beat soon-to-be topflight champs Liverpool that year to make the final — but were then relegated themselves. It’ll be no shock if they KO the Reds at Wrexham v Sheffield Utd Tomorrow, 4.30pm, BBC1 & WHATEVER level you’re playing at, winning 12 out of 12 home games in the league says something. And National League leaders Wrexham have battered in the goals at a rate of nearly four a game. How good are they? It’s very hard to say — but they came through one test by winning 4-3 at Sheffield United’s fellow Championship outfit Coventry in the last round. Dragons’ slayer is Paul Mullin (right), with 26 goals in 30 games — and he looks a very decent shout at Sporting Index’s 13-5 he scores anytime. FORECAST: 2-2 the Amex as they beat them 3-0 in the Prem this month. But Liverpool will want to avoid another embarrassment and are best-priced 6-4 favourites with Coral and Ladbrokes. Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi has made them into a side which now takes their many chances. They’ve scored six in two Wrexham & Sheff Utd draw 2-2 14-1
7-2 WEST HAM’S Declan Rice is 7-2 with Paddy Power NOT to sign or agree a contract with any other club before next September. Arsenal are 7-4 favourites to sign him. Preston v Tottenham Harry Kane to score in both halves 6pm, BBC1 & THEY’VE both won the Double, are both called the Lilywhites and have both been pretty inconsistent this term. Preston have lost seven at home in the Championship but are just two points off the play-offs. Tottenham have been their usual Spursy self, none more so than when racing into a 2-0 half-time lead at Manchester City before losing 4-2. But Dejan Kulusevski (left) makes Spurs look a better side — and the Swede can get the first goal at 8-1 with Sky Bet. FORECAST: 1-3 6-1 Favourite FAIRYHOUSE TODAY 12.26 PRO BET RETIREMENT BET THE DARK HORSE BET BRIGHTON’S World Cup winne Alexis Mac Allister got two r at Middlesbrough in the FA Cup third round, takes free-kicks and is a boosted 22-1 with Sky Bet to score from outside the box against Liverpool tomorrow. Bristol City to beat West Brom, Sunderland to win at Fulha m, Ipswich to beat Burnley, QPR Hull, Watford to win at to win at Middlesbrough, Cheltenham to Vale, Wimbledon to beat beat Port Stock Doncaster to win at Mansfield. port TOP DRAW 1x8-fold, 8x7-folds, 28x6-folds. Perm Charl ton v Bolton, Lincoln Acca pays 52,156-1 with bet365. Barrow v Northampton, v Cambridge, ere v AWAY DAY Orient. Acca pays 99-1 with Tranm bet365. Oxford to win at Burto n, TV SPECIAL Exeter at MK Dons, Bristol Leeds to win at Accri Rovers at Morecambe, win at Preston, Brigh ngton, Spurs to ton to beat LivCarlisle at Rochdale. Acca erpool BTTS, Wrexham v Sheff pays 31-1 with Unibet. Utd draw. Acca pays 27-1 with Betway. Brighton v Liverpool Tomorrow, 1.30pm, ITV1 & games against the Reds this term and 19 in their last six outings so Brighton to win and BTTS at William Hill’s 15-4 is my pick. Sporting Index head trader Neville Burdock said: “It’s likely nothing will separate the sides in 90 minutes, with our prediction being a 1-1 draw.” His firm go a best-priced 13-2 on that but I fancy Hill’s 20-1 on a 3-1 Brighton win. For goals, £37million Cody Gakpo must break his duck sometime and is 13-5 with William Hill to score anytime. Albion’s new star Evan Ferguson has three Prem goals in his first four starts and is 6-1 to strike first with bet365, while three-goals-infive-games Kaoru Mitoma (left) is 13-5 to score anytime with Index. Before that recent 3-0 victory, Albion had not beaten Liverpool at home in the league in 62 years. But like buses — suddenly two may come along at once. l We hit a hat-trick in last week’s column by going with Arsenal to beat Manchester United and BTTS at 5-2, Gunners to win from behind at 17-2 and Marcus Rashford to score anytime at 13-5. Brighton win both halves v Liverpool 8-1 SOIL.IE WORKING WITH FAIRYHOUSE BEGINNERS CHASE; winner €7,800; 2m 6f. (3 runners) 1 1521-42 BRONN 74 W Mullins 6-11-12 ......................................................Daryl Jacob l99 2 4/1123- CLONDAW HOLLOW 302 (T) J McConnell 9-11-12 ................Brian Hayes 90 3 11P4-3U GRANDERO BELLO 60 E & P Harty 7-11-12 .............................. Ricky Doyle 92 BETTING: 4-9 Bronn, 5-2 Grandero Bello, 6 Clondaw Hollow WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 1 1 1 6 4 2022: Floueur 7-11-11 Jordan Gainford 7-1 (G Elliott), 16 ran. 1.01 JUMP INTO JANUARY HANDICAP CHASE; value to the winner €8,700; 2m 1f. (10 runners) 1 /02-041 SHAKEYTRY 20 E O’Grady 11-11-12 ...................................... Phillip Enright l99 2 59-035P SERENITY GROVE 51 (P) H Bromhead 7-11-9 ............... Conor Brassil (5) 82 3 5594-23 RAZZLE DAZZLE LOVE 55 (T) T Gibney 9-11-7 ....................... E Walsh (5) 97 4 -36411F BRIDESWELL LAD 126 S Neville 7-11-6................. Michael O’Sullivan (5) 98 5 533-65P ALICE AVRIL 33 (T;D) H Bromhead 6-11-5 ................Rachael Blackmore 84 6 86U1-9P DONT GO YET 31 (D) E Cawley 9-11-5 ...............................Keith Donoghue 89 7 -242333 HALSAFARI 21 (P) M Bowe 10-11-5 .......................................Cian Quirke (7) 96 8 917-908 BETTER TIMES AHEAD 40 (H) R Tyner 6-10-11................. Simon Torrens 79 9 6244231 UNION PARK 11 (T) P Rothwell 7-10-6.............................. P J O’Hanlon (5) 95 10 03-5214 KNOW THE GAME 33 (BF) J Dreaper 7-10-5 ..................... Luke Dempsey 90 BETTING: 2 Shakeytry, 5 Brideswell Lad, 11-2 Union Park, 6 Halsafari, 10 Alice Avri WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 6 2-6 3 5 1 2022: Sil Ver Klass 8-10-13 Bryan Cooper 3-1 Fav (A J Martin), 8 ran. 1.36 Blackburn to beat Birm ingham, Coventry to beat ersfield, Peterborough to beat Hudd Ports Shrewsbury to beat Fores mouth, t Green, Swindon to beat Gillingham . Acca pays 29-1 with Coral. Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... in association with FOLLOW FAIRYHOUSE ON SOCIAL MEDIA HANDICAP CHASE; winner €6,600; 3m 1f 110yds. (9 runners) 1 -23708P TURBOJET 40 (B,T) D McLoughlin 12-12-0 ..................... P J O’Hanlon (5) 75 2 8-78281 JOY OF LIFE 21 (P) S Neville 6-11-12 ...................................... Sean O’Keeffe 97 3 7001632 BALLYADAM DESTINY 21 (P,T;BF) D Hogan 9-11-11................ D King (5) 98 4 -143361 TYRE KICKER 27 (P) G Cromwell 6-11-11.......................Keith Donoghue l99 5 9037615 LIZRONA 30 (BH) E Larkin 7-11-10 .......................... Michael O’Sullivan (5) 90 6 67-P504 COOLCULLEN 13 B Duke 5-10-13................................... Kieren Buckley (5) 85 7 P-50694 ENNEMI PUBLIC 21 (T,V) D Howard 9-10-12 ...................Richard Deegan 89 8 0P05F22 MADE IN THE WOODS 13 (H) N Lee 6-10-3 ........................Phillip Enright 95 9 -928114 HIGHSTREETFASHION 13 (P,T;D) P Rooney 8-10-0 ..... P M O’Brien (7) 90 BETTING: 5-2 Tyre Kicker, 11-4 Ballyadam Destiny, 4 Made In The Woods, Joy Of Life WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: PU PU 2 1 1 2022: Where’s Frankie 6-10-8 Donagh Meyler 6-4 Fav (K Thornton), 16 ran. 2.11 AWARDSANDGIFTS.IE SOLERINA MARES NOVICE HURDLE (GRD 3); €17,400; 2m 2f 110yds. (6 runners) 1 4-11151 SAYLAVEE 40 (D) W Mullins 6-11-0 ..............................Rachael Blackmore 97 2 241-133 ASHROE DIAMOND 32 W Mullins 6-10-10 ........................Danny Mullins l99 3 1-11 HALKA DU TABERT 39 G Elliott 6-10-10 ................................. Davy Russell 98 4 1-03212 JETARA 33 J Harrington 5-10-10 ............................................. Sean O’Keeffe 92 5 631 WHATCOULDHAVEBEEN 14 (CD) J Fahey 5-10-10................ Aidan Kelly 90 6 3 GOODIE TWO SHOES 32 (T) J O’Brien 4-10-0 .................. Simon Torrens 96 BETTING: 2 Halka Du Tabert, 9-4 Ashroe Diamond, 3 Saylavee, 8 Jetara WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 1 1 2 2 1-2 2022: Allegorie De Vassy 5-10-13 Sean O’Keeffe 7-4 JtFav (W P Mullins), 8 ran. 11 GOING: SOFT EAMONN HAMES 12.26 .................................... Bronn 1.01...Better Times Ahead (nb) 1.36..............Ballyadam Destiny 2.11 ....HALKA DU TABERT (nap) 2.46............................ Parmenion 3.21......................Malton Groove 3.56.....................Waittillitellyou TOM PEPPER 12.26 .................................... Bronn 1.01..............Razzle Dazzle Love 1.36........................... Tyre Kicker 2.11 ...............Goodie Two Shoes 2.46.......................Park Of Kings 3.21............................... Duncarrig 3.56...............Beating The Odds nTIC-TAC: Right-handed galloping track of 1m 6f with an uphill finish. There are 12 fences and eight hurdles per circuit. nLEADING TRAINERS (2018-2023): G Elliott 105-685, W P Mullins 95-462, J P O’Brien 27-190, H De Bromhead 24-234. THIS SEASON: G Elliott 16, W P Mullins 14, H De Bromhead 2. nTOP JOCKEYS (2018-2023): D N Russell 35-170, Rachael Blackmore 26-216, D E Mullins 21-183, S W Flanagan 17-216. THIS SEASON: M O’Sullivan 4, L Dempsey 3, D E Mullins 3. nLONGEST TRAVELLER: Grandero Bello (12.26), Tony’s Pet (2.46), Harvard Guy (3.21). Round trip of 246 miles. nJACKPOT: 3-6. PLACEPOT: 1-6. nTRAINERFAX: W P Mullins won the 12.26 in 2018, 2019 and 2020, and won the 2.11 in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2022, and won the 2.46 in 2017, 2021 and 2022. P J Rothwell won the 1.01 in 2018 and 2021. nLIVE ON RACING TV 2.46 RICH HISTORY AT KEDRAH HOUSE STUD MAIDEN HURDLE; winner €7,501; 2m. (25 runners) 1 ARABIAN DIAMOND G Elliott 5-11-12................................... Jordan Gainford — 2 32- BOCELLI’S VOICE 293 D McLoughlin 7-11-12 .................... Conor Maxwell 90 3 CATCH THE BEAST E Cawley 5-11-12.................................. Keith Donoghue — 4 COCO KOLADA K Thornton 5-11-12........................................ Donagh Meyler — 5 0 DO WHATEVER 13 J Dreaper 6-11-12 ................................... Luke Dempsey 76 6 1-2 FOUND A FIFTY 76 (BF) G Elliott 6-11-12 ................................. Davy Russell 98 7 P-29 FREE PARKING 32 (T) J McConnell 6-11-12 .................. Thomas Reilly (7) 83 8 5 MAKINGACHAMP 40 N Meade 5-11-12 ................................Denis O’Regan 90 9 MIGHTY OAK LAD K Thornton 5-11-12 .........................................Ricky Doyle — 10 60 MUST GO NOW 31 E Cawley 6-11-12.......................................Phillip Enright 79 11 34 PARK OF KINGS 33 P Nolan 5-11-12 .................................... Jody McGarvey 87 12 3 PARMENION 33 (TH;BF) W Mullins 5-11-12.......................... Bryan Cooper 98 13 SHANROE ACT K Thornton 5-11-12 ......................................... Sean Flanagan — 14 30 SLATE LANE 7 P Hennessy 5-11-12 ..............................N T Prendergast (7) 75 15 66 STAR OFFICIAL 21 (H) R Donohoe 5-11-12 .................. Kieren Buckley (5) 74 16 /34-142 TAG MAN 30 (D) H Bromhead 7-11-12...................... Rachael Blackmore l99 17 8 TONY’S PET 67 (BF) B Connell 6-11-12 .................. Michael O’Sullivan (5) 73 18 WALHAAN F24 C Murphy 7-11-12 .................................................... E Walsh (5) — 19 ANNIE BEAG W Austin 6-11-5 ......................................................Adam Ellis (7) — 20 DOYEN FOR A DRINK P Nolan 6-11-5 ................................. Richard Deegan — 21 09 FLEMENSREVA 11 P Nolan 5-11-5 ......................................... Sean O’Keeffe 70 22 P65P-PP GETAWAY MOLLY 27 (PH) P Rooney 7-11-5 .................... P M O’Brien (7) 70 23 98 REALISM 33 (TH) J O’Brien 4-10-13 ...................................... Simon Torrens 73 24 S AEGIRINE 33 E O’Sullivan 4-10-6 ................................... Richard Condon (5) — 25 0 WENDELL’S LASS 38 T Gibney 4-10-6 ...........................Gavin Brouder (5) 70 26 0 VERBAL SPARRING 62 D McDonogh 4-10-13............................. RESERVE 72 27 9-23897 RINGSEND JOHN 20 T Cooper 7-11-12 .......................................... RESERVE 77 BETTING: 13-8 Parmenion, 7-2 Found A Fifty, 5 Tag Man, 7 Arabian Diamond WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 4 3 2 1 1 2022: Ha D’Or 5-12-0 Paul Townend 1-4 Fav (W P Mullins), 17 ran. GET YOUR SUN ON SUNDAY FOR TOMORROW’S CARDS TICKETS ONLINE AT FAIRYHOUSE.IE MAIDEN 3.21 BOOK HURDLE; winner €7,200; 2m 4f. (15 runners) AT FONTWELL, NAAS, 1 0670 ASK BOB 13 (H) J McConnell 6-11-12 ................................... Simon Torrens 89 SOUTHWELL & SEDGEFIELD 2 0-80 AWAY TO MILAN 13 P Rothwell 5-11-12 ............................ P J O’Hanlon (5) 73 ABC RUNNERS’ CHECK KEY: C-Chelt, D-Doncaster, K-Kemp, L-Lingfield, U-Uttox Jaytee 3.50D Rob Royal 12.15U A Different Kind 2.32U Dovena 4.03L Rock My Way 3.35C Downtown Dubai 4.03L Jobsonfire 3.42U Abbey’s Dream 1.08L Josh The Boss 4.25D Rock On Cowboy 2.40D Drop Him In 3.07U Abstract 8.30K Jupiter Du Gite 11.40C Rogue Missile 8.00K Dusart 2.25C Aclaimed Art 6.30K Just Chasing May 4.25D Roi Mage 12.40C Eastern Star 5.30K Active Duty 11.40C Kajaki 12.20D Rooful 6.00K Easysland 12.40C Adaayinourlife 12.33L Karakoy 6.30K Royal Mer 12.15U Editeur Du Gite 1.20C Ahoy Senor 2.25C Karl Philippe 1.50C Rue Galilee 4.25D Edwardstone 1.20C Allmankind 1.50C Keepyourdrmsbig 12.55D Safe Destination 4.17U Elegant Ellen 5.30K Alodia 4.03L Kensington Agent 8.00K Saint Segal 1.35D Always Fearless 12.33L Elmount 12.15U Kilcaragh Boy 4.17U Salsada 2.05D Elusive Enemy 4.25D Amarillo Sky 1.20C King Of The South 7.30K Sapperdean 6.30K Elvis Mail 3.15D Angel Amadea 6.00K Kracquer 4.17U Saratoga Spirit 6.30K Angel Time 1.08L Energumene 1.20C Legends Ryde 12.40C Saturday Song 12.47U Animal 3.07U Epatante 2.05D Lexington Hero 6.30K Scriptwriter 11.40C Annie Gale 8.00K Ernesto 12.20D Libor Lad 12.47U Seasett 7.00K Any News 12.10C Es Perfecto 2.32U Secret Tryst 5.30K Areille 6.00K Exquisite Beauty 6.30K Llandinabo Lad 12.10C Sense Of Worth 7.00K Aris De Crat 2.53L Eyeofthescorpion 3.50D Long Stay 4.10C Lord Accord 3.00C Shamshon 5.30K Arlecchino’s Star 4.03L Fact Or Fable 5.30K Lordsbridge Girl 12.33L Shanty Alley 3.15D Asdaa 7.00K Fairfield Ferrata 1.57U Lost In Time 12.33L Astromachia 1.27U Sharron Macready 8.00K Farne 1.57U Luis Van Zandt 3.07U Autonomous Cloud 3.42U Fast Flo 5.30K Silver Hallmark 1.50C Luna Aoife 4.25D Axel Jacklin 5.30K Simply The Betts 1.50C Faustinovick 3.42U Mabre 12.33L Back On The Lash 12.40C Fautinette 4.10C Since Day One 1.35D Mahons Glory 2.40D Balcomie Breeze 4.25D Fazayte 12.15U Singing Banjo 12.40C Malakahna 4.10C Ballet Blanc 8.30K Six O’clock Swill 5.30K Fern Hill 12.10C Malinello 12.10C Ballybegg 2.32U Sizing Pottsie 1.20C Ferrobin 2.53L Martator 4.10C Barrichello 4.10C Sky Defender 7.30K Fighting Poet 8.30K Martello Sky 2.05D Barrier Peaks 4.17U Smackwater Jack 3.42U Fils De Roi 11.40C Mawkeb 7.00K Beau Geste 3.28L Snow Leopardess 12.40C Hour 12.47U Maximilian 2.40D Beep Beep Burrow 4.25D Finest Social Contact 6.00K Finest View 2.05D May Night 7.00K Benassi 12.47U Solar Prophet 1.43L Fire Dancer 12.10C Melek Alreeh 7.30K Berkshire Breeze 2.53L Floueur 2.32U Some Scope 1.27U Memberry 6.30K Bezzas Lad 1.43L Sounds Russian 2.25C Floy Joy 4.17U Midnight Gold 4.17U Big Bad Bear 12.55D Spells At Dawn 7.00K Fortunes Melody 1.57U Might I 4.10C Billy Mill 7.00K Spiritofthegames 1.50C Foxy Jacks 12.40C Milagrosa 1.27U Black Sam Vicki 12.47U Stage Star 12.10C Francky Du Berlais 12.40C Milans Edge 12.47U Blenkinsop 3.35C Starlight Glance 1.27U Franigane 3.07U Minella Times 12.40C Blue Collar Lad 12.33L Starry Eyes 12.33L Fringill Dike 12.20D Mister Coffey 3.15D Bobby On The Beat 1.43L Starsong 8.00K Frodon 2.25C Mofasa 3.35C Bobby Socks 12.15U State Legend 7.30K Front View 4.10C Moka De Vassy 3.35C Bombay Sunset 4.25D Of Thunder 1.08L Fugitif 1.50C Molly Ollys Wishes 3.00C States Bonttay 3.35C Stay Away Fay 2.40D Fullforward 4.03L Molly Valentine 1.08L Boothill 1.35D Stone Of Destiny 2.18L Funambule Sivola 1.20C Mombasa 11.40C Botox Has 3.00C Swaffham Bulbeck 8.30K Ga Law 3.15D Money For Jam 4.17U Brave Seasca 1.50C Sweet Magic 1.27U G’had Threepwood 12.20D Monteplex 4.25D Call Me Jack 4.25D Tables Turned 6.30K Galice Macalo 2.05D Moon Eagle 1.57U Camachess 8.00K Takeit Easy 4.10C Ganapathi 1.35D Moosmee 1.43L Camprond 4.10C 12.33L Gaye Legacy 12.47U Morozov Cocktail 3.50D Taskheer Can You Call 3.35C Taste The Fear 3.50D Mortal 12.40C Gelino Bello 3.00C Cap Du Nord 3.15D Tea For Free 3.15D General Hubble 12.47U Mr Hailstone 12.47U Capital Theory 7.30K Tedley 4.25D Caramay 6.30K George Bancroft 4.17U Mug Bookies 4.25D The Green Man 2.18L Caribean Boy 1.50C George Morland 7.00K Mumayaz 1.43L The Late Legend 3.50D Naadyaa 5.30K Casa Luna 2.53L Geralt Of Rivia 1.08L The Mac Lugnatic 3.50D Naeva 11.40C Castel Gandolfo 4.10C Gilbertina 12.55D The Navigator 12.20D Catch My Breath 3.28L Give A Little Back 1.43L Nefyn Point 4.17U The Pug 4.03L Chanceux 3.07U Give Me A Cuddle 12.55D Nells Son 4.10C The Wire Flyer 12.15U New Shepard 7.00K Charlie Siringo 12.15U Glencoe Boy 3.28L The Wounded Knee 2.40D Night Jet 1.27U Cheng Gong 8.30K Glentruan 12.20D Think Champagne 4.03L No Diggity 5.30K Cherwell 6.30K Go Dante 2.32U Thomas Equinas 1.43L No Such Luck 3.28L Chloellie 5.30K Go West 4.25D Tibbie Dunbar 8.30K Noble Yeats 2.25C Christines Angel 5.30K Golan Cloud 4.17U Tiger Beetle 7.00K Nocte Volatus 1.50C Christopher Clive 12.15U Gold Emery 3.07U Tim Pat 3.50D Norley 12.55D Claras Soldier 1.27U Gold Souk 8.30K Tip Top Cat 3.42U Not Sure 3.07U Cloth Cap 3.15D Gold Tweet 3.00C Now Then Wendy 2.53L Tip Top Mountain 3.07U Coilrock 1.27U Goldkit 6.30K Now Where Or W 1.50C Tommy’s Oscar 1.35D Come On John 12.33L Good Bye 12.20D Top Decision 3.50D One True King 1.50C Comfort Zone 11.40C Grand Soir 2.40D Out For The Count 4.17U Toussarok 2.18L Cool Lightning 8.00K Great D’Ange 3.50D Trevada 12.55D Out Of Ideas 1.27U Coole Cody 1.50C Guitar 3.28L Twig 2.40D Paisley Park 3.00C Cooper’s Cross 3.15D Guy 1.50C Tyger Bay 2.18L Panic Attack 12.10C Cormier 1.35D Gwendolina 1.08L Undersupervision 3.15D Corrieben Reiver 2.32U Hacker Des Places 4.10C Papal Music 6.30K Unexpected Party 12.10C Park This One 2.40D Cotopaxi Moon 6.30K Hammock 3.28L Uzincso 7.00K Party Fuzz 3.42U Could Be Trouble 12.20D Hard Frost 4.17U Vandad 1.43L Pedley Wood 12.47U Counsel 7.00K Vasilissa 1.08L Hawthorn Cottage 3.50D Peltwell 2.05D Count Otto 2.18L Vaxholm 3.28L Headscarf Lil 12.20D Pembroke 3.35C Cousu Main 12.15U Henri The Second 3.35C Perfect Approach 6.30K Vazir 7.30K Crealion 12.40C Via Dante 12.47U Hey Mister Dj 1.27U Phoenix Way 1.50C Victorias Peak 1.57U Croagh Patrick 3.50D Hold The Note 3.50D Piffle 6.00K Vintage Fizz 12.55D Cruz Control 3.35C Hometown Hero 3.07U Pikar 4.10C Volenti 3.28L Crystal Casque 7.00K Honours 12.33L Plan Of Attack 12.40C Wake Up Harry 12.33L Dalamoi 12.10C Hooves Like Jagg 8.30K Point Him Out 3.07U War Soldier 3.35C Dargiannini 2.32U Huddleton Mac 1.43L Polemon 2.53L Cross 12.47U Dashel Drasher 3.00C Hurricane Bay 2.40D Precious Eleanor 1.50C Warner’s Jack 12.55D Datsalrightgino 12.10C Hystery Bere 4.10C Presenting Jeremy 3.42U Watergrange Waterloo Quay 4.17U Deise Aba 12.40C Presuming Ed 8.30K Iamastar 12.10C Way Out 3.35C Delta Work 12.40C Pride Of America 7.30K West Park Boy 1.27U Iconic Rock 12.47U Demachine 3.15D Protektorat 2.25C Idalko Bihoue 2.40D West To The Bridge 2.32U Deputise 1.43L Punctuation 4.10C Il Ridoto 1.50C Wild Romance 1.57U Desert Boots 1.43L Queen Of Burg’dy 6.00K Wilpena Pound 4.03L Impeach 2.18L Diesel D’Allier 12.40C Rambo T 1.27U Import Export 1.27U Windsor Avenue 3.15D Dino Bellagio 4.25D Rathmacknee 2.32U Impulsive Lady 1.08L Winter Getaway 4.17U Diomede Des Mott 3.07U Inflagrante 4.17U Rattling 2.18L With Poise 1.27U Discko Des Plages 3.07U Isayalittleprayer 8.30K Ray’s The One 8.30K Yeomen Warder 12.15U Divine Messenger 5.30K It’s A Love Thing 12.33L Razzo Italiano 12.15U Your Darling 1.50C Ready To Please 4.17U Dixon Cove 11.40C Jack Leslie 1.43L Your Own Story 3.42U Doctor Brown Bear 3.35C Jason The Militant 4.10C Remember Ally 4.25D Zafar 12.55D Dolly Bird 12.47U Java Point 3.15D River Chorus 5.30K Ziggy 7.30K 3 706 BUDDY ONE 62 P Gilligan 6-11-12 ...........................................J G Gilligan (7) 85 4 7-S0688 CARLAS BIG JIM 48 L Archdeacon 5-11-12 ......................... Mr C Shine (7) 80 5 85704 COOLE VISION 30 (T) N Lee 6-11-12 ............................. R P Geoghegan (7) 96 6 PP-005 DUNCARRIG 27 (PH) P Rothwell 6-11-12 ....................Rachael Blackmore 85 7 58-65 EL CAPITAINE 31 (H) M Lynch 5-11-12 ...............................Keith Donoghue 97 8 095 HARVARD GUY 20 E & P Harty 5-11-12................................. Luke Dempsey 94 9 47-4P4 I AM ROCCO 11 W Mullins 6-11-12 ........................................... Brian Hayes l99 10 8-4P MALTON GROOVE 38 G Elliott 6-11-12..................................... Davy Russell 91 11 95-P60 COOL CROI 11 G Elliott 6-11-5 ............................................. N R Andrews (7) 82 12 P-885 JANE WILDE 39 (T) C Murphy 5-11-5 ............................. Liam McKenna (7) 89 13 0-007 NEEV’S DREAM 39 (T) T Gibney 5-11-5 ...................................... E Walsh (5) 76 14 7-07F ROCCABAKER 21 A Slattery 5-11-5 ......................................Cian Quirke (7) 94 15 0658 SOLDARO 38 (T) G Cromwell 5-11-5 ......................................Sean Flanagan 91 BETTING: 3 El Capitaine, 4 I Am Rocco, Malton Groove, 6 Buddy One, Roccabaker WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 3 2 1 0 7 2022: L’yser 5-12-0 Donal McInerney 3-1 (B Connell), 16 ran. 3.56 ADARE MANOR OPPORTUNITY HANDICAP HURDLE; value to the winner €7,200; 3m. (10 runners) 1 -003706 MILLEN TO ONE 20 F Flood 9-11-13...................................C D Smithers (4) 90 2 44-1393 OTTOMAN STYLE 56 (T) D McLoughlin 7-11-13 ............. P J O’Hanlon (2) 96 3 55-069P MERCURY LANE 31 (P,T;D) P Nolan 9-11-12 .......... Kieran Callaghan (4) 89 4 -424215 RUN FOR PAT 118 (B;D) G Elliott 6-11-7 ......................... C McGivern (4) l99 5 330-23P BEATING THE ODDS 27 (C,D) W Austin 10-11-0 . Michael O’Sullivan (2) 95 6 77-P23P HARDWIRED 63 T Walsh 7-11-0 .............................. Shane O’Callaghan (4) 92 7 08/61-5 WAITTILLITELLYOU 31 (T) E Cawley 9-11-0 ......................Cian Quirke (4) 98 8 /21-U70 NATIVE GOLD 31 (P,T) E Cawley 9-10-9 ...................... Liam McKenna (4) 83 9 0038-80 CHOSEN DIAMOND 70 E Cawley 7-10-8 ..........................Philip Byrnes (2) 80 10 45-1894 ROYAL RHYTHM 12 (B;D) P Rothwell 7-10-3 ..........................C Owens (4) 90 BETTING: 4 Waittillitellyou, 5 Royal Rhythm, 11-2 Beating The Odds, 6 Run For Pat WHERE FAVOURITES FINISHED: 1 3 2 1 6 2022: Western Zara 6-11-0 Richard Deegan 5-1 (P Nolan), 16 ran. IN TICKETS WCHELTENHAM TO THE FESTIVAL, A 50’’ SMART TV PLUS FREE FOR A YEAR! CALLING all Favourite fans! Your super Sunracing has teamed up with our good pals at RACING TV to offer one lucky reader the chance to win the ultimate Cheltenham Festival PRIZE BUNDLE. Yes, folks, just look at what one lucky punter can win: lTWO Club Enclosure tickets on Wednesday March 15 2023; lA 50” Smart Televsion; lFREE subscription to Racing TV for 12 months; lRACING TV merchandise bundle. To put yourself in the frame for this fabulous prize just head to www.racingtv.com/cheltenham-festival-competition and register your details to enter. It really is that simple! TERMS & CONDS: Entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Promotion not open to News UK or Racing TV staff, employees, agencies, or other persons associated with the competition. Winner chosen at random. Prize draw closes at 10pm on January 31 2023. TV is offering all new customers a one-month FREE Racing free trial - the last chance to grab this special offer before the start of the Cheltenham Festival. You can enjoy every race live from 62 British and Irish racecourses on TRIAL TV, online and mobile. Go to racingtv.com/freetrial
12 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 Jack Keene TURF TALKING EVERY SATURDAY IN THE FAVOURITE Wee tip for Festival HOW have you been keeping yourself busy over the last couple of weeks? WOLVERHAMPTON 5.15: 1 RENDITION M Phillips (10-1); 2 Winklevi (9-2); 3 Typewritten (10-3). 10 ran (First C 5-2 fav). 1/2l; 11/4l. S Edmunds. T: £12.40; £3, £1.40, £1.50. Ex: £60.90. Tric: £186.70. Trif: £244.40. CF: £55.13. 5.45: 1 TRUSTY SCOUT C Hardie (7-1); 2 Donald Llewellyn (11-10 fav); 3 Stranger Things (7-4). 8 ran. 31/4l; 21/4l. D Shaw. T: £10.70; £1.50, £1.10, £1.10. Ex: £20.70. Trif: £40.90. NR: The R Breen. 6.15: 1 SAPPHIRE SEAS B Loughnane (8-11 fav); 2 Mountain Song (3-1); 3 Too Much (5-1). 10 ran. ns; 4l. C Appleby. T: £1.73; £1.02, £1.40, £1.60. Ex: £4.10. Trif: £9.50. CF: £3.48. NR: Hosana. 6.45: 1 JILLY COOPER O Stammers (7-2); 2 Starshiba (11-4 fav); 3 Algheed (3-1). 8 ran. 11/4l; hd. Charlie Johnston. T: £4.50; £1.30, £1.50, £1.40. Ex: £11.70. Tricast: £31.31. Trif: £33.80. CF: £13.62. 4.30: 1 MISS VIZEUN A Caffrey (101); 2 Final Fantasy (10-1); 3 Nevada Queen (9-4 fav). 10 ran. nk; shd. N Slevin. T: €15.20; €2.70, €2.60, €1.20. Ex: €104.60. Trifecta: €604.90. CF: €108.46. NR: Beyond Boundaries, Make The Switch, The Peckhampouncer. 5.00: 1 HIGHER KINGDOM S Rutledge (11-2); 2 Burren Song (7-1); 3 Je T’ai Porte (8-1). 12 ran (Roman Bull 9-4 fav). 3/4l; 11/2l. J McConnell. T: €6.60; €2, €2.40, €2. Ex: €62.50. Tricast: €311.78. Trifecta: €365.90. CF: €44.04. 5.30: 1 MALACANNE S B Kelly (7-2); 2 Arabian Legend (9-1); 3 Tabuk (9-1). 8 ran (Jazz F 3-1 fav). 3/4l; 3/4l. J P Murtagh. T: €4.50; €1.80, €2.10, €2.70. Ex: €41.80. Tric: €267.80. Trif: €824. CF: €36.17. 6.00: 1 BOLD RIBB H J Horgan (4-5 fav); 2 Lauroline (12-1); 3 Storm Eric (80-1). 13 ran. 1/ 2l; 2 1/ 2l. J P O’Brien. T: €1.80; €1.02, €4, €18.40. Ex: €14.10. Trifecta: €809. CF: €13.50. 6.30: 1 MACADAM’S ROCK Adam Caffrey (10-1); 2 Ghumama (9-1); 3 Tawaazon (5-1). 13 ran (Selective Power 10-3 fav). 1 1/ 2l; shd. H McLoughlin. T: €13.60; €3.80, €3, €2.50. Ex: €134.60. Tric: €535.34. Trif: €896.20. CF: €101.11. 7.00: 1 SONG FOR WHOEVER W J Lee (8-15 fav); 2 Dynamite Katie (13-2); 3 Anann (5-1). 7 ran. 31/4l; 11/4l. J O’Donoghue. T: €1.54; €1.20, €2.40. Ex: €4.80. Trif: €14.80. CF: €5.63. NR: Brasilian P. Brosna Pet (4-1-5) 1.36 Montana Flash (4-3-6) 1.51 Confey Life (1-2-3) nCRAYFORD: 10.17 Moaning Sinatra (2-6-5) 10.37 Ardnasool Flash (nap) (1-2-3) 10.53 Phoenix Puma (2-4-5) 11.09 Moaning Sampras (6-3-2) 11.24 Cathals Icon (1-3-4) 11.39 Ragtime Honey (3-5-2) 11.54 Havana Robusto (2-3-1) 12.09 Kid Dillon (3-6-1) 12.24 Miss Dior (1-6-3) 12.39 Borna Rhythm (6-43) 12.54 Roanna Broc (5-1-6) 1.09 Peejays Forever (6-2-4) 1.24 Luna Jezabelle (nb) (4-51) 1.39 Prove The Point (6-4-1) nNEWCASTLE: 2.04 Dungannon Tommy (2-4-5) 2.19 Killieford Katic (4-6-1) 2.36 Westforth Ceejay (nap) (3-1-6) 2.54 Second Move (1-2-4) 3.09 Dunquin Puma (4-3-6) 3.26 Darver Mammy (6-2-1) 3.44 Pennys Lalun (5-6-1) 4.04 Anybodys Guess (3-5-4) 4.23 Blackhouse Megan (3-6-5) 4.43 Ridgedale Polly (6-4-3) 5.03 Supa Cybil (3-4-6) 5.22 Droopys Clare (nb) (3-1-2) RESULTS nCENTRAL PARK: 11.43 Sandwood Vat 5-2 (2-5-6 BAGS F £7.75 TC £13.69). 11.58 Outdoor Ace 7-1 (6-5-4 £26.51 TC £122.52). 12.13 Marcias Blue Boy 9-4 (2-1-3 £20.91 TC £113.46). 12.28 Curraghmore Kit 8-1 (5-3-2 £46.47 TC £179.76). 12.43 Barnora Michael 5-2 (2-1-6 £8.02 TC £30.93). 12.58 Decisive Dash 9-2 (4-6-2 £57.48 TC £148.55). 1.13 Greenview Lass 3-1 (3-6-5 £11.14 TC £27.22). 1.28 Decisive Amy 6-1 (4-3-2 £34.83 TC £104.30). 1.44 Thornhill Percy 13-8jt (5-2-6 £18.69 TC £77.82). 1.59 Clounanna Nell 2-1 (1-4-2 £14.24 TC £65.42). nKINSLEY: 11.06 Bandit Euro 3-1 (2-4-3 BAGS F £24.94 TC £50.97). 11.21 Direct Breda 2-1f (2-4-3 £9.16 TC £19.25). 11.36 Roseanna Glen 7-2 (2-3-4 £16.84 TC £48.72). 11.51 Call The Cops 9-2 (1-2-4 £13.78 TC £42.32). 12.06 Highview Reality 6-1 (6-4-5 £37.23 TC £99.04). 12.21 Croaghill Hawk 5-2 (1-6-3 £22.43 TC £66.31). 12.36 Ballymac Donna 7-2 (1-4-5 £22.92 TC £87.32). 12.51 Milbank Patrick 5-1 (2-3-6 £21.15 TC £55.90). 1.06 Tiermana Dash 6-1 (1-3-4 £20.91 TC £48.06). 1.21 Ballymac Foxrock 15-8f (1-5-4 £10.35 TC £19.66). 1.36 Marriedinamonth 5-1 (6-3-2 £27.68 TC £60.78). 1.51 Derrymore Allie 5-2f (2-1-4 £13.67 TC £33.35). nNEWCASTLE: 2.04 Alnwick Charlie 6-4f (1-4-3 BAGS F £9.18 TC £18.91). 2.19 Crooks Anna 2-1f (2-6-1 £8.25 TC £31.48). 2.36 Cheap Thrills 5-4f (3-6-2 £5.42 TC £13.19). 2.54 Kenwho 9-4f (2-5-4 £10.43 TC £23.87). 3.09 Liberty Loch 6-1 (3-6-1 £32.92 TC £105.86). 3.26 Happy Stranger 2-1 (2-3-1 £6.96 TC £26.41). 3.44 Highview Dusk 5-2 (2-4-5 £17.85 TC £35.90). 4.04 Coolemount Flo 15-8 (2-6-3 £22.92 TC £39.06). 4.23 Westforth Pixie 2-1f (4-3-1 £18.01 TC £42.43). 4.43 Watermill Timone 11-4 (3-2-5 £28.54 TC £60.80). 5.03 Coppice Believer 11-8f (6-2-4 £6.22 TC £16.02). 5.22 In This Moment 6-1 (6-4-3 £23.43 TC £57.50). nSWINDON: 2.44 Sondicow 9-4f (1-5-4 BAGS F £23.88 TC £69.59). 2.59 Arthur Cucumber 11-8f (3-6-5 £6.43 TC £19.69). 3.14 Bluejig Daisy 3-1 (3-5-1 £48.93 TC £103.70). 3.34 Ballymac Conti 7-4f (1-3-4 £11.42 TC £40.13). 3.54 Carrow Ace 9-4f (4-6-3 £11.11 TC £23.91). 4.14 Moyar Rose 6-1 (1-3-4 £49.12 TC £200.19). 4.34 Stormy Emma 15-8f (5-6-1 £14.28 TC £44.64). 4.54 Confey Rocket 4-1 (3-4-5 £18.88 TC £70.01). 5.14 Westwind Sonny 7-1 (6-5-2 £32.13 TC £123.65). 5.33 Daraghs Lucy 4-1 (2-5-1 £44.28 TC £137.04). 5.52 Monster Hulk 5-1 (3-6-5 £29.10 TC £79.31). 6.12 Granard Coco 15-8f (1-6-2 £7.34 TC £20.82). DUNDALK GREYHOUND ROUND-UP WITH CHRIS OLIVER AFTER . . . a wee splash back on trousers and shoes POLY FILLER JUMPS CAN FIX THE HOLE by staging jumps on the brown stuff you can near-enough guarantee (barring heavy snow and the like) the show will go on when the turf is unraceable. Racing could do without blank days when it’s competing for eyeballs and bums on seats with other sports and leisure activities. I for one think it would be good fun if we had some jumping on the sand to watch on the box during these long, harsh winters. This isn’t totally pie in the sky stuff — in 2009 the BHA were HUNTINGDON T: £6.10; £1.50, £1.30. Ex: £17.70. Tf: £1281.50. CF: £13.72. NR: Miss Chawner. P/POT: £33.60 Q/POT: £17.40 12.55: 1 GRANDEUR D’AME T Bellamy (7-4 fav); 2 Maninsane (14-1); 3 Trapista (4-1). 8 ran. 1l; 7l. A King. T: £2.75; £1.30, £3.80, £1.20. Ex: £27.80. Tc: £89.99. Tf: £113.20. CF: £25.90. 1.25: 1 IMPERIAL BEDE Jonjo O’Neill Jr (8-1); 2 Arqoob (3-1 jtfav); 3 Rayapour (3-1 jtfav). 14 ran. 31/4l; 4l. Jonjo O’Neill. T: £9; £2.30, £1.80, £1.60. Ex: £41.40. Trifecta: £205. CF: £32.51. 1.55: 1 SPOTTY DOG L Harrison (12-1); 2 Furkash (9-1); 3 Born At Midnight (11-2). 11 ran (Ear’bob 4-1 fav). 23/4l; 21/4l. M Hawker. T: £14.90; £3.90, £3.10, £1.70. Ex: £145.90. Tric: £670.62. Trif: £993.70. CF: £115.90. 2.30: 1 MOVEIT LIKE MINNIE F Lambert (9-4 fav); 2 Mullinaree (15-2); 3 Merry Mistress (18-1); 4 Stroll On By (16-1). 17 ran. 11/4l; 5l; 1/2l. N T-Davies. T: £3.25; £1.20, £2.50, £3.50. Ex: £23.80. Tc: £269.37. Tf: £256.40. CF: £19.86. 3.00: 1 JEREMYS FLAME K M Donoghue (3-1); 2 Zambella (6-5 fav); 3 Tweed Skirt (10-3). 6 ran. 61/2l; 61/2l. G Cromwell (Ire). T: £4; £1.80, £1.30. Ex: £8.20. Trifecta: £16.90. CF: £7.31. 3.35: 1 ITCHY FEET S Bowen (201); 2 The Changing Man (11-4 fav); 3 Scarpia (40-1). 12 ran. 1 1/ 4l; nk. O Murphy. T: £22.70; £5, £1.40, £9.60. Ex: £126.30. Tc: £2267.40. Tf: £3284.40. CF: £75.43. NR: My Bobby Dazzler. 4.10: 1 DONTYAWANTME C Brace (5-1); 2 Little Miss Dante (7-4 fav); 3 It’s Maisy (100-1). 10 ran. 1/2l; 21/4l. F O’Brien. open to the idea of bringing allweather jumping back. It came off the back of a brutally cold winter in 2008 when dozens of meetings were lost to snow and frost. A spokesman at the time said that all-weather racing would ‘undoubtedly’ have a part to play in jumps racing’s future, given our changing climate. Come on, let’s ’ave it. And before you tell me to put a sock in it . . . I’ll get back to sorting out that drawer. I’M not sure I would want to be in the trenches with trainer Henry Daly. When asked by Nick Luck this week if he was eyeing the Cheltenham Festival with improving hurdler Blenkinsop — who had been due to run at Cheltenham this afternoon before being pulled out — a rather downcast Daly (left) glumly said: “What’s the point?” The Shropshire-based trainer says it’s a ‘waste of time’ taking on Willie Mullins and his pals. Now you may well be right, Henry. In fact, you almost certainly are, but come on . . . let’s show a little fight. We all need to pull together and man the barricades against the Mullins invasion or else, the great game will die on its arse. Anything can happen in this sport — but if you’re not in it you can’t win it. nOLIVER’S ARMY: Geelo Vera (T1, 11.39 Cray); Roanna Broc (T5, 12.54 Cray); Southfield Hawk (T1, 9.12 Hove); Trigger Point (T6, 9.43 Hove) 7.36 7-2 6-1 11-4 9-2 5-1 11-4 7.56 2-1 2-1 8-1 8-1 8-1 7-4 8.17 11-2 5-2 9-2 11-8 8-1 8-1 8.38 4-1 8-1 8-1 7-4 5-2 4-1 8.54 6-1 3-1 8-1 8-1 8-1 4-5 9.12 7-2 4-1 5-2 8-1 4-1 7-2 9.28 4-1 13-8 6-4 5-1 8-1 8-1 9.43 11-8 8-1 9-2 9-2 9-2 4-1 HOVE’S OPEN RACES (Open) 285 Metres Outback Laura= sa 16.55 Blastoff Mason rl 16.57 GETOUTTAMYWAY md —.— Precede md 16.48 Only Maloney wd 16.30 TINTREACH JET wd —.— (Open) 285 Metres MOLLY MAID rl 16.39 MOORSTOWN BUSTER md —.— Arthur Trifle md —.— Bogger Duke sa —.— Tintreach Honcho wd —.— Pukrockcaramelo= wd 16.36 (Open) 515 Metres Barnfield Rising rl —.— CLAIREKEITH REMY rl —.— Letter Pat= rl —.— DROOPYS BARRY rl —.— Thunder Black md 30.05 Wedreamagain wd —.— (Open) 500 Metres Watsons Avenue= rl 29.72 Typhoid Mary rl 29.80 Bradys Bullet sa —.— DROOPYS REQUEST md —.— SEOMRA SYD sa 29.65 Imahappylassie sa 29.44 (Open) 515 Metres Stellas Fruity sa —.— Laughil Sean= md 30.56 Ower Smasher sa —.— GLENGAR THUNDER md —.— Sudden Spike sa —.— DROOPYS MURAL wd 30.13 (Open) 500 Metres SOUTHFIELD HAWKH rl 29.73 Lightfoot Roman md 29.66 HAY BALE md —.— Four From Two md —.— Elegant Fashion ep 29.68 Moustows Muttley= md 29.52 (Open) 515 Metres Macho Camacho= rl 30.75 GLOBAL VISION sa 30.18 ARTHUR PUMPKIN md —.— Droopys Sputnik md —.— Droopys Goodtime wd 30.42 Narcos Tata wd —.— (Open) 500 Metres DRIVE ON LAD rl 29.49 Loco Sharky rl —.— Footfield Ruby md 29.67 No Detail= md 29.66 Crystal Power sa 29.64 TRIGGER POINTHH md 29.75 SELECTIONS nROMFORD: 10.12 Blooming Annie (1-3-4) 10.31 Its The Best (6-1-5) 10.46 Crackling Haze (nap) (2-6-3) 11.01 Comeragh Magpie (4-2-5) 11.16 Kilcurra Luna (1-4-5) 11.31 Dragonflyinamber (nb) (1-2-3) 11.46 Bubbly Bounty (4-3-6) 12.01 Goodtime Louise (3-46) 12.16 Exve Blaze (4-5-1) 12.31 Patagonia (2-5-4) 12.46 Pantone Angel (3-5-2) 1.02 Crohane Dezzie (3-2-1) 1.17 Seven Of Nine (4-1-2) 1.33 Longslip Sue (3-2-1) nSWINDON: 11.06 Mohican Bernie (5-1-6) 11.21 Southfield Kite (4-3-5) 11.36 Sawpit Smokey (nb) (6-5-3) 11.51 Reality Force (6-5-1) 12.06 Cloheena Mac (2-5-4) 12.21 Ashway Snowy (1-2-3) 12.36 Westwell Jenny (1-3-5) 12.51 Swift Feminism (1-23) 1.06 Franco Elenore (nap) (4-6-2) 1.21 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE Extra Places Cheltenham 1:50pm We’re paying 6 places instead of 4 A ST OD ALL DS No hooray, Henry nSOUTHFIELD HAWK (1) can swoop at Hove and complete a hat-trick in heat two of the Coral New Year Gala 500. Seamus Cahill’s improving local arrives on the back of a pair of easy A1 wins and can fly home on the rails at 9.12. Cahill has strong claims in the third heat (9.43) as well courtesy of TRIGGER POINT (6), who also bids for a three-timer after an A1 double here. As the sole wide seed, the son of Droopys Sydney should turn prominently and he remains on an upward curve. Crayford’s morning meeting also features on RPGTV and GEELO VERA (1) is fancied to land the first (11.39). Unexposed over staying trips, Sean Davy’s bitch was an impressive winner over 660m at Sheffield and can build on a decent 45.78 trial over this 714m last weekend. ROANNA BROC (5) is in sparkling form at present and will take some catching again in the Peter Bussey Memorial Trophy Trial Stakes at 12.54. GU With next-to-no jumps racing in Britain for nearly a fortnight, I’ve mainly spent my time rearranging my sock drawer and bingeing on Homes Under The Hammer. Who knew Dion Dublin would take to the property development game like a duck to water. I was especially gutted when Jack Frost claimed the prize scalp of Lingfield’s Winter Million meeting. The Flat card was the only one of the three scheduled days that went ahead and it got me thinking — shouldn’t we give all-weather jumps racing another bash? No doubt there will be plenty of snobs out there who turn their nose up at the idea, but I think it’s one that has legs. When all-weather tracks were launched in this country in the late 80’s and early 90’s, jumping on the sand was pretty common. Problem was, surfaces back then were not as safe as they are now. They were pretty firm and unforgiving and, after a spike in horse and jockey injuries, racing’s top brass decided to knock the experiment on the head in 1994. They were right to do so then but times have changed. The Polytrack and Tapeta tracks in this country are super-safe and you can make them as fast or as slow as you like. So what say you, racing chiefs? Reckon it’s time we dusted off the portable hurdles and gave it another whirl? After all, these days, there’s not a jumps trainer worth their salt who doesn’t school their horses on some sort of artificial surface. And I bet there are plenty of owners and trainers who would rather run their horses over obstacles on the all-weather than have them stood in a box twiddling their hooves. Though several powerful nutjobs around the world would have you think otherwise, climate change is very real and it affects racing as much as any sport, if not more so. A blend of face-melting temperatures in the summer, soaking wet winters and sharp cold snaps has made life a misery for tracks up and down the country. The future is very uncertain, but LINGFIELD 12.45: 1 DULCET SPIRIT Kaiya Fraser (5-1); 2 Suzi’s Connoisseur (20-1); 3 Come On Girl (2-1 fav). 8 ran. 1/2l; nk. B Johnson. T: £6.10; £2, £3.90. Ex: £108. Tc: £264.74. Tf: £531.40. CF: £94.20. 1.15: 1 REAL ESTATE R Havlin (3-1); 2 Billian (9-4 fav); 3 San Juan (14-1). 8 ran. 1 /2l; nk. M Attwater. T: £4; £1.40, £1.30, £3.50. Ex: £11. Tf: £95.30. CF: £10.04. 1.45: 1 COLORS OF FREEDOM L Morris (15-8 fav); 2 Cuban Grey (5-2); 3 Imperiousity (9-2). 5 ran. 1/2l; 11/4l. A Watson. T: £2.88; £1.20, £1.60. Ex: £6.80. Tf: £16.30. CF: £6.61. NR: Star Adorned. 2.20: 1 HALIC R Clutterbuck (5-2); 2 Vega Sicilia (8-11 fav); 3 Greystoke (18-1). 7 ran. 3/4l; nk. Owen Burrows. T: £3.50; £1.80, £1.10. Ex: £5.10. CF: £4.37. 2.50: 1 MR FREEDOM T Whelan (9-2); 2 Ciao Adios (9-2); 3 Mr Rumbalicious (7-2 fav). 9 ran. 23/4l; nk. Miss S West. T: £5.50; £1.90, £1.70. Ex: £28.20. Tricast: £78.01. Trifecta: £115.10. CF: £24.41. 3.25: 1 FIRST SIGHT James Doyle (11-8); 2 Nazymbek (1-2 fav); 3 Great Bedwyn (66-1). 7 ran. 3 / 4 l; 2 3 / 4 l. C Appleby. T: £2.60; £1.10, £1.10. Ex: £2.80. Trifecta: £15.70. CF: £2.48. 3.55: 1 MICK’S SPIRIT S M Levey (7-2); 2 Pablo Del Pueblo (11-4); 3 Lilkian (11-2). 7 ran (Man On A Mission 15-8 fav). 2 1/ 4l; 3/ 4l. C Allen. T: £4.50; £1.60. Ex: £14.60. Tc: £50.26. Tf: £64.50. CF: £13.39. NR: Level Up, Ooh Is It. P/POT: £6.20 Q/POT: £2.70 UK Horse Racing Online only D . . . a puddle of pee is left on the pavement the racecourse that causes wee to “splash back” at the perpetrator. He said: “It is unpleasant to see and makes people feel uncomfortable or threatened. “Last year, I saw a line of men brazenly weeing against a wall near town, with people sat in traffic just yards away — they were totally shameless. “We shouldn’t have to put up with this anymore.” Extra portaloos were installed along the Evesham Road near the track during the November meeting and they will be in place once again. Wilkinson added: “The extra loos are good but the hydrophobic paint would be an excellent deterrent. “I’m sure the prospect of wet and smelly trousers will make people think twice.” DONCASTER EE BEFORE CHELTENHAM councillors are taking action to ensure it’s only the horses who make a splash during Festival week. Local residents have become increasingly disgusted at the number of boozed-up punters who have been peeing in public. Tens of thousands of racegoers pour into Cheltenham town centre after racing, and plenty of them get caught short along the way. Rather than finding a public toilet or nipping into a pub, some spend a penny in the open against trees and walls. Councillor Max Wilkinson described public urination as a “blight on our town during race week” — but he has come up with a cunning plan. He is working to put a special paint on walls leading to RACING RESULTS ROUND-UP 1.05: 1 PARRAMOUNT B Roberts (1-2 fav); 2 Glory Bridge (16-1); 3 Benny Silver (50-1). 14 ran. 21l; 9l. C Longsdon. T: £1.50; £1.10, £4, £8.60. Ex: £12.10. Tf: £169.90. CF: £11.92. NR: Arqoob, Dickens, Father Of Jazz, Joe Dadancer. 1.35: 1 WILL STING T Cannon (9-1); 2 Dash Of Blue (7-1); 3 William Cody (5-4 fav). 7 ran. 41/2l; 6l. L Wadham. T: £11; £4.40, £2.90. Ex: £65.20. Tric: £131.85. Trif: £191.30. CF: £66.37. NR: Maninsane. 2.05: 1 STORMINHOME K Woods (11-8 fav); 2 Gaelic Park (9-4); 3 Gentle Frank (12-1). 10 ran. 11/4l; 51/2l. B Pauling. T: £2.38; £1.10, £1.20, £2.90. Ex: £5.70. Trifecta: £26.80. CF: £5.21. NR: Richhill, Spago, Syltezar. 2.40: 1 GREYVAL P Brennan (11-4); 2 Arclight (6-5 fav); 3 Cianciana (28-1). 9 ran. 2l; 11/4l. F O’Brien. T: £3.75; £1.40, £1.10, £4.30. Ex: £6.80. Trifecta: £81.80. CF: £6.75. NR: Naeva. 3.15: 1 MALYSTIC D McMenamin (121); 2 Saint Segal (13-8 fav); 3 Gold Des Bois (40-1). 11 ran. 1/2l; 3/4l. P Niven. T: £15.40; £3.60, £1.40, £9.20. Ex: £47.80. Tc: £794.17. Tf: £963. CF: £33.23. 3.45: 1 THE KNIPHAND S TwistonDavies (11-4 fav); 2 Kadex (11-1); 3 Starlyte (8-1). 15 ran. 11/4l; 10l. N TwistonDavies. T: £3.75; £1.70, £4.50, £3.20. Ex: £41.90. Tc: £236.44. Tf: £480.80. CF: £34.54. NR: Merry Mistress. 4.20: 1 HALF THE FREEDOM K Brogan (8-1); 2 Morandi Second (13-2); 3 Clay (20-1); 4 Telhimlisten (2-1 fav). 17 ran. 21/4l; hd; 11/2l. Jonjo O’Neill. T: £10; £2.20, £1.40, £4.40, £1.50. Ex: £72.20. Tricast: £1046.28. Trifecta: £409.90. CF: £58.19. NR: Mutual Respect. JACKPOT: Not won, £5,650.05 c/over. P/POT: £52.70 Q/POT: £5.90 BE Favourite in association with RAN T Online Only. Extra Places: 1/5 the odds. 16 or more must run for 6 places, 14 or more must run for 5 places, 12 or more must run for 4 places, 11 or less standard E/W place terms apply. Best Odds Guaranteed: Online only. Max benefit £25,000 per customer, per day. Available from 10:00 on the day of the race until the ‘off’. Customer restrictions and rules apply. William Hill rules apply. Over 18s only. For advice & information visit begambleaware.org. National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133.
Saturday, January 28, 2023 COMEBACK KING . . . Walsall’s Liam Gordon nearly lost his left leg after horror injury (above) Jesse’s Wham romance — pages 4-5 MIRACLE MAN LIAM GORDON is Walsall’s miracle man who is out to KO Premier League giants Leicester. The defender, 23, THREE operations FIVE DAYS after lapsing in his training session the League Two in association with had in colfirst with club Walsall v Leicester 12.30pm and nearly lost a leg in his brush with death. Now he has the Foxes in his sights in the FA Cup fourth round. Full interview — P 2,3 Gutsy Gordon a real Cup hero
2 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 GORDON CAREER RECORD FA CUP MIND THE GAP THE biggest difference in league placings in this weekend’s FA Cup fourth round is the last non-league side left in the competition, Wrexham, hosting second-tier Sheffield United (71). DIFFERENCE IN LEAGUE PLACES Wrexham (Nat Lge) v Sheff Utd (Ch’ship) Walsall (Lge 2) v Leicester (Prem) Luton (Ch’ship) v Grimsby (Lge 2) Accrington (Lge 1) 71 65 57 v 49 v 32 Leeds (Prem) Stoke (Ch’ship) Stevenage (Lge 2) Derby (Lge 1) v West Ham (Prem) Man Utd (Prem) v Reading (Ch’ship) Preston (Ch’ship) v Tottenham (Prem) 32 30 26 Ipswich (Lge 1) v Burnley (Ch’ship) Southampton (Prem) v Blackpool (Ch’ship) Fulham (Prem) v Sunderland (Ch’ship) Blackburn (Ch’ship) 26 23 22 v 15 v 15 Birmingham (Ch’ship) Sheff Wed (Lge 1) Fleetwood (Lge 1) Bristol City (Ch’ship) v West Brom (Ch’ship) Brighton (Prem) v Liverpool (Prem) Man City (Prem) v Arsenal (Prem) 7 3 1 FIFTH-ROUND DRAW THE draw for the fifth round will take place on Monday during The One Show on BBC One from 7pm. (All competitions) 2016-20 Dagenham & Redbridge 2017-18 Whitehawk (loan) 2017-18 Hendon (loan) 2019-20 Dartford (loan) Docs told me I may lose my leg..now I’m facing the Foxes Games 55 17 3 10 By GRAEME BRYCE LIAM GORDON cannot forget his first training session with Walsall — because it almost became his LAST! Like most new signings, the 23-year-old’s biggest concern before his first pre-season run was the odd butterfly in his stomach as he looked to make a favourable impression on his new Saddlers team-mates. Half an hour later Gordon was in the back of an ambulance gasping for breath inside an oxygen mask, trying to alleviate the excruciating pain coursing through his body, as he was raced to hospital. What followed was a nightmare ordeal which could have cost him his life and led to one chilling conversation with a surgeon who warned his left leg might have to be AMPUTATED. However, Gordon battled through THREE major operations on his leg in FIVE DAYS to salvage a career which had literally been hanging by a thread. Incredibly, 3 months later the Croydon-born full-back made his Saddlers’ debut at Cheltenham. And today, Walsall’s warrior defender faces Leicester’s James Maddison, Jamie Vardy and Youri Tielemans, in one of the most uplifting FA Cup fairytales. Gordon said: “It will be a surreal moment. After all I’ve been through, the most important part is that I’m playing football at all. “I’m pinching myself at being able to play against a Premier League side like Leicester, who won the trophy so recently.” Gordon recalled the freak events of that summer’s day as he reported for his first pre-season session following his move from Bolton. He CLUB SAVED LIAM’S LIFE LIAM'S 2022 TIMELINE Signs for Walsall 25 MAY 20 JUNE Walsall report back for pre-season training (injury occurs) OPERATIONS 29 JUNE Returns to first team action - lost away v Cheltenham. 25 OCT 2 SEP Rejoins squad training 12 SEP First goal for Walsall v Harrogate (3-1 home win) Returns to solo training on grass 2 SEP 3 JULY 1 JULY Walsall v Leicester 12.30pm
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... 2020-22 2020-21 2022- Bolton Dagenham & Redbridge Walsall TOTAL Games 36 25 17 163 HIS WALSALL RECORD IN 2022-23 (all comps) REHAB . . . Gordon on his first day back in training after his nightmare injury explained: “It was just a routine 2km run at the training ground and my blood circulation completely went in my legs. As I finished the race I collapsed. “At first everyone thought I was joking but then they realised that there was a serious problem. “I had just signed for the club and I’m lying there on the ground with all these thoughts flying through my head. “I’m the new guy and this is everyone’s first view of me. I worried the perception people would have of me was I wasn’t fit enough to handle my first training run! “What followed obviously proved that wasn’t the case. “The surgeon and specialists later explained the problem would have existed in my shin prior to the run. “It’s a condition called compound compartment syndrome, often put down to shin splints, which would have built up over time. “The club physio told me such injuries usually result from car crashes or a similar, sudden trauma and there’s usu- ally a compound break. But that wasn’t the case with me — I was just running!” As his anxious team-mates watched on, Gordon fought back the excruciating pain which is a symptom of the condition. He said: “I was given oxygen immediately, then gas and air in the ambulance when I told them I needed something more for the pain. “I probably used up the entire tank in the ambulance yet the pain was still unbearable — off the scale. On a scale of 1-10 it was 100! It was brutal. “If I go on to have kids and my partner tells me there is no greater pain than childbirth, I’ve earned the right to say: ‘Really? Try this one!’. “They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Well I must be pretty strong to bounce back from that.” Others without the backing of a club with a highly-trained medical team could have DIED. The Guyana international added: “When I was discharged from hospital initially they said I had a sprained shin and to rest for three weeks. “If I had followed that advice and the club hadn’t intervened, I’d have been done for. “I constantly felt sick. I was so nauseous. I just felt faint and hot and cold. “I developed a massive infection which caused me to have no movement in my toes at all and I still suffer from numbness, even now. Games 17 Minutes played Clean sheets 1,154 3 Passing accuracy 70% Fouls won/conceded 11/5 Yellow/red cards 1/0 Thankfully Walsall insisted on me having an MRI scan and quickly got to the heart of the matter. “We wouldn’t be having this conversation now if they hadn’t. The club didn’t just save my career — they saved my life. “I was readmitted to hospital and the surgeons and specialists told me I should have had surgery six hours after it happened. I had mine more than SIX DAYS later. “That’s what caused the infection which almost cost me my career because I was told there is a point where the only option would have been to amputate the leg.” Mercifully, three operations in five days saved Gordon’s career, coupled with hour upon lonely hour of hard rehabilitation. He said: “I have been left with a scar from my knee to my ankle which shows the full extent of the damage. “I’ve still got numbness in my toes and I can’t feel the big toe or my second toe at all. I’ve also got constant numbness in my shin. “I have to wear inner soles in my shoes and football boots to lessen the pressure on my shins. “To this day, I do more weight work on my calves to make them stronger because they removed a lot of muscle for my left leg. “As a result my right leg started to overcompensate, which led to pain in my ‘good’ leg. So I needed to build up the strength again on my left. “Some players can sometimes cheat with training. I just can’t afford to do that! “The gaffer, Michael Flynn, was great and kept it quiet at the start, which helped me get through my rehab without pressure or fans constantly messaging me, or worrying about me. “He just said it was a freak accident in training, then when I returned against Cheltenham he explained to everyone what had actually happened. “The fans backed me all the way and provided massive motivation for me throughout. “I am a Christian and this ordeal has enhanced my faith in God because I couldn’t have got through this without him — or my club physios Ellie Hargreaves and Ewan Turnbull.” He added: “All new signings are told not to worry, no one could possibly get off to a worse start than I did, with the 2K run which almost killed me!” RODGERS CHINS ’EM Compiled by Russell Lanning OPENING SHOTS 1 CURTIS WESTON is the youngest player to appear in an FA Cup final - aged 17 years and 119 days. But who was he playing for? 2 IN 1988, who became the first player to miss a penalty in an FA Cup final at Wembley? 3 WHICH player has scored in four FA Cup finals - more than any player in the history of the competition? CAN YOU PASS THE 11-PLUS? HERE is a Premier League starting XI that appeared last weekend. All you have to do is work out the side by the players and their badges of the side they played for before their current team. WHICH PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM FIELDED THIS STARTING XI LAST WEEKEND? (Badges are players and their former clubs) Sunderland Barcelona Burnley Wolves Lille Sligo Rovers PSG Arsenal Dynamo Kiev B Leverkusen Sheff Utd FUNNY OLD NAME CAN you unscramble this anagram to reveal a team who are in the FA Cup fourth round and have played in four FA Cup finals, winning one. S UDD E N E L I T E PLAY YOUR CAPS RIGHT HIGHER OR LOWER? Stuart Pearce (1987-99) 78 caps Harry Kane (2015-present) ??? HARD AS NAILS TOUGH TACKLER MANCHESTER UNITED’S Kevin Moran was the first player to be sent off in an FA Cup final in 1985, but who was the second to be shown a red card in a final exactly 20 years later? FUN AFTER Nottingham Forest’s Jesse Lingard revealed this week he wanted to become an actor, here is our own Film football XI. F I L M X I TitaNick Pope Harry Jerry Maguire Erik Bakke to the Future Gladia-Tore Andre Flo E.T.hiago Silva Jurassic Park Ji-sung The Lukeshawshank Redemption Roberto Gan-di Matteo Erling Ha-La-Land Team: Nottingham Forrest Gump Good Will Hughes Hunting Rocky Santa Cruz Manager: One flew over the Philip Cocu’s Nest. Mikel Braveheart-eta ANSWERS: OPENING SHOTS: 1 Millwall (2004). 2 John Aldridge. 3 Didier Drogba. 11-PLUS? It’s Everton. Pickford (previous club Sunderland), Mina, Coady, Tarkowski, Coleman, Onana, Gueye, Mykolenko, Iwobi, Gray, Calvert-Lewin. FUNNY OLD NAME: Leeds United. PLAY YOUR CAPS RIGHT: Harry Kane is higher with 80 caps. HARD AS NAILS: Jose Antonio Reyes. BLAZING SADDLER . . . Gordon is back in action after his ordeal Foxes have won just twice since the World Cup break — both against lower league opposition in cup games. And Rodgers let rip after Leicester conceded a late Brighton equaliser in last weekend’s 2-2 draw, labelling the performance “nowhere near the level I would want it to be, in terms of quality”. But the King Power chief reckons his ‘harsh’ words were needed ahead of today’s FA Cup tie at Walsall. He said: “We’re at the elite level of sport. It’s not all rosy in the garden all the time and sometimes you have to be harsh to be clear. “When I’m talking about technical quality, I expect players come in every day to improve. “They’ve been here long enough. They’ve improved their contracts, they’ve improved their lives.” Leicester could give a debut to Danish left-back Victor Kristiansen after his £12.5million move from Copenhagen and Rodgers hopes to add to his squad again before Tuesday’s deadline. He said: “If we can get one or two in that the club are working towards, that’ll really shift the balance of the team around again. “We have been trying to deal with situations where we perhaps don’t have the right type of player in the position. “If we do that, then we come out of January in a really good place.” in association with UESTION OF SPORT By GRAHAM HILL LEICESTER boss Brendan Rodgers says his players need to take criticism on the chin after their post-Qatar slump. 3
4 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 THEIR TWO DEC 15 PREVIOUS MEETINGS FA CUP 2009 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy LEEDS (1) 2 (Elland Road) Att: 12,696 ACCRINGTON (0) 0 Ephraim 9, Kilkenny 50 DATE NIGHT AT.. Romance of the Cup is alive and well as Marsch takes missus to Wham Stadium! LEAGUE TWO 2017-18 of environment and match atmosphere skipper Liam Cooper and midfielder By JASON MELLOR JESSE MARSCH knows all about they have. Tyler Adams are both expected to the romance of the Cup — even “Accrington have a lot of pride in miss out through injury. date nights. You take your wife to the though his missus might not agree. match. their pitch and the crowd generates a The head coach added: “We’ll “We went along and met their owner good atmosphere. Their team competes have a lot of travelling fans Andy Holt and managing director hard and you can see they care a lot backing us and we’ll have about winning. to be ready for whatever Dave Burgess. BARNET CAMBRIDGE STANLEY “They value the FA Cup and UNITED Accrington throw CARLISE at us. “We sat with them and ACCRINGTON they as a team they specialise in “We know the David were both very gracious and set-pieces and throw-ins. versus Goliath narrawelcoming. Quite rightly, “I think they’ll play a tive can be very they have a lot of pride lot of long balls, defend inspiring for the in what they’ve built hard and play direct underdog. there.” against us.” “We won’t be takMarsch used his busLeeds’ only win in ing anything for man’s date night to the last nine games granted when we pick up plenty of came in the 5-2 third- step out on that inside information on round replay demoli- pitch. how to avoid a tricky tion of Cardiff as COLCHESTER they “We need to COVENTRY be potential banana skin CHELTENHAM CHESTERFIELD take a welcome break ready to play our in front of the live TV from their battle for kind of football and cameras by preventing Premier League survival. to be confident to Accy making it through They are desperate to command the ball and to round five for the first avoid Accrington adding score goals. time in their history. their name to the likes of “That’s our challenge The 49-year-old has never Histon, Rochdale, Sutton and and we’ll be up for it. lost to a lower-league side in a “We’ve got a chance Crawley who have all dumped them 12-season coaching career. to push in this tournaAnd he added: “I think it’s always out of the Cup in recent years. Marsch is set to hand a debut to ment and we want to important when you play at a lower division team to go and see what kind £25million signing Georginio Rutter but take it totally seriously.” Accrington v Leeds Utd 12.30pm BBC 1 CRAWLEY TOWN WLEY TOWN FC CRA CREWE EXETER CITY FOREST GREEN WEST SUS EX S NOLI CEDERE 18 96 GRIMSBY TOWN LINCOLN CITY NEWPORT COUNTY STEVENAGE SWINDON S T EV . MORECAMBE . ENAGE F C When the Leeds boss invited wife Kim out on a date, little did she expect it would be a wet and windy night at Accrington’s Wham Stadium. Instead of fine dining and cocktails at a swanky city centre brasserie, it was pies and pints in the Pennine foothills. Mrs Marsch was treated to the homely delights of the Wham Stadium as Stanley squeezed through their replay against Boreham Wood after extra time to book a fourth-round visit by the Premier League strugglers. The food on offer at the Wham includes a range of Pukka Pies at £2.80 or even Pot Noodles at £1.80. Marsch felt a bit guilty about dressing the scouting mission up as a romantic meal for two but insists the welcome from their League One hosts could not have been warmer. But he is expecting a less hospitable afternoon as his side bid to avoid an FA Cup giant-killing. The American revealed: “I suppose it’s how us coaches manage to find LUTON TOWN NOTTS COUNTY WYCOMBE WANDERERS MANSFIELD PORT VALE YEOVIL LOVING CUPLE . . . Leeds boss Jesse Marsch took his missus Kim to an FA Cup replay at Accrington Stanley
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... AUG 12 2014 League Cup, 1st round LEEDS (2) 2 (Elland Road) Att: 13,407 ACCRINGTON (0) 1 Doukara 19, 38 Gray 84 ACCRINGTON have lost each of their previous three ties in the FA Cup fourth round, with each defeat coming against sides from a higher division. ACCRINGTON 5 in association with Harvey fans the flames HARVEY RODGERS was heartbroken over Leeds suffering past cup shocks but the Accrington defender is out to cause another one today. Tyke Rodgers (below) is a lifelong fan and still goes to Elland Road games when he gets the chance. His Leeds-supporting mates hope he will be ‘tortured’ by Jesse Marsch’s men, although Rodgers believes League One Stanley have enough weapons to give for their illustrious visitors a big headache. The Selby-born centre-back, 26, said: “Yeah, I have been a big Leeds fan all my life. I watch them when I can and look out for the results. By MARTIN BLACKBURN “There’s been a lot more downs than ups but his family and friends but, the last couple of years in true Yorkshire style, have been brilliant. I’ve refused to pay for them managed to get to a few all so some have decided games when we got pro- to watch on TV instead. He added: “Obviously moted to the Prem. my mates are bigger fans “From watching Leeds than me who go all the I know that we will time. It is nice for them cause them problems to come and watch from set-pieces on Saturday. and long throw“If you hear ins — so we can anyone shouting definitely go out for Leeds in the and get a result. Accrington end it “There’s been a might be a couple few upsets over of my mates. the years against “I’ve got quite a them from lower lot coming but as league teams, so it’s defi- soon as I said they had nitely do-able.” to pay, I stopped getting Rodgers’ phone started replies. buzzing as soon as Tues“I’d like to think my day’s third-round replay family want me to win against Boreham Wood but a couple of my mates said they’d still definitely finished. He managed to secure like to see me get tortured tickets for around 15 of by the Leeds players.”
6 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 DIVISION 1 (Anfield) Att: 28,574 MAR 6 1982 LIVERPOOL ........... (0) 0 LIVERPOOL & BRIGHTON 6It felt special scoring in front of the Kop 7 IN THE 1981-82 SEASON LIVERPOOL League FA Cup Chelsea (a) League Cup Tottenham European Cup CSKA Sofia Champions (1st) 5th round L 2-0 Final W 3-1 (aet) Qtr-final L 2-1 (agg) BRIGHTON League FA Cup Oxford (h) League Cup Barnsley (a) 41 By ANDY RITCHIE 13th 4th round L 3-0 3rd round L 4-1 Margaret Thatcher US PRESIDENT Ronald Reagan NO 1 IN THE CHARTS The Lion Sleeps Tonight by Tight Fit (3 weeks at No1) TOP FILM E.T: The Extra Terrestrial TOP NEWS The Falklands War begins as Argentina invades the Falkland Islands RITCH KICKINGS . . . Andy Ritchie’s scrappy goal for Brighton was enough to see off serial winners Liverpool Sub (not used): Sheedy Manager: Mike Bailey Kennedy Grobbelaar Lawrenson Whelan Hansen Souness McDermott Neal Lee TOP TOY Stompers Truck battering powered vehicles that ran on a single AA battery and featured four-wheel drive. The first “go anywhere” toys. Ritchie 40 WITH Brighton playing Liverpool tomorrow in the FA Cup fourth round at the AMEX, former Seagulls striker ANDY RITCHIE heads back 41 years to his winner in a top-flight game at Anfield. Ritchie joined Brighton from Manchester United in 1980, spending three years at Albion. It ranks up there with one of the top matches in terms of unexpected victories in my career. Brighton were the new kids on the block in the top flight, while Liverpool were serial trophy winners and European Cup holders. You only have to look at their team that we played against that day to see why. I was also up against Mark Lawrenson, my old team-mate at Albion who had left the previous summer for £900,000. Mark and Alan Hansen were the two best centrebacks I’ve ever seen, two Rolls-Royces. Despite our win at Anfield, they still went on to win the title that season. I remember my winning goal was a scrappy one. I’m pretty sure I was on the deck in a muddy goalmouth and in the melee the ball found itself to me and I managed to get my foot to it and poke it home. I know it was in front of the Kop too, which was special. We may have won 1-0 but at times Liverpool absolutely battered us. Even 41 years on, I recall an Ian Rush shot everyone thought was going in but the ball somehow stopped just inches from the line in the boggy mud. That wouldn’t have happened on today’s pitches. I remember Jimmy Case (right), PRIME MINSTER The U.S police drama Cagney & Lacey makes its debut on BBC1 BRIGHTON ............ (1) 1 FOR Brighton to win at Liverpool for the first time in history — and to do it at a fortress like Anfield — remains an incredible memory. 1982 AT-A-GLANCE TOP TV YEARS AGO Dalglish Case Ritchie Rush Robinson Foster Ryan Stille (Shanks) Gatting Nelson Manager: Bob Paisley Referee: Mark Scott Stevens Grealish Digweed HOW THEY LINED UP also ex-Liverpool, being really wound up before the game going back to Anfield. He was really geeing us up. Afterwards in the dressing room he was so happy — hugging us, shaking our hands. And then he disappeared for the weekend. Presumably he stayed up that weekend to see old friends and team-mates. At the time we were sponsored by British Caledonian, so north of Birmingham we’d fly to the games. I had three wonderful years at Brighton from 1980-83. It was a perfect fit joining from Manchester United at that time. I finished top scorer in 1981-82 and moved into a house with my wife-to-be in Peacehaven near Hove. Team-mate Tony Grealish moved nearby and most of the team lived quite close. I’d walk to training with Tony. It’s so sad he is no longer with us. The fact we were in the top flight was a great feat. We punched above our weight and we picked up several great wins. The old Goldstone Ground was wonderful too. Strangely we only ever used to get capacity crowds when we hosted Crystal Palace or Tottenham. Interview: RUSSELL LANNING So proud of flying Seagulls IT has been an incredible season so far for Brighton. I was concerned that the departure of manager Graham Potter to Chelsea in September might have seen a dip in form — but if anything they now look stronger under new boss Roberto De Zerbi (right). As FA Cup holders, this is a real tough draw for Liverpool. They were soundly beaten 3-0 only 14 days ago at Albion in the Premier League. Several of Jurgen Klopp’s squad look a shadow of the same players who chased the Quadruple last term. It’s been a delight to see my old club doing so well — it is remarkable they go into tomorrow’s fourth-round tie three places above Liverpool in the Premier League table . . . The 1982 Anfield win was a big shock. It shows how Albion have grown since that a home win tomorrow would not be such a big surprise.
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... FA CUP SUNDERLAND make their first appearance in the FA Cup fourth round in eight years since (2014-15), when they knocked out today’s opponents Fulham (3-1). CHALLENGE . . . Ipswich boss McKenna Vincent is Kier class Ipswich v Burnley Gray hails huge impact of Diallo 3pm By MEL HENDERSON KIERAN McKENNA studied Vincent Kompany as a young coach — now he has to find the answer to beating Burnley. Tayl up for more glory CHARLIE TAYLOR believes there is much more to come from Championship leaders Burnley. The Clarets go into today’s FA Cup clash at Ipswich with a fivepoint advantage at the top and on course for an instant Prem return. And defender Taylor, 29, thinks victory at Bournemouth in the last round supports their belief they can mix it in the top flight again. He said: “As unbelievable as we have done so far this season, there is still room for improvement. “We have a very talented group and young players in their first season in English football who’ll only improve. The step up is huge but there is no reason why we couldn’t compete.” Clarets boss Vincent Kompany has successfully converted Taylor from a left-back to a centre-half. Taylor added: “There are not many who know more than him. “So you are learning from one of the best and I am learning something every day.” in association with AMAD SKILLS TOP CAT . . . Amad Diallo is shining at the Stadium of Light Ipswich boss McKenna launched his coaching career at Manchester United and often used video analysis of then Manchester City defensive star. Kompany is boss at Burnley, five points clear in the Championship. McKenna, who aims to mastermind an FA Cup fourth-round upset for his League One side at Portman Road today, said: “I’ve yet to meet Vincent so I can only say he’s doing a good job at Burnley. “He was a fantastic player. He was the study for lots of defensive best-practice videos I would have done as a young coach.” The young bosses are both 36, born just 34 days apart. Kompany won four Prem titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups as a City player. In contrast, McKenna’s playing career was wrecked by a hip injury as a rising star at Spurs. The Northern Irishman turned to coaching, working his way up to become assistant to Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick at Old Trafford. Now he views his match-up with Kompany as his biggest test of his 13-month reign at Ipswich. He said: “Vincent was a fantastic defender and is transferring that well to his team. “I see elements of Manchester City in the way that Burnley play.” 7 Fulham v Sunderland By IAN MURTAGH FULHAM will face a very different Amad Diallo today to the one they saw briefly 20 months ago. DIALLO THIS SEASON (all competitions) Games Mins played Passes Passing accuracy Total shots Shots on target Goals/assists Win rate 22 1,446 665 86% 40 17 7/2 41% Amad barely got a kick as sub against the Cottagers in Manchester United’s final home game of the 2020-21 season. It was his last Premier League appearance at Old Trafford and by the time he was loaned out to Rangers in January last year, the Ivorian was being written off. His form at Ibrox did little to dispel the feeling that the youngster — signed from Atalanta for what could top an incredible £37million — had been thrust into the spotlight too hastily. And yet, five months into another loan spell, the 20-year-old is the Championship’s Player of the Month, Sunderland’s talisman and again being tipped as a United star of the future. Black Cats legend Michael Gray, who covers United as a media pundit, believes his time on Wearside has been the making of Amad. Gray said: “I remember watching him after his move and while the talent was there, he looked raw. “But he’s matured ten-fold and looks a very good footballer.” Gray claims Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray — who also nurtured Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott during his time at Blackburn — deserves credit. But he adds the player himself is mainly responsible for the transformation. Gray said: “When a young lad goes out on loan from a club like United, it can go one of two ways. “Some think they’re too good for their new surroundings and have the wrong attitude from the outset. But he’s shown great character, knuckled down and is now reaping the rewards. “He struggled at first but has gone from strength to strength. Mowbray is the kind 3pm, of manager who wants his forwards to express themselves and he’s been great for the kid but Amad’s body language tells you everything you need to know. “He’s happy in his new environment and the way he celebrates goals shows there’s a real camaraderie between himself and his team-mates.” Some of those team-mates are in awe of Amad’s natural ability. He has scored seven goals in his last 14 games and all have been gems. Midfielder Alex Pritchard said: “He came here not having had much gametime at Rangers so needed to play regularly and affect games. “That’s what he’s doing and long may it continue. He’s a down-to-earth person who works hard and you can see his qualities during every game.” Gray would love to see Amad blossom at Sunderland but reckons he will return to Old Trafford. He added: “I think if he goes back, he’ll be pushing Antony hard for a place because mentally he’s much stronger than he was two years ago. “Belief isn’t necessarily about knowing you’re good, it’s feeling like an important member of the team, too. “He knows he’s a big player for Sunderland but probably doesn’t realise just how good the move has been for him.” Ex-Fulham youngster Patrick Roberts has formed a superb partnership with Amad down the Black Cats’ right. Gray added: “There’s a real telepathy between them and they’re capable of wreaking havoc against anyone. “Of course, Fulham start favourites but if those two are on fire, it should be quite a game.” SILVA’S GOLD STANDARD By ANDREW DILLON MARCO SILVA warned his Fulham players to toss away the FA Cup at quality. They are doing well, some their peril. After today’s fourth-round tie at players in their attack can punish you home to Championship Sunderland comes a glamour Premier League trip to neighbours Chelsea on Friday. But hardline boss Silva promises to axe any of his squad who fail to deliver 100 per cent commitment as he bids to change Fulham’s image as soft touches. Silva said: “There’s not a single reason to not be serious. We FUL THROTTLE have to go with full ambition, . . . Silva wants a even if I change some players. big performance “We have an obligation to respect Sunderland and their if you are not at your best. “Any players who are not serious in the game tomorrow will not play against Chelsea. That is clear to me because the focus is one game — tomorrow’s match against Sunderland. “It is really important for me and the club that we do our best to be in the next round of the Cup.” Fulham are seventh in the Premier League with growing dreams of European football next season. But they have not won an FA Cup fourth-round match in six years. That was against Hull in 2017 when Silva was the visiting boss. Fulham were later thumped 3-0 at home by Tottenham in the fifth round. Silva is confident of signing two players before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, with Arsenal defender Cedric Soares and Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic top of the Portuguese’s list. Leading scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic will be involved in some way today but may not start, while midfielder Harry Wilson may get a chance to impress. The former Liverpool trainee is finding first-team time hard to come by. And Silva said: “In the next few weeks, I think we will see the best of Harry Wilson.”
8 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 SOUTHAMPTON v BLACKPOOL Head-to-head FA CUP INSIDE TRADING TOP TIPS FROM TRADING FLOOR in association with ADVERTORIAL My bags w ...I’m ready A TANGERINE DREAM FOR WILY BOSS ALTHOUGH the FA Cup fourth round glamour tie was last night, there remain some match-ups today where the EFL clubs will give themselves a squeak at an upset. First up is Accrington Stanley against Leeds at the brilliantly named Wham Stadium. Struggling Leeds dispatched Cardiff after a replay in the previous round, which is incidentally their last win since November, while Accrington also needed a replay to navigate past non-league Boreham Wood. Stanley are struggling in League One — but being in the division at all with their meagre resources is an incredible achievement. This won’t be easy for the Whites, but after an initial scare I see them going through, so Leeds and both teams to score is the bet at 9-5. In the 6pm kick-off, Tottenham travel to Preston with the away side not a particularly happy camp as usual. It seems Antonio Conte is unlikely to be there next season while striker Harry Kane is fluttering his eyes at Manchester United. Preston are 11th in the Championship but only four points off third. Tottenham, I imagine, will be taking this tie very seriously and their class should eventually tell, so Spurs to win to nil is the selection at 23-20. Manchester United host Championship Reading, with one Wembley trip seemingly already booked for the Red Devils in the Carabao Cup. There is a feel-good factor at Old Trafford and although there will be some changes, Erik ten Hag won’t take massive chances. This on paper is a real mismatch, so the hosts to win by three or more is the 11-10 play. McCARTHY MANAGEMENT es m RECORD Ga SPORTSCODE THERE are 20 players in the grid below who won the FA Cup in the 1970s. Each number represents a letter (no Q or Z) and surnames can be found horizontally. In the lower grid you will discover another player’s surname. Find the name and before Thursday at noon, send it to sportsquiz-sm@the-sun.co.uk and you could win £50. We will need the winner’s bank details. January 21 winner: Aliza Catlin, Surrey. Last week’s answer: POWER A 11 4 13 17 21 4 7 8 10 24 8 3 M B 9 11 12 20 18 21 9 24 22 5 6 6 C 22 11 3 23 15 10 7 18 15 10 24 8 D 19 24 8 5 10 15 15 11 9 9 24 8 N X O X E 10 17 24 23 5 10 18 12 24 13 8 14 2 F 22 14 3 5 5 8 4 24 1 1 15 7 8 18 21 6 7 8 17 24 21 23 H 15 3 7 21 5 12 16 13 3 6 5 12 I 4 11 3 2 5 12 20 16 3 11 9 12 3 11 9 1 24 3 9 22 22 5 16 16 J K L 19 5 8 8 7 8 14 10 3 3 7 20 7 18 24 8 17 14 24 18 5 3 12 2 N 0 N T 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 T 8 9 10 11 12 20 21 22 23 24 0 P R S T X U V W X Y 207 te ra in W 36% 68 43% 1992-96 Millwall 1996-2002 Republic of Ireland 2003-06 Sunderland 147 43% 2006-12 Wolves 270 39% 2012-18 Ipswich 279 38% 2018-20 Republic of Ireland 10 50% 2020-21 APOEL 8 25% 2021 Cardiff 38 37% 1,027 39% TOTAL G Blackpool WINS 19 (39%) Southampton GAMES DRAWS WINS 21 PLAYED 9 (18%) (43%) 49 MICK McCARTHY EXCLUSIVE By JUSTIN ALLEN MICK McCARTHY’S bags were already packed BEFORE my grandkids more than ever. I Blackpool asked him to help have loved it. And I had Christmas save them from relegation. at home with the family and loved The straight-talking Yorkshireman could not wait to swing back into action after 15 months out of football following his sacking at Cardiff. And eight days shy of his 64th birthday, today he takes charge of his first game as boss of the Championship strugglers in the FA Cup fourth round at Southampton. McCarthy said: “I’m a complete glutton for punishment aren’t I? “I hoped it wasn’t the end of my managerial career. It wasn’t my intention to call it a day. “My intention was to be at Cardiff a long time. It didn’t work out. “I hadn’t retired but did worry if the game might have retired me — thankfully it hasn’t.” McCarthy has been in management for 31 years — bossing Millwall, the Republic of Ireland (two spells), Sunderland, Wolves, Ipswich, APOEL and Cardiff. The Barnsley-born manager was getting comfy with his new routine though. He said: “I played more golf than I’ve ever played. I loved it. I’ve seen it, too. “But as soon as I got an opportunity to come back, my bags were packed. Well, being honest, they were ALREADY packed and ready to go before I got the call! “I was out of the door. I love being on the grass and the challenge of being in the dugout on Saturday.” Blackpool have had a tough first half of the season and sit secondbottom of the Championship — three points adrift of McCarthy’s ex-club Cardiff, who are fourth-bottom. But the challenge of trying to keep the Seasiders in the division, as well as his love for Bloomfield Road, got McCarthy’s juices flowing. He said: “Whenever I’ve been there as an opposing manager, the crowd has always been brilliant. I like the stadium. It has a great history. I’ve played at the old Bloomfield Road and always loved it. “And then you look at how they’ve done in recent seasons. “They did well under Neil Critchley, getting promoted and then staying up last season. Last year was my first game against Blackpool. We had a great game up there and the atmosphere was brilliant. “It was a great chance to get back into the game and we can keep them up. I’ve been impressed with them so far.” McCarthy feels for his predecessor Michael Appleton, who was sacked after only managing to win seven of his 29 games. The Yorkshireman said: “There are a lot of good aspects to what has happened here and I feel sorry for Michael because I’ve been in his shoes. “The stigma of losing your job ends when someone like Marcelo Bielsa gets sacked by Leeds and Sean Dyche loses his job after what he did at Burnley for many years. It can go wrong. It’s as simple as that.” McCarthy is up against another manager today who is fighting fires in Nathan Jones. The Welsh boss opted to swap a Championship play-off challenge with Luton back in November for a Premier League relegation fight at bottom-of-the-table Southampton. And McCarthy said: “I know Nathan and we’ve become good friends. “I’ve sent him a couple
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... BLACKPOOL eliminated Premier League side Nottingham Forest in the third round but have not knocked out more than one top-flight side in an FA Cup campaign since their victorious season in 1952-53 (four). THIS afternoon will be the first meeting between Southampton and Blackpool in any competition in nearly 11 years, since March 2012 when the Tangerines won 3-0 in a Championship clash. were packed y to GO! SULEMANA . . . rapid Jones is plotting a quick escape By RYAN WALKER NATHAN JONES says Southampton are on a mission to add more attacking power. The Premier League’s bottom side yesterday had a £17million bid rejected for Rennes forward Kamaldeen Sulemana. The Ghanaian winger, 20, was the quickest BLACKBURN BLACKPOOL BRADFORD CITY player at the World Cup in Qatar — clocking speeds of 22mph. Boss Jones said: “You can never have too much pace, never have too much power, never have too much aggression. “You never have too BURY CHARLTON DONCASTER much quality. “We will constantly, as long as I am at the club, be striving to add more pace, power, aggression and quality to the team. “We will never rest and think ‘We’re OK now’. NORTHAMPTON GILLINGHAM MK DONS “This squad will get better every single window and that’s all you can do. of messages recently when he “I don’t think I have has won his games. I’m delighted ever left a club in turmoil. for him. “It was too good a chance to turn “We have always down for him. recruited well with real “If anyone can turn it around it’s potency for whatever OXFORDbecause UNITED PETERBOROUGH ARGYLE him he works nine days PLYMOUTH a system or shape and that week! He has such a big work ethic. is what we try to do.” “That Premier League is so tough. Quizzed about Sulemana If you’re bottom all you’re ever specifically, Jones said: doing is punching above your weight “He’ll add potency to trying to get out of it. anyone in terms of the “In a strange way the worst place way he is.” to be in is third, fourth or fifth bottom because all you’re ever Saints host ChampROCHDALE is looking beneath ROTHERHAM doing you. It SCUNTHORPE ionship strugglers happened when I was at Wolves. Blackpool in the “When you’re bottom you kind FA Cup fourth of relax a bit and think, ‘At this round today. moment in time we’re going Jones (left) down so there’s no point said: “It will worrying. We may as well be tough. just crack on.’ It’s a “I’ve been weird feeling. WALSALL WIGAN SOUTHEND in the “I had it at IpsChampionship wich. We had seven points and we really from 13 games enjoyed going and ended after Premier up with 60. League sides. “Hope“Is it a gulf? fully we It’s a difference can do but I’m not sure the same at it’s a gulf.” Blackpool.” LEAGUE ONE 2017-18 AFC WIMBLEDON BRISTOL ROVERS Southampton v Blackpool 3pm FLEETWOOD OLDHAM PORTSMOUTH SHREWSBURY 9 in association with WREX FACTOR . . . defender Tozer TOZER’S THROW OF DICE Wrexham v Sheff Utd Tomorrow, 4.30pm, BBC1 & By KEN LAWRENCE BEN TOZER leads the Red Dragons into battle on another giant-killing quest. The Wrexham club captain already has a few impressive scalps to his name. He was in the Northampton side that KO’d Liverpool on penalties in the League Cup in 2010. Only a late Harry Kane leveller in 2018 stopped Tozer’s Newport creating a huge FA Cup shock before Tottenham won the replay. His National League leaders host Sheffield United tomorrow having previously disposed of Coventry in a 4–3 third-round thriller. Tozer’s monster throw-ins will be a massive weapon against another Championship opponent. And the defender, 32, cannot help but dream having almost quit the game six years ago. Looking back at being dumped by ex-Newport boss Graham Westley for being a “bad egg”, he said: “I suffered from anxiety and had grown to hate the game. “I went downhill mentally and had my fiancee Sophie not told me to go to counselling, I don’t know how it would have gone. “In my head I had given up. I didn’t kick a ball for six months. I wasn’t interested, I’d sit in front of the TV for hours on end.” Counselling sessions, Sophie’s support and the sacking of Westley for Michael Flynn turned it around for 32-year-old Tozer. Tozer joined Wrexham — owned by Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney — from Cheltenham 18 months ago. He added: “What is happening here is amazing, it’s fantastic to be part of the journey. “I’ve had some brilliant cup exploits, this is a free hit for us. “We’re the Red Dragons, playing in front of a full house, on a pitch that isn’t great — what’s not to go for?” STARS . . . McElhenney (left) ’n Reynolds
10 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 THE last time Preston met Tottenham in any competition was nearly 14 years ago. They lost 5-1 in a Carling Cup tie at Deepdale with Peter Crouch netting a hat-trick for the North London club. FA CUP Al: It’s time WE NEED EU to dig Deep WITH BRUM PROTEST . . . Birmingham’s faithful make feelings known CHAMPIONSHIP 2017/18 LEAGUE ONE 2017-18 BLACKBURN BLACKPOOL ASTON VILLA BARNSLEY BRADFORD CITY BIRMINGHAM BOLTON BRENTFORD BRISTOL CITY BURTON ALBION MILLWALL O OT B A NOTTINGHAM PRESTON BIG SCALP OVERDUE QPR READING L UB Ewood Park to kick-start a revival. The Blues boss said: SHEFFIELD UTD “The only way we get through these difficult GILLINGHAM DONS periods is MKby stickingNORTHAMPTON together — which is what we are doing. “We knew there were going to be tough times but it’sPETERBOROUGH about getOXFORD UNITED PLYMOUTH ARGYLE ting through that. “It’s vitally important that everyone keeps believing and SCUNTHORPE keeps ROTHERHAM working. ROCHDALE “The weekend’s tie gives us another chance to put things right, to implement the work we have been doing on the training field.WALSALL SOUTHEND “We want to go to WIGAN Blackburn and be very competitive. “It’s a chance for the whole squad, about giving people the right minutes to showcase themselves.” NORWICH FULHAM CL MI L L A F LL DERBY L BIRMINGHAM boss John Eustace has urged the HULL LEEDS MIDDLESBROUGH club to “stick together 3pmIPSWICH CHARLTON DONCASTER BRISTOL ROVERS through tough times”. BURY is aiming for a victory at Eustace’s strugglers visit Blackburn today hoping their Cup form is better than their Championship displays — after five straight league defeats. FLEETWOOD Fans protested against Far East-based owners BSHL during last week’s defeat at home to Preston. Since then, the OLDHAM club have made it known talks have started between one of their shareholders and a ‘third party’ overPORTSMOUTHa proposed investment deal — for ownership of the stadium and a stake in Birmingham City. The prospective investor is currently undertaking due diligenceSHREWSBURY — and an announcement has also been made to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. But Eustace (above) knows he has to be focused on football — and CARDIFF Blackburn v Birmingham W AFC WIMBLEDON By GRAHAM HILL By MARTIN BLACKBURN I885 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY SUNDERLAND WOLVES ALAN BROWNE believes it is time for Preston to shake off the nearly-men tag and claim one of the big scalps. The Republic of Ireland international has seen Liverpool, Arsenal and both Manchester clubs come to Deepdale for cup games during his nine years with the club. On each occasion the Championship side have given their opponents a scare but ultimately bowed out. Now it is the turn of Tottenham — and skipper Browne (left) hopes North End can finally have their day and steal the headlines away from record-hunting England captain Harry Kane. The midfielder, 27, said: “We’ve never quite done it have we? In recent years, when we have come up against these sides we’ve given a good account of ourselves. “This is another one of those big tests and big nights. You’ve got to focus your mindset DARYL’S SO ON BRAND By GRAEME BRYCE DARYL DIKE believes his rivalry with Baggies buddy Brandon Thomas-Asante can inspire a Cup run. West Brom were dumped out of the competition at home to Brighton by the time Dike, 22, made his debut last January. The American striker, who cost £7million from Orlando City, then suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in his first start against Peterborough the following week. Dike (right) endured another setback when he tore a thigh muscle in July — and missed the cut for USA’s Qatar World Cup squad. But since returning in December, Dike has three goals in nine appearances. And pal Thomas-Asante — with five goals in eight games — is pushing him all the way. Ahead of today’s FA Cup trip to Bristol City, Dike on causing an upset because the pressure is off. “No one will bat an eyelid if we lose the game. “But if we win, it will be talked about around the country.” Manager Ryan Lowe still remembers the feeling of sending Everton crashing out of this competition when he was playing as a striker for Shrewsbury 20 years ago. He would love his Preston players to get a taste of it too — but with his team just two points off a play-off place he knows what Bristol City v W Brom 3pm said: “Brandon and I get along — he’s my homie. We make jokes and have very similar interests. “I think that’s what makes us both better. We both want each other to succeed, so we push each other in every training session and that bond has grown. “Off the pitch we hang out — but on the pitch there is a friendly, competitive nature. It drives us both to be better. “One game he’ll start and then I’ll start. One game he’ll score and then I’ll score. “If he scores a real screamer, I’ll be the first to congratulate him and be super-excited. “That’s just the relationship we have and it’s good for the whole team.” Preston v Tottenham 6pm, BBC 1 the bigger picture is. Lowe said: “The Everton upset was the biggest with Shrewsbury — and then we got drawn at home against Chelsea, so I have fantastic memories as a player. “These types of games can bring memories but we got relegated after beating Everton. “Gay Meadow used to flood and we had about seven games in hand, so we thought we would be all right but we weren’t, obviously. “I’m not saying we want to go out — we will enjoy the ride. But ultimately the league is where we want to really achieve something good.” Kane is a doubt after illness but will travel and Lowe is planning for the Spurs ace to play — as he aims to surpass the 266-goal Jimmy Greaves club record that he equalled scoring the winner against Fulham on Monday. And Lowe feels it is the perfect way for his side to test themselves. He said: “I’m not too sure he will be rested with records to break but I’m hoping he saves that one for Manchester City the week after. “You only have to see what he has done in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, where he has wanted to play all the games, so we expect him to play. “What an opportunity for my defenders to come up against someone of his qualities. I’m hoping he has a quiet one.” But Browne warned his North End team-mates not to focus too much on the England captain as Spurs have other players who can hurt them. He said: “Kane never gives the ball away, doing the simple and unbelievable things. His all-round game is pretty much spot on. “We are aware of the threats he can cause us but, at the same time, it’s going to be a collective effort. “It’s not about stopping a one-man team, it’s about stopping 11 individuals who are playing at the highest level. “If we do prevent Kane from scoring then they’ve got plenty of other players that are more than capable of taking the game by the throat and putting you to bed. They’ve got quality throughout.” BROWN STRIKE CALL SCOTT BROWN wants more from his strikers as Fleetwood bid to avoid defeat at Sheffield Wednesday for the second Saturday in a row. Sheff Wed v Fleetwood The Cod Army have lost three on the spin in League One including last weekend’s 1-0 Hillsborough loss. And only once have they scored more than one in a game since December 10, when beating QPR 2-1 in the third round. Boss Brown said: “We’ve been poor, especially in the final third which isn’t like us. “We need to work on that and put all our focus on today as it’s a huge game.” Defender Shaun Rooney is set 3pm to return to the squad after a four-match ban following his red card against the Owls on Boxing Day. Wednesday chief Darren Moore said: “I look forward to seeing him. I’ve got the biggest hug for him!” The Owls beat Newcastle 2-1 in the third round but Moore added: “We know what difficult opponents Fleetwood will be and if we’re to progress we have to be really good.” COD SQUAD . . . Brown on the attack
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... LUTON are looking to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1984-85/198586. The Hatters have won their last 16 FA Cup ties as a Football League team against sides from a lower division. HOEVER . . . loan switch Ki’s not a bad egg GRIMSBY have won both of their previous FA Cup ties against Luton — winning 4-3 away in January 1950 and 7-1 at home in January 1996. in association with NINJA SPICE TV warrior Khan dreams of tasty clash with United Stoke v Stevenage Tomorrow, 2pm By GRAHAM HILL ALEX NEIL brushed off any suggestion Stoke’s new loan signing Ki-Jana Hoever is a bad boy. The Holland Under-21 defender has joined on loan from Wolves. And Hoever, 21, could make his debut against League Two Stevenage in tomorrow’s FA Cup clash. But the move comes after his loan spell at PSV Eindhoven was cut short. Hoever fell out last term with ex-Wolves boss Bruno Lage, who said he ‘would not waste time with guys who don’t work hard’. But manager Neil is delighted to have him at the Championship club. He said: “I meet all players before we sign them. I spell out everything we won’t put up with. “In terms of character and professionalism, I want to look into their eyes and them to understand what we want. “I saw a humble lad who looks as if he’s learnt his lesson. I didn’t sense any sort of arrogance. “Everyone knows he has talent, he’s been at Liverpool, Wolves and PSV.” Praying to Evans OTIS KHAN once appeared on hit ITV show Ninja Warrior UK. And the Grimsby midfielder hopes his side can overcome their next obstacle in today’s FA Cup fourth-round tie. If the League Two Mariners get past Championship Luton, Khan will be praying the draw sets up a dream clash with Manchester United. Khan was a schoolboy at his childhood team and spent ten years in the United academy. But he suffered heartbreak at 16 when his beloved Red Devils decided to let him go. And Khan, 27, suffered more anguish when he missed out on facing United — who take on Championship side Reading tonight — while playing for Yeovil in 2017 after he was sent off in a previous game. He said: “Fingers crossed, if we beat Luton we will get United in the next round as I haven’t played against them at any level since I left. I’d want to play them at Old Trafford. “We know playing Luton is going to be tough but we beat Plymouth, who are top of League One, in the third round — so we know we can do it.” Manchester-raised Khan thought he would be signing scholarship forms with the Old Trafford side, having come through their ranks. But he suffered a huge blow when he was told he would be leaving, having played alongside Marcus Rashford in United’s youth teams. Khan said: “I was heartbroken and didn’t go into school for a week afterwards. I didn’t want to face anybody because everyone was under the impression I was going to get a scholarship. “Thankfully, I managed to get over it and realised that there were other clubs out there.” Khan signed for Sheffield United, before spells at Yeovil, Mansfield, Tranmere, Walsall and Leyton Orient. He moved to Grimsby’s Blundell Park KHAN-DO SPIRIT . . . Otis Khan aims to make the most of his opportunities By ISABELLE BARKER STEVE EVANS believes his Stevenage side will need a little divine intervention against Stoke tomorrow. The Boro boss led them to a miracle 2-1 win over Aston Villa with two very late goals to book the clash with the Potters. And Evans is keeping faith his League Two club can cause another upset against pal Alex Neil’s Championship side. Asked if Stevenage will need help from a higher power, Evans said: “I think we may need some. “I looked at the sky when Dean Campbell scored at Villa Park and thought someone’s having a little smile down on us. “We need all the help we can get — we need Stoke to have an off day. “We need them to miss chances that come at key times in the match. “Then we just need to hang in there and give ourselves a Cup tie. “If we can do that then we can change things in that last 15 or 20 minutes of a game. That’s what we did at Villa Park.” GAME SHOW . . . Shephard, Humes and Kamara Luton v Grimsby 3pm By SIMON YAFFE last summer and is thoroughly enjoying life on Humberside. He said: “I thought I had a deal at Sunderland but that fell through, so I went to Leyton Orient. “The manager, Kenny Jackett, was sacked two or three weeks after I’d arrived. The new boss, Richie Wellens, wanted to do things his way and wanted me off the books — but that is how football is sometimes.” He competed in Ninja Warrior UK — hosted by Ben Shephard, Chris Kamara and Rochelle Humes — in 2016. Khan recalled: “I was sitting watching TV with my sister when an advert for Ninja Warrior came on and she said I should apply for it. “I had a good time and managed to reach the semi-final.” Khan is also looking to boost his international credentials by playing for Pakistan. His paternal grandfather, Jamil Khan, emigrated to the UK and he still has relatives in the city of Faisalabad. Khan was first called up to the Pakistan national team when he was 17 but visa complications and the country being banned by Fifa because of thirdparty interference means he has still not made his international debut. He is now trying to gain Pakistani citizenship so he can play in their World Cup qualifiers, which take place this year. The lack of players of South Asian heritage in the professional game has long been a hot topic, with only 16 represented in England’s top four divisions. And Khan has worked with PFA player inclusion executive Riz Rehman in a bid to help the next generation of footballers from that part of the world. He is also in regular contact with United youngster Zidane Iqbal, who is of Pakistani and Iraqi descent, to offer his advice and guidance. Khan said: “If you are good enough and if you impress the right people, there will always be opportunities to make it in football.” 11
12 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 CHAMPIONSHIP SAB-FAB . . . new boss Lamouchi has a tricky job on his hands to save struggling Cardiff ABRA CARD ABRA Sabri: I’m not magic By CHRIS HUGHES SABRI LAMOUCHI warned fans he is not a ‘magician’ after birds defender Sol Bamba as his becoming struggling Cardiff’s assistant, takes charge of the club THIRD manager this season. until the end of the season — when Lamouchi, 51, replaces Mark Hudson, who lasted just 118 days and took over from the sacked Steve Morison in September. The former Parma midfielder had a successful tenure with Nottingham Forest but his last job was Qatar-based side Al-Duhail. The Frenchman takes over a club in the relegation zone in 21st position and without a win in their last 11 games in all competitions. Lamouchi warned: “I am not a magician. “So we need the people, the players need confidence and the team needs the fans and the fans need emotion. “We need to be all involved, our fans are really important and the players need to play with confidence. “When you are in our situation it is not easy but I am lucky to be here and we will be positive. “We will do our best in every training session and every day. We will see what happens at the end of the season.” Lamouchi, who has former Blue- both parties will review his position. The former Ivory Coast boss plans to keep his powder dry in the transfer market to focus fully on Cardiff’s next game at Luton — which comes on deadline day on Tuesday. Lamouchi said: “I am not looking to bring in new players because I have enough experience to know in a few days it is hard to find the right players. “I am not here to just save the club, I am here to try to have a future together. “I cannot talk about the future if the job was not done. “So the first goal is to work together and do a great job right now until the end of the season and to see Cardiff in the Championship next season. That’s it. “I am very happy to be here because I know the history of the club. It’s not an easy challenge but an exciting challenge. “We have three days to find the right and good players for the team to be better and we have our first game on Tuesday in Luton.” SINCE the start of last season, striker Viktor Gyokeres (right) has been directly involved in 36 league goals, with 29 strikes of his own and another seven assists — at least 17 more than any other Coventry player in that time. HUDDERSFIELD have earned seven points from their last four away games in the Championship (W2 D1 L1), five more than they had won in their first eight matches of the season (D2 L6). QPR have lost only one of six league games under Neil Critchley (W1 D4 L1) although four have ended level. It is the first time a QPR manager has drawn four of his first six league games in charge since Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in 2016 (D4 L2). Burnley Sheff Utd Watford Blackburn Norwich Middlesbro Luton Millwall Sunderland West Brom Preston Swansea QPR Reading Coventry Hull Bristol City Stoke Birmingham Rotherham Cardiff Huddersfield Blackpool Wigan P W 18 17 12 14 12 12 11 12 11 11 11 10 10 11 9 9 8 9 8 7 7 7 6 6 28 28 28 28 28 28 27 27 28 28 28 28 28 28 27 28 28 28 28 28 28 26 27 28 D 8 6 8 1 6 6 9 6 8 8 7 9 8 4 8 7 9 6 8 10 8 5 8 7 L 2 5 8 13 10 10 7 9 9 9 10 9 10 13 10 12 11 13 12 11 13 14 13 15 F A Pts 26 62 24 57 29 44 35 43 31 42 35 42 29 42 27 42 32 41 30 41 31 40 38 39 34 38 42 37 31 35 44 34 38 33 37 33 35 32 40 31 31 29 33 26 40 26 49 25 55 48 34 31 40 42 35 33 41 38 26 40 31 31 29 33 37 33 30 33 21 25 28 27
Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... ONLY Championship league leaders Burnley (17) have won more points from losing positions in the Championship this season than Middlesbrough (15). ALONG with Huddersfield, Slaven Bilic’s Watford have used more players this season than any other Championship teams — 34. Swansea have used the fewest (22). 13 in association with Bach yourself DAN WANTS HORNETS TO AIM FOR TOP TWO KEEPER Daniel Bachmann has By GARETH DAVIES told his Watford mates: We can still finish in the top two. couple of seasons ago. Brentford looked The Austrian No 1 insists that automatic promotion from the Championship is not out of reach, despite the table making forbidding reading. The Hornets are third, 13 points behind Sheffield United and a massive 18 adrift of leaders Burnley. Add to that a massive injury list and the fact that Watford have scored just four times in their last six games, and a top-two finish looks the equivalent of climbing Everest. The fixture list over the next five weeks also looks like a minefield. The Hornets visit top-six rivals Middlesbrough today. And before the end of February they travel to Burnley and Sheffield United while facing play-off contenders Blackburn and West Brom at home. But Bachmann said: “It’s not mission impossible with 18 games left and a lot of points to play for. “If we win every game we can get 98 points and we’re going up without a doubt. With 92 or 93 you’re very likely to be in the top two. “We were in a similar situation the last time we were promoted two years ago. We were nine points behind Brentford in mid-February but we went up quite comfortably with three games to spare and Brentford went up via the play-offs. “It’s not over, that’s for sure. Burnley and Sheffield United have a nice cushion but the Championship is a great league. “Burnley play very good football and will be tough to catch. They deserve the plaudits they’re getting after winning nine in a row. That’s so impressive and they look very good. “But I’m comparing Sheffield United to Brentford a in a different league and were winning matches by high scores. “Nobody would have said at the end of January that they wouldn’t go up directly, but they didn’t. “There are no easy fixtures now. But look at our game at Norwich a couple of weeks ago — we went into that match massive, massive underdogs. We deserved to win. It was a tight game but we were the better team, which shows the quality and desire we have. “We’ve had 16 injuries and we’ve still got half the team out. It’s been incredibly tough.” Those missing in action have included eight-goal leading scorer Joao Pedro, club captain Tom Cleverley, striker Keinan Davis and Moroccan midfield star Imran Louza. Bachmann, 28, added: “I’ve never experienced anything like the run of injuries we’ve had. “I don’t think we’ve had a game this season where our best eleven have been on the pitch. “They haven’t been little injuries, either. They’re things like broken legs, ruptured Achilles, bad knee injuries. “It’s tough to take but we’ve had to stick together and a couple of the young lads have come in, like Tobi Adeyemo, who scored a massive goal on his debut against Blackpool. “Once everyone’s back, we have an incredibly good team for this league. That’s what we have to capitalise on.” Striker BACH OF THE Davis could NET . . . Daniel return at Bachmann is Boro today. still confident While onloan Benfica striker Henrique Araujo — so highlyrated his contract has a buyout clause of £88MILLION — is in the squad. +CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND-UP+ MARK ROBINS claims Coventry will be spinning plates all the way up to Tuesday’s transfer deadline. The Sky Blues have been one of the busiest clubs in the January window. They recruited Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Josh Wilson-Esbrand and Luke McNally all on loan deals from Arsenal, Manchester City and Burnley. And Sean Maguire (right), 28, could feature against HUDDERSFIELD today after sealing a move from Preston on Thursday. But boss Robins is not ruling out more movement — if the right player comes along. He said: “We’ve got plates spinning but we will see. “Essentially we’re done with this window, unless the one falls that we’re waiting for. “Whether that’s now or the summer, it doesn’t make much difference but we will see. “We’ve got 19 games left. This is a big one against Huddersfield because we’ve lost the last two league games. “Huddersfield is a really good club and it’s a surprise where they are. “They’ve got some really good players but they’ve had some injuries and By FRANKIE CHRISTOU some of them are coming back now. You can guess what they’re going to do but it’s their prerogative. “For us, it’s about us and going out and performing to a level. “Our performances, certainly against Burnley and some of the game against Norwich, were actually good.” Neil Critchley got QPR warmed up for their clash against HULL with a behindclosed-doors London derby. The R’s beat Brentford’s B team 3-1 in midweek. Boss Critchley said: “The match was played in three thirds and some players played 60 minutes, some 90. It was a great run-out for sharpness. “Of my six league games so far, we’ve lost one but only won one, too. “If you look at the four draws, we should have turned some of those into wins — those extra points would put us where we want to be this season. “There is such a fine margin between teams. We’re nearly there but nearly is not good enough and we have to be better.”
(3pm unless stated) LEAGUE ONE WEEKEND FIXTURES 14 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 Charlton v Bolton (12.30) Burton v Oxford Cheltenham v Port Vale Lincoln v Cambridge MK Dons v Exeter Morecambe v Bristol Rovers Peterborough v Portsmouth Shrewsbury v Forest Green WELL ’WORTH IT By GARETH DAVIES BOSS Gareth Ainsworth said a big ‘thanks’ to Wycombe be an almighty fight. We’re a small owner Rob Couhig for helping club and we want to gatecrash the turn up the heat on their rivals. party once more.” New Orleans-based lawyer and businessman Couhig footed the bill to turn on undersoil heating at Adams Park — costing thousands of pounds a time — so the squad could train before Tuesday’s M40 derby with Oxford United. It paid off with a 2-0 victory lifting Wycombe within two points of the top six on a night when three League One games were frozen off. Now the Chairboys, play-off final winners in 2020 and beaten finalists last year, are in position for another unlikely promotion assault. Ainsworth said: “I have to thank Mr Couhig because he’s put the undersoil heating on for more days than he needed to after I asked to put a training session on the pitch. “The training ground was frozen, half the boys can’t train on a 4G pitch because it wrecks their joints, so he switched on the heating for us. “Football clubs are not exempt from these crazy heating bills everyone is getting at the moment so that does cost a lot of money. “It’s great to have people who understand what I need and will go the extra mile for this brilliant football club. “It’s brilliant to be in the mix with some huge, huge sides to contend with. Portsmouth won again in midweek, Bolton are there, Barnsley are there and it’s going to ‘Small’ does not begin to describe Wycombe in comparison with some of their rivals. This season’s average crowd at Adams Park is 5,579, which is puny against former Premier League clubs. Derby average 27,156, Ipswich 25,711 and Sheffield Wednesday 24,001. Bolton and Portsmouth both weigh in with 18,000-plus. Ainsworth, second longest-serving manager in the top four divisions’ 92 clubs — behind Harrogate’s Simon Weaver — took over in the dark days of 2012 and knows money will never be plentiful. He said: “Anyone coming in during this window will have to be the right player at the right price. “Never, ever will I put this football club in jeopardy . . . Rob won’t let me anyway! “I know where this club was. I’ve scrimped and scraped and done extra jobs because we had nothing at one stage. I don’t ever want to put this club back there. “Rob’s been superb so there’s no way I would ever try and take advantage. “There may be one or two coming in, but don’t hold your breath. This is Wycombe Wanderers and we don’t often do big business in transfer windows.” No, but they don’t have to worry about the electricity bill! HOT STUFF . . . Ainsworth smiles after Anis Mehmeti’s goal helps sink rivals Oxford CHELTENHAM have picked up only 12 points in their League One games to be played on Saturdays this season (W3 D3 L12), the fewest of any team in the third tier. CAMBRIDGE striker Joe Ironside has scored in all three of his EFL games against Lincoln, netting home and away last season and scoring both goals in their 2-0 win in September. P W D L Plymouth 28 Sheff Wed 27 Ipswich 28 Derby 27 Bolton 28 Barnsley 25 Wycombe 27 Peterborough 25 Shrewsbury 27 Portsmouth 25 Bristol Rovers 27 Oxford Utd 27 Exeter 27 Port Vale 26 Charlton 26 Lincoln City 25 Fleetwood 27 Cheltenham 26 MK Dons 27 Accrington 25 Morecambe 26 Cambridge 26 Burton Albion 26 Forest Green 28 18 17 15 14 13 13 12 12 11 9 10 9 9 10 8 6 6 8 7 6 5 7 5 5 7 7 9 8 8 4 5 2 5 10 7 8 8 5 10 12 11 4 4 7 9 3 7 6 3 3 4 5 7 8 10 11 11 6 10 10 10 11 8 7 10 14 16 12 12 16 14 17 F A Pts 51 47 53 40 35 33 35 41 33 33 42 33 39 28 40 24 29 23 25 24 26 23 32 23 29 18 28 21 22 24 27 31 30 30 45 31 39 36 36 30 30 34 38 41 39 46 54 53 61 58 54 50 47 43 41 38 38 37 37 35 35 35 34 30 29 28 25 25 24 24 22 21 EXETER will be looking for their first ever away league win against MK Dons when they go there today, winning none of their four visits to date (D1 L3). CHARLTON have won their last three games in the league — they last managed four in a row in a run of six in October and November 2020 under exboss Lee Bowyer. Gareth turns on heat
(All 3pm) LEAGUE TWO WEEKEND FIXTURES Saturday, January 28, 2023 ............... AFC Wimbledon v Stockport Barrow v Northampton Crawley v Salford Harrogate v Sutton Hartlepool v Colchester 15 in association with Mansfield v Doncaster Rochdale v Carlisle Swindon v Gillingham Tranmere v Leyton Orient ++LEAGUE ONE ROUND-UP++ NEW boss John Mousinho revealed even he has surprised himself at how quickly PORTSMOUTH have bounced back. Mousinho was appointed manager last week and ended Pompey’s ten-game winless run in the league with victories over Exeter and Fleetwood. And the 36-year-old is aiming for a treble at PETERBOROUGH. He said: “It was a surreal experience coming in on Friday morning without any time to properly prepare for the first training session and a game straight away. By FRANKIE CHRISTOU I knew we had good players although I wasn’t sure how quickly they’d be able to bounce back and show that confidence again. “We have to take confidence and positives from our recent wins but there’s another job for us to do on Saturday.” Dean Holden believes CHARLTON have what it takes to stop BOLTON’S charge. Wanderers have suffered just one defeat in their last ten games. But Addicks boss Holden is confident his side can stop them in their tracks. He said: “They’ve got a real distinct style of play. “When you think about what Bolton used to be compared to where they are now, it’s at the complete opposite end of the spectrum. “It’s a difficult game for us but we proved in our last one against Barnsley that we’re up for the challenge. “It’s live on Sky and we want to show ourselves in the best possible light in front of a national audience.” 2010 SWINDON striker Charlie Austin (left) could appear in this game — his only other league appearance against Gillingham was in January 2010 with the Robins, scoring in a 3-1 win. ++LEAGUE TWO ROUND-UP++ HARTLEPOOL defender Rollin Menayese was KO’d for the season with a fractured ankle. The Walsall loanee faces six months on the sidelines after being taken off on a stretcher in the closing stages of Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat at Carlisle. Congo-born Welshman Menayese will have an op in London on Monday before returning to the Midlands to recover. Menayese, 25, whose Pools side face Colchester today, By WILL PUGH tweeted: “Absolutely gutted to be out for the rest of the season. “Thank you to everyone associated with Hartlepool for my time with the club.” SALFORD striker Conor McAleny is looking to score in the fifth game on the spin for the first time in his career at CRAWLEY today. The Ammies are fifth and 15 points off top with a game in hand over leaders Leyton Ori- ent. Boss Neil Wood said: “I want to push the players, they want more. “It’s my job to remind them that you can’t come to places like this, take your foot off the gas and think it’ll be a nice game.” ORIENT are looking for their first double over TRANMERE since 2014 when the East Londoners visit today. They have won just twice in 13 League Two matches but the O’s have only scored once in their last six. O’s go for Sadlier By WILL PUGH LEAGUE TWO leaders Leyton Orient are desperate to snap up forward win-win exit deal for Ayoub during the Kieran Sadlier from Bolton. summer transfer window to help fund The Trotters only signed the ex- West Ham trainee, 28, a year ago but he failed to force his way into the side. But the O’s, who visit TRANMERE today, face competition from League One sides Barnsley and Charlton. Elsewhere, AFC WIMBLEDON have sold midfielder Ayoub Assal to Al-Wakrah for a club record fee of more than £1million. The Qatari side triggered the 21-yearold’s buyout clause ending a 12-year spell at Dons, who host STOCKPORT. Wimbledon chairman Mick Buckley said: “It was always our plan to find a MANSFIELD boss Nigel Clough is unbeaten in his last ten league games against Doncaster (W6 D4) since losing 3-1 while he was Derby manager in March 2011. AFC WIMBLEDON have lost just one of their last 13 matches in League Two (W6 D6). In that run they have shipped only eight goals, keeping seven clean sheets. a competitive budget for next season. “Sadly, the buyout clause in his contract was activated but happily it’s a record transfer fee received by the club since we re-formed in 2002.” ROCHDALE, who entertain CARLISLE, have signed D’Mani Mellor, 22, on loan from Wycombe. Mellor came through the ranks at Manchester United. CRAWLEY have sealed a deal for Swindon midfielder Ben Gladwin, 30. He links up with former Robins boss Scott Lindsey, who finally gets to take charge of a game at home to SALFORD today after getting the job 17 days ago. P W D L Leyton Orient 27 Stevenage 26 Northampton 26 Carlisle 26 Salford City 26 Swindon 26 Bradford 26 Barrow 26 Mansfield 26 Stockport Cty 25 Walsall 24 Doncaster 25 AFC Wimbledn 26 Sutton Utd 27 Tranmere 26 Grimsby 24 Crewe 24 Colchester 28 Newport Cty 26 Harrogate Tn 25 Crawley Tn 24 Hartlepool 27 Gillingham 25 Rochdale 27 17 16 13 12 12 11 11 12 11 11 10 11 9 10 9 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 5 6 7 7 9 6 8 8 4 6 5 7 4 9 6 8 6 9 6 8 6 7 7 8 5 4 3 6 5 8 7 7 10 9 9 7 10 8 11 9 10 8 15 12 13 12 15 13 17 F A Pts 36 39 40 42 35 33 31 32 36 35 30 30 29 27 28 26 20 27 24 32 26 27 11 22 16 18 28 26 25 25 25 30 35 23 22 35 28 35 23 32 28 36 30 40 39 50 28 41 57 55 46 45 42 41 41 40 39 38 37 37 36 36 35 30 30 27 26 24 22 22 20 20 NONE of the last 15 league games between Tranmere and Leyton Orient have ended in a draw, with eight wins for Rovers and seven victories for the O’s. GILLINGHAM have won their last two League Two games, as many as in their previous 29 put together. The Gills last won three on the bounce in December 2020.
16 ............... Saturday, January 28, 2023 Karren READ HER EXCLUSIVE VIEWS IN Saudi Arabia, they are enjoying Ronaldo’s Last Adventure. And how can this latterday Robinson Crusoe fail to like his pay packet reportedly worth north of £3million a week? A little research will tell you that this sum equates to the earnings of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Kevin De Bruyne combined. Which rather points to the fact that Ronaldo’s new club have more money than they know what to do with! Ronaldo’s £170m annually is seven times De Bruyne’s figure, which might imply he’s seven times a better player — but it doesn’t and he isn’t. The Portuguese is at the supernova stage in which he emits a final blast of eye-aching brightness before subsiding into a postfootball afterlife. Any chance of a reputation to match those of Pele or Messi appear to be gone. Pele was at one club, Santos, for nearly 20 years and earned three World Cup-winning medals. Messi has one of those but also has seven Ballon d’Or awards to Ronaldo’s five. And, with an eighth close thanks to Argentina’s Qatar victory, there must be a real possibility of Middle East fortunes for him as well, as his light begins to dim too. The side issue of these huge sums is what they are doing to football. It still hangs on to its reputation as a working man’s game: a woman’s too! But the driving force of wages is spurring the creation of haves and havenots among clubs. Chelsea have spent £420mplus on players this season in an effort to return to the Premier League’s top six. The growing divide is all but unbreachable for many even in the top flight — never mind in the EFL — leading to a growing drain-off of the better players and a lack of competition, which will sooner or later result in a fall in attendances. There is a cliff edge forming below the top six clubs in the Premier League, boosted by the Champion League’s millions . . . and the rest. But back to Ronaldo — while the 37-year-old player remains a jumping jack in his bid for headed goals, last season saw a slowing down of reactions and pace, Brady EVERY SATURDAY IN Champagne Supernova! FADING STAR RONALDO’S WAGES LEAD TO GREAT DIVIDE IN GAME LAST HURRAH . . . Ron off to Saudi and facing Messi in all-star tie marginal perhaps but enough to limit his supreme effectiveness. Not that he saw it this way. He wished to remain the exception, the worldfamous one who, it appears, thought he could break the rules and defy Erik ten Hag at Manchester United — adding an insulting TV interview to the damage. The manager won and Ronaldo was out. Jorge Mendes, his agent and close friend, did not approve of the interview because it would put off leading clubs — no manager likes a diva. He was right and it did. So off he went (without his agent, Mendes) to Al Nassr. Maybe there’s a lot to like about Ronaldo. He’s athletic and an unstoppable goalscorer. But this recent comment reeks of conceit: “I’m happy, proud to join Al Nassr . . . This contract is unique because I am a unique player. It’s normal for me.” For a start he isn’t a unique player. He does most things well and some brilliantly but nothing others can’t or haven’t. Neither Messi nor Pele would say anything like this. And nudging at Ronaldo all the time is his obsession with Messi, whose career at Barcelona was at least the equal of his at Real Madrid. Imagine his indignation at being benched in Portugal’s Qatar campaign — compared with Messi’s wonders. Worse, how would he live with Messi going to the Middle East and earning more than £170m a year? It’s a real possibility. NUMBER’S UP . . . Ronaldo as his side Al Nassr lost Thursday’s Saudi Super Cup to Al Ittihad CUTHBERT . . Cup dream Erin eye for Reds revenge By SANDRA BROBBEY ERIN CUTHBERT is hoping to finally get revenge on Liverpool in tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth round. Her Chelsea side threw away the lead to lose 2-1 at the Reds in the Women’s Super League back in September. Blues planned to get their own back last weekend — but their home WSL clash at Kingsmeadow was abandoned due to a frozen pitch after six minutes. But Cuthbert, 24, hopes to make up for that by beating the Reds at home tomorrow. She said: “I want to progress and we’ll make sure we’re doing our homework on Liverpool. “We know that they are a threat because they beat us in the first game of the season. “We are under no illusions it’s going to be a tough game and their coach Matt Beard is going to make them a tough team to beat.” The Blues will have to navigate their way through an injury crisis. Summer signings Eve Perisset and Katerina Svitkova joined Pernille Harder on the sidelines. Boss Emma Hayes said: “Svitkova has been struggling with her knee, so she’s not available this week. “Eve will also be missing. Beyond that Pernille Harder is the only long-term absentee. “With Pernille, I don’t know exactly how she’s doing or where she’s at with her recovery. “She’s making progress but we have to give her as long as she needs.” Liverpool were given a huge boost with Katie Stengel escaping a jaw fracture this week. The striker took a blow to her face in the 1-0 Continental Cup quarterfinal loss to West Ham — but a scan showed no break and US ace could play tomorrow.