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The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Meet the 80-year-old granny battling billionaires with her Derby ‘superstar' tinged with sadness
SHE is the 80-year-old granny battling the billionaires with her Derby 'superstar'. In what has been billed as the ultimate David vs Goliath showdown, this 'proud Yorkshirewoman' with just six horses is daring to dream in the world's most prestigious race. 3 Vimy Aykroyd, second from right, is the 80-year-old gran taking on the billionaires with her Derby 'superstar' Pride Of Arras Credit: Steven Cargill / 3 Victory in the Derby would be a dream come true, although tinged with sadness as Vimy's husband David is in care with dementia and is unaware the horse is running in the world's most famous Flat race Credit: PA Meet Vimy Aykroyd, racing royalty, rebel and the owner of 5-1 chance Pride Of Arras. At stake is the small matter of £900,000 for victory, a place in history and a lucrative, money-spinning career at stud for their three-year-old colt. But also the realisation of a dream that started 26 years ago when Vimy first sent horses to trainer Ralph Beckett. Their families are intertwined, with Vimy having spent time with the Becketts growing up. When Ralph, son of trainer William, started his own yard in 1999, Vimy - Lavinia for full - was one of the first to send him horses. In the years since Beckett has pretty much done it all. Millions upon millions in prize money, Arc de Triomphe victory with Bluestocking last year, Group 1s galore and Royal Ascot success. But he's never won the Derby. Most read in Horse Racing Over the past decade, the 1m4f race over the undulating, rolling Epsom track has been a happy hunting ground for the billionaire tycoons who dominate the sport. Since 2017 it has been won by either Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed - under his Godolphin operation - or the all-conquering Coolmore group, made up of Irish racing boss John Magnier and British former bookies Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith. Only in 2017, with Desert Crown, did it go to someone else - Dubai businessman Saeed Suhail. In fact, you have to go to diamond dealer Anthony Oppenheimer in 2015 for the last sole British owner to win the Derby, when he did it with Golden Horn. It's a tough gig when you're literally battling those with the financial might of an entire country behind them. But Vimy's more than used to overcoming adversity. 3 Sadly Vimy's husband David - her late husband's brother - seen here with Vimy in 2021, is now in a care home with dementia So can he win? Templegate's verdict By Steve Mullen (Templegate) PRIDE OF ARRAS absolutely can win the Derby. It may not have been a vintage Dante he won at York last time but Ralph Beckett's colt showed real class to get the job done. He really enjoyed stepping up to 1m2f and screams that he'll love the Derby distance too. There is lots of stamina in his pedigree but no shortage of speed either. It was good to see him accelerate once getting a gap on the Knavesmire and the Dante winning time was decent too. That was just his second run - and it came after nine months off - so you would expect a lot more from this talented colt. Beckett knows what it takes to win at the highest level and there is still some 5-1 about which looks an each-way bet to nothing. I would be surprised if he was outside the first three in the big race. Mischievous by nature, she wasn't always the best student and racing was in her blood given her grandad won the Grand National in 1891. When women were allowed to ride in Flat races for the first time in 1972 she naturally took part and won on a horse called Old Cock. Personal life took over when she moved to Spain with husband Richard Aykroyd - but he died from cancer in 1997. Vimy returned to London and then Yorkshire, where she married her late husband's brother David, who has been described as 'the epitome of the English gentleman'. Sadly, the Pride Of Arras was 50-1 for the Derby before he won the Dante at York - the key trial for the Epsom contest - last month. Beckett was bullish of his chances in the big one immediately after and there is no doubt he is the big British hope this year. A fairytale story, victory and overcoming odds? Sounds like Vimy Aykroyd all over. 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.
Mint
27-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Travelling to France to get more expensive: Ticket prices for museums set to increase; check how much it will cost
From January 2026, non-European tourists will need to pay 30 euros ( ₹ 2,900) to enter the Louvre Museum in Paris. This new pricing rule is likely to apply to other popular sites like the Palace of Versailles, Arc de Triomphe, Château de Chambord and the Opéra Garnier, Le Monde reported. French authorities believe that international visitors, especially those travelling from far-off countries, will still pay to see iconic places or enjoy Paris views. The plan aims to help cover rising costs and reduce pressure on government funding. At Versailles alone, non-EU visitors make up 42% of the 8 million annual tourists. The site regularly needs money for repairs. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed in January that a new pricing model would be introduced. Foreigners from outside the EU would pay more than Europeans, he said. More museums and historical places could adopt this rule from 2027. However, it is not yet clear whether this rule will also apply to non-EU residents living in France. The full legal details are still awaited. Currently, some discount schemes exist. There's free entry for EU citizens under 26. The privilege is also given to non-EU residents if they have a valid EU residency card. This new rule will only apply to tourist spots that are owned and managed by the French government. It will include many of the country's top attractions. Each museum or attraction in France decides its own ticket prices and any changes to them. This means prices can vary depending on the place you visit. Any future increase is up to the management of each site. Currently, a standard adult ticket without discounts costs €22 ( ₹ 2,131) at the Louvre. At Versailles, it's €21 ( ₹ 2,034) for the château, €15 ( ₹ 1,453) for the gardens only or €32 ( ₹ 3,100) for full access including the Trianon. Chambord charges €19 ( ₹ 1,840) while the Arc de Triomphe costs €16 ( ₹ 1,550) for access to the top. However, the base is free to all. The Conciergerie costs €13 ( ₹ 1,260) though some exhibitions may have extra charges. At the Opéra Garnier, ticket prices depend on the show and seating, ranging from €35 ( ₹ 3,390) to €175 ( ₹ 17,000).
Local France
26-05-2025
- Local France
French museums plan to hike prices for non-EU visitors
Visiting some of France's biggest tourist attractions - from the Chateau de Versailles to the Arc de Triomphe - could be more expensive for visitors from non-EU countries from next year, due to extra powers given to state-run museums by president Emmanuel Macron. Macron announced in January that the Louvre would begin, from January 1st 2026, charging a higher ticket price to visitors from non-EU countries. He added that this power would also be extended to other museums, galleries and tourist attractions run by the state. The final decision on pricing, however, remains with the management of each site. Advertisement French newspaper Le Monde reported that several of France's key sites will be taking up this option from 2026. Those named were Versailles and the Loire Valley chateau of Chambord, plus the Arc de Triomphe and the Conciergerie in Paris as well as Paris' Opéra Garnier. Other museums and tourists sites either have not decided or did not respond to questions. New price structure Speaking in January, Macron said that the Louvre will introduce "a varied pricing structure, with higher prices for foreign visitors coming from countries outside the EU". He added that the legislation due to take effect from January 1st 2026 "will allow other museums and French monuments to modify their entry policies" along the same lines. The legislation applies only to tourist sites that are owned and run by the state, but that includes most of the best known and famous sites in France. It remains unclear whether this will affect non-EU citizens who live in France. Macron said it was aimed at "foreign visitors coming from countries outside the EU" but the final text of the legislation is not yet available so it is not clear whether there will be exceptions for French residents. Some of the current discount pricing schemes - for example the free entry scheme for EU citizens aged 26 and under - also apply to non-EU citizens who have residency in an EU country and can prove it via a residency card or permit for their country (eg a carte de séjour for France or a permesso di soggiorno for Italy). Advertisement Prices The final decision on price hikes, and overall prices, stays with each individual museum or attraction. At present the price of a standard adult ticket with no discounts is; Louvre - €22 Versailles - €21 for the chateau, €15 for the gardens only or €32 for the chateau, gardens and Trianon Chambord - €19 Arc de Triomphe - €16 for a ticket that includes access to the top of the structure, the base is open to the public for free Conciergerie - €13 for an access ticket, entry to specific exhibitions or events can be extra Opéra Garnier - ticket prices depend on the performance and seating, but prices range from around €35 to €175 There are multiple discount options for French museums with groups including students, teachers, journalists, those on a low income or people and 26 and under eligible for free entry. The Louvre estimates that around 40 percent of its visitors benefit from free entry. READ ALSO Do you qualify for free entry to French museums? There are also 'free museum Sundays' in cities including Paris, where museums are free on the first Sunday of the month.
France 24
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- France 24
2025 Tour de France adds Montmartre suspense to final stage
The new format of the final stage on July 27 is unlikely to decide who wins the 21-day race, but it adds a new edge to the traditional parade-like ending. The riders will race a total of 16.8km in Montmartre before the peloton heads to the Champs-Elysees where it will complete three circuits, instead of the previous eight, and end with a mass sprint in the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe. Around half a million spectators gathered last year for the 2024 Paris Olympics road races, sparking a clamour for the Tour to include Montmartre in its route. The circuit climbs Rue Lepic in Montmartre, where much of the action in the hit 2001 movie "Amelie" takes place, before the steep ascent to the domed Sacre Coeur Basilica. "It was kind of now or never," Paris' assistant mayor Pierre Rabadan told AFP. "The goal wasn't to change the finish location, especially for the 50th anniversary of the first finish on the Champs-Elysees, but to make the final stage more competitive and more popular." The Paris police originally told Tour organisers ASO they were opposed to allowing the race to pass through Montmartre because of security reasons. "The area is heavily populated and there are many cafe terraces and shops making it a tricky security dimension, involving a more substantial security system," Paris police chief Laurent Nunez told AFP ahead of the announcement, explaining his original reluctance. The situation was only resolved after the intervention of President Emmanuel Macron, who was the "driving force" behind the decision, the French president's office told AFP. For the Tour de France, this change to the final stage represents a revolution in sporting terms. The designer of the route, former cyclist Thierry Gouvenou, said Wednesday the new format adds real tension and competitive edge. "We put all this together for the sporting interest. It's not just a parade or a tourist visit to Montmartre," Gouvenou said. "We're almost certain the riders will compete. But I don't really believe it will turn the Tour around. We shouldn't expect huge gaps. But it will energise the stage," Gouvenou added. The 2025 edition of the Tour de France marks the 50th anniversary of its first finale on the Champs-Elysees, traditionally considered Paris's most chic shopping road, in 1975. It is the 117th edition of the race itself and it begins July 5 in the northern French city of Lille after three consecutive money-spinning foreign 'Grand Departs' at Copenhagen, Bilbao and Florence. The gruelling race covers 3,320km over the three weeks and will be contested by 184 riders this year. At the Olympics there were just 90 riders but after 20 days of racing the Tour peloton will likely be reduced to around 150 due to riders dropping out through sickness and injury.
France 24
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- France 24
2025 Tour de France to include Montmartre on final stage: organisers
The new format of the final stage on July 27 is unlikely to decide who wins the 21-day race but does away with the traditional parade-like final stage. Following the 16.8km stretch around Montmartre, the peloton then heads over to the Champs-Elysees where it will complete three circuits and end with a mass sprint in the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe. Around half a million spectators gathered last year for the 2024 Paris Olympics road races, sparking a clamour for the Tour to include Montmartre in its route. The circuit climbs Rue Lepic in Montmartre, where much of the action in the hit 2001 movie "Amelie" takes place, before the steep ascent to the domed Sacre Coeur Basilica. The Paris police originally told Tour organisers ASO they were opposed to allowing the race to pass through Montmartre because of security reasons. "The area is heavily populated and there are many cafe terraces and shops making it a tricky security dimension, involving a more substantial security system," Paris police chief Laurent Nunez told AFP ahead of the announcement, explaining his original reluctance. The situation was only resolved after the intervention of President Emmanuel Macron, who was the "driving force" behind the decision, the French president's office told AFP. For the Tour de France, this final stage represents a revolution in sporting terms. The designer of the route, former cyclist Thierry Gouvenou, insisted Wednesday the new format adds real tension and competitive edge. "We put all this together for the sporting interest. It's not just a parade or a little tourist visit to Montmartre," Gouvenou said. "We're almost certain the riders will compete. But I don't really believe it will turn the Tour around. We shouldn't expect huge gaps. But it will energize the stage," Gouvenou added. The 2025 edition of the Tour de France marks the 50th anniversary of its first finale on the Champs-Elysees, traditionally considered Paris's most chic shopping road, in 1975. It is the 117th edition of the race itself and it begins July 5 in the northern French city of Lille after three consecutive money-spinning foreign 'Grand Departs' at Copenhagen, Bilbao and Florence. The gruelling race covers 3,320km over the three weeks and will be contested by 184 riders this year. At the Olympics there were just 90 riders but after 20 days of racing the Tour peloton will likely be reduced to around 150 due to riders dropping out through sickness and injury.
