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The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘I chose the wrong path' – Former jockey banned for 12 years in ‘largest race-fixing ring ever' set for shock return
A FORMER champion jockey banned for 12 years for his role in the 'largest race-fixing ring ever' is set to make a shock return to the saddle. Greg Fairley was set for superstardom when crowned champion apprentice in 2007, beating William Buick to the title. 1 Former champion apprentice jockey Greg Fairley was banned for 12 years for his role in British racing's biggest ever fixing scandal - but is now all set to return to the track Credit: PA:Press Association Fairley, who is from Scotland, would go onto Group 1 glory and massive prize money earnings of £2.8million on the track over a few short years, banging in 381 winners in Britain alone. But his career looked done and dusted in 2011 when he was hit with a colossal ban for two of the most serious rules breaches. He was found guilty of riding a horse to lose - 'failing to obtain the best possible placing' - and passing on inside information for reward. A total of 11 people were sanctioned by the BHA for what at the time was called the 'largest race-fixing ring ever exposed in British racing history'. Fairley and fellow jockey Paul Doe were warned off for a dozen years, while two owners were banned for 14 for betting on their horses to lose, 'corrupting' jockeys in the process. Fairley announced he had quit racing before the BHA's findings were published and, in his own words, 'ran away' back home to run a tree surgery business. His ban ran out in December 2013 and he unsuccessfully reapplied for his riding licence last year. But he was given the thumbs up at another hearing last month - although the BHA will attach a number of conditions to his licence. Most read in Horse Racing All in all, the granting of the licence paves the way for Fairley, 37, to return to racing in the very near future. In a statement, he addressed his past ban and said he is firmly focused on returning to the winner's enclosure again. Fairley wrote: "Fifteen years ago I chose a path that was wrong and paid a justifiably significant price for my poor decisions. "I'm incredibly grateful to the licencing committee of the BHA for giving me a second chance. "I would also like to thank Sandy Thomson, Iain Jardine and Charlie and Mark Johnston who have all been very supportive. "There are still some elements of the licencing procedure that I need to complete before my licence is issued but I'm very excited to be on the verge of race-riding again." FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Who is Kate Ferdinand and what is the ex-Towie star's net worth?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KATE Ferdinand is the wife of ex-footballer and sports pundit Rio Ferdinand. The reality star is the footballer's second wife and the stepmother to three of his children. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Kate is dating footballer Rio Ferdinand Credit: PA: Press Association 3 She is the stepmother to three of his children and shares another daughter with him Credit: Instagram 3 Kate previously dated Towie star Dan Edgar Finding fame Kate was born on June 3, 1991, in Essex, and began her career as a business support manager at a bank. She began dating Towie cast member Dan Edgar, before landing a spot on the show herself in 2015. Dan dumped her in 2014, shortly after joining the show, meaning their time on the show was very strained. Speaking about the break-up, Kate said: "We went to Mexico and we had the most amazing holiday but... you know it just felt like we were friends." Dan added: "I feel like our relationship was like we'd been married for 30 years and we got on each other's nerves. "I can't believe it's come to this, I genuinely thought we'd be together for the rest of our lives." Kate was already friends with Essex icons Chloe Lewis and Gemma Collins when she joined the show, but eventually decided to leave in 2017. She also shared that she decided to leave so she could follow her interest in business, eventually investing in Bromley-based business Dolly Donuts. Finding love again Kate met ex-footballer Rio Ferdinand in Dubai, before tying the knot with him in Turkey in 2019. Rio's daughter from his first marriage, Tia, was the maid of honour at the wedding. Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville's takes on Man Utd vs Man City Since tying the knot, Kate has tried to keep her relationship as low-profile as possible. She revealed that she could never have a public relationship again. The star said:"Never again. Too much stress, too much pressure. Everyone's in each other's business." Becoming a stepmother Kate has become a stepmother to Rio's three children, who sadly lost their mother to cancer. The couple have also welcomed another daughter named Cree and are expecting another baby, who is due to arrive on July 10, 2025. Since becoming a stepmother, Kate has given up the limelight and has become an influencer. Speaking about her decision, she said:'I had two choices. "I'm in this world with lots of drama and then I met Rio and the children and, I thought, 'I'm with these kids, who have lost their mum, they don't need a woman who is out all the time. They need someone at home with them.' ' She has over 1.4 million followers on Instagram (as of May 2025) and regularly gives fans a sneak peak into her family life.
The Irish Sun
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Iconic steam train to make a comeback this summer – and it will be travelling through 7 UK counties
AN ICONIC steam train is set to return this summer, travelling through seven UK counties. Steam train fans will be eager to catch a glimpse of the 60163 Tornado, which departs from London Waterloo on August 16 before heading towards Advertisement 3 The iconic 60163 Tornado Credit: PA:Press Association 3 The locomotive can reach speeds of a whopping 100mph Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 3 It will depart from London Waterloo on August 16 Credit: Alamy The LNER Peppercorn Class A1 It will follow the classic route of the old "ACE" trains, which travelled along the South West coast before reaching the historic city of The iconic steam train will then head back, passing through Bristol and Kelly Osborne, managing director of The Railway Touring Company, said: "We are delighted to be working with the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust to provide opportunities for people from Woking and Basingstoke to travel with Tornado and for many more to see the locomotive in action. Advertisement read more on travel "It is very exciting that Tornado will be back on the national rail network." The locomotive can reach speeds of a whopping 100mph, making it one of the fastest steam trains to run since the 1960s. The 60163 Tornado made headlines when it was launched in 2008 as the first mainline steam locomotive built in the UK since 1960. Since its debut, the iconic train has appeared on the big screen in Paddington 2 and on TV shows like Top Gear. Advertisement Most read in Travel Exclusive Exclusive Steam train lovers will have to fork out £130 for a standard adult ticket. For those wanting a more luxurious experience, premier class tickets will cost £335 and include a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner, served with silver service on board. Santa steam train with Santa and musicians spotted departing Dublin station It comes after train enthusiasts went steam mad after a 93-year-old heritage locomotive was secretly sold to Japan to become a Originally green, Dumbleton Hall was painted bright red to look like the in the wizarding film franchise. Advertisement It was hidden under tarpaulin, transported on a low-loader to Southampton Dock and shipped to Dumbleton Hall was built in 1929 before being withdrawn from service in 1965. Its sister locomotive, Olton Hall, was the train featured in the movies and is now at the Harry Potter Experience near Dumbleton Hall was rescued from a scrapyard in the 1970s for £4,400 by Dumbleton Hall Locomotive Trust, eventually moving to the South Devon Railway Trust (SDRT). Advertisement But last year, West Coast Railways bought it for £300,000. They reportedly sold it to Warner Bros for £1million. David Long, of Dumbleton Hall Locomotive Trust, said: 'We didn't work hard to create a saleable asset that will now be denied to all of us. "This should be a wake-up call to all volunteers.' Advertisement SDRT's Ernest Elsworth-Wilson said: 'We thought it would be operating here but they sold it on. "We didn't have any clue it was going to Japan.' But Richard Elliot, ex-general manager of SDRT, said: 'It's probably better off in Japan where it's being looked after instead of gathering moss.' West Coast Railways boss David Smith did not respond to requests for comment. Advertisement
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Britain's Got Talent's most controversial golden buzzer acts of all time as fans beg ‘get rid of them!'
GOLDEN Buzzers on Britain's Got Talent have been a staple for over a decade - but some choices have proved controversial. The prestigious prize sends audition hopefuls straight through to the live semi-finals. 8 Britain's Got Talent has been a TV staple since launching in 2007 Credit: PA:Press Association 8 Each judge - as well as hosts Ant and Dec - have a a Golden Buzzer Credit: ITV Over the years, various Golden Buzzer acts have come under scrutiny - including for being recognisable before Britain's Got Talent. From the 2025 series, a new twist saw Golden Buzzers introduced for the live semi-finals. Although one finalist per semi final qualifies by public vote, the second is selected via a Golden Buzzer. Writing online, viewers have hit out at both the new twist and the Golden Buzzer format as a whole. One penned: "Can they get rid of this golden buzzer thing its unfair #BGT," Another added: "Please get rid of that golden buzzer. It's lost it's purpose and it's just stupid now." While a third chimed in: "they need to get rid of the golden buzzer in the semi finals." Listed below are some examples of Golden Buzzer acts who have proven to be controversial choices for the prize. Max Fox 8 Singer Max Fox had a unique beginning to his BGT journey Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Singer Max Fox took part in Britain's Got Talent 2025 - and secured a Golden Buzzer from Amanda Holden. Max's audition went viral as he was originally an audience member but begged Simon Cowell to let him perform. espite Simon's surprised reaction, some fans weren't buying it. One penned on Reddit: "I know that in episode 8 Simon went to great lengths about the fact that Max was not a set up. "But somebody getting up from the audience and going on to get a Golden Buzzer seems too contrived or am I being too cynical?" Another said: "Then I'm sorry but you're wrong, that was the most painfully setup thing I've seen on that show, and that's saying something." While a third offered some context: "I've actually been a producer for several decades - so my take on this is that probably Simon and the panel did not know about this, but the production team had to. "Any thing like this needs rehearsal and production on the sound/mix. "That level of production could not be spontaneous." Maya Giotea 8 Fans unearthed Maya Giotea's TV past Credit: ITV Aged just 14, Maya Giotea received Bruno Tonioli's Golden Buzzer in 2025 after wowing with Beyoncé hit "Listen". Former Strictly judge Bruno was so impressed that he awarded her the Golden Buzzer within a second of her finishing her final note. But viewers soon unearthed Maya's TV past - having auditioned for Romania's Got Talent in her home country. The teen received a standing ovation after belting out another power ballad, this time Whitney Houston's I Have Nothing, and it was even been claimed she was awarded the Golden Buzzer. Taking to X following her audition, one viewer said: "Maya Giotea who got the golden buzzer on #bgt tonight was on Romania Got Talent & got through to the live show." Another added: "Yet again been on Romania's got talent and got the golden buzzer even though there is none left!!" Sydnie Christmas 8 Sydnie Christmas was crowned BGT winner in 2024 Credit: Rex Sydnie Christmas was crowned the winner of Britain's Got Talent in 2024. She received Amanda Holden's Golden Buzzer at her audition after performing "Tomorrow" from Annie. At the time, she was 28 years old and had been working as the receptionist at a gym. However, viewers criticised Sydnie receiving the Golden Buzzer after her background as a stage performer was revealed. Some claimed her performing experience gave her an advantage over other acts. One fan wrote on X: "Why did Sydnie get a Golden Buzzer. She's a professional for goodness sake." Another remarked: "No way. She's either got an album out already or has been signed somewhere. Sydnie is pro already I reckon." Although others felt Sydnie deserved the honour, as one wrote: "I cried through her amazing performance. " she even converted Simon! She's got the charm to go with that spectacular voice. Good for her. Sydnie Christmas is a star." Axel Blake 8 Comedian Axel Blake took home the crown in 2022 Credit: Rex Viewers watched comedian Axel Blake win Britain's Got Talent in 2022. Axel impressed the judges with his audition routine - earning Simon's coveted Golden Buzzer. Fans were fuming when they learned the comedian already had a show on worldwide streaming platform Amazon Prime. Speaking in an interview after his win, Axel said: "I understand that you can't always win everybody over and that everyone is entitled to their opinion. "The word 'fix' is a strong one, I don't think somebody trying to become a household name and take their career to the next step should be punished for exploring every avenue possible to be able to showcase their love and craft." He added: "Whilst some people will know of me, there are a lot of people out there who don't and it's about trying to make sure I am chasing all those opportunities out there, to help me stand out amongst all the amazing comedians and entertainers in what is a very competitive industry." MB14 8 Fans branded MB14's Golden Buzzer "a fix" after discovering his past success Credit: Rex French beatboxer MB14 entered Britain's Got Talent in 2023 - receiving Ant and Dec's Golden Buzzer at his audition. However, viewers branded it "a fix" after learning about the star's prior success. He finished second on The Voice France in 2016 and subsequently signed a record deal with Polydor, which he later left. MB14 was formerly part of beatboxing group Berywam and was said to have 35,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. One viewer wrote online: "Just googled him. He has been on The voice France as a runner up. Obviously scouted." Another agreed: "Just an ordinary lad with 95m views on YouTube." While a third commented: "Another well known person auditioning for #BGT." Akshat Singh 8 Akshat Singh had already made a name for himself before joining BGT Credit: Rex Features Schoolboy Akshat Singh from Mumbai, India, pumped up the crowd with his energetic dance routine and feel good catch-phrase. He received Ant and Dec's Golden Buzzer for 2019 - but fans weren't happy after learning of his TV fame. Akshat was already a well-known dancer, having first come into the spotlight in Bengali dance reality show: Dance Bangla Dance. Following this, he participated in India's Got Talent where he became an overnight sensation. Further appearances included India's Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and the Ellen DeGeneres show in America. One viewer wrote: "The kids b****y already famous! Recognise him as soon as I see him wasn't even that good to be given the golden buzzer". Another shared: "What a waste of Ant and Decs Golden Buzzer. A movie star etc saw him do same routine on Ellen last year. "As usual the seem to think the great viewing public are dim and can't spot a plant act."
The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Britain's Got Talent's most controversial golden buzzer acts of all time as fans beg ‘get rid of them!'
GOLDEN Buzzers on Britain's Got Talent have been a staple for over a decade - but some choices have proved controversial. The Advertisement 8 Britain's Got Talent has been a TV staple since launching in 2007 Credit: PA:Press Association 8 Each judge - as well as hosts Ant and Dec - have a a Golden Buzzer Credit: ITV Over the years, various Golden Buzzer acts have come under scrutiny - including for being recognisable before Britain's Got Talent. From the 2025 series, a new twist saw Golden Buzzers Although one finalist per semi final qualifies by public vote, the second is selected via a Golden Buzzer. Writing online, viewers have hit out at both the new twist and the Golden Buzzer format as a whole. Advertisement Read more on BGT One penned: " Can they get rid of this golden buzzer thing its unfair #BGT ," Another added: "Please get rid of that golden buzzer. It's lost it's purpose and it's just stupid now." While a third chimed in: "they need to get rid of the golden buzzer in the semi finals." Listed below are some examples of Golden Buzzer acts who have proven to be controversial choices for the prize. Advertisement Most read in Reality Exclusive Max Fox 8 Singer Max Fox had a unique beginning to his BGT journey Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Singer Max Fox took part in Britain's Got Talent 2025 - and Max's audition went viral as he was originally an audience member but begged Simon Cowell to let him perform. espite Simon's surprised reaction, some fans weren't buying it. Advertisement One penned on Reddit: "I know that in episode 8 Simon went to great lengths about the fact that Max was not a set up. "But somebody getting up from the audience and going on to get a Golden Buzzer seems too contrived or am I being too cynical?" Another said: "Then I'm sorry but you're wrong, that was the most painfully setup thing I've seen on that show, and that's saying something." While a third offered some context: "I've actually been a producer for several decades - so my take on this is that probably Simon and the panel did not know about this, but the production team had to. Advertisement "Any thing like this needs rehearsal and production on the sound/mix. "That level of production could not be spontaneous." Maya Giotea 8 Fans unearthed Maya Giotea's TV past Credit: ITV Aged just 14, Advertisement Former Strictly judge Bruno was so impressed that he awarded her the Golden Buzzer within a second of her finishing her final note. But viewers soon unearthed Maya's TV past - having auditioned for 's Got Talent in her home country. The teen received a standing ovation after belting out another power ballad, this time Taking to X following her audition, one viewer said: "Maya Giotea who got the golden buzzer on #bgt tonight was on Romania Got Talent & got through to the live show." Advertisement Another added: "Yet again been on Romania's got talent and got the golden buzzer even though there is none left!!" Sydnie Christmas 8 Sydnie Christmas was crowned BGT winner in 2024 Credit: Rex Sydnie Christmas was crowned the winner of Britain's Got Talent in 2024. She received Amanda Holden 's Golden Buzzer at her audition after performing "Tomorrow" from Annie. Advertisement At the time, she was 28 years old and had been working as the receptionist at a gym. However, viewers criticised Sydnie receiving the Golden Buzzer after her background as a stage performer was revealed. Some claimed her performing experience gave her an advantage over other acts. One fan wrote on X: "Why did Sydnie get a Golden Buzzer. She's a professional for goodness sake." Advertisement Another remarked: "No way. She's either got an album out already or has been signed somewhere. Sydnie is pro already I reckon." Although others felt Sydnie deserved the honour, as one wrote: "I cried through her amazing performance. " she even converted Simon! She's got the charm to go with that spectacular voice. Good for her. Sydnie Christmas is a star." Axel Blake 8 Comedian Axel Blake took home the crown in 2022 Credit: Rex Advertisement Viewers watched comedian Axel Blake Axel impressed the judges with his audition routine - earning Simon's Fans were fuming when they learned the comedian on worldwide streaming platform Amazon Prime. Speaking in an interview after his win, Axel said: "I understand that you can't always win everybody over and that everyone is entitled to their opinion . Advertisement "The word 'fix' is a strong one, I don't think somebody trying to become a household name and take their career to the next step should be punished for exploring every avenue possible to be able to showcase their love and craft." He added: "Whilst some people will know of me, there are a lot of people out there who don't and it's about trying to make sure I am chasing all those opportunities out there, to help me stand out amongst all the amazing comedians and entertainers in what is a very competitive industry." MB14 8 Fans branded MB14's Golden Buzzer "a fix" after discovering his past success Credit: Rex French beatboxer MB14 entered Britain's Got Talent in 2023 - receiving Ant and Dec's Golden Buzzer at his audition. Advertisement However, He finished second on The Voice France in 2016 and subsequently signed a record deal with Polydor, which he later left. MB14 was formerly part of beatboxing group Berywam and was said to have 35,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. One viewer wrote online: "Just googled him. He has been on The voice France as a runner up. Obviously scouted." Advertisement Another agreed: "Just an ordinary lad with 95m views on YouTube." While a third commented: "Another well known person auditioning for #BGT." Akshat Singh 8 Akshat Singh had already made a name for himself before joining BGT Credit: Rex Features Schoolboy Akshat Singh from Mumbai, India , pumped up the crowd with his energetic dance routine and feel good catch-phrase. Advertisement He Akshat was already a well-known dancer, having first come into the spotlight in Bengali dance reality show: Dance Bangla Dance. Following this, he participated in India 's Got Talent where he became an overnight sensation. Further appearances included India 's Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and the Ellen DeGeneres show in America. Advertisement One viewer wrote: "The kids b****y already famous! Recognise him as soon as I see him wasn't even that good to be given the golden buzzer". Another shared: "What a waste of Ant and Decs Golden Buzzer. A movie star etc saw him do same routine on Ellen last year. "As usual the seem to think the great viewing public are dim and can't spot a plant act." Britain's Got Talent's biggest 'fix' rows Britain's Got Talent has been plagued with 'fix' rows over the years. How many of these do you remember? Jasmine Elcock - 2016: Teenage singer Jasmine Elcock stunned the nation with her version of Cher's Believe. But it then transpired she had already performed professionally in London's West End. Jasmine, 14, admitted: "I've performed in Annie in the West End at about the age of nine or 10, but I really get nervous." IrShad Shaikh - 2017: BGT fans were left questioning the rule book when IrShad Shaikh auditioned. Colin Thackery - 2019: Elderly war veteran Colin won BGT in 2019, but Axel Blake - 2022: Comedian Axel Blake was given a Golden Buzzer in 2022 after making the judges laugh. But fans were fuming when they discovered Singer Taryn Charles is one of this year's hopefuls lucky enough to receive the Golden Buzzer. Bruno Tonilio put her straight through to the semi-finals following her performance of (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by
