Latest news with #GrandNationals
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ryanair's Michael O'Leary lands historic €100m bonus
Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has earned a bonus worth more than €100m (£84m) after the discount carrier's shares cleared a key performance target. The Irishman qualified for the mammoth payout on Thursday after Ryanair stock traded above the specified level of €21 for a 28th straight day, closing at €23.74. Mr O'Leary now stands to receive 10m shares for €11.12 apiece, or €111.2m in total. Based on Thursday's closing price, the stock would be worth €237m, bagging a paper profit of €126m. The Irishman is set for one of the biggest paydays in European corporate history despite Ryanair reporting a 16pc drop in annual profit in an earnings update last week. Mr O'Leary, a Manchester City fan, said at the time that the bonus was justified in light of the long-term performance of the airline, comparing it with the rewards on offer in the sporting world. He told analysts: 'I think we're delivering exceptional value for Ryanair shareholders in an era when Premiership footballers or the managers are getting paid €20m to €25m a year. 'I think Ryanair shareholders are getting a particular value out of our share options – both mine and the rest of the management team.' This embedded content is not available in your region. Mr O'Leary did not indicate how he might spend the money and has slimmed down the racehorse training operation into which he poured millions earlier in his career, winning three Grand Nationals and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in the process. The long-term incentive scheme was first set out in 2019 with an expiration date of 2024 as part of a deal that saw the Ryanair chief sign a new contract while accepting cuts to his salary and annual bonus. However, Covid intervened the following year, grounding flights, plunging airlines into the red and sending share prices tumbling, with Ryanair dropping to €8. Shareholders subsequently backed an extension to the expiry date. The carrier expanded rapidly in the wake of the pandemic, though struggled last summer after a row with online travel agents saw it deprived of some bookings. It was also unable to tap increasing demand for all-inclusive package breaks that boosted rivals easyJet, TUI and Jet2, having closed down its own holidays division some years ago. Regardless, Ryanair continues to rank as Europe's biggest airline by passenger numbers. Mr O'Leary is credited with transforming the Irish carrier from a regional also-ran into a goliath. He joined as finance chief in 1988 before becoming chief executive in 1994, importing a low-cost, no-frills business model copied from US discount giant Southwest Airlines. In order to receive the bonus award – to be paid in share options – Mr O'Leary must stay at Ryanair until July 2028, by which time he will be aged 67 and have been chief executive for almost 35 years. Ryanair did not respond to calls. It previously indicated earlier that it did not plan to comment on its chief executive's windfall since the share options would not vest for another three years. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Leader Live
06-05-2025
- Leader Live
Trainer Evan Williams denies assaulting man
Williams pleaded not guilty to two charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and inflicting grievous bodily harm to Martin Dandridge on December 4 last year in Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan. Williams, 54, of Llancarfan, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and enter his pleas during a brief hearing at Cardiff Crown Court. Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, the Recorder of Cardiff, fixed a trial date for March 3 next year. Williams was released on conditional bail until his trial. Byron Broadstock appeared on behalf of the prosecution, while Leah Pollard represented the defendant. Williams is a multiple Grade One-winning trainer, with his most recent success at the highest level coming in the 2020 Christmas Hurdle via Silver Streak. He also trained State Of Play to be placed in three Grand Nationals and came second in the Aintree highlight with Cappa Bleu in 2013.
Wales Online
06-05-2025
- Wales Online
Grand National horse trainer to stand trial over alleged attack at stables in Wales
Grand National horse trainer to stand trial over alleged attack at stables in Wales Evan Williams, 54, won the Welsh Grand National in 2020 and has had more than 1,200 career wins in total. He denies the charges against him Trainer Evan Williams has more than 1,200 career winners (Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE ) A top horse trainer will stand trial over an alleged attack during a bust-up at his countryside stables in the Vale of Glamorgan. Champion trainer Evan Williams, 54, has over 1,200 career winners, including victory in the 2020 Welsh Grand National, and has scooped more than £3million prize money during the past five years. Williams is accused of causing grievous bodily harm to his alleged victim Martin Dandridge after an incident at the stables on the outskirts of Cardiff last year. Cardiff Crown Court heard Williams was alleged to have "unlawfully and maliciously caused grievous bodily harm" to Mr Dandridge during the bust up on December 4 2024. Williams denied both causing grievous bodily harm with intent and causing grievous bodily harm during the brief hearing. Prosecutor Byron Broadstock said those pleas were "not acceptable" and that the Crown was seeing a trial. Don't miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here . Leah Pollard appeared for Williams at the hearing. Article continues below Welsh trainer Evan Williams (Image: Rob Browne/WalesOnline ) The Recorder of Cardiff, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, set a trial date for March 3, 2026. Williams, of Fingerpost Farm, Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan, was released on bail. Bail was given on condition that Williams must not contact Martin Dandridge. The successful horse trainer, who runs a popular horse training facility in the Vale of Glamorgan, won the Welsh Grand National in 2020 with The Secret Reprieve. He also had horses placed in five consecutive Grand Nationals between 2009 and 2013. Article continues below His website reads: "Here at Evan Williams Racing based in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan you and your horse will benefit from excellent training facilities as well as a friendly and dedicated team that season after season supply a steady flow of winners at all levels. "We pride ourselves on running a highly professional operation where all our horses and owners are very well looked after."
Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Top Grand National horse trainer to stand trial after ‘attacking man during bust up at his countryside stables'
Trainer has more than 1,200 career winners STABLE 'ASSAULT' Top Grand National horse trainer to stand trial after 'attacking man during bust up at his countryside stables' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TOP Grand National horse trainer is due to stand trial accused of attacking a man in his countryside stables. Evan Williams, 54, allegedly assaulted Martin Dandridge during a bust-up in the Vale of Glamorgan last December. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Evan Williams is accused of attacking a man at his stables Credit: Athena The trainer, who has over 1,200 career winners, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court today. He pleaded not guilty to two charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and inflicting grievous bodily harm. Williams is accused of "unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm" to Mr Dandridge. His lawyers said they accept that Mr Dandridge had fallen, but dispute the injuries were caused that night. The Recorder of Cardiff, Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, set a trial date for March 3 next year. Williams was released on bail under the condition he does not contact the alleged victim. The successful horse trainer won the Welsh Grand National in 2020 with The Secret Reprieve. He also had horses placed in five consecutive Grand Nationals between 2009 and 2013. Williams, who has scooped more than £3million in prize money over the past five years, runs a training facility at his home. His website says: "Here at Evan Williams Racing based in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan you and your horse will benefit from excellent training facilities as well as a friendly and dedicated team that season after season supply a steady flow of winners at all levels. " We pride ourselves on running a highly professional operation where all our horses and owners are very well looked after."
The Irish Sun
06-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Top Grand National horse trainer to stand trial after ‘attacking man during bust up at his countryside stables'
A TOP Grand National horse trainer is due to stand trial accused of attacking a man in his countryside stables. Evan Williams, 54, allegedly assaulted Martin Dandridge during a bust-up in the Vale of Glamorgan last December. 2 Evan Williams is accused of attacking a man at his stables Credit: Athena The trainer, who has over 1,200 career winners, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court today. He pleaded not guilty to two charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and inflicting grievous bodily harm. Williams is accused of "unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm" to Mr Dandridge. His lawyers said they accept that Mr Dandridge had fallen, but dispute the injuries were caused that night. Read more news The Recorder of Cardiff, Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, set a trial date for March 3 next year. Williams was released on bail under the condition he does not contact the alleged victim. The successful horse trainer won the Welsh Grand National in 2020 with The Secret Reprieve. He also had horses placed in five consecutive Grand Nationals between 2009 and 2013. Most read in Horse Racing Williams, who has scooped more than £3million in prize money over the past five years, runs a training facility at his home. His website says: "Here at Evan Williams Racing based in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan you and your horse will benefit from excellent training facilities as well as a friendly and dedicated team that season after season supply a steady flow of winners at all levels. " We pride ourselves on running a highly professional operation where all our horses and owners are very well looked after." 2 Williams will stand trial next year Credit: PA
