Latest News from New Paper
New Paper
16 hours 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
New Paper
16 hours ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Storm Titan blows them away in trials
With 12 wins for the season, Richard Lim's takings so far have been modest. But, he does have some good ones in the yard. One of them has yet to face the starter, Storm Titan. Right now, he is shaping up as a three-year-old with absolute potential. The faithful who usually take in the gallops and the morning trials at Sungai Besi will know him. After all, he has been to the trials twice and, like that first one on May 14, this latest one on May 27 was a treat to watch. Here is how it all unfolded. As the runners took their spots in the gates, Storm Titan was, like a bantam rooster - all strut and style. Fitted with pacifiers and jumping from the innermost chute, he was quickly into his stride. Prominent in his red headgear, he led the way with Born To Win (Khairil Zulkiflee) and Wan Legacy in close attendance. Taking the shortest route home, he led them by three lengths at the top of the stretch and looked to have done enough until Captain Pegasus (Fikri Ismail) threw out a challenge at the furlong mark. The four-time winner got close but Storm Titan had enough in the tank to wrap it up by half-a-length. Bingo Master slotted in third. Storm Titan clocked a decent time of 1min 0.82sec. It was a repeat of that first trial on May 14 when Storm Titan jumped cleanly and took the lead after just 300m. The three-year-old stayed there, not allowing any of his rivals to get close to him. He eventually coasted in a two-length winner and he did the trip in 1min 1.64sec. That day, like on the morning of May 27, Lim elected to allow apprentice Uzair Sharudin do the piloting and, by the looks of things, the youngster will be doing everything in his power to retain that seat when Storm Titan does make his raceday debut. Yes, Lim has got a really good one in the barn. A New Zealand-bred by Ace High, Storm Titan has the makings of an honest brawler. Sure, he is competitive. Then again, so are most - if not all - thoroughbreds in this business. But, the thing about Storm Titan is the fact that he does not like to lose. We saw it in this latest trial when Captain Pegasus tossed in a challenge. Storm Titan took the bit between his teeth and, in that last throw of the dice, he had more desire than Captain Pegasus and the rest of the beaten brigade. That said, Captain Pegasus was hardly disgraced. To have run second at Sungai Besi was, in itself an achievement as all of Captain Pegasus' four career wins were on the track at the Perak Turf Club and when the Shamexpress seven-year-old was under the care of trainer Kevin Coetzee. Now with Siva Kumar, he has yet to appear for him at the races. And yes, it has been a long time between drinks for the connections as Captain Pegasus' last win was on April 7, 2024. However, and on the strength of his run at the trials, he deserves some thought when Siva does send him into the mix. Earlier in the opening trial of the morning, the Winson Cheng Han Yong-trained Thousand Mile Eye seemed content to stay third for most of the early part of the 1,000m trip as Pacific Empire (Clyde Leck) and Shinjuku (Laercio de Souza) traded blows up front. Just when it looked like he was going to settle for a "minor placing", his rider Haikal Hanif asked him for an effort and Thousand Mile Eye responded. Stepping on the gas at the furlong mark, he caught the leaders by surprise and his turn of foot swept him to the front. To his credit, Shinjuku refused to give up the fight and he rallied. But the momentum was with Thousand Mile Eye and he went on to take the trial by a short head, clocking 1min 0.41sec for the sharp sprint. A two-time winner from 17 starts, his last win was on July 21. But his last three runs have been commendable and he could be worth a punt at his next start. brian@
New Paper
16 hours ago
- Sport
- New Paper
May 29 South Africa (Vaal) form analysis
Race 1 (1,700m) This will not take much winning, so (1) BRIGHAM need not improve much on recent form and consistency to break his duck. (4) ALAKANANI, (7) ART NOUVEAU and (8) BLUE QUARTZ also have the form and experience to play leading roles. Race 2 (1,000m) Promising (1) SYLVAN WARRIOR gave weight and a beating to older rivals on his handicap debut last time and, even under top weight, could prove hard to beat back in 2yo company. (3) CONSTELLATION is 3kg better off last-start winner (2) NYAKA NYAKA, so could give the selection most to fear. Nyaka Nyaka is improving and likely to acquit himself competitively. Recent runner-up (8) ANCHORAGE should make her presence felt too with any improvement. Race 3 (1,200m) (18) JAPANESE GARDEN built on an encouraging debut to finish second over 1,450m last time and showed enough pace that day to suggest that this shorter trip could be more to her liking. (1) DESERT CLOUD has the form and greater experience to expose any chinks in the selection's armour. Watch the betting on well-bred debutants (13) AL GREENGA and (10) DEZIRE. Race 4 (1,200m) Last-start runner-up (15) TIME WILL TELL has scope for improvement, so could have the measure of his rivals. (1) MIZZEN SWORD needs only produce a similar performance to be in the shake-up once more. Younger rival (17) WALL STREET also has plenty of upside. Keep safe. (10) OKLAHOMA SMOKESHOW would have benefited from her introductory outing and should not be underestimated. Race 5 (2,000m) It could pay to follow the progress of class-dropper (2) ALADDIN'S LAMP who caught the eye on his Highveld debut and would have benefited from that comeback. Hard-knocker (3) BANHA BRIDGE is proven at this level and likely to be in the shake-up, too. (1) THE ULTIMATE KING is progressive and unbeaten as a gelding. He won a similar race on his handicap debut and a five-point penalty is unlikely to halt his momentum. (9) COPPOLA and (6) FUTUREWOLFF are 2kg better off with their last-start conqueror, so should pose more of a threat. Race 6 (1,800m) (3) INSTANT ATTRACTION was runner-up on handicap debut at a higher level. She races off an unchanged mark and will benefit from her rider's 1.5kg allowance. (2) STORM AHEAD would not be winning out of turn after consecutive seconds but deserves another chance. Recent runner-up (9) VIVA DE JANEIRO completes the shortlist. Veterans (4) CARNELO and (5) CALL ME MASTER continue to hold their own in this grade and will likely acquit themselves competitively. Race 7 (1,600m) A slight ease in the ratings and return to this distance will suit (3) CAPE LIGHTS who could represent the value in a tricky handicap. (8) AVOONTOAST had legitimate excuses for a disappointing last start and could make amends. (6) BLIND AMBITION has thrived since relocating to the Highveld and this step-up in class is unlikely to prevent another bold showing. (12) LAST CAR TO PASS and (14) I AM REGAL are others capable of playing a role. Race 8 (1,400m) (2) KING OF NUMBERS and (3) PAUL REVERE are closely matched on the form of a recent meeting over this trip and there should not be much separating them on these terms. Last-start winner (4) DYLAN'S CHAMP is also a genuine candidate for honours. (8) NEW MEXICO did not go unnoticed last time when returning from a break and should improve to make his presence felt too. Race 9 (1,200m) (15) ALONE TIME ran well above his rating last time when third at level weights to a 108-rated 3yo rival and a repeat of that performance in this weaker company should suffice. (2) VEGAS HI RISE, (13) MICKE'S BOMB and (14) GOLDEN ASPEN will be competitive for the places if also reproducing their recent performances.
New Paper
18 hours ago
- New Paper
More demerit points, higher fines for speeding offences from Jan 1, 2026: MHA
Motorists caught speeding will receive heavier penalties from 2026, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on May 28. These include more demerit points and higher composition sums for these offences. Motorists who go over their vehicular or road speed limit can expect to receive between two and six more demerit points. Those caught driving not more than 20kmh above the speed limit will receive six demerit points, up from the current penalty of four demerit points. Motorists who go over the speed limit by 41 to 50kmh will get 18 demerit points, up from the current 12 points. They will also be charged in court. In its press release on May 28, MHA said that the composition fines will be increased by $50 to $100, depending on the severity and the type of vehicle. Motorists who receive 24 demerit points within 24 months will have their driving licences suspended. Those who have their licences suspended three times will have their licences revoked. The new penalties will take effect from Jan 1, 2026. In its statistics release on Feb 21, the Traffic Police (TP) said that the number of people killed and injured in traffic accidents hit a five-year-high in 2024, with speeding contributing to one in three fatal crashes. The number of speeding violations also reached a 10-year-high in 2024, with 192,000 cases - more than double the number in 2023. In 2024, there were 7,188 road accidents and 142 fatalities, said MHA. There was also a 43.8 per cent increase in speeding-related fatal accidents, from 32 cases in 2023 to 46 cases in 2024. "The enhanced penalties underscore MHA's commitment to maintaining road safety. Road safety is ultimately a shared responsibility," said the ministry. "Motorists are urged to adhere to speed limits and drive safely for their own protection and that of other road users. MHA will continue to review our laws and policies as necessary in order to keep our roads safe." In March, an Internal Security Department officer was fined $7,000 for speeding and causing hurt to five others. Badrolizam Kamsin ran a red light while driving in Boon Lay in March 2024. His car collided into another vehicle, injuring the driver and four passengers. Most of the five victims suffered bruises to their bodies. Badrolizam, 57, was also disqualified from holding or obtaining all classes of driving licences for 1½ years. In July 2024, a 60-year-old man who beat a red light while driving above the speed limit was fined $2,000 and disqualified from driving for 15 months. This was the first time a motorist has been tried in court for a speeding violation captured by the speed enforcement function in a red-light camera, said the police then.
New Paper
18 hours ago
- New Paper
22 nabbed for suspected involvement in government official impersonation scams
A total of 22 people, aged between 22 and 56, were arrested for their suspected involvement in the recent spate of government official impersonation scam cases. In a news release on May 28, police said the 17 men and five women were nabbed following islandwide anti-scam operations conducted between March 13 and May 22. Another four men and five women, aged between 22 and 77, are assisting in the investigations. Police said they have received several reports of scam cases involving the impersonation of banks and government officials since early March. The victim would first receive an unsolicited call from a scammer impersonating a bank officer, typically from DBS, OCBC, UOB or Standard Chartered Bank, or a staff of China-based services such as Union Pay and WeChat, police said. The scammer would tell the victim that he or she was suspected of being involved in a criminal matter, then connect them to another scammer posing as a police officer. This "police officer" would convince the victim to surrender valuables such as cash, jewellery and bank cards to an "agent" for investigation. In some cases, the victims would be instructed to buy gold bars, which they would then give up to an "agent". Preliminary investigations showed that the 31 people had allegedly facilitated such scam cases by collecting the valuables from the victims. These mules would meet the victims in public places to collect the items from them. They would later hand the items over to another mule, or leave them unattended at a public place to be picked up later. "Victims would only realise that they had been scammed when the scammers become uncontactable or when they sought verifications with the banks or SPF," police said. Police investigations are ongoing. Those convicted of assisting another to retain benefits from a scam could face a jail term of up to three years, a fine, or both. "The police take a serious stance against any person who may be involved in scams, and perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law," they added. "To avoid being an accomplice to crimes, members of the public should always reject requests by others to use your bank account or mobile lines as you will be held accountable if these are linked to crimes." Government officials will never, over a phone call, ask them to transfer money, disclose bank log-in details, install mobile apps from unofficial app stores or transfer their call to the police, they said. Police also encouraged members of the public to adopt crime prevention measures, such as installing the ScamShield app, setting security features and checking for scam signs with official sources. In 2024, victims lost a total of $1.1 billion to scams - a record high for a single year. Police also saw the highest number of scam reports ever in the same year, with 51,501 cases recorded compared with 46,563 cases in 2023.
