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Spectator
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Spectator
Three big priced bets for the summer
This weekend's racing does not get me excited from a betting point of view so instead I am going to put up three ante-post bets at big odds. These horses should give those who follow my tips an interest, hopefully even a profit, at some of the bigger meetings over the coming month. I can't resist a big-field handicap on Ascot's long straight course so the International, run a week tomorrow over seven furlongs, is just my cup of tea. There could be some value about because I rate the favourite, More Thunder, and another fancied runner, Skukuza, as doubtful runners. The most likely winner of this race in my view is Aalto after his splendid run when pipped on the line by More Thunder in last week's bet365 Bunbury Cup at Newmarket. He is 5lbs well in for the forthcoming Ascot race for which the weights were set before last weekend's big performance by trainer Ian Williams' five-year-old gelding. However, Aalto has been backed from 20-1 to single figures odds in the past five days, plus he is a hold-up horse who needs luck in running. More worrying, there are a lot of thunder showers forecast for Ascot next week and Aalto is a confirmed fast-ground horse. All in all, single figure odds in a likely 29-runner maximum field are a shade too short. On the other hand, odds of 40-1 on last year's winner of this race, NORTHERN EXPRESS, are too long, especially as Michael Dods' runner can race of a 2lbs lower official mark this time around. At seven years old, this admirable gelding might just be past his very best but he was fourth in this race in both 2023 and 2022 and he clearly loves this course and distance. Unlike with Aalto, all ground conditions come alike to Northern Express which is a big plus. He has run moderately so far this season when Dods' horses seemed a little out of sorts but the trainer is in much sharper form now with six winners from his last 29 runners over the past fortnight for a strike rate of 21 per cent. Back Northern Express 1 point each way at 40-1 with bet365 or Unibet, paying four places. Glorious Goodwood is only 11 days away and I am going to put up a couple of horses that are not ground-dependent just in case the rain finally arrives. Both selections also have strong form on Goodwood's unique turning and undulating track which demands a well-balanced horse if he or she is to run well. In the seven-furlong Group 2 seven-furlongs HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes on July 29, WITNESS STAND could outrun his odds for the Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole training duo. There was a lot to like about his return to the track after a break when he has second, beaten only a head, by Holguin in a listed race at Chester last Saturday. Furthermore, Witness Stand ran two big races at Goodwood, when then trained by Tom Clover, in August last year including winning a seven-furlong handicap on good to firm ground at the Glorious Goodwood meeting. Interestingly, his joint trainers are sure this horse will be even better on soft ground so if the wet stuff does finally arrive that would be a bonus not a concern. Back him 1 point each way at 33-1. Those odds are offered by bet365, Sky Bet, Paddy Power, Betfair, BetVictor and Unibet. The Coral Golden Mile at Goodwood on 1 August is one of the most competitive handicaps of the year and the draw often plays a key part, with low numbers favoured (although last year the first two home were drawn in stalls 21 and 20). EBT'S GUARD is a likeable, consistent four-year-old gelding and all tracks and all ground descriptions come alike to him. This horse is in the hands of another extremely capable joint-trainers team of William Muir and Chris Grassick. Ebt's Guard was second in a one-mile handicap for three-year-olds last year at Glorious Goodwood and might have won with a clearer run. The Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood on August 1 is his only current entry and he is capable of a big run in the race with better luck in running. Back him 1 point each way at 25-1 with bet365, William Hill or Unibet, all paying four places. Anyway, that's three horses, one at 40-1, one at 33-1 and one at 25-1, for an interest over the coming weeks. I have a couple more horses that I am hugely keen on for the second half of the season: one is soft-ground dependent so not suitable as an ante-post bet and the target for the other is undecided. They will, however, certainly be highlighted in this column, hopefully sooner rather than later. I also have some strong views on ante-post bets for York's Ebor meeting but that is not until the end of August so I will save those thoughts for a later blog too. I am pleased to say that last weekend was profitable for this blog with a 12-1 winner in Oneforthegutter and three other placed horse from the five tips. However, See That Storm in the John Smith's Cup at York was the one that got away, put up each way at 14-1 ante-post before going off at 11-2 on the day. Through no fault of jockey Callum Rodriguez, the horse pulled far too hard because of the desperately slow early pace and yet, despite this, he still ran a mighty race to be second. I strongly suspect See That Storm, an improving four-year-old gelding, will be winning again before the season is out so, if you have a horse tracker, I suggest you put him in it. Pending: 1 point each way Northern Express at 40-1 for the International, paying ¼ odds, 4 places. 1 point each way Witness Stand at 33-1 for the Lennox, paying 1/5th odds, 3 places. 1 point each way Ebt's Guard at 25-1 for the Golden Mile, paying ¼ odds, 4 places. Last weekend: + 15.4 points. 1 point each way Celandine at 5-1 for the Summer Stakes, paying 1/5th odds, 3 places. 3rd, Quits. 1 point each way Oneforthegutter at 12-1 for the bet365 Trophy, paying 1/5th odds, 4 places. 1st. + 14.4 points. 1 point each way Real Dream at 17-2 for the bet365 Trophy, paying 1/5th odds, 4 places. 3rd. + 0.5 point. 1 point each way Thunder Run at 12-1 for the John Smith's Cup, paying 1/4 odds, 4 places. Unplaced. – 2 points. 1 point each way See That Storm at 14-1 for the John Smith's Cup, paying 1/4 odds, 4 places. 2nd. +2.5 points. 1 point each way Existent at 11-1 for the Mark Heritage, paying 1/5th odds, 6 places. Non runner. Stake returned. 2025 flat season running total: + 54.86 points. 2024-5 jump season: – 47.61 points on all tips. 2024 flat season: + 41.4 points on all tips. 2023-4 jump season: + 42.01 points on all tips. 2023 flat season: – 48.22 points on all tips. 2022-3 jump season: + 54.3 points on all tips.
Telegraph
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
ITV horse racing tips: Saturday – Chester, Sandown and York
It's the weekend before Royal Ascot but there's still some good, competitive racing, including seven races on ITV4 on Saturday (1.30-4pm). Our resident expert has a verdict for each of them. Ron Wood's selections: Odds provided by William Hill and correct at the time of writing. Stars denote strength of selection (maximum five). If you already have a William Hill account and are looking for a new bookmaker to use for this week's racing, check out more free bets from the best betting sites, reviewed by our experts. 1.50 York – Class 3 Handicap (7f) AALTO hasn't been seen since September but he went close to winning on his reappearance last season and he later won the Bunbury Cup, a competitive handicap at Newmarket. He came home two lengths clear that day and the runner-up subsequently won the Ayr Gold Cup. The selection resumes only 4lb higher than for that success and he has run well at York. He could also cope if there's a bit of rain – and the weather forecast is unsettled – so he seems to have a few things going for him. Selection: Aalto @ 9/1 with William Hill 2.05 Sandown – Class 2 Handicap (1m) There's still better to come from the well-bred CLASSIC, who has run respectably in defeat in both starts this year at Newbury, most recently in a race that didn't unfold to suit. Richard Hannon's horse has won at this venue and Ryan Moore rides him for the first time. As with York, the weather at Sandown looks a bit unsettled but Classic can cope with most conditions. 2.25 York – Class 3 Handicap (1m 4f) There's also still better to come from the lightly raced MY DREAM WORLD, judging by the way he stayed on when fifth at Ascot on his recent return from a 10-month absence. He raced off the pace in a slowly run race, didn't get a clear run and was not given a hard ride. Only the winner finished faster than him and he looked good value for finishing second. The selection is probably going to need further before long, but he should be better for that return effort and he appeals as worth siding with. 2.40 Sandown – Scurry Stakes (Listed, 5f) TOWN AND COUNTRY is still improving and this looks to be a good opportunity for her. She finished well to take second in a fillies' Listed race at Cork on her latest start and this stiff track should suit. The form of that Cork contest has worked out well since, with the winner finishing a close third at Group 2 level and the fourth winning a Group 3 prize at Newbury. Irish champion jockey Colin Keane, newly appointed as retained rider to Juddmonte, takes over in the saddle for the first time, which is no bad thing. Selection: Town And Country @ 4/1 with William Hill 3.00 York – Grand Cup (Listed, 1m 6f) On the face of it, ABSURDE was a little disappointing when selected on these pages for the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes at Chester last month, finishing third, one place behind the re-opposing Al Qareem. However, the ground was slower than expected, which blunted the turn of foot that is his main asset, and the winner that day, Illinois, is favourite for next week's Ascot Gold Cup. This Willie Mullins runner will want the rain to stay away, but he won the 2023 Ebor over this trip on his only previous start at York. He also won a Chester Listed race the only other time he was ridden by today's jockey Daniel Tudhope, whose quiet style suits him. 3.20 Chester – Class 2 Handicap (7½f) JOUNCY, highly tried last year including when finishing second in a Group 3 race on the all-weather at Kempton, hasn't progressed this season but he has plenty going for him now. On his latest outing, he found 6f against older rivals in a Listed contest at Salisbury asked too much of him, but now he steps up in trip and down in class for his handicap debut, plus he's back against his own age group. Consider also that the visor he wore when runner-up in that Group 3 race is fitted for the first time in this campaign, and he is drawn low around this sharp circuit. The booking of Hollie Doyle appeals as a good one for this course too. 3.35 York – Class 2 Handicap (6f) This extremely good three-year-old sprint handicap could hardly be any more competitive, so it's not one for a confident punt, but DOUBLE RUSH may still be underestimated by the official assessor. He won on his handicap debut at Newmarket when looking well in at the weights and his form is working out, so a 5lb rise doesn't seem excessive. It might be that the selection could ideally do with at least a bit of rain. Selection: Double Rush @ 11/2 with William Hill Today's racing (Flat unless stated) Bath 1.23-4.50 Sandown 1.30-5.35 Chester 1.35-5.05 Downpatrick (NH) 1.40-5.10 York 1.50-5.20 Hexham (NH) 4.20-7.28 Uttoxeter (NH) 5.40-8.40 Leicester 6.20-8.50 Ron Wood 2025 horse racing P/L (up to and including Thursday June 12) Star ratings explained ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - confident selection ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - strong fancy ⭐⭐⭐ - fair claims ⭐⭐ - tentative choice ⭐ - minimum confidence If you want to find more odds and offers, take a look at our list of the best betting sites and free bets Check out our list of the best casino bonuses in the UK
Hypebeast
12-06-2025
- Business
- Hypebeast
Marimekko Applies its Iconic Patterns to Artek Furniture
Two of Finland's biggest design companiesArtekandMarimekkohave joined forces on a collection of furniture that jointly celebrates their creative heritage. The 'Artek + Marimekko' collection, set to debut at this year's 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen next week, sees a series of Artek pieces designed by Alvar Aaalto updated with Marimekko patterns. Included in the collection is a Stool 60, Bench 153B, and Table 90D, which Aalto designed between 1933 and 1945. The three prints have been chosen from Marimekko's 'Arkkitehti' series, which was designed by Maija Isola and have gone on to become some of the brand's most recongnisable patterns. Rather than simply applying the prints to the surface of the furniture, the team of craftspeople at Artek have replicated the 'Lokki', 'Seireeni' and 'Kivet' motifs using marquetry techniques. 'Using marquetry on a veneer top surface, the patterns shimmer as they interact with movement and light,' Artek says. 'The collection reflects Artek and Marimekko's pursuit to create long-lasting design, and the production process of this marquetry technique minimises wood waste.' The Artek + Marimekko collection is the latest in a series of collaborations that celebrate the brand's 90th anniversary. It follows on from alimited-edition range featuring Moomin characters, developed by Finnish artist Tove Jansson in 1945, and is joined by a commemorative poster designed by Finnish contemporary artist Inka Bell. While the pieces won't officially launch until September this year, they will be previewed in an installation designed by Linda Bergoth during 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen, which will be open from June 17 to 21.
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Irish Independent
Outside space is going luxe with Finnish saunas, high-tech golf studios and stylish furniture
Cold water bathing is healthy, fun and free but it can leave you chilled to the bone. Hence the proliferation of mobile saunas at swimming places around the country. Soon people wanted a sauna of their own, and so the next new thing in home design was born. There's a lot to love about garden saunas. They bring the sweat house experience to your own back yard. Cold water immersion is part of the thrill. Ideally, there's a stream running through the bottom of the garden, but an improvised plunge pool will do the trick. I've seen old enamel baths repurposed for the job. Luke Williams is one of the founders of The Hot Box, a company that runs saunas in Carlingford, Dublin, Carlow/Kilkenny, Meath and Rosses Point in Sligo. They began selling sauna experiences in 2021. 'We weren't happy with the quality of saunas we could find in Ireland,' he says. 'So we started to build our own.' Soon, the team was getting inquiries from people who wanted to install a sauna at home. Their timing couldn't have been better. The Hot Box hit the sweaty wave of sauna converts at its crest. 'There's a very large appetite for it. People are more conscious of their well-being and less inclined to go to the pub.' After much research, and in response to demand, the team set up Aalto Saunas, a company that builds Finnish saunas to Irish requirements. For private gardens, the most popular size is a 2 x 2.5 metre footprint. This gives you a sauna that can fit four people comfortably or six people who don't mind a squash. ADVERTISEMENT Aalto Saunas are built on site, to the customer's specifications. They cost between €15,000 and €18,000 (excluding Vat). 'High quality would be our big thing,' Williams says. 'And craftsmanship. Our saunas look pretty from the outside, but they're also really well insulated. They'll last you 40 or 50 years.' There's a choice of heating mechanisms: wood-fired or electric. 'There are advantages to both. I prefer the wood-fired sauna experience, but you can set an electric sauna on a timer so it's ready when you wake up.' Aalto saunas can be specced up or down, depending on requirements. 'Some people want a really big window because they've got a nice view.' Less expensive alternatives include barrel saunas, which are widely available with prices from around €5,000. As with all things, you get what you pay for. Some of the barrel saunas on the market are basically made of planks held together by metal strips and without insulation. When you're inside, you can see the light coming through the cracks. If saunas are the hottest thing in garden luxury, they're by no means the most extravagant thing you can put in your back yard. Shomera, home of the Irish garden studio, has recently launched a limited edition luxury range: a spin studio (€59,950); a home cinema (€64,950); and a golf studio (€84,450). All come fully kitted-out, and all prices are inclusive of Vat. The luxury studios fit the footprint of the Shomera 25 (6.6 x 3.6 m), which is the company's most popular model and also the largest you can build without planning permission. Prices for the basic studio start at €42,950. 'We're on the more expensive side of garden studios,' says David O'Reilly of Shomera. 'Our spaces look good and perform well – those two don't always go hand-in-hand. They're built from scratch in our factory in Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, and constructed on-site.' There are cheaper garden studios on the market, but many of them are modular, built elsewhere and hoisted into place. 'I could not get over the number of people who are interested in the golf studio,' O'Reilly says. 'They want a sport they can do at home with their family and friends.' The golf studio comes with a GTS ultra-impact screen, launch monitor and Teeline strike mat with a Panasonic 6000 Lumens projector. There's also a seating area and a small bar. 'It's a social thing. You can play a tournament with your friends or you can just get your head down and practice.' The spin studio includes two Peloton spin bikes, an 85-inch wall-hung 4K TV screen, Sonos surround-sound speakers, air conditioning, and neon lighting. 'I never realised how popular spin actually was,' O'Reilly comments. 'It's the interactive element that surprised me. You hook the bikes up to the TV on the wall and suddenly you're cycling through the Nevada desert, and you can join spin classes from all over the world.' You can see the appeal. There's always a reason not to go to the gym and, for some, those barriers are insurmountable. The cinema studio is a more tried-and trusted model. It has two-tiered seating, a recessed ceiling-hung blackout curtain system ensuring minimal natural light, a high-tech Epson 4K projector, and a Dolby Home Theatre sound system. It's also soundproofed. 'It was the mothers who were pushing for this,' says O'Reilly. 'Most houses in Ireland have open-plan living areas, and there's nowhere to get away. Parents wanted a dedicated space outside the home where they could spend time with their children and without their phones.' There is currently a waiting list for all three studios, and Shomera .has plans for more designs, including a sensory room. 'People are using their gardens as an extension of their home, for sure,' says Grace Cahill of Studio Grace. 'I'm seeing lots of outdoor Jacuzzis pop up in stores. Even Aldi's embracing the trend!' Aldi's Spa Pool, an inflatable hot tub (€399.99), reappeared in the middle aisle in March. It's like a grown-up paddling pool with warmth and bubbles. In her role as an event stylist and designer, Cahill sees a shift in the way people perceive their outdoor spaces. 'People are entertaining in their gardens a lot more and there's a big emphasis on the aesthetic because of Instagram. They're hiring florists and bringing in tableware to elevate the whole setting. They want everything to look glorious.' While a garden wedding at home is something many people dream of, Cahill finds her clients often baulk at the logistics and expense. 'Once you've paid for the caterers, the toilets and the marquee, you'd be better off in a hotel,' she explains. 'They have the infrastructure. But money-no-object brides do exist!'
The Irish Sun
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
British jet breaks record for longest flight – with enough time for EVERY episode of Top Gear, Love Island & Strictly
A BRITISH-made stealth jet has broken the world record for the longest continuous flight, spending 67 days in the sky. That's the equivalent of 1,608 hours - enough time to watch every episode of Top Gear, Love Island and Strictly Come Dancing that has ever aired in the UK. Advertisement 4 The unmanned plane, known as Aalto Zephyr, flew for more than two months Credit: Airbus 4 The Zephyr is a drone-like aircraft with a wingspan of 85ft, and weighs just 75kg Credit: AALTO In fact, it's more than enough time, with Top Gear boasting 518 hours' worth of content across 33 seasons, Love Island's 390 hours and Strictly with a whopping 635 hours. A total of 1,543 hours. The unmanned plane, known as Aalto Zephyr, flew for more than two months from Kenya to Australia before being plunged into the Indian Ocean. The flight beat a record held by two American pilots for over 50 years. Advertisement READ MORE ON AVIATION In 1959, Robert Timm and John Cook flew a Cessna Skyhawk continuously for 64 days and 22 hours in That record has now been bested by a British jet, built by Airbus at its facilities in Farnborough, Hampshire. British defence company QinetiQ originally developed the project, before selling it off to Airbus in 2013. The Zephyr is a drone-like aircraft with a wingspan of 85ft, and weighs just 75kg. Advertisement Most read in Tech Breaking It has been hailed for its abilities for near 'endless flight', with it using solar power to charge its propellers during the day. Hypersonic jet could whisk passengers from London to NYC in an hour At night, the craft glides and loses altitude slightly as the batteries drain, until the morning sun recharges them. The Zephyr can operate as a spy plane, carrying powerful cameras and sensors for Earth surveillance. But it can also provide 4G and 5G communications, acting like a mobile mast in the sky. Advertisement It is designed to fly above 60,000ft, making it well suited for delivering communications to remote areas. The aircraft's longest previous mission was a 64-day flight in 2022. "With this new world-record flight, we have pushed the boundaries again for the burgeoning HAPS industry and aviation globally with a solar-powered, stratospheric aircraft," Aalto CEO Hughes Boulnois said in a statement. 4 The facility is adjacent to Farnborough airport Credit: AALTO Advertisement 4 The Zephyr can operate as a spy plane, carrying powerful cameras and sensors for Earth surveillance Credit: Aalto / Airbus
