Latest news with #Chel
The Guardian
11-03-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
New-look Cheltenham festival delivers day of drama for smaller audience
Once the gasps had subsided following a Champion Hurdle that upended every script and expectation, a most unlikely serenade began. 'Oh, Jeremy Scott!' the Cheltenham crowd sang, the voices getting louder and meatier with every refrain. 'Oh, Jeremy Scott!' Scott, the trainer of the shock 25-1 winner Golden Ace, smiled at the absurdity of it all, before finding the perfect response from Only Fools And Horses. 'As Del Boy says, 'Who dares wins', Rodney''. Who dares wins indeed. The Champion Hurdle was billed as a clash for the ages between Constitution Hill, the greatest hurdler of this generation, and Brighterdaysahead, the young Irish mare who had smashed the best in her country over Christmas. Instead it was Golden Ace, bought for just £12,000, who proved the glorious unpredictability of jumps racing. First the odds-on favourite Constitution Hill, the 2023 winner, fell at the fourth-last when looking poised to pounce. Then last year's winner State Man belly flopped after hitting the last fence when victory seemed certain. That left Golden Ace to pick up the pieces, with the winning jockey Lorcan Williams in shock as he crossed the line. He wasn't the only one. Golden Ace was not only unfancied, he wasn't initially going to the Champion Hurdle at all. It was only when Lossiemouth was declared for the Mares' Hurdle, that his team rolled the dice. Their reward? The £253,000 first prize. Still, you felt for Nicky Henderson, the trainer of Constitutional Hill, who was left shaking his head and silently cursing the gods. 'Nobody's hurt, but two jockeys and two jockeys have had proper old falls,' he said. 'It's cruel, we've waited two years to get back here and he was back. You can't have him any better than he was today.' Willie Mullins was also phlegmatic after seeing State Man come down. 'It's what happens, what can we say?' he admitted. 'And it's a very popular winner.' There were 55,000 souls hollering and cheering as Golden Ace crossed the line, although it sounded like more than that. That figure was still 5,000 down on day one last year, and 13,000 down on 2022, which is bound to prompt more hand wringing about declining audiences. But as one seasoned Cheltenham attendee put it to me, there is truth that dare not speak its name here: it made for a better experience. Cheltenham's bean counters are unlikely to agree. But certainly when the Festival is full to its 68,500 capacity, it becomes squashed to the point of unpleasantness. But while the paddock was at least five or six rows deep and the bars throbbing on Tuesday, the spectator did at least feel like there was room to breathe. This was also the first test for Cheltenham's new chief executive, Guy Lavender who has promised that the enjoyment of those attending the meeting was a priority, and that there would be 'better value for our customers' on food and drink. That is to be welcome although you wonder why it has taken them so long to realise the obvious. A punter has always arrived at Cheltenham fearing he might leave with his wallet somewhat lighter. In recent years, though, it has felt like the pocket is being picked long before the off. How could it not when the cheapest tickets are nearly £50 on the day, mediocre hotels charging north £500 a night during Festival week, and Guinness costing £7.80? However the early signs were positive, with the decision to expand the areas in which racegoers can drink alcohol to include an open standing area in front of the grandstands appearing to reduce overcrowding. Still, more needs to be done. And Lavender, who previously served two tours in Afghanistan and worked for seven years at the MCC, doesn't face an easy task. One challenge is that jumps racing can sometimes feel like a modern-day christianity, with two very distinct audiences. The first: an ageing demographic who attend because they always attend, and believe because they have always believed. They are the ones that fret about smaller field sizes and want Cheltenham to be the best against the best. The sight of Lossiemouth easily winning the Mares' Hurdle, rather than taking her chance in the Champion Hurdle 40 minutes later, would have had them shaking their heads in despair. Meanwhile the sport increasingly caters to the once-a-year casuals who turn up for midnight mass. For them the festival is about the experience, the event, a few pints and the promise of a few winners. They got that all right. As well as plenty of fantastic stories on this opening day. They included the mightily impressive Kopek Des Bordes winning the Supreme Novice Hurdle to sustained cries of 'Ole! Ole! Ole!' as well as Jango Baie, who was 329-1 in running, coming from the gods to win the Arkle Chase in a four-way shootout. And then there was Golden Ace, providing the great plot twist that absolutely no one saw coming.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Fish Declared Extinct in the 1980s Is 'Back from the Brink' with Over 200 Released into the Wild
A fish previously declared extinct has been released back into the wild in Australia. The olive perchlet, a small oval-shaped fish with large eyes, was considered extinct in Victoria, Australia, in the 1980s after being last spotted in nature in 1929, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Now, the species is getting another shot at life and is "back from the brink." Shenandoah Bruce with the North Central Catchment Management Authority told the Australian news outlet that the agency released "200 olive perchlet into Cameron's Creek in the Gunbower National Park." The release occurred in January and reportedly marks the first time the fish has been reintroduced in the area since being labeled extinct. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the olive perchlet plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, particularly in maintaining a healthy food system. The 200 fish were bred in captivity with help from the Victorian Fisheries Authority. Sam Fawke, senior technical officer for the Victorian Fisheries Authority, explained the importance of the fish species: "If we see these species across the board disappear, a lot are them are these small-bodied species, then we're going to see a major effect for the rest of those food webs." The fish frequent wetlands and river systems and are known to eat tiny aquatic pests. They are also a food source for birds. A Feb. 24 social media post from the North Central Catchment Management Authority shared that their recent survey of the olive perchlet released at a different location in Australia in October revealed "incredible results." "From just 100 Olive Perchlet released last October, we discovered a whopping 855 individuals thriving, ranging from 14 mm to 49 mm," wrote the agency. The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries states that the olive perchlet can grow to about 70 to 88 millimeters with an average size of about 2 inches. The fish thrive in rivers, creeks, ponds, and swamps with slow or still waters and are often found on vegetation, logs, and dead branches. The government agency states that the olive perchlet went extinct in the wild due to predation by other fish species, habitat degradation, and fluctuation in water levels. Last month, researchers rediscovered another fish species in India after 85 years. The journal Zootaxa announced that a Chel snakehead, also known as Channa amphibious, was rediscovered after it was presumed to be extinct. The freshwater species was absent for over eight decades, with the last recorded specimens collected between 1918 and 1933 in the Himalayan region of India. But in 2024, three specimens were collected on the banks of the Chel River in the town of Kalimpong in West Bengal. Read the original article on People
Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Long-Lost Fish Species Resurfaces After 85 Years, Shocking Scientists
For over eight decades, the Chel snakehead (Channa amphibious) was thought to be extinct, disappearing into the pages of history like a mystery no one could solve. That is—until now. In a discovery that feels straight out of a nature documentary, researchers in India have confirmed the species is very much alive, lurking in the waters of the Chel River in West Bengal. The last recorded sighting of the freshwater species dated back to somewhere between 1918 and 1933, with no trace of it since. Scientists assumed it had vanished forever, another victim of environmental changes. But in 2024, after years of searching, researchers stumbled upon three living specimens on the banks of the Chel River. And, in a plot twist no one saw coming, it turns out the fish was never really gone—it had been right under their noses the entire time, regularly consumed by a local tribe that had unknowingly kept the species thriving. A Discovery That Took Decades The search for the Chel snakehead had been ongoing for decades. Every attempt to locate it ended in disappointment, leaving experts convinced it had succumbed to extinction. However, once researchers caught wind of local communities consuming a fish that matched the description of the long-lost species, the chase was back on. Months of effort finally led them to the elusive creature, confirming what had once seemed impossible: the Chel snakehead was still alive. Described as "large and vibrant" by the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation, the Chel snakehead stands out for its chrome-yellow to orange stripes, a bright neon patch beneath the eye, and a uniquely high number of lateral-line scales—the most among all snakeheads in the Gachua group. Why This Discovery Matters Beyond the excitement of rediscovering a species that had been presumed extinct, this finding is a big win for biodiversity conservation. The Thackeray Wildlife Foundation highlighted its significance, stating: 'This long-standing mystery in Indian ichthyology reinforces the importance of continued exploration and highlights the persistence of biodiversity, even in species once thought lost to time.' The discovery of the Chel snakehead serves as a reminder that nature still holds secrets, and many species we assume to be extinct may simply be hiding in plain sight. What's Next? Now that the Chel snakehead has officially re-entered the scientific record, conservationists will likely push for more research and protection efforts to ensure its survival. This rediscovery could also spark renewed searches for other species thought to be extinct, proving that our planet still has plenty of surprises left in store.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
One of the 'World's Rarest' Fish, Thought to Be Extinct, Rediscovered After 85 Years
A rare fish species thought to be extinct for over 80 years was rediscovered in India. The journal Zootaxa announced on Friday, Jan. 31, that a Chel snakehead, also known as Channa amphibious, was rediscovered after it was presumed to be extinct. The freshwater species was not seen for over eight decades after the last recorded specimens were collected between 1918 and 1933 in the Himalayan region of India. But in 2024, three specimens were collected on the banks of the Chel River in the town of Kalimpong in West Bengal. Researchers learned that the Chel snakehead was being consumed by a local tribe, according to ABC News. Related: 'Doomsday Fish' Washes Ashore on Mexico Beach: 'Nobody's Gonna Believe This' The search for the large fish continued throughout the past several decades, per ABC News. Once the researchers learned of their existence, it took months to locate the fish and confirm the species was not extinct. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Related: Gray Whale Extinct in the Atlantic for 200 Years Seen Near Nantucket: 'An Incredibly Rare Event' 'Commonly known as the Chel Snakehead, this large and vibrant species is distinguished by chrome-yellow to orange stripes, a bright neon patch beneath the eye, and the highest number of lateral-line scales among all snakeheads of the Gachua group,' Thackeray Wildlife Foundation posted on Facebook. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The foundation noted that the recent discovery of 'this long-standing mystery in Indian ichthyology reinforces the importance of continued exploration" and "highlights the persistence of biodiversity, even in species once thought lost to time." Read the original article on People
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers have rediscovered an elusive fish species thought to be extinct for 85 years
Researchers have rediscovered a rare fish species presumed to be extinct after it was not seen for more than eight decades. The last sighting of the Chel snakehead, or Channa amphibeus, was last recorded from specimens collected between 1918 and 1933 in the Himalayan region of India, leading scientists to believe the species had died out, according to a paper published recently in the journal Zootaxa. MORE: Giant tubeworms part of thriving ecosystem found under the seafloor in the Pacific But three specimens collected in 2024 -- as well as photographic evidence -- have confirmed that the species persisted over the last century despite remaining undetected. The specimens were located on the banks of the Chel River in the town of Kalimpong in West Bengal after researchers caught wind that it was being consumed by a local tribe, the paper states. There were repeated searches for the Chel snakehead in the last several decades, wildlife biologist Forrest Galante wrote on Instagram. It took months for the researchers to locate the fish, but they were able to positively confirm its existence. MORE: 'Starry night' toad rediscovered in Colombia after nearly 3 decades The Chel snakehead specimens were located in the Chel River system, the ecosystem in which it is endemic, according to the paper. The freshwater species -- considered the most elusive of the snakeheads -- is known for its bright green scales and yellow stripes. It is also the largest amount of snakeheads, according to the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation, the Mumbai-based wildlife conservation involved in the rediscovery. "The resolution of this long-standing mystery in Indian ichthyology reinforces the importance of continued exploration and highlights the persistence of biodiversity, even in species once thought lost to time," said Tejas Thackeray, founder of the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation, in a Facebook post. Researchers have rediscovered an elusive fish species thought to be extinct for 85 years originally appeared on
