Latest News from The Australian
The Australian
5 hours ago
- General
- The Australian
Next 48 hours important for Rothfire's Stradbroke fate
Brisbane trainer Rob Heathcote concedes his old warrior Rothfire remains in doubt to take his place in the $3 million Stradbroke Handicap on Saturday week. Heathcote says the next 48 hours will be crucial as Rothfire recovers from a stone bruise suffered last Tuesday, forcing his scratching from Saturday's Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup, which was postponed due to persistent heavy rain at Eagle Farm on Queensland Derby Day. The Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) and the Queensland Derby (2400m) will now be run this week, in conjunction with the Queensland Oaks (2200m) feature, in a 'Super Saturday' of racing at Eagle Farm featuring three Group 1s. But seven-year-old gelding Rothfire won't be there and he remains under an injury cloud for the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap over 1400m at Eagle Farm. * Read: Brisbane gets unexpected Super Saturday after Derby Day washout 'It's frustrating because with a stone bruise, it's not a simple thing,' Heathcote said. 'The laminae in their hoofs are like the nails of our fingers. They can be very painful and can take time to heal. 'We're hoping that in the next 48 hours something develops, either he gets better or he gets worse. 'Now getting worse might sound crazy but if it's going to develop into an abscess, then we want it to happen quickly so we can get him over it. 'Fortunately I've got two weeks (until the Stradbroke) so in the next 48 hours I want something to happen. 'He's still very tender in the near fore hoof. We're hoping and praying that something good happens in the next few days.' Rothfire showed he was back to his devastating best when he delivered a tremendous fight against star mare Sunshine In Paris to just miss out in the $1.5m Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m) on a heavy track on May 17. The 2020 JJ Atkins champion has won just under $3.5 million in prizemoney, despite suffering a litany of injuries during his illustrious career, including a sesamoid fracture in September 2020 that threatened to end his career. Meanwhile, the Chris Waller-trained filly Belle Detelle is battling to be fit for the Queensland Oaks on Saturday. Bookmakers have rated Belle Detelle as a $9 hope in the Oaks, but she was scratched as the race favourite in the rescheduled Queensland Derby, which was meant to be run last Saturday, after suffering a foot abscess. Asked whether the injury would heal in time for the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes winner to run in the $700,000 Oaks on Saturday, Waller said 'I don't know'. Sydney's premier trainer also has $8 chance Movin Out running in the Oaks. She produced a barnstorming surge from last to finish third in The Roses (2000m) at Doomben on May 24 in a Group 2 race won by Oaks favourite Philia.
The Australian
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Australian
Djokovic and Sinner flex muscles to reach French Open last 16 as Keys survives
Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner flexed their muscles on Saturday, powering into the fourth round of the French Open in straight sets, as Madison Keys saved three match points to advance alongside three other American women. Djokovic eased past Austrian qualifier Filip Misolic 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 on Court Philippe Chatrier to keep his quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title on track. The three-time French Open winner took just over two hours to beat 153rd-ranked Misolic and will next play Britain's 81st-ranked Cameron Norrie for a place in the quarter-finals. Djokovic played in the night session on centre court with the match overlapping with the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan. "I don't know if it was good for me to get this scheduled slot, because it was interesting, the crowd was really following the (football) game," he said. "And I could hear once they (PSG) scored, and it was way too many times that they were celebrating. I was like, 'Wow, there's a lot of goals from Paris' and 'What's going on?'. So now I heard it's 5-0, so it's quite a result, to be honest." The 38-year-old faced only one break point, which he saved, while hitting just 14 unforced errors to 33 winners. Earlier, world number one Sinner eased through 6-0, 6-1, 6-2 against outclassed world number 34 Jiri Lehecka. "I think in early stages of Grand Slams it's good that you don't spend so much time, if you have the chance, on court," said the top-seed Italian. "I don't think there's much I could improve." Three-time Grand Slam winner Sinner next meets Russia's Andrey Rublev, who advanced after France's Arthur Fils withdrew injured on Friday. Sinner has been finding his feet since his comeback from a three-month doping ban, reaching the Italian Open final where he lost to reigning Roland Garros champion Carlos Alcaraz. And the 23-year-old has not dropped a set in Paris -- extending his winning streak at Grand Slam events to 17 matches after titles at the 2024 US Open and Australian Open this January. British fifth seed Jack Draper proved too strong for Brazilian teenage sensation Joao Fonseca, winning 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 to progress through to the fourth round, where he will meet Kazakh Alexander Bublik. - Keys 'digs deep' - German third seed Zverev, who lost last year's final to Alcaraz, won 6-2, 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 against Hamburg champion Flavio Cobolli. "It was quite hot today, and I definitely felt it on the court," said Zverev. "But, yeah, happy to get through in three sets and not waste extra energy." In the women's draw, a relieved Keys edged fellow American Sofia Kenin 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. "I'm happy to be still in the tournament," said the 30-year-old seventh seed after she saved three match points when serving at 4-5 in the decider. "I really tried to dig deep." She advanced alongside fellow countrywomen Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Hailey Baptiste. Keys will again face another compatriot in the next round after Baptiste downed Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 7-6 (7/4), 6-1. Keys and Kenin shared breaks early in the decider, before the reigning Australian Open champion broke the 31st seed at 5-5 and then held serve to see out the match. Former Australian Open champion and Roland Garros runner-up Kenin had led 3-0 in the third set, before the world number eight turned the match round to book her place in the last 16. World number two Gauff booked her ticket to the same stage with a straight-sets win over Czech Marie Bouzkova. The 21-year-old won through 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) against the world number 47 and next plays Ekaterina Alexandrova, the 20th seed, who beat fellow Russian Veronika Kudermetova 6-2, 6-2. Third seed Pegula joined her fellow Americans with a 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 win over Czech Marketa Vondrousova. Pegula, last year's US Open runner-up, next meets the unheralded Lois Boisson, ranked 361 and the last French player competing in Roland Garros. Boisson fought through the pain to see off 138th-ranked compatriot Elsa Jacquemot 6-3, 0-6, 7-5. "Obviously.. going to have some crazy support," said Pegula. "I think it will be fun. It will be cool to be a part of that." Earlier, 18-year-old Andreeva eased into the last 16 with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Kazakh Yulia Putintseva. Sixth seed Andreeva will next play Daria Kasatkina, ranked 17 and now playing for Australia after switching allegiance from her native Russia, who beat Spanish 10th seed Paula Badosa 6-1, 7-5. ea/nf
The Australian
a day ago
- General
- The Australian
Krystel Paul's sister raises money for her niece
The sister of a mother who was allegedly killed by her husband in a suspected murder suicide is raising money to support the couple's child, now in her care following the tragedy. The bodies of Krystel and James Paul, both aged 41, were found after emergency services were called to a Cairns home about 7.15pm on Tuesday to conduct a welfare check. When officers arrived at the Mount Sheridan home on Verbena Dr they found both bodies with gunshot wounds. Those close to Ms Paul said she was allegedly planning to leave her husband, The Cairns Post reported. Mr Paul was reportedly a registered gun owner who kept multiple firearms at the home. The bodies of Krystel and James Paul were found on Tuesday evening following a welfare check. Picture: Instagram. Ms Paul's sister, Jasmin Bolt, has set up a fundraiser to support the couple's child, who had sought help from a neighbour on Tuesday evening. More than $10,000 has been raised on the Go Fund Me page, with Ms Bolt writing she would be looking after he niece, along with her mother, following her sister's death. 'I need to make sure (her niece) is financially secure for her future, to help with schooling moving forward,' Ms Bolt wrote on the fundraiser. 'Thank you everyone for your kind words and support.' Cairns' Police Detective Acting Inspector Alina Bell earlier told media the couple's nine-year old daughter had gone to neighbour Danna Lancini's home to seek help on Tuesday evening. 'We provided an immediate response due to the concerns of the welfare of the occupants of that house, and unfortunately upon arrival, both male and female were located deceased,' Acting Inspector Bell said. Ms Lancini said the young girl told her 'dad sent me here because (my mum) is dead', the Cairns Post reported. '(Her dad) told her to run to (my) house and then ring her grandma and tell her that the mum's dead,' Ms Lancini said. 'I didn't believe it …(but) he must've rung the ambulance because when I looked out, the police was there. 'It happened all at one … the daughter was in shock, and the police didn't really say anything.'
The Australian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Australian
Jace McMurray's magic moment with first Saturday success in Sydney
Boom young apprentice Jace McMurray enjoyed a moment to savour at Rosehill Gardens, booting home his first Sydney metropolitan Saturday winner aboard Edited By. Queenslander McMurray, 18, has been up and running in Sydney for about a month now and is quickly turning heads among the training ranks, exhibiting balance and poise well beyond his years. And those attributes were on full display when guiding Edited By to an all-the-way victory in the Ranvet Handicap Benchmark 78 (1500m) for his master Michael Freedman which doubled as his first career Rosehill Gardens triumph. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'I was swinging on him at the 600m mark and was just thinking when I let you go please don't stop,' an elated McMurray said post race. 'He was really tough to the line and gave me his all. One to remember.' Fighting off any number of challengers late, McMurray dropped the whip in the drive to the line but didn't panic, switching to hands and heels to get the job done in style. 'Little mistake there … Thankfully the post came up there in time and he kept responding for me,' McMurray added. Edited By's victory came after McMurray finished second aboard the Freedman-trained Codetta a race earlier. Stable representative Sophie Johnson was full of praise for McMurray's steady hand in returning Edited By to the winner's stall at a track he excels at. • Little brother follows in Private Eye's footsteps with impressive win 'He's very consistent and always gives his all, he loves being out in front and dictating and Jace allowed him to do just that today,' Johnson said. 'With Jace being part of the team now being able to use his 3kg claim is a big plus for us, especially on a difficult horse to place like him (Edited By) because he's crept up in the ratings very quickly. 'It makes trying to find the right race pretty hard but with Jace's claim we can put it to good use. It was the difference today there late.' Edited By ($12) scored by a long head at the finish ahead of a fast finishing Pure Alpha ($5) while Little Cointreau ($4.40) was a further neck away in third. Edited By's Saturday success followed a midweek double for McMurray after guiding the Freedman-trained Just Feelin' Lucky and Inside Man to victory at Canterbury on Wednesday. The latter of the two wins notched up a career milestone for McMurray as his 100th win in the saddle. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Godolphin to pick out winter options for Kerguelen Team Godolphin will temper their expectations with Kerguelen despite the four-year-old's impressive return to racing at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. The lightly raced son of Lonhro hadn't been seen at the races since last November but with two eye-catching trials under his belt, returned victorious under the urgings of Kerrin McEvoy. The gritty win, getting the better of Brave One over the concluding stages, extended Kerguelen's career record to three wins and three second from the six appearances. Godolphin stable representative Paul Reid said the stable would map out a winter schedule for the well-bred type. • Eagle Farm to host Super Saturday after Derby Day washout 'He looked like he was the first horse under pressure at the corner but he kept coming and battled away really well,' Reid said. 'The other horse (Brave One) had the inside run on us so it was a really good effort. 'I think for where he's at he's well suited in the winter with the wet tracks and James will just place him accordingly for now. 'To win first up with a bit of weight was a good effort.' Kerrin McEvoy, who claimed a Godolphin double after Zebra Finch landed the two-year-old event, said the gelding raced right up to his looks in the yard. 'Today was my first time on his back and he really took my eye in the parade,' McEvoy said. 'He's a nice horse and gave me a really good feel. He travelled like the winner during the race and to dig in first up at the 1200m like that was a good effort.'
The Australian
a day ago
- Politics
- The Australian
Melbourne streets turned red as A-League's fans set flares, taunt police
The streets of Melbourne have been turned red and yellow, with rowdy soccer fans setting of flares to a strong police presence amid the A-League decider. Incredible photos have captured the chaotic scenes, with soccer fans descending on AAMI park to watch the showdown between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City FC. No one has been accused of any wrongdoing. Picture: NewsWire / Diego Fedele Members of the Public Order Response Team with Victoria Police arrive outside a pub where hundreds of Melbourne Victory football fans gather ahead of the A-League final. Picture: NewsWire / Diego Fedele Crowds of fans bundled up in soccer scarfs appeared to be taunting officers, who turned out in big numbers ahead of the match. Some shouted anti-police chants, The Herald Sun reported. Past matches between the two teams have erupted in chaos, including in 2022 where about 150 spectators stormed the field. Goalkeeper Tom Glover was allegedly struck in the head with a metal bucket during the incident. Some were handed down life bans following the match. No one has been accused of any wrongdoing. Picture: NewsWire / Diego Fedele Police are out in force. Picture: NewsWire / Diego Fedele Victoria Police CBD acting commander Zorka Dunstan said some fans barred from attending Saturday night's big game following 'reckless' behaviour earlier in the year. 'The majority of supporters do the right thing and create an incredible environment for everyone in attendance, including families,' Mr Dunstan said in a statement ahead of the match. 'However, at times this year we have seen a very small group of supporters engage in reckless and anti-social behaviour. Police are set to maintain a strong presence throughout Saturday night. Picture: NewsWire / Diego Fedele 'Due to their actions, some of these people are barred from attending this Saturday's big game. 'We don't want this small group to tarnish the event for the rest of the soccer community.' He said those in Richmond — particularly on Swan St — could expect a 'strong and dedicated police presence throughout the entire night'. 'There will be an unbelievable atmosphere on Saturday night as two traditional Melbourne rivals meet in the Grand Final for the first time,' Mr Dunstan said. 'The bumper crowd can expect to see plenty of police on the way to the game and at the ground itself.' Soccer fans allegedly lit flares under a Swan St bridge on the way to a game just two weeks ago. Clareese Packer Cadet Journalist Clareese is a Cadet Journalist at Newscorp and has worked across several mastheads since July 2023. She graduated with a Bachelor of Media and Communications (Journalism) from La Trobe University, where she was editor of the student magazine and interned at the Herald Sun. Since beginning her cadetship, Clareese has covered a range of topics from crime and finance to entertainment. Clareese Packer
