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Spectator
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Spectator
How John Egan has stayed in the saddle
Pop stars rock on nowadays into their seventies. And jockeys too – despite the physical dexterity and instant-decision-making required – are lasting longer. Jimmy Quinn and Franny Norton only quit the saddle in their mid-seventies; Joe Fanning is still going strong at 55. On a sweltering Ascot day recently I enjoyed a chat with John Egan, who was handling the heat better than much younger rivals and is still in demand at 56. Remembering past successes, including the Irish 2000 Guineas on Indian Haven, July Cups on Les Arcs and Passive Pursuit and an Ebor Handicap on 100-1 shot Mudawin, I asked if there was a particular race he still hankered after winning. Egan smiles easily but the answer was a pistol shot: 'I want to win them all.' The self-belief is still there: 'I love riding. While I feel that I can do the job better than most I'll continue. If I felt I wasn't doing a good job any more I'd stop. That would be it. But I'm very confident.' Egan is a man comfortable in his own skin. He admits: 'In my thirties I was a bit wild. I smoked from the age of 12 but I haven't smoked now for nearly a year and I said to myself the other day, 'Jesus, how good a jockey could I have been if I'd given up earlier and hadn't smoked in my forties!'' Athletes in many sports are lasting longer with better diet and exercise advice. In Egan's case, having his jockey son David riding against him has brought a benefit. He had a spell as a trainer but the saddle lured him back, and he acknowledges: 'I'm now doing a different kind of life. I'd never been to the gym in my life but when I started with David I trained him in the gym.' Daughter Amy has just signed up as an apprentice with Jane Chapple-Hyam and with him at Ascot that day was another son, polite young Conor, just 11, who is riding every day and on the equiciser at night. Conor is one of a group of young pony-racers spending time with Belgian-born legend Christophe Soumillon, and – much to the approval of his father – being taught not just how to ride but how to eat, dress and behave. 'He thinks Christophe is a god,' says Egan, who predicts that Soumillon will be responsible 'for a lot of people in our industry going forward over the next two years'. Egan is proud of David, whose contract as rider to the free-spending but picky Amo partnership has just been renewed: 'He does a lot of work behind the scenes. He's got a good brain and is a big asset to them. You'd be glad of the likes of Amo giving contracts to your kids because it's not easy to get such deals any more.' One day, when David rode a double at Doncaster, his father performed the same feat at Chester and they have ridden in a Classic together. Paternal pride though hasn't stopped John from cutting his son up in a race if required. Life has moved too fast, he believes, for some of the younger riders. 'It's easier today,' he says. 'They don't have to be as sharp as we were back in the 1990s. If some of these kids were dropped into a 22-runner field round a sharp track in the north they'd get stage fright. They're not used to it because there aren't so many runners.' It is the older man talking too when he notes huge changes in the training scene. 'Some younger trainers find themselves with a hundred horses. They can't get the staff but they keep taking the horses. The horses aren't as good rides as they used to be because the trainers haven't got enough good people to ride them at home.' The racing authorities, he says, should be looking seriously at stable staff ratios. First riding work for Noel Meade and then apprenticed to Mick O'Toole, Egan was brought up in a harder school. It is a lack of respect which riles him most. In their early days, he and his contemporaries bowed to the wisdom and experience of the likes of Pat Eddery, George Duffield and Bruce Raymond. Not so, he says, with today's young thrusters. 'That's why they're getting in trouble and crashing cars and having drink problems. They have no respect for others or themselves.' With horror he reports: 'Kids today call trainers by their first names. I'm great friends with Ellsie [David Elsworth, trainer of Desert Orchid and some great Flat horses]. I'll go to his house or take him to the races but he is always Mr Elsworth. I've never called him David in my life because that is how I was brought up. When I hear young kids talking of trainers and saying, 'George told me this' or 'George told me that', it turns my stomach.' The key skills haven't altered. Attitudes have.
IOL News
17-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Annah Kgobe's fight for her son Amogelang's life amid leukemia battle
Amogelng Kgobe appears brave as he fights leukemia. Image: Supplied Amogelang Kgobe, 9, from Pretoria, is bravely facing a relapse of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) — just months after completing his treatment. His strength and quiet faith have united people across South Africa and beyond, as donors rally behind a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign launched by his mother, Annah Kgobe. Originally from the small village of Botlokwa in Polokwane, Amo, as he is known, is a quiet and gentle soul with a love for soccer and a deep connection to his faith. 'He likes being in charge and control of things. He really has a strong personality and a strong spirit. As young as he is, his faith is so unshakable — it amazes me every day,' his mother said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Since his initial diagnosis in August last year, Amo has shown resilience beyond his years. While treatment has brought many challenges, he finds comfort in his family, especially his older brother, 13, and younger brother, 3. He also finds joy in the simple moments, like outings for ice cream or time together at church. 'We are the most close-knit family one could ever ask for. There is nothing we love more than spending time together, especially in the house of the Lord,' his mother said. However, their lives changed dramatically when Amo relapsed in May this year. The family's only hope now lies in a bone marrow transplant, with his father currently identified as a 50% match. While this brings some comfort, the financial strain has grown heavier since his father lost his job in March, making it difficult to afford the ongoing hospital visits, tests, and medications. Determined to help her son get the life-saving care he needs, Annah launched a heartfelt campaign on BackaBuddy in June to raise funds for his transplant. 'After receiving news of him relapsing, my world turned upside down. But then I remembered who my life redeemer is — the one who created heaven and earth.' Her words on the campaign page echo the strength and hope that carry their family forward: 'We humbly ask for your generosity. Your contribution, no matter the size, can make a profound difference in his fight against cancer.' So far, the campaign has raised over R51,000 towards their R250,000 goal, with support pouring in from 176 generous donors. Every donation, every message of encouragement has helped restore the family's hope. 'To everyone who has supported us, we will forever be grateful. Your generosity really means so much to us — and to our beautiful Amogelang too.' Thanks to this growing circle of support, the Kgobe family no longer feels alone in their fight. 'Together, we can bring hope and healing to Amogelang,' his grateful mother said. Amo's journey also sheds light on the desperate need for more bone marrow donors in South Africa. zelda venter@
The Hill
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Top Democrats slam Noem over Texas flood response: ‘That's abandonment'
Democrats Reps. Greg Stanton (Ariz.) and Gabe Amo (R.I.) on Thursday slammed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) administrator Kristi Noem over the administration's response to fatal flooding in Texas amid its efforts to cut disaster response, climate and weather agencies. 'They need to justify it, and I guarantee you here, they will not be able to defend these actions,' Amo said about the overhaul during the Thursday presser. This past weekend, at least 120 people were killed and nearly 160 individuals remain missing in south-central Texas after flash flooding emerged along the Guadalupe River. Stanton and Amo, who are the top Democrats on the subcommittees overseeing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), respectively, called on Noem and acting FEMA administrator David Richardson to testify to Congress after the flooding spurred questions about the preparedness of the agencies. 'Gutting FEMA won't make it more responsive, just like getting rid of it won't make disaster response better; it lets communities fend for themselves in their darkest hour. That's not reform. That's abandonment,' Stanton said, echoing concerns from fellow Democrats. Since his return to the White House, President Trump has enacted multiple cuts to key players in disaster management such as the National Weather Service (NWS) as well as NOAA in an effort to crack down on government spending and increase efficiency. Several federal workers have also departed FEMA amid cuts. During the Texas flooding, two key positions at the Austin-San Antonio NWS were vacant after one took a buyout offered by the administration earlier this year. The other individual retired around the same time. Noem has long-called for the government to eliminate FEMA and doubled down on the view on Wednesday, calling for it to be 'remade' after the Texas floods, amid the administration's budget cuts. 'FEMA can always do better,' Stanton said on Thursday. 'Stable and predictable funding from Congress would help them at least keep pace. Instead, this administration is deliberately cutting off resources.' 'It's like slashing the tires on a fire truck and then complaining that it's slow to arrive at the fire,' he continued. DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin pushed back on Stanton and Amo's characterization of the federal response on Thursday, stating the administration 'has taken an all-hands-on-desk approach' to recovery efforts. 'FEMA is shifting from bloated, DC-centric dead weight to a lean, deployable disaster force that empowers state actors to provide relief for their citizens' she said in a statement. 'The old processes are being replaced because they failed Americans in real emergencies for decades.' Stanton and Amo along with Democratic Reps. Rick Larsen (Wash.) and Zoe Lofgren (Calif.), sent an oversight letter to Laura Gimm, the under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and acting NOAA administrator, and Richardson demanding answers about the government's response by July 22.
Scottish Sun
02-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
‘The perfect fit' – Kia Joorabchian snaps up ‘fantastic' trainer to head up Amo Racing's historic yard
They're building a squad for years to come BIG MOVE 'The perfect fit' – Kia Joorabchian snaps up 'fantastic' trainer to head up Amo Racing's historic yard Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KIA JOORABCHIAN has snapped up a 'fantastic' young trainer to head up Amo Racing's historic yard. The football superagent says Kevin Philippart de Foy is the 'perfect fit' for the multi-million pound operation's base at the famous Freemason Lodge in Newmarket. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy will lead the Amo Racing operation out of its historic Freemason Lodge Credit: PA The former home of the now-retired Sir Michael Stoute, Philippart de Foy, 33, will now run the stables as retained trainer for Amo. He will take over from Raphael Freire, who will become Amo's private trainer. Philippart de Foy was selected following a 'detailed selection process' and will be tasked with turning big-money purchases into winners on the track. Joorabchian said: ""First, I'd like to welcome Kevin Philippart de Foy as our new trainer at Freemason Lodge. "evin is a fantastic horseman who understands our goals and shares our ambition. "Having known and worked with him for several years, it makes this transition even smoother. "We know his character fits and our ideas align perfectly. "We believe he's the right person to take the operation to the next level, and we're excited about what's ahead with him leading the team at this historic yard. "At the same time, I want to say a big thank you to Raphael for stepping up and doing such a brilliant job getting Freemason up and running. "His work over the past few months has been crucial, and he's laid a solid foundation for the future. "Raphael has been a big part of Amo Racing's journey so far, and he continues to be an integral part of our team moving forward." While Belgian-born Philippart de Foy added: "I am deeply honoured to have been entrusted with the responsibility of taking over at Freemason Lodge and training such an exciting string of horses for Amo Racing. "This is a major milestone in my career, and I'm incredibly grateful to Kia and the team for the opportunity. "Amo Racing's investment and ambition in the sport are truly inspiring, and I look forward to playing my part in what I hope will be a very successful journey together." Joorabchian is making big moves to lay the groundwork for what should be a huge few years for Amo. No1 jockey David Egan - who just the other day landed a 10,373-1 Wolverhampton four-timer - recently signed a contract extension. And he should have some exceptional talent to get to grips with over the coming months. Amo are famed for spending huge sums at the sales, taking on the established order such as Godolphin and Coolmore. Joorabchian recently landed the Clive Cox-trained Ghostwriter for £2million and saw him finish a very encouraging third to Rebel's Romance in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot. 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.
The Irish Sun
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
‘The perfect fit' – Kia Joorabchian snaps up ‘fantastic' trainer to head up Amo Racing's historic yard
KIA JOORABCHIAN has snapped up a 'fantastic' young trainer to head up Amo Racing's historic yard. The football superagent says Kevin Philippart de Foy is the 'perfect fit' for the multi-million pound operation's base at the famous Freemason Lodge in Newmarket. 1 Trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy will lead the Amo Racing operation out of its historic Freemason Lodge Credit: PA The former home of the now-retired Sir Michael Stoute, Philippart de Foy, 33, will now run the stables as retained trainer for Amo. He will take over from Raphael Freire, who will become Amo's private trainer. Philippart de Foy was selected following a 'detailed selection process' and will be tasked with turning big-money purchases into winners on the track. Joorabchian said: ""First, I'd like to welcome Kevin Philippart de Foy as our new trainer at Freemason Lodge. "evin is a fantastic horseman who understands our goals and shares our ambition. "Having known and worked with him for several years, it makes this transition even smoother. "We know his character fits and our ideas align perfectly. "We believe he's the right person to take the operation to the next level, and we're excited about what's ahead with him leading the team at this historic yard. Most read in Horse Racing "At the same time, I want to say a big thank you to Raphael for stepping up and doing such a brilliant job getting Freemason up and running. "His work over the past few months has been crucial, and he's laid a solid foundation for the future. "Raphael has been a big part of Amo Racing's journey so far, and he continues to be an integral part of our team moving forward." While Belgian-born Philippart de Foy added: "I am deeply honoured to have been entrusted with the responsibility of taking over at Freemason Lodge and training such an exciting string of horses for Amo Racing. "This is a major milestone in my career, and I'm incredibly grateful to Kia and the team for the opportunity. "Amo Racing's investment and ambition in the sport are truly inspiring, and I look forward to playing my part in what I hope will be a very successful journey together." Joorabchian is making big moves to lay the groundwork for what should be a huge few years for Amo. No1 jockey David Egan - who just the other day landed a 10,373-1 Wolverhampton four-timer - recently signed a contract extension. And he should have some exceptional talent to get to grips with over the coming months. Amo are famed for spending huge sums at the sales, taking on the established order such as Godolphin and Coolmore. Joorabchian recently landed the Clive Cox-trained Ghostwriter for £2million and saw him finish a very encouraging third to Rebel's Romance in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot. 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: Read more on the Irish Sun 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.
