Drab England held by Ukraine June 15, 2011 FOOTBALL: England left themselves needing to win their final European Under-21 Championship Group B game to avoid crashing out of the tournament after stumbling to a 0-0 draw against Ukraine. Danny Welbeck missed England’s best chance when put clean through by Daniel Sturridge, who also hit the crossbar.
Fictional Account value at 20/1 in the Gold Cup June 15, 2011 THE rain clouds predicted to gather over Ascot this afternoon are bad news for the thousands flocking to Berkshire for Ladies Day, but good news for me, as my big price fancy in the day’s feature will relish the emphasis on stamina. At first glance, FICTIONAL ACCOUNT may not leap off the page as an [...]
Chain Lightning to rule Britannia for Hannon June 15, 2011 RICHARD Hannon made a tremendous start to this year’s Royal Ascot with Canford Cliffs’ defeat of Goldikova in the Queen Anne. That was the main target for the champion trainer over the five days, but he has a number of other decent chances and one I’m particularly sweet on is CHAIN LIGHTNING in this afternoon’s [...]
Frankel holds on to keep unbeaten tag June 14, 2011 UNBEATEN superstar Frankel stretched his winning run to seven by claiming the St James’s Palace Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot but winning trainer Sir Henry Cecil was forced to defend jockey Tom Queally after his charge was nearly pipped at the post. Sent off as the overwhelming 30-100 favourite Frankel made his [...]
How to keep your nose in front in the style stakes June 14, 2011 AND they’re off! Royal Ascot kicked off yesterday with London’s biggest and brightest donning their finery. For some, it was a style triumph (see right), meanwhile for others – you know who you are – it was less so. City A.M. rounded up expert tips for avoiding the worst-dressed list. MEN DON’T: UPSTAGE YOUR DATE “For men, it should be all [...]
Cut out the showboating, son! Judy Murray not a fan of Andy’s flamboyance June 14, 2011 BRITISH No1 Andy Murray’s flashes of showmanship during this week’s triumph at Queen’s Club may have universally delighted fans – but there is one person who didn’t enjoy his new-found flamboyance. Murray’s mum Judy (right, with Andy), who cheers and grimaces through every point as much as – if not more than – her son, [...]
Birmingham set to report Villa over McLeish raid June 14, 2011 BIRMINGHAM CITY have accused Aston Villa of tapping up Alex McLeish as the second-city managerial tug of war intensifies. Villa announced last night their intention to interview the 52-year-old for their vacant post “imminently” after McLeish walked out on the Carling Cup holders last weekend. But the Birmingham, facing up to life in the Championship following [...]
Sri Lanka captain Dilshan to miss Rose Bowl decider June 14, 2011 SRI LANKA captain Tillakaratne Dilshan will miss the decisive third Test against England with a broken thumb. The series is delicately poised ahead of the final match of the series, which starts tomorrow at the Rose Bowl, with England leading 1-0 thanks to their miraculous win in Cardiff. Dilshan (right), who won the man-of-the-match award [...]
WHEELER DEALER | LATEST TRANSFER GOSSIP June 14, 2011 WEST HAM have signed Stoke City defender Abdoulaye Faye on a free transfer. The Senegal defender links up with manager Sam Allardyce for the third time in his career. CHELSEA CEO Ron Gourlay says plans are in place to appoint Carlo Ancelotti’s successor as manager by the end of the month, but that no new signings are [...]
Serena secures comeback win June 14, 2011 TENNIS: Serena Williams marked her return after a year out injured with a 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over Tsvetana Pironkova at the Aegon International in Eastbourne. The reigning Wimbledon champion lost the first five games on her way to conceding the first set but rallied to cement an encouraging win. “I’m a little rusty, but I [...]