Latest news with #Birchwood
Otago Daily Times
10-08-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
West Coast looking for historic fourth National win
Mark Oulaghan is hoping the extreme distance of the 150th Grand National Steeplechase will play into the hands of West Coast, as his champion jumper attempts to rewrite the history books tomorrow at Riccarton Park. The adored 10-year-old has won the last three editions of the National, becoming the second horse to claim three titles since Agent in the 19th century, and the first to do so in successive years. After a top performance to finish second in the Hawke's Bay Steeplechase, West Coast earned himself a fourth trip to the southern course, where he opened his account with a gritty third in last Saturday's Koral Steeplechase, won by hot-favourite Jesko. Oulaghan was pleased with the performance, which was Victorian hoop Willie McCarthy's first steer aboard the son of Mettre En Jeu. "It was a good run," Oulaghan said. "He covered a bit of extra ground and probably got going a little bit earlier than would have been ideal, but at the end of it, he was only six lengths off the winner. We were pretty happy with it. 'Willie quite liked him and he's confident that he can improve on Saturday.' In addition to his National haul, West Coast has two Great Northern Steeplechase crowns on the mantelpiece, so the marathon journey is nothing new. 'I think that's his strong point — once he gets over those longer distances, he just seems to be able to grind it out,' Oulaghan said. West Coast is owned by Twizel racing identity Ron Williamson, his wife, Jennifer, and their son and daughter-in-law, Henry and Gaby. The Williamson family, previously from Birchwood Station in the Ahuriri Valley, have been longtime racing supporters. Both Ron and Jennifer were involved in the centennial celebration of the Grand National, held at Willowbridge, where the first race was held 150 years ago. There is another Williamson connection in John Meyer, originally from Waimate and who once worked at Birchwood, who is a part-owner of West Coast stablemate Berry The Cash. The extra kilometre of the 135th Grand National Hurdles will come to the benefit of Berry The Cash, who ran on late to place in both the Hawke's Bay Hurdles and Sydenham Hurdles. While his older counterpart is shooting for a record four crowns, Berry The Cash will be chasing a threepeat of his own tomorrow in the hurdle, off the back of a tidy effort behind Dictation — who has been scratched for tomorrow with a minor ligament injury — in the Sydenham. 'It was a good run by him under the weight and at the distance, so we're happy with him too,' Oulaghan said. 'He's a grinding type of horse and finishes it off, so the extra distance is suitable for him. There is a bit of rain forecast for down there, which wouldn't worry him, while one or two of the others might not be too keen on it.' While his star pair spend the week in Christchurch, Oulaghan is back at home in Awapuni preparing for a rather different assignment with Jack Morrison. The son of Darci Brahma has racked up six victories from eight attempts on his local synthetic track, and for the first time, will venture further afield to chase the big prize at Cambridge in the $100,000 TAB Polytrack Championship today. — News Desk
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
All the Father's Day bargains landing in Lidl's middle aisle this week including bargain steak and whisky
SHOPPERS can pick up top value presents for Dad in Lidl ahead of Father's Day. The discount supermarket offers time-limited deals in its ' middle aisles' which are shelves where stock changes each week. 7 And in celebration of father figures of all types, shoppers can this week get food and drink presents starting from just £1.49. This drop of Middle Aisle buys will be available in stores from June 12 ahead of Father's Day falling on June 15. If you spot something you like, it's a good idea to move quickly because once items are gone, they won't be restocked. Here are all the deals you can get... Ben Bracken Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl - £15.99 If the father figure in your life enjoys whisky, you can get some great value options from the retailer. Stock his drinks cupboard with this Ben Bracken single malt. It was a gold winner at the world whiskies awards so sure to go down a storm with the top man in your life. Western Gold Gold Bourbon Whiskey 70cl - £14.99 This Western Gold is another spirit that Dad should appreciate if he likes a bourbon. It costs £16.99 but users of the Lidl Plus app can get an extra £2 off to take the price down to £14.99. Five Lidl rosés you need this summer, according to a wine expert - a £6.99 buy is as light & crispy as £22 Whispering Angel Birchwood XXL Ribeye Steak - £18.99 If you fancy showing your dad some appreciation by whipping up a showstopping meal, this pack of four ribeye steaks ought to do the trick. Just add some chips and a nice sauce and gather the family to enjoy a delicious meal to recognise the special man. J.D. Gross Seashell Chocolates 250g - £3.19 These seashell chocs are a fab alternative to the pricier Guylian. And if your dad has a sweet tooth, he'll love them. The price comes in at £3.49 but if you join the Lidl Plus app, you can get a pack for £3.19. Belgian Ales 6 x 330ml - £15.99 7 A selection of ales is a great gift for anyone who thinks of themselves as a bit of a beer connoisseur. There are six in the pack and each one is different so that Dad can find his favourite. Try Piraat, Bornem and Golden Draak. Perlenbacher Beer Keg 5L - £14.99 This beer keg is a bit of a novelty present. But could be great if he's planning on having some pals around for drinks or a barbecue. The five litres of beer should keep everyone topped up for quite a while. How to save on your supermarket shop THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop. You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they've been reduced. If the food is fresh, you'll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time. Making a list should also save you money, as you'll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket. Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too. This means ditching "finest" or "luxury" products and instead going for "own" or value" type of lines. Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they're misshapen or imperfect. For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50. If you're on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too. Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
Scottish Sun
05-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Flying Tiger is selling ‘genius' 2-in-1 picnic and camping essential – it's only £20 & perfect for a family
SUMMER FUN Flying Tiger is selling 'genius' 2-in-1 picnic and camping essential – it's only £20 & perfect for a family FLYING Tiger has launched a foldable picnic box that shoppers are calling 'genius' – and it's only £20. The clever 2-in-1 design doubles up as a table, making it ideal for family outings, beach trips and summer picnics. Advertisement 3 This handy bit of kit is quickly becoming a go-to for families looking to enjoy the warm weather without breaking the bank Credit: Flying Tiger 3 The lid folds out to create a flat surface, perfect for serving food or playing games Credit: Flying Tiger Spotted in Flying Tiger stores across the UK, including branches in London, Manchester and Birmingham, this handy bit of kit is quickly becoming a go-to for families looking to enjoy the warm weather without breaking the bank. Measuring 28 x 47 x 22 cm, the box is compact enough to carry easily but spacious enough to store all your picnic essentials – from drinks and crisps to sandwiches and napkins. Once you reach your picnic spot, the lid folds out to create a flat surface, perfect for serving food or playing games. Shoppers love the practical design, and parents especially appreciate how it keeps everything organised while providing a clean place to eat. Advertisement One customer said: 'It's brilliant – we used it at the park last weekend and it made everything so much easier. The kids loved having a proper table to sit around.' The picnic box is made from recycled plastic, adding eco-appeal to its list of features. It's also easy to wipe clean after use, making it a fuss-free choice for outdoor dining. Advertisement This clever product arrives just in time for peak picnic season. As temperatures rise, more families are heading outdoors to enjoy simple meals in the sun. Parents race to Lidl for middle aisle bargains including 2 in 1 sandpit for £29 To help you make the most of your outing, The Sun's budget-friendly recipes mean you can pack a full picnic without overspending. Try creating your own lunch packs using Valley Spire mature cheese and Birchwood ham from Lidl, or impress with homemade Scotch eggs using just a few Tesco basics. Advertisement Veggie pinwheels made with leftover veg and ready-roll pastry from Asda are a hit with kids and adults alike.
