Latest news with #Aintree
Powys County Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Charles ‘working on' producing a contender for the Derby
The King has said he is working on producing a runner for one of the greatest spectacles in the racing calendar – the Derby. Charles's comment came when he and the Queen visited the Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket, the heart of the horse racing industry, after touring the nearby National Stud. The couple went on a meet and greet with the public after more than a 1,000 people flocked to the Suffolk town's centre and the King, who is receiving ongoing cancer treatment, spoke about his health. Lee Harman, 54, from Bury St Edmunds, said: 'I asked him how he was, and he said he was feeling a lot better now and that it was 'just one of those things'.' After telling Charles about his own cancer issues, Mr Harman said: 'He asked me how I was and I said 'I'm all good', I got the all clear from cancer last year.' Thoroughbreds owned by the late Queen won four out of the five flat racing classics – the 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas, the Oaks twice and the St Leger – with only the Derby eluding her. Now it appears the King, who took on Elizabeth II's stable of horses with his wife, is aiming to have a thoroughbred ready. As he toured the Jockey Club Rooms, a retreat for members and the public, he chatted to his racing manager John Warren, Jockey Club staff and members, and some of the chairs of racecourses run by the club, which include Newmarket, Epsom, Aintree and Cheltenham. Brian Finch, chairman of Epsom Downs Racecourse, home to the world-famous Derby, said after speaking to the King: 'We were talking about him getting a Derby runner and he said 'we're working on it'. 'Everybody is hoping the royal family will have a Derby winner soon.' Earlier when the royal couple met well-wishers in Newmarket town centre, Charles was questioned by a member of the anti-monarchy group Republic – who was among the crowds. In a video released by the organisation, a man can be heard asking the King: 'Why does your family cost us half a billion pounds a year Charles?' – a reference to claims made in a Republic report released last year, but the King does not respond directly only saying 'ah yes' and moving on. The royal couple had begun their day by touring the National Stud, part of the Jockey Club Group, that offers stud services to the racing industry. They were shown four resident stallions including Stradivarius, who has career earnings of more than £3.4 million and won three successive Gold Cup victories at Royal Ascot.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Grand National legend and ‘amazing woman' whose fairytale horse won a BBC SPOTY award dies at home aged 92
A GRAND NATIONAL legend and 'amazing woman' whose fairytale horse won a BBC SPOTY award has died at her home aged 92. Tributes have poured in for Valda Embiricos, who co-owned 1981 Aintree hero Aldaniti with her late husband Nick. Advertisement 2 Valda Embiricos, right, died at home aged 92 after a remarkable life in racing which included winning the world's most famous race 2 Aldaniti and Bob Champion's 1981 Grand National victory was one of the best sporting stories of the century Credit: PA:Press Association Aldaniti and jockey Bob Champion completed 'one of the greatest sporting stories' ever 44 years ago when they won the world's most famous race. Champion had beaten cancer and Aldaniti had miraculously recovered from a leg injury so severe vets thought he would never run again. Their unforgettable win at odds of 10-1 was turned into a film starring John Hurt. And Champion and Aldaniti even won the BBC Team of the Year award at the 1981 SPOTY bash. Advertisement Nick died in 2018 aged 81 and Champion remembered them both as 'just the most lovely owners who were a lot of fun too'. The Her daughter Alex, a former trainer and jockey, told the Post: "Mum was invincible, strong, fearsome, kind, patient, fair, stubborn, a fighter. "Her will to live and to give was relentless to the very end. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing "If mum was an elephant she would be the matriarch of all matriarchs. "She had a long, incredible and amazing life. "I beg that I can try to fill those bottomless boots but I fear an espadrille is all I will manage." Valda maintained a love of racing throughout her life and still had runners this year. Advertisement The Good Doctor, running under The Aldaniti Partnership banner, is trained by Ben Pauling and they had a win together at Fontwell as recently as 18 months ago. The Cheltenham Festival-winning handler said: "Valda has been an incredibly special person to myself and my wife Sophie. "She lived a wonderful life and was an incredibly courageous lady." While a message from the racecourse posted on Facebook read: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Valda Embiricos at the age of 92. Advertisement "A remarkable woman whose support and passion for jump racing left an enduring legacy at Fontwell Park and beyond." Punters were quick to pay tribute as well. One wrote on X: "Very sad… but what a life!" Read more on the Irish Sun While another commented: "Very sad news." Advertisement Valda leaves daughter Alex, sons Alastair and Euan, stepson Nick and four grandchildren.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Grand National legend and ‘amazing woman' whose fairytale horse won a BBC SPOTY award dies at home aged 92
She leaves an untouchable legacy in the sport REST IN PEACE Grand National legend and 'amazing woman' whose fairytale horse won a BBC SPOTY award dies at home aged 92 A GRAND NATIONAL legend and 'amazing woman' whose fairytale horse won a BBC SPOTY award has died at her home aged 92. Tributes have poured in for Valda Embiricos, who co-owned 1981 Aintree hero Aldaniti with her late husband Nick. 2 Valda Embiricos, right, died at home aged 92 after a remarkable life in racing which included winning the world's most famous race 2 Aldaniti and Bob Champion's 1981 Grand National victory was one of the best sporting stories of the century Credit: PA:Press Association Aldaniti and jockey Bob Champion completed 'one of the greatest sporting stories' ever 44 years ago when they won the world's most famous race. Champion had beaten cancer and Aldaniti had miraculously recovered from a leg injury so severe vets thought he would never run again. Their unforgettable win at odds of 10-1 was turned into a film starring John Hurt. And Champion and Aldaniti even won the BBC Team of the Year award at the 1981 SPOTY bash. Nick died in 2018 aged 81 and Champion remembered them both as 'just the most lovely owners who were a lot of fun too'. The Racing Post reported Valda's passing, which came at her home Barkfold Manor Stud in West Sussex last Wednesday. Her daughter Alex, a former trainer and jockey, told the Post: "Mum was invincible, strong, fearsome, kind, patient, fair, stubborn, a fighter. "Her will to live and to give was relentless to the very end. "If mum was an elephant she would be the matriarch of all matriarchs. "She had a long, incredible and amazing life. "I beg that I can try to fill those bottomless boots but I fear an espadrille is all I will manage." Valda maintained a love of racing throughout her life and still had runners this year. The Good Doctor, running under The Aldaniti Partnership banner, is trained by Ben Pauling and they had a win together at Fontwell as recently as 18 months ago. The Cheltenham Festival-winning handler said: "Valda has been an incredibly special person to myself and my wife Sophie. "She lived a wonderful life and was an incredibly courageous lady." While a message from the racecourse posted on Facebook read: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Valda Embiricos at the age of 92. "A remarkable woman whose support and passion for jump racing left an enduring legacy at Fontwell Park and beyond." Punters were quick to pay tribute as well. One wrote on X: "Very sad… but what a life!" While another commented: "Very sad news." Valda leaves daughter Alex, sons Alastair and Euan, stepson Nick and four grandchildren.
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Grand National legend and ‘amazing woman' whose fairytale horse won a BBC SPOTY award dies at home aged 92
A GRAND NATIONAL legend and 'amazing woman' whose fairytale horse won a BBC SPOTY award has died at her home aged 92. Tributes have poured in for Valda Embiricos, who co-owned 1981 Aintree hero Aldaniti with her late husband Nick. 2 2 Aldaniti and jockey Bob Champion completed 'one of the greatest sporting stories' ever 44 years ago when they won the world's most famous race. Champion had beaten cancer and Aldaniti had miraculously recovered from a leg injury so severe vets thought he would never run again. Their unforgettable win at odds of 10-1 was turned into a film starring John Hurt. And Champion and Aldaniti even won the BBC Team of the Year award at the 1981 SPOTY bash. Nick died in 2018 aged 81 and Champion remembered them both as 'just the most lovely owners who were a lot of fun too'. The Racing Post reported Valda's passing, which came at her home Barkfold Manor Stud in West Sussex last Wednesday. Her daughter Alex, a former trainer and jockey, told the Post: "Mum was invincible, strong, fearsome, kind, patient, fair, stubborn, a fighter. "Her will to live and to give was relentless to the very end. "If mum was an elephant she would be the matriarch of all matriarchs. "She had a long, incredible and amazing life. "I beg that I can try to fill those bottomless boots but I fear an espadrille is all I will manage." Valda maintained a love of racing throughout her life and still had runners this year. The Good Doctor, running under The Aldaniti Partnership banner, is trained by Ben Pauling and they had a win together at Fontwell as recently as 18 months ago. The Cheltenham Festival-winning handler said: "Valda has been an incredibly special person to myself and my wife Sophie. "She lived a wonderful life and was an incredibly courageous lady." While a message from the racecourse posted on Facebook read: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Valda Embiricos at the age of 92. "A remarkable woman whose support and passion for jump racing left an enduring legacy at Fontwell Park and beyond." Punters were quick to pay tribute as well. One wrote on X: "Very sad… but what a life!" Valda leaves daughter Alex, sons Alastair and Euan, stepson Nick and four grandchildren.
The Irish Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
My Dublin family won €175m EuroMillions but my side-hustle new venture has netted me thousands more despite cruel twist
EUROMILLIONS winner Matt Rogers has revealed he is having a Lotto fun after amassing a stable of eight horses. 4 Matt Rogers has amassed a stable of eight horses Credit: Garrett White - The Sun Dublin 4 Nico de Boinville riding Break My Soul, which is one of the horses owned by Matt Credit: Getty Images - Getty 4 Matt has fixed up his old family farmhouse Credit: Garrett White - The Sun Dublin The budding horse owner today lifts the lid on how he is having a nag-nificient time owning a collection of runners, including Lisnamult Lad, Break My Soul and Tankardstown Diva. Minted Matt, who loves to travel to the racetrack by helicopter, has landed tens of thousands of euro in prize money with his horses. In an exclusive interview with JP and Mullins teamed up to win the UK Topham Handicap Chase with Gentleman De Mee at But it was Matt's mount Lisnamult Lad who looked to have the race won when taking up the running after the last. Speaking to The Irish Sun, Matt opened up on how a loose horse derailed a dream triumph. He told us: 'I've eight horses now. It's my big interest. 'One (Lisnamult Lad) was second in a top chase in 'One of Mullins' horses beat him. He (Lisnamult Lad) had it won. You know when you come to the elbow? There was a loose horse. And he went across and brought him out that way. And when he came to the elbow, he brought him out the other way. 'And Mullins' horse just came up and took him under the line. He could have won by about three lengths. It was a tough one for Lisnamult Lad.' Massive Aintree Controversy As 20-Minute Stewards' Enquiry After Three-Way Photo Finish Sparks Outcry Gentleman De Mee, priced at 14/1, ensured the Mullins bandwagon rolled on in the Topham Handicap Chase at Aintree in April. Mullins' nine-year-old swooped late under jockey Mark Walsh to nick the win amid high drama in the closing stages of the race on the famous course. Lisnamult Lad's rider Johnny Burke touched down clear after the last and had victory in his sights — only for it to be snatched away from him by the riderless Ash Tree Meadow. CRUEL TWIST In a cruel twist for Matt's 21/1 shot Lisnamult Lad, the loose horse proved too tough to avoid for pilot Burke. He had to check his momentum, allowing rival rider Walsh to bridge the gap and emerge victorious by three-quarters of a length. But despite the bitter blow, Matt revealed he gets a buzz out of watching his horses in action. 'I've eight horses now. It's my big interest." Matt Rogers He told us: 'I go down the country and that. 'We went down to 'I've a yearling and a foal was born there about two weeks ago. 'The horses are my big interest.' Loaded Matt shared a €175.4million PURCHASES MADE The modest multi-millionaire has shunned mansions to remain in his native village in north Co And he snubbed sports cars to snap up a Matt, along with his three brothers and five sisters, divvied up their mega loot after buying their ticket in Les Reilly's Daybreak on Main Street in Naul. The clan are mostly retired and living between Naul, in north Co Dublin, and the nearby villages of Duleek and Bellewstown, Co CELEBRATION FEAST The Irish Sun previously revealed how the lucky siblings, including Christine Rogers, celebrated their monster win with a €12.50 carvery. We also told how sister Kathleen Sheridan dipped into her share to upgrade her old Mazda2 to a Mazda CX-5. And rather than upping sticks to a fancy new pad, Matt has stayed put at the farmyard where he and his brothers and sisters grew up. HOME RENOVATION He spent months renovating the site - and made do with living in an outbuilding while works were being carried out. Proud Matt recently showed The Irish Sun the finished job, which features a bungalow with its own bar and a sprawling greenhouse out the back. He told how the clan have not gone jack-potty since landing the EuroMillions, with holidays including budget breaks to the Czech Republic and Spain. And he vowed never to move from his beloved native village. Matt told The Irish Sun: 'I'm the same as usual. Why change?' 4 Gentleman De Mee edges out Lisnamult Lad at Aintree Credit: Alamy
