UNSTOPPABLE BIG BUCK’S IN 17TH HEAVEN April 12, 2012 BIG BUCK’S made racing history yesterday by claiming a 17th successive race victory, in the BGC Partners Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree. Ruby Walsh eased the Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old, who was a 2-9 favourite, to a nine-length triumph on the first day of the Grand National meeting to surpass Sir Ken’s 1950s run of wins.
Webber’s Bahrain doubts April 12, 2012 FORMULA ONE: Red Bull’s Mark Webber has admitted motorsport chiefs have a “massive decision” to make over whether to cancel this month’s Bahrain Grand Prix, amid ongoing civil unrest in the Gulf state. “If we have a choice, I want to race,” said Webber, who added: “There is no beating about the bush, it is [...]
Spurs star taunts Chelsea April 12, 2012 FOOTBALL: Winger Gareth Bale insists Tottenham are superior to FA Cup semi-final opponents Chelsea. Bale said: “If we’re on our game we can reach the final because I feel we have the better team.” Chelsea will be without defender Branislav Ivanovic, after his three-match ban was upheld.
Shearer: Name boss now April 12, 2012 FOOTBALL: Former England striker Alan Shearer has urged the Football Association to appoint Fabio Capello’s successor immediately and remains convinced Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is the right man. “I would absolutely 100 per cent still go for Harry Redknapp,” he said. “Now the time has come and so be it if they upset one or [...]
Bleu is the National colour April 12, 2012 SYNCHRONISED, last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, heads the weights and the betting for tomorrow’s John Smith’s Grand National (4.15pm) and will bid to become only the second horse to win both races in the same season. He will be the 17th to line up at Aintree and only Golden Miller, way back in 1934, [...]
Oscar Whisky primed to land another Aintree Hurdle April 12, 2012 IT isn’t easy to pinpoint value on this afternoon’s Aintree card, but I don’t think the bookmakers have got it right in the John Smith’s Melling Chase (3.05pm). I’m a big fan of Finian’s Rainbow, but he has always struck me as a genuine two-miler and he has been beaten both times he has been [...]
The boys in blue to have their way at Wembley April 12, 2012 TOTTENHAM vs CHELSEA Sunday 6.00pm, ITV1 THE intensifying battle for the top four takes a back seat this weekend as two of the principle rivals for the final Champions League spot go head-to-head at Wembley. Given Tottenham’s current league form – one win, three draws and four defeats in their last eight outings – Harry [...]
Tevez takes stage as City breathe life into title race April 11, 2012 PREMIER LEAGUE MANCHESTER CITY 4 vs WEST BROM 0 MANCHESTER City manager Roberto Mancini insists last night’s dramatic comeback in the Premier League title race has come too late to stop neighbours and arch-rivals Manchester United. City roared back into form in emphatic fashion with their first win in four games, which slashed United’s lead [...]
Barton return boosts QPR’s survival bid April 11, 2012 PREMIER LEAGUE QPR 3 vs SWANSEA 0 QPR boss Mark Hughes hailed Joey Barton after the captain’s return inspired Rangers to a third successive home win and lifted them out of the relegation zone. Barton, rested at the weekend to avoid suspension, justified his recall with a goal that set Hughes’s men on the way [...]
Al Fayed in stinging attack on refs, FA and top flight chiefs April 11, 2012 FULHAM chairman Mohamed Al Fayed has launched a stinging attack on the game’s lawmakers, accusing referees of being influenced by big clubs and questioning the integrity of both the Football Association and the Premier League. Al Fayed has written to both bodies demanding “an immediate review of refereeing practices and the process of decision making” [...]