Zinedine Zidane to leave Real Madrid after season without a trophy May 27, 2021 Zinedine Zidane has left Real Madrid for a second time as a manager after the Spanish powerhouse finished the 2020-21 season without a trophy. Real said they respected the decision of their former player Zidane, who returned to the Santiago Bernabeu dugout in 2019. They said his “professionalism, dedication and passion” over the years would [...]
Trevor Steven: Thomas Tuchel must be brave if Chelsea are to deny Manchester City their Champipons League moment May 27, 2021 Football is about moments and Saturday’s Champions League final against Chelsea feels like it is Manchester City’s. When City hired Pep Guardiola five years ago it was in order to win this competition and they have never had a better chance than this. Saturday’s clash in Porto is their opportunity to make the step up [...]
Crowd pleasers: England cricket test match and Royal Ascot picked for next fan pilot May 26, 2021 Thousands of fans will be able to attend an England cricket test match and Royal Ascot this summer as part of the next stage of the government’s pilot programme for major events. The second test of the men’s series against New Zealand, beginning on 10 June at Edgbaston, will be allowed to welcome more than [...]
Britain looks bound for swimming success at Tokyo 2020 Olympics – and that can get a generation that has been left behind back in the pool May 26, 2021 The British success at the European Championships in Budapest last week was amazing to see, with 26 medals – including 11 gold – picked up in swimming alone, and so many names stepping up ahead of Tokyo 2020. I’ve seen some great British swimming line-ups over the years, but I think this is the most [...]
Cazoo Derby Festival: Derby runners put through their paces May 26, 2021 Ahead of next week’s Cazoo Derby, a couple of contenders had their first taste of Epsom Downs racecourse and here are the thoughts of their connections. ONE RULER – CHARLIE APPLEBY “I was very pleased with what I saw there. He is a naturally balanced horse but he hasn’t encountered anything like that before. The [...]
Cazoo Derby Festival: Reaction from connections as Oaks contenders get first taste of Epsom May 26, 2021 Three of the main protagonists for next week’s Cazoo Oaks had their first sighting of Epsom Downs racecourse on Monday and here are reactions of their connections ahead of the fillies Classic. SAFFRON BEACH – JANE CHAPPLE-HYAM “She was nice and relaxed. She was on the right lead and you would have to be happy [...]
Cazoo Derby Festival: Roger Varian thinks Third Realm “ticks a lot of the boxes you want” May 26, 2021 Newmarket trainer Roger Varian thinks his Cazoo Derby candidate Third Realm “ticks a lot of the boxes you want” ahead of the premier Classic at Epsom Downs on Saturday 5th June. Varian, who has had only one Derby runner previously, said: “I thought he would run a nice race at Lingfield and run very well but he had [...]
Cazoo Derby Festival: William Haggas hopes Mohaafeth can follow in Shaamit’s footsteps 25 years on May 26, 2021 Trainer William Haggas spoke about his hopes for the Cazoo Derby Festival at Epsom Downs (June 4th-5th), which are headed by leading Cazoo Derby contender Mohaafeth. It is 25 years since the Newmarket-based handler landed The Derby when Shaamit took the honours under Michael Hills. It was Haggas’ first Derby runner and Shaamit was making [...]
IG signs up to sponsor England cricket teams in three-year deal May 26, 2021 City of London firm IG has signed a three-year deal to sponsor England’s cricket teams. The contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will see the online trading specialist support the men’s and women’s national teams. It will also mean IG branding appearing on the men’s shirt in Test, one-day and Twenty20 cricket. [...]
Hong Kong Racing Tips: Daddy could put in Superb performance May 25, 2021 A TYPICAL head-scratching contest for the form students, the Class 4 Westlands Handicap (1:45pm) could prove to be a tough ask. Most of the dozen contenders can be given some sort of chance on their best form, with the likelihood of the draw and speed tempo playing an important part in determining the result. The [...]