Latest news with #LukePrice
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
New Home Bargains store opens in Newport to huge crowds
The one-stop shop, which is a family favourite, invested around £6 million into the new store on Docks Way, which opened at 8am on Saturday. We were there a hundreds of people queued for hours to get into the store with the car park full. Even though the store had opened at 8am, by the time we arrived at around lunchtime, cars were backed out onto the main road in a queue to get into the car park - we even ended up waiting around 20 minutes for a space, and it was very much one in, one out in the car parking spaces. Once inside, it was almost like being in a sardine tin, with shoppers lining each the aisles offering everything from garden furniture, to Father's Day gifts to popular everyday cupboard fillers including biscuits, milk and cereal. (Image: NQ) Home Bargains very much feels like an expanded supermarket, with a variety of items on sale that you perhaps wouldn't expect to see in a supermarket, including bedding, candles, toiletries such as make-up, and even barbecues. One of the biggest selling points of the new store was the 'Garden World' section, set at the far side of the store in a greenhouse and giving a varied selection of plants and gardening equipment that could rival even Homebase or Webbs. The other major key selling point was the café, and given how busy the shop was, we didn't stop, but it was clear why the café was so popular on what was a very warm spring weekend. Most items were on the menu for less than £2, encouraging many to stop to refuel or refresh during their shop, something that many did given the length of the queues for the tills. The smell of freshly baked cakes and coffee could be smelt from halfway down the aisle approaching the café, with many people taking the opportunity to be encouraged to take a break. In fact the queues for the tills reached right down the shop aisles, with people filling their trolleys to the brim with all the 'special buys' and cheap home essentials on offer. Most people simply could not get up to the tills given the size of the queues and were simply forced to wait in their aisles to pay for their shopping - with queues reaching a minimum of at least half an aisle back on multiple occasions. We were inside for only around an hour, and it quickly became apparent that what seemed like all of Newport had turned out to visit the new store, as just as quickly as we left, another hoard of customers went inside, and the car park never seemed to empty. Image NQ (Image: NQ) The shop has the usual shopping choices of branded goods at affordable prices, but this store also has an in-store bakery, café, and garden centre. The bakery could rival Lidl, with offers of fresh bread, cookies, pastries and more on offer each day. (Image: NQ) The branch's new store manager, Luke Price, said: "I hope it will be at the heart of the community, a place for all to visit and have a great experience. "With a fresh new bakery, a fantastic garden centre offering everything you need, and a place to refresh in our café, it truly is a one-stop shop for all."
Daily Telegraph
27-05-2025
- General
- Daily Telegraph
Canterbury preview: Luke Price wants a soft option for Mogwai
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Co-trainer Luke Price feels Mogwai has found himself in the right race to kick off his latest campaign but hopes the track improves back into the soft range. Despite Mogwai having a heavy track win to his credit, Price believes a soft track is ideal for the former Godolphin gelding. 'While he has won on a heavy track once before, he is a horse whose best form is on Good 4 to Soft 6,' said Price, who trains in partnership with his father, Robert. The son of Epaulette made his way to the Price's Kembla base late last year when purchased on Inglis Digital for $75,000. He kicked off for his new trainers in the best possible fashion with an all-the-way win from Tartana and So Good So Cool at Kembla on December 28. He then stepped straight to Saturday city grade when a neck third behind Zondee at Rosehill on January 18 before two unplaced runs. 'He did a good job last campaign after a long time off,' Price said. 'He scored a nice win first-up albeit in a provincial race on his home track but he did carry a big weight. 'He went great at his next start in city grade when he ran third. 'I think he's a horse who likes to stride along. He doesn't like being held up which happened at his last run.' The four-year-old is leading contender in the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1250m) first-up provided the track improves. 'He is coming up really well, I like Tommy Berry on him and I don't mind the barrier. It gives him room to stride along where he is comfortable,' he said. 'If he lobs outside the leader, he can run a very cheeky race.' Price believes Canterbury is the ideal track for Invade And Conquer who likes to control things in front. Like Mogwai, Price said the track condition is all important to the gelding who was unplaced in both runs on heavy ground. 'He's honest but he just needs a Soft 5 track at worst,' he said. 'I'm not sure if he will go around this week. We will just see how the track comes up on race morning.' The four-year-old was a dominant winner on his home track back on March 22 before a wide run when eighth at Hawkesbury followed by a fourth at Kembla. He led and give a good kick on straightening at Kembla last start before being caught on the post by Hyperbolic. From barrier 3, he would be a good chance in the Benchmark 72 (1550m) with Rachel King aboard. 'He was brave the other day. He just didn't see the horse come down the outside,' said Price. 'He's drawn well and has a good jockey on in Rachel who rates them very well in front.' The Price's other runner for the day is Miss Hvar in the Benchmark 72 (1550m) for fillies and mares. The daughter of Ocean Park debuted with a strong closing run from well back to grab Kuwait on the line at Kembla on April 19 before jumping up to a Benchmark 68 when fourth to Hyperbolic on May 10. 'I thought she ran really well the other day in a slowly run race that was dominated by the on speed horses,' Price said. 'She had to make a sustained run from near last and the track was starting to get a doughy for her. 'She has a good rider on in Tyler Schiller, has no weight and will go back any way so the barrier is not a huge concern. 'Like the other two, I just hope the track dries up a bit.' ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Connections of Gunroom are banking on three key factors in the gelding's bid to break through for his first win. After leading at Warwick Farm last start, Gunroom looked home before being caught late be the flying Hopper. The son of Snitzel, who hails from the family of eight-time Group 1 winner Apache Cat, will give his rivals something to catch in the Broadsiding @ Darley Handicap (1250m). 'I thought he had the race won last start hence why we have opted to claim this week and the blinkers go on,' said Ben Vassallo, racing manager for B K Racing and Breeding. 'Also, getting him around a tighter circumference track that is rain affected as well as two kilo claim with Braith Nock. 'I think those factors can have him in a good position to break his maiden this week.' The Joe Pride-trained three-year-old was actually first past the post on debut at Hawkesbury last October before losing the race on protest to Lady Zodiac followed by a third at Wyong. This campaign, Gunroom resumed with a sixth at Hawkesbury before second placings to Maori Chief and Hopper in Super Maidens at Kensington and Warwick Farm taking his overall record to four placings from six starts. 'He hasn't been disappointing. It's just been frustrating to be so close to be honest,' Vassallo said. 'The jockey was soft on him late. It probably would have helped us in the (stewards) room if he pushed him out. 'Since then, he has had some good runs but some frustrating seconds. 'His pedigree says he will be better over further but we just want to win that maiden and then we can look to step him up in trip next preparation to 1400m or a mile.' B K Racing and Breeding also have Long Legs making her debut in the Ranvet Handicap (1100m) for two-year-old fillies. The Gary Portelli-trained daughter of Russian Revolution have been very good in both barrier trials on wet ground with Andrew Calder aboard who sticks with her. 'She is a beautiful filly. She is probably more of a three-year-old type than a two-year-old but we are late in the season now,' Vassallo said. 'She has thrived off everything we have asked of her. 'She has had a couple of weeks to prepare for this off that second trial. 'I expect her to run right up to her trials especially with the sting out of the ground.'
News.com.au
27-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Canterbury preview: Trainer Luke Price is hoping the weather is kind and the track dries for his trio
Co-trainer Luke Price feels Mogwai has found himself in the right race to kick off his latest campaign but hopes the track improves back into the soft range. Despite Mogwai having a heavy track win to his credit, Price believes a soft track is ideal for the former Godolphin gelding. 'While he has won on a heavy track once before, he is a horse whose best form is on Good 4 to Soft 6,' said Price, who trains in partnership with his father, Robert. The son of Epaulette made his way to the Price's Kembla base late last year when purchased on Inglis Digital for $75,000. He kicked off for his new trainers in the best possible fashion with an all-the-way win from Tartana and So Good So Cool at Kembla on December 28. Zondee swoops to take the TAB Hcp, giving @G1TySchil a Rosehill double! @HawkesRacing | @aus_turf_club â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 18, 2025 He then stepped straight to Saturday city grade when a neck third behind Zondee at Rosehill on January 18 before two unplaced runs. 'He did a good job last campaign after a long time off,' Price said. 'He scored a nice win first-up albeit in a provincial race on his home track but he did carry a big weight. 'He went great at his next start in city grade when he ran third. 'I think he's a horse who likes to stride along. He doesn't like being held up which happened at his last run.' The four-year-old is leading contender in the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1250m) first-up provided the track improves. 'He is coming up really well, I like Tommy Berry on him and I don't mind the barrier. It gives him room to stride along where he is comfortable,' he said. 'If he lobs outside the leader, he can run a very cheeky race.' Price believes Canterbury is the ideal track for Invade And Conquer who likes to control things in front. Like Mogwai, Price said the track condition is all important to the gelding who was unplaced in both runs on heavy ground. 'He's honest but he just needs a Soft 5 track at worst,' he said. 'I'm not sure if he will go around this week. We will just see how the track comes up on race morning.' Invade and Conquer for #Invader gets it done for a break through win! ðŸ'¥ Leading from start to finish, he made it look easy! ðŸ�ŽðŸ'¨ Invader stands for $8,800 inc gst #Invader #AquisStallions â€' Aquis Stallions (@AquisFarm) September 14, 2024 The four-year-old was a dominant winner on his home track back on March 22 before a wide run when eighth at Hawkesbury followed by a fourth at Kembla. He led and give a good kick on straightening at Kembla last start before being caught on the post by Hyperbolic. From barrier 3, he would be a good chance in the Benchmark 72 (1550m) with Rachel King aboard. 'He was brave the other day. He just didn't see the horse come down the outside,' said Price. 'He's drawn well and has a good jockey on in Rachel who rates them very well in front.' The Price's other runner for the day is Miss Hvar in the Benchmark 72 (1550m) for fillies and mares. The daughter of Ocean Park debuted with a strong closing run from well back to grab Kuwait on the line at Kembla on April 19 before jumping up to a Benchmark 68 when fourth to Hyperbolic on May 10. 'I thought she ran really well the other day in a slowly run race that was dominated by the on speed horses,' Price said. 'She had to make a sustained run from near last and the track was starting to get a doughy for her. 'She has a good rider on in Tyler Schiller, has no weight and will go back any way so the barrier is not a huge concern. 'Like the other two, I just hope the track dries up a bit.' â– â– â– â– â– Connections of Gunroom are banking on three key factors in the gelding's bid to break through for his first win. After leading at Warwick Farm last start, Gunroom looked home before being caught late be the flying Hopper. The son of Snitzel, who hails from the family of eight-time Group 1 winner Apache Cat, will give his rivals something to catch in the Broadsiding @ Darley Handicap (1250m). 'I thought he had the race won last start hence why we have opted to claim this week and the blinkers go on,' said Ben Vassallo, racing manager for B K Racing and Breeding. 'Also, getting him around a tighter circumference track that is rain affected as well as two kilo claim with Braith Nock. 'I think those factors can have him in a good position to break his maiden this week.' Hopper rallies under @tomo_sherry to take the third at Warwick Farm ðŸ'° @SnowdenRacing1 | @aus_turf_club â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 7, 2025 The Joe Pride -trained three-year-old was actually first past the post on debut at Hawkesbury last October before losing the race on protest to Lady Zodiac followed by a third at Wyong. This campaign, Gunroom resumed with a sixth at Hawkesbury before second placings to Maori Chief and Hopper in Super Maidens at Kensington and Warwick Farm taking his overall record to four placings from six starts. 'He hasn't been disappointing. It's just been frustrating to be so close to be honest,' Vassallo said. 'The jockey was soft on him late. It probably would have helped us in the (stewards) room if he pushed him out. 'Since then, he has had some good runs but some frustrating seconds. 'His pedigree says he will be better over further but we just want to win that maiden and then we can look to step him up in trip next preparation to 1400m or a mile.' B K Racing and Breeding also have Long Legs making her debut in the Ranvet Handicap (1100m) for two-year-old fillies. The Gary Portelli -trained daughter of Russian Revolution have been very good in both barrier trials on wet ground with Andrew Calder aboard who sticks with her. 'She is a beautiful filly. She is probably more of a three-year-old type than a two-year-old but we are late in the season now,' Vassallo said. 'She has thrived off everything we have asked of her. 'She has had a couple of weeks to prepare for this off that second trial. 'I expect her to run right up to her trials especially with the sting out of the ground.'
News.com.au
09-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Kembla preview: Trainer Robert Price feels stepping back up in distance is a key factor as Monte Veebee chases his maiden win
Trainers Robert and Luke Price are banking on a step back up in trip on his home track can end a frustrating run of minor placings and see Monte Veebee break through for his first win. The Prices were pleased with his first-up run when a half-length second behind Fleeting Spirit over 1300m on the Kensington before dropping his back to 1175m to chase a $100,000 Inglis Bonus in a Super Maiden at Albury on April 17. For the fifth time in his eight-start career, Monte Veebee finished second when beaten a length-and-a-half by Dubai Darling. Two of his second placings have been behind subsequent stakes winners Media World in the Clarendon at Hawkesbury 12 months ago and to El Castello at Warwick Farm last spring. He gets his chance to break through in the Midway Maiden Plate (1400m) from barrier 2. Fleeting Spirit flies past them to take the third at Randwick! 🰽 @KPMcEvoy | @RARacing_ | @aus_turf_club â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 26, 2025 'He is more a 1400m and 1500m horse so back to that trip here will suit him,' said Robert Price. 'He's well placed from a nice draw this weekend,' he said. 'We have tinkered with the gear. We had blinkers on him and t hey didn't really work so we have put the winkers on him now. 'There's nothing wrong with the way the horse is going. He is looking great. 'He should be in the winners' circle if things go right.' The stable also has Glitterscript in the same race and want to see the filly step up to the form that saw her place in town 12 months ago. 'She is running out of chances but things haven't been going right for her this preparation,' he said. 'She is a mare who squats down a bit in the gates. 'If she begins and gets a nice run in transit, she can run a cheeky race.' Invade And Conquer scored a dominant win over the Kembla 1400m three starts back and Price when ridden by apprentice Millie Fitzgerald. He then carried 59kg when eighth at Hawkesbury over 1400m and fourth at Kembla over 1300m at his last two runs. They have called on new Kembla apprentice Holly Durnan to claim 3kg in the Benchmark 68 Handicap (1400m) to bring his weight down to 55.5kg. 'He likes to be the dominate one in the run. He gets to that one speed and keep going,' he said. Invade and Conquer for #Invader gets it done for a break through win! ðŸ'¥ Leading from start to finish, he made it look easy! ðŸ�ŽðŸ'¨ Invader stands for $8,800 inc gst #Invader #AquisStallions â€' Aquis Stallions (@AquisFarm) September 14, 2024 'Back to the 1400m suits better and he may even be looking for a mile now if we can find one. 'He is going well and will be somewhere in the finish.' Also in the race, they saddle up Miss Hvar who cased a boilover when she won on debut at Kembla on April 19 at $51. 'That was a pleasant surprise,' he said. 'It's always hard stepping up from a maiden win into benchmark grade but she has done nothing wrong. 'She would have to be some sort of chance.' Their first runner of the day is Noble Ruby who is also another knocking on the door for a maiden win. The three-year-old filly has placed in three of her four starts this preparation, the latest a long neck second to Master Patrick at Wagga on May 1. 'She is certainly is knocking on the door but she is stepping back up to provincial grade. 'She has drawn nice and we still have a soft track. Hopefully we don't get any more rain. 'Barrier three is a nice draw for her. She races on speed in the first four or five and should get to ground in the middle of the track.'
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists issue warning over threats facing newly discovered creatures: 'Literally running out of space'
Two new species of frogs were recently discovered in Australia. They are types of Whirring Tree frogs, native to Eastern Australia's moist, cool, upland environment. Both have similar appearances — bodies that are bright, brownish-yellow with patches of red behind their legs. However, as reported, these frogs may not be able to adapt to the demands of our changing planet. Since the frogs show no evidence of adaptation to warming climates, the journal Zootaxa issued an immediate conservation warning for the frogs. University of Newcastle emeritus professor Michael Mahony said, "The frogs are literally running out of space. Isolated on mountaintops, with climate models predicting warmer and drier conditions, they have nowhere left to go." The Eungella Whirring Frog, one of the two newly discovered species, lives only within about a 20-kilometer area in the Eungella Mountain Range of North Queensland. The Atherton Whirring Frog lives hundreds of kilometers away in a similarly elevated rainforest. The Eungella Whirring Frog is among Australia's frogs with the shortest inhabitable range. As Luke Price, the lead author of the paper, noted, "Species confined to such tiny areas face immense risks — from wildfires to pollution events. One catastrophic event could wipe them out entirely." The Atherton Whirring Frog's inhabitable range is only slightly larger. Conserving the habitats of these frogs is crucial to preserving their existence. The continued warming of the planet will damage these cool, moist environments and force the frogs into extinction. On a broader scale, the loss of biodiversity negatively impacts food systems. As we lose species and harm the environment, the ecosystem's food webs get thrown out of balance. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Beyond this, a warming climate means more severe weather patterns, rising sea levels, and increased wildfires. These environmental threats will have a variety of other effects on our health and economy. Since the frogs are at their adaptive limits, conservation efforts are needed. These frogs are another indicator that we need to protect vulnerable species from the devastation of climate change. Conservation work has made significant, positive strides to protect wildlife. A study last year in Anthropocene found that these endeavors were paying off. For example, their numbers showed a 45% improvement in biodiversity. On an individual species level, there is also a lot to celebrate. Recently, rare black wolves were spotted in a forest in Poland. In Thailand, a cloud leopard was spotted with a young cub. In the ocean, the Mediterranean monk seal is also making a comeback. Conservation work is a group effort. Together, we can help protect many species of plants and animals from the dangers of climate change. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
