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Almeraq powers to hugely impressive victory at Ayr

Almeraq powers to hugely impressive victory at Ayr

He made headway at the halfway stage and moved in front at the two-furlong marker before kicking into top gear to breeze clear of his 17 rivals. Almeraq, who has an entry for the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock in September, powered to the line to complete a five-length success in the hands of Clifford Lee and enhance his growing reputation.
The four-year-old was slashed in price to 3-1 favourite with the sponsors for the Coral Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood, although Shadwell racing manager Angus Gold sounded a warning note over Almeraq lining in the big handicap on Saturday week.
'I was impressed with his performance and it's good to see him come back to what we'd thought he might show,' Gold said.
'We always hoped last year that he would be a nice horse and he just had a few little niggles in the spring, which held William up when they wanted to get going with him.
'The only thing I would caution – I haven't spoken to William, all options are open – but we've taken a long time and been very patient with him.
'Hopefully his future is all in front of him and hopefully in the autumn we will get some decent ground, so I'm not saying he won't run at Goodwood, but I'd be surprised if he bounced straight back in after being so patient with him.
'It's only 12 days away so let's see. We'll see what the weather does and see how he comes out of this.'
There was a shock in the opening racingtv.com/freetrial EBF Maiden Stakes as Chesham Stakes runner-up Thesecretadversary was beaten by debutant Rochfortbridge (28-1). Fozzy Stack's colt went off as the 2-13 favourite, but he came out of the stalls slowly and was in the rear for much of the seven-furlong contest.
While Thesecretadversary came to the outside with two furlongs to go, Adrian Keatley's charge proved too much as the 100,000 guineas buy claimed victory by three-quarters of a length, to leave his trainer eyeing up a tilt at the Acomb Stakes at York.
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Horse racing tips: ‘Her trainer is in absolutely flying form' – Templegate's 5-1 NAP to relish conditions at York
Horse racing tips: ‘Her trainer is in absolutely flying form' – Templegate's 5-1 NAP to relish conditions at York

Scottish Sun

time8 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Horse racing tips: ‘Her trainer is in absolutely flying form' – Templegate's 5-1 NAP to relish conditions at York

Scroll down for our in-form tipster's best selections TEMPLEGATE'S TIPS Horse racing tips: 'Her trainer is in absolutely flying form' – Templegate's 5-1 NAP to relish conditions at York TEMPLEGATE tackles a massive day of racing at York hellbent on smashing the sorry bookies to bits. You'll find all his tips for day one of the Ebor Festival below. Bet £10 get £50 in free bets for racing with Tote - CLAIM HERE York Ebor Festival best free bet offers - CLICK HERE SANTORINI STAR (4.10 York, nap) Can shine for William Haggas. This Golden Horn filly has been brought along nicely this term, winning at Brighton and Goodwood before running with credit in a Group 3 over 1m6f. She finished off strongly there, suggesting this step up to 2m will unlock further improvement. Proven on quick ground, she's tactically versatile, and with her yard in flying form, she can progress again. ITALY (2.25 York, nb) Aidan O'Brien's colt oozed class when unlucky not to land the Group 2 Superlative at Newmarket last time, staying on strongly after being squeezed up when it mattered. That was only his second start and he's bred to thrive over 7f on fast ground. With a smoother run, he's the one to beat. CARMERS (3.00 York, treble) Can put himself in the St Leger picture by upsetting the dual Derby winner. Paddy Twomey's unbeaten colt has done nothing but improve, and his gritty success in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot marks him out as a serious contender. That was over 1m6f and, while he drops in trip today, York's long straight suits strong stayers. Templegate's TV verdicts YORK 1.50 FOLLOW THE MAN in the opener after he routed 21 rivals over course and distance in May. He looked a different beast after a wind op and being gelded – travelling strongly and putting the race to bed with authority. Back from another break and drawn nicely in stall 4, he has the look of a well-treated improver. Trefor has hit new heights this summer and ran a cracker at Windsor last time. He's consistent, handles the ground, and looks sure to give backers a run for their money at a price. Vintage Clarets relished the drop to 5f at Ascot and has strong course form to his name, while Jordan Electrics, runner-up in this race last year, is building back towards peak form. Spring Is Sprung has racked up a hat-trick and is thriving. 2.25 ITALY can rule the roost in the Acomb Stakes. Aidan O'Brien's colt oozed class when unlucky not to land the Group 2 Superlative at Newmarket last time, staying on strongly after being squeezed up when it mattered. That was only his second start and he's bred to thrive over 7f on fast ground. With a smoother run, he's the one to beat. Main rival Distant Storm looked the part when getting up late at Newmarket on debut and the form is working out superbly but he had to dig deep to win, and this will ask more. Goodwood Galaxy posted a solid fourth in the Vintage Stakes and should be in the mix again, while Gewan impressed at Newbury and looks a strong type for Andrew Balding. John Gosden's May Angel bounced back on the all-weather but still has turf questions to answer at this level. 3.00 CARMERS can put himself in the St Leger picture by upsetting the dual Derby winner. Paddy Twomey's unbeaten colt has done nothing but improve, and his gritty success in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot marks him out as a serious contender. That was over 1m6f and, while he drops in trip today, York's long straight suits strong stayers. He showed heart and gears at Ascot, kicking early and fending them all off. Blinkers stay on and he'll be tough to pass. Dual Derby hero Lambourn is clearly the one to beat on form, but he's had two hard races and had to dig really deep at The Curragh. Stay True looked a real stayer when just denied in the Lingfield Derby trial and is open to any amount of improvement after only two runs. Pride Of Arras won the Dante here before hating Epsom and should do better. 3.35 OMBUDSMAN can reverse Eclipse form with Delacroix. The Gosden colt was coming back just 17 days after winning the Prince Of Wales's at Royal Ascot and was sent for home a good way out at Sandown and was there to be shot at. A stronger gallop on York's galloping track will play more to his strengths. Delacroix is the obvious danger again. He came home impressively in the Eclipse to erase all memory of his Derby flop. This is his trip and it should be a good battle. Japan's Danon Decile brings global Group 1 form, including a win in the Sheema Classic, but I worry about his rider seeing this track for the first time. See The Fire was ultra-impressive here in May and has run with credit in deeper waters, while French hope Daryz was an impressive Group 2 winner latest. 4.10 SANTORINI STAR can shine for William Haggas. This Golden Horn filly has been brought along nicely this term, winning at Brighton and Goodwood before running with credit in a Group 3 over 1m6f. She finished off strongly there, suggesting this step up to 2m will unlock further improvement. Proven on quick ground, she's tactically versatile, and with her yard in flying form, she can progress again. Chief danger may be Dancing In Paris, who brings top-class staying handicap form into this, including a near-miss in the Northumberland Plate and a strong second at Goodwood. He stays well and handles quick conditions. Fireblade is another serious threat. He's on the upgrade and beat several of these last time with a well-judged front-running ride. Templegate's tips FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

EXCLUSIVE: Saving a dog's life all in a day's work for Stirling volunteer first-aiders
EXCLUSIVE: Saving a dog's life all in a day's work for Stirling volunteer first-aiders

The Courier

time11 hours ago

  • The Courier

EXCLUSIVE: Saving a dog's life all in a day's work for Stirling volunteer first-aiders

Since it began as a community safety organisation, Safebase has dealt with thousands of people requiring first aid and assistance. But in 15 years, volunteers had never stepped in to help a pet. Until Saturday. Minnie, a French bulldog, began choking and possibly suffering from heatstroke during the Stirling Highland Games. After receiving a plea for help, quick-thinking Safebase first-aiders sprang into action. They attended to Minnie, used a child's oxygen mask to help her breathe, sourced a vet in the crowd and then transported her for emergency treatment. 'If it hadn't been for these guys, she wouldn't be here,' Minnie's owner tells me afterwards. 'I'm just so grateful.' It's a first for Safebase and my first glimpse of the charity hard at work while joining them for the day. William Lingard, who assisted with Minnie, later tells me: 'I wouldn't have put that on my bingo card for the year, let alone the day. 'Knowing I've helped – dog or person – that's what it's all about, though. It's why we do this.' The volunteers have been busy since well before 9am, bringing the service vehicles and setting up the tent on site. Before the crowds descend on Borrowmeadow, Safebase chair Richard McLennan briefs his team. They're told to expect around 4,000 people (this figure doubles by the end of the day), and they'll be split into three groups – one for each station and one on patrol. I join Angela Smith and William on the first round, where we're asked for suncream a few minutes in. Angela tells me how she joined Safebase in 2022 with her daughter Khyra, who was inspired to get involved after regularly watching the BBC show Casualty. The mother and daughter team now sign up to cover events or night-time patrols whenever they can. Her most memorable shift was Safebase rising to the challenge of treating more than 80 people at the UCI amateur cycling race in Perth. By the time we're back at the tent, the first-aiders have helped a man whose trousers were too small by cutting a hole in them. Volunteers are busy tending to dozens of stings, helping with grazes and cuts, and providing plasters. One individual has swallowed a wasp and has been stung in his throat, so we're sent to find ice to relieve it. Although prepared for up to three traumas, Minnie's ordeal and a hurt ankle are the most serious incidents of the day. But everything is dealt with professionally and by a friendly face. The day doesn't stop at 5pm for Safebase. Packing up and transporting both the equipment and vehicles is the next priority, while Richard and William also make time for a well-deserved break before the night patrol. I meet the pair just before 8pm at the service entrance to Thistles, where the support vehicle is set up for any potential patients. They hop on their e-bikes, donated by FEL, and we head to the city centre. Already aware of activity on Friar Street, it's our first stop and we find an individual standing in front of a car trying to drive down the road. A conversation with Richard moves him to the side, and he tells me Safebase has saved his life three times (the volunteers aren't so sure). Our patrol is a loop, chatting to door staff along the way. We pass The Crossed Peels, City Walls, Lux Bar & Grill, then return to Maxwell Place to keep an eye on Morrison's Cold Beer Company, Molly Malones and Fubar. We also pop into the railway station – a hotspot for anti-social behaviour – to see if any assistance is required. Stirling is busy – the closest to pre-Covid nightlife us three have seen. People are fascinated by the bikes and are asking all sorts of questions, praising the volunteers or begging for a lift. There's only one occasion during the entire patrol that I see any disrespect towards the Safebase team – and it's clearly fuelled by alcohol. Most are like the friendly group heading to a pirate party, who are more than happy to pose for a photo with Richard and William. 'I've never seen ambulance on bikes. I don't believe it,' one man says to us. But believe it or not, Safebase is frequently out on patrols making sure the streets are safe. The hi-vis vest goes a long way, making people think twice and feel safe, while the presence takes pressure off the emergency services. Plus, every pub is connected via radio, meaning troublesome individuals are identified to all door staff, or the charity can be called if help is needed. I can see why Safebase needs its own base in the city centre, which Richard is hoping to achieve via community asset transfer. By the end of their 14-hour day, the volunteers have accomplished a lot. They've saved a dog, treated countless stings and cuts, helped a man loosen his trousers, stopped someone from being run over and made sure Stirling's streets were safe.

People are only now realising which Premier League side King Charles follows
People are only now realising which Premier League side King Charles follows

Daily Mirror

time4 days ago

  • Daily Mirror

People are only now realising which Premier League side King Charles follows

Football fans have often wondered on just which teams members of the Royal Family support, but there won't be many who can guess the identity of the club that King Charles III roots for King Charles III, although not widely known for his football fandom, is actually a supporter of Premier League newcomers Burnley. The Royal Family's football allegiances have always been a topic of speculation. ‌ The late Queen Elizabeth II's preferred team was never definitively known, but whispers suggested she favoured either Arsenal or West Ham United. ‌ Prince William, an ardent Aston Villa fan, is well-known for his love of the sport and has even taken his son, Prince George, to watch Villa and England matches. Prince Harry's allegiance is rumoured to be with Arsenal, though this remains uncertain. ‌ However, King Charles has made no secret of his support. At a Windsor Castle reception 11 years ago, he surprised attendees by revealing his backing for Burnley, rather than one of the traditional 'bigger' teams. Speaking at a British Asian Trust event, Charles shared his admiration for Scott Parker's team. He told the audience: "A consortium of my charities, including the British Asian Trust, has been working in Burnley." He continued: "Hence, some of you asked this evening whether I support a British football club and I said, 'Yes – Burnley.' And people have responded, 'Burnley?' Oh yes, because Burnley has been through some very challenging times and I'm trying to find ways of helping to regenerate and raise aspirations and self-esteem in that part of the world." His Majesty has previously visited Burnley's Turf Moor ground and was gifted a jersey bearing 'HRH 1' on the reverse. During that visit, he was spotted sporting a Burnley pin badge on his lapel, reports Aberdeen Live. Speculation persists that he possesses his own VIP season ticket at Turf Moor, though this remains unconfirmed. Nevertheless, he reinforced his affection for the club this year. ‌ The King toured aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales in March, where one crew member revealed their football-based chat with the Monarch. Able Seaman Marc Rutherford encountered the King on the bridge and said afterwards: "He was funny and I was surprised he would support a team like Burnley – Newcastle would be much better." The Prince of Wales has similarly expressed his passion for his beloved Villa throughout the years, with William frequently seen supporting Unai Emery's side both home and away. ‌ In a 2015 BBC interview, William revealed his reasoning behind choosing Villa. "A long time ago at school I got into football big time. I was looking around for clubs. All my friends at school were either Man United fans or Chelsea fans and I didn't want to follow the run of the mill teams," he said. "I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments. Aston Villa's always had a great history. I have got friends of mine who support Aston Villa and one of the first FA Cup games I went to was Bolton vs Aston Villa back in 2000. Sadly, Villa went on to lose to Chelsea." Burnley are making their Premier League return this season, kicking off their campaign against Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday (3pm). Meanwhile, Villa will be hosting Newcastle United in an early kick-off at 12:30pm, also on Saturday.

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