Latest news with #LeHavre
New Paper
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Rouget taking aim at seventh Jockey Club
PARIS After first forfeit, French trainer Jean-Claude Rouget could saddle two runners in the €1.5 million (S$2.2 million) Group 1 Qatar Prix du Jockey Club (2,100m) at Chantilly on June 1. He is simply the most successful active trainer in the great French spring championship for three-year-old colts and fillies. Having won the Prix du Jockey Club, also referred to as the French Derby, six times, he may now better his own record thanks to a two-pronged attack. The first time came in 2009 with the remarkable Le Havre, who coincidentally, will be represented in 2025 by his son Leffard, trained by Rouget as well and raced by the same co-owner, Gerard Augustin-Normand. It would not be unprecedented if the son were to follow in his father's footsteps. Of late, last year's Jockey Club winner Look De Vega - trained by Carlos and Yann Lerner, respectively father and brother of ex-Kranji jockey Marc Lerner - emulated the deed of his sire, 2010 winner Lope De Vega, himself a son of Shamardal, winner in 2005. In 2011, Reliable Man stepped into the shoes of his sire Dalakhani, who in 2003 had himself replicated the feat of his sire Darshaan (1984). Such generational success at the highest level perfectly illustrates the primary aim of horse racing: To select the best individuals to improve and perpetuate the thoroughbred breed. Based in Pau in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, Rouget rose to prominence in French racing from the late 2000s, becoming the first regionally-based trainer (at the time with two establishments, one in Deauville and one in Pau) to win the greatest French races. He boasts the four classics - the Prix du Jockey Club, Prix de Diane, Poule d'Essai des Poulains and Poule d'Essai des Pouliches - on his resume, as well as the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe earned in 2020 with Sottsass and in 2023 with Ace Impact, both of whom had previously won the Jockey Club. However, Rouget has battled illness in recent months and has refocused his operations in Pau, his historical base, with success. Rouget said he was happy with his two likely bidders Tipinso and Leffard to extend his record to seven. "Leffard and Tipinso worked together this morning (May 26)," he said. "Their gallop gave me complete satisfaction and, if nothing goes wrong between now and then, both horses will be at the start of the Prix du Jockey Club on Sunday." Tipinso, who is part-owned by Augustin-Normand, was a late scratching from the Group 1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains (1,600m) at ParisLongchamp on May 11. The son of Pinatubo previously chased home Instant Fragile in a Listed mile race at Toulouse on April 20. As for Leffard, he discovered Chantilly in the Listed Prix de Suresnes (2,000m), on May 2, beaten a short head by the winner Ntoi. "That day, we simply wanted to see whether he was suited to the track and whether he was able to compete with that level of opposition, and he answered both questions with a yes," said Rouget. "Moreover, we especially didn't want him to have a tough race. That's why his jockey Jean-Bernard Eyquem didn't ask him for more than a solid effort. "He might have been able to win, but that wasn't the goal." With Leffard, Rouget was also driven by the many omens around his rich record in the iconic 189-year-old race. "On the evening of the Suresnes, I felt reassured on the points I've just mentioned, and I was also happy, because Leffard's story is a bit special," said Rouget. "When I bought him, I immediately thought of a partnership between Gerard Augustin-Normand and Antonio Caro, for whom I won the Prix du Jockey Club in 2016 with Almanzor." Rouget's other two Prix du Jockey Club winners are Brametot in 2017 and Vadeni in 2022. "Furthermore, he is a son of Le Havre, who also won the Jockey Club in 2009 for Gerard Augustin-Normand - and Leffard looks just like his father," he added. "Everything is going well so far. Hope it continues on Sunday." FRANCE GALOP
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why European Cruise Itineraries Don't Always Tell The Full Story
Sculpture at Le Havre cruise ship port shows its importance as a container port. When you book a European cruise, it's easy to be drawn in by iconic names on the itinerary: Paris, London, Florence and more. But while the brochure may promise a stop in these cities, the reality is often quite different. Cruise ships rarely dock in the center of major capitals. In fact, some of the most famous cruise destinations are located hours away from the nearest port. There are several reasons why this happens, and it's worth understanding them before you step aboard. More importantly, knowing what to expect helps you plan how to spend your time in port, whether you travel independently or stick with the cruise line's organized shore excursions. Many of Europe's most visited cities are inland. The likes of Paris, Rome, Berlin, and Seville were never designed to receive ocean-going vessels. Instead, they developed around rivers and ancient trade routes long before cruise ships became a mode of travel. Even when coastal cities exist nearby, they're not always capable of handling the megaships of today. Modern cruise vessels are huge, requiring deep water and extensive facilities. That means they're often routed to major commercial or container ports, which are better equipped for embarkation, refueling, and moving thousands of passengers. These ports are functional, but not always scenic or close to the city that's been advertised. There's also the matter of logistics. Large cities often struggle with traffic and crowd control. Docking further away can help spread the load and streamline passenger transport. Here are a few well-known cruise itineraries where the advertised city is much farther from the port than travelers may realize. Le Havre for Paris: Although Le Havre is billed as the port for Paris, the French capital is more than two hours away by train or coach. A day trip is possible, but time on the ground is limited. For a more relaxed alternative, nearby Honfleur offers Normandy charm with cobbled streets and historic harbors. Southampton for London: Southampton is often described as London's cruise gateway, but the capital is about two hours away. While a full-day excursion is feasible, traffic and train delays are common. If embarking in Southampton, spending a few days prior to the cruise in the British capital is a wise move. Civitavecchia for Rome: Rome's cruise stop is the port of Civitavecchia, located 50 miles from the city. Travel time is around 90 minutes each way, making independent sightseeing a challenge on shorter port days. Train connections are regular, so many travelers still opt to visit Rome's iconic landmarks. Cádiz for Seville: Although Cádiz is used as a launch point for Seville, the port city itself is a worthwhile destination. Seville is about 90 minutes away by coach, but the central port, ancient history, waterfront promenade, sun trap beaches and numerous tapas bars of Cádiz please many cruise travelers who stay put. When you're facing a long distance between ship and city, your first decision is whether to travel on your own or book a cruise line excursion. The answer depends on several factors. If your port call is relatively short and the destination is more than an hour away, it's usually best to book through the ship. These excursions are timed carefully and, crucially, the ship will wait if there's a delay. Independent travelers don't have that safety net, and cruise lines won't hold departure for latecomers unless they're on an official tour. On the other hand, if the ship is docked for a full day and you're comfortable using local transport, travelling independently can offer more freedom and potentially save money. This is especially true in places like Civitavecchia and Southampton, where train services are frequent and reliable. In either case, it's essential to build in plenty of extra time and carry appropriate travel insurance in case of delays or missed connections. There's a silver lining to these distant ports. Often, the smaller towns where ships dock are underrated destinations in their own right. Places like Honfleur or Cádiz might not be world capitals, but they offer a more relaxed, authentic taste of the region, and you won't spend half the day on a highway. By managing expectations and understanding the geography behind your itinerary, you can avoid disappointment and plan a more rewarding day ashore. Whether you choose to chase the headline city or stay and explore the port itself, a little research goes a long way. Finally, be wary of overnight ports. An overnight stop might sound like a generous amount of time in port, but the reality can vary. On some itineraries, particularly those chasing the northern lights, ships may remain docked well into the next day, giving passengers plenty of time to explore. However, not all overnight listings are created equal. A ship that arrives at 4pm and departs at 7am the following morning technically qualifies as an overnight stay and may show the itinerary across two days, even though it offers relatively little time ashore. Before making plans, check the actual arrival and departure times. This is especially important if you are booking independent excursions or transfers, as early departures can easily catch people off guard. When timing is tight, it may be wiser to stick with cruise line tours.
Al-Ahram Weekly
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egyptian Players Abroad: Marmoush scores stunning goal for Man City, Salah plays but Liverpool lose to Brighton, VAR denies Kouka goal as Le Havre win - Talents Abroad
All times are Cairo time (GMT+3). Saturday 17 May 2025 Ahmed Hassan Kouka (Le Havre) The Egyptian striker came off the bench in the 63rd minute to score for Le Havre, but VAR disallowed the goal, ending the game in a 2-3 win over Strasburg in Ligue 1. Sunday 18 May 2025 Sam Morsy (Ipswich Town) The Egyptian midfielder was included in the starting lineup during Ipswich Town's 2-0 loss to Leicester City in England, before being substituted in injury time. Monday 19 May 2025 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) The Egyptian winger played the full game during the 3-2 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion in England Tuesday 20 May Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) The Egyptian international winger opened the scoring for Man City with a stunning strike in the 14th minute before being substituted in the 91st minute of the 3-1 win over AFC Bournemouth. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
The Guardian
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Ligue 1 left embarrassed after anti-homophobia matchday causes controversy
What was meant to be a weekend of solidarity against homophobia in Ligue 1 descended into controversy and embarrassment for French football, as players refused to wear campaign symbols, one striker boycotted his team's match, and a homophobic slur was heard in a stadium tunnel. The Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic and Le Havre's Ahmed Hassan both concealed the French league's anti-homophobia insignia during Saturday's fixtures. Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed withdrew from his side's match against Montpellier, citing personal beliefs — the third time the Egypt international has opted out of the initiative. Meanwhile, Lens defender Jonathan Gradit was heard directing a homophobic insult at half-time in the tunnel during their game against Monaco. The string of incidents prompted France's new sports minister, Marie Barsacq, to issue a pointed statement on Sunday, calling for decisive action. 'Football has a massive platform, and the [French Footbal] Federation is determined to put this issue on the clubs' and supporters' agenda,' Barsacq said. 'Homophobic insults and behaviour are no longer acceptable. Society has evolved, and the language in football must change with it. There's a full range of sanctions available, and they must be applied.' Ligue 1 had planned for players to wear rainbow-coloured symbols on shirts or armbands and display messages in stadiums as part of its annual awareness drive. Yet participation has been uneven in recent years, with some players citing personal or religious reasons for opting out. Players speaking up is a rare occasion, although the former France international Antoine Griezmann said six years ago: 'If a gay player wants to come out, he might not have all the France players with him, but he will have me.' Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion The Nice full-back Jonathan Clauss said last week he was pessimistic about the fight against homophobia. 'I think it's a never-ending fight, because there will never be 100% of people who agree. And the very fact that there's a debate is a problem,' he said.
Al-Ahram Weekly
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egyptian striker Kouka defends appearing in anti-homophobia match after offensive messages - Talents Abroad
Le Havre Egyptian striker Ahmed "Kouka" Hassan defended his situation after participating in Saturday's 3-2 win over Strasburg in the final day of the league despite of receiving offensive messages urging him not to play before the game and even after it. The final day of Ligue 1 witnessed the league's annual anti-homophobia campaign and despite his rejection for the issue, Kouka gave his club the priority amid its critical situation in the competition. 'I have received a lot of offensive messages to not play yesterday's game and even after the game,' Kouka said via X on Sunday night. 'But Yesterday's match was incredibly important for our club, our fans and I couldn't abandon my team mates in the most important game of the season, I gave everything on the pitch for the team, as I always do, but I also had to find a way to stay true to my personal and religious beliefs,' the Egyptian international added. The 32-year-old Kouka, who joined Le Havre last January from Portuguese side Rio Ave, found his new team struggling at the bottom of the table upon his arrival, but things improved with time. On Saturday, Kouka came off the bench in the 63rd minute to score for Le Havre, but VAR disallowed the goal, ending the game in a 2-3 win for his team, which avoided relegation and ensured a place in the top flight competition next season. French giants PSG secured their fourth successive Ligue 1 title this season, ending the competition with 84 points from 34 games. Egyptian striker Mostafa Mohamed, who plays for French side Nantes was in the same situation, but unlike Kouka and as usual for him, he refused to play on the same match day for the third successive season. Mohamed was fined by his club for after his early announcement that he will not play Saturday's game against Montpellier. Moreover, Aurore Bergé, the French Minister for Equality between Women and Men and the Fight against Discrimination, has called for sanctions against Mohamed. From his side, Kouka said that he had his way of rejection regardless of abandoning the game. 'The league chose to impose a logo that represents a cause I respectfully do not support due to my faith. I made the decision to cover the logo, not out of disrespect toward anyone but to protect my conscience and remain true to my principles,' Kouka explained. 'I believe that support for any cause should come from the heart and be a matter of personal choice, not a forced obligation,' he added. Kouka finally called for mutual respect regardless of differences of orientation. 'Respect must go both ways. just as we are asked to respect others, we ask for our beliefs and values to be respected too,' he said. 'I know some people will disagree with my decision, but I acted with sincerity, respect, and a clear conscience. 'Let's keep working to create a world where we can live together peacefully, even when we don't all agree,' the former Ahly player concluded. Since his arrival last winter, Kouka has made 16 league appearances for the team, netting three goals, including two crucial ones, in two decisive games against Lens and Monaco. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
