SPORT IN BRIEF
Dar Re Mi stuns Sariska at York
RACING: Jimmy Fortune led 11-2 shot Dar Re Mi to a huge shock in the Yorkshire Oaks, beating red-hot favourite Sariska.
Victories in the Epsom Oaks and Irish equivalent helped send off Sariska as 4-11 favourite at York, but Michael Bell’s filly, ridden by Jamie Spencer, had no answer to Dar Re Mi, who raced to a three quarter-length victory with Roman Empress third. Spencer admitted: “We got beat, she wasn’t fast enough on the day, no excuses.”
McGinley looks to go one better
GOLF: Last year’s runner-up Paul McGinley fired a six-under-par 64 to lead the KLM Open in Holland yesterday. Irishman McGinley, who finished second to Darren Clarke on the same Kennemer course 12 months ago, ended level with Scotland’s Gary Orr with Clarke among a cluster of players a shot adrift.
Yeung steps up Birmingham takeover
FOOTBALL: Hong Kong-based businessman Carson Yeung has put down a £3m deposit with a view to completing his takeover of Birmingham City. The £3m is a guarantee for Yeung’s Grandtop International Holdings, which owns a 29.9 per cent stake in the midlands club, to show ability and intention of completing the deal. The Blues are valued at around £81.5m.
Warnock free but Jordan probed
FOOTBALL: Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock will not be charged by the Football Association for comments made after his side’s disallowed goal at Bristol City on Saturday.
The FA, however, have asked Palace chairman Simon Jordan to explain comments in which he criticised referee Rob Shoebridge for ruling out Freddie Sears’ effort which flew back off the stachion of the goal. Jordan could face an improper conduct charge and be fined if found guilty.
Raikkonen welcomes Badoer
FORMULA ONE: Kimi Raikkonen says he is looking forward to partnering new Ferrari team-mate Luca Badoer in Sunday’s European Grand Prix in Valencia.
Badoer is looking to complete his first grand prix since 1999 when he replaces Felipe Massa, who is recovering from brain surgery.
Raikkonen said: “I’m glad that he finally got the chance to race a Ferrari. I wish him good luck and I’m sure that we’ll work well together.”