Big Buck’s completes hat-trick March 17, 2011 BIG BUCK’S completed a World Hurdle hat-trick yesterday to cement his place as one of the greatest staying hurdlers of all time. Jockey Ruby Walsh guided the 10-11 favourite home to the delight of trainer Paul Nicholls and the legions of punters that backed the unbeaten star. “He is as close to unbeatable as a [...]
Jordan handed European ban March 17, 2011 TOTTENHAM first team coach Joe Jordan has been handed a one-match suspension by Uefa for incidents that took place during Spurs’ last 16 first leg match at AC Milan. Jordan, who clashed with Gennaro Gattuso, who was later given a four-match ban for head-butting him, will now be suspended for his side’s quarter-final first leg. [...]
Radcliffe ready for comeback March 17, 2011 ATHLETICS: British athlete Paula Radcliffe will return to competitive action at the Great Manchester Run on 15 May after a 15-month absence. The world marathon record holder has not competed since the 2009 New York Marathon, where she finished fourth. “Starting my comeback with a 10km race is ideal as I build up later in the [...]
Liverpool out as Braga hold firm March 17, 2011 FOOTBALL: Andy Carroll was unable to help Liverpool into the last eight of the Europa League on his full debut. Braga, who won the first leg 1-0 in Portugal, held firm at Anfield last night to claim a highly creditable goalless draw.
O’Connell has respect for Johnno’s England March 17, 2011 IRELAND lock Paul O’Connell believes Grand Slam-chasing England are carved in the image of their manager Martin Johnson. Johnson was captain when England completed their last RBS 6 Nations clean sweep with a 42-6 victory at Lansdowne Road back in 2003. O’Connell said: “All the basics, such as set-piece excellence and mauling, were there when [...]
Gatland predicts a bright future for North March 17, 2011 WALES coach Warren Gatland has tipped teenager George North to be “an absolute star” of the future after handing him his RBS 6 Nations debut. The 18-year-old Scarlets wing will replace an injured Shane Williams against France in Paris tomorrow night. Gatland said: “We think George is a real quality player of the future, someone [...]
Mancini can’t defend Balotelli March 17, 2011 FOOTBALL: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini admitted he was frustrated with striker Mario Balotelli after the Italian was sent-off in his side’s Europa League aggregate defeat against Dynamo Kiev. Aleksandar Kolarov’s goal gave City a 1-0 win on the night, but the Eastland’s outfit went out 2-1 on aggregate. Of Balotelli’s red card, Mancini said: “When [...]
Evans wants Scots to finish on a big high March 17, 2011 SCOTLAND wing Max Evans hopes to show further glimpses of his talent in a winning cause when Scotland take on Italy in the RBS 6 Nations tomorrow. Evans scored a superb try in last Sunday’s defeat against England, and will be out to ensure his side don’t suffer a fifth straight defeat against and improving Italy. [...]
Imperial Commander to rule at Cheltenham March 17, 2011 THERE have only been five 10-year-old winners of the Cheltenham Gold Cup since 1970 and no horse older has won since What A Myth in 1969, but that could all be about to change in today’s highlight. The winners of the last four renewals all line-up and there won’t be a dry eye in the [...]
Nicholls to kick off the last day with big double March 17, 2011 PAUL Nicholls started the 2011 Cheltenham Festival with a bang thanks to Al Ferof’s victory in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and he could end it in style this afternoon. The champion trainer won the Triumph Hurdle in 2008 with Celestial Halo and he holds outstanding claims this afternoon with SAM WINNER, Zarkandar and Brampour. Ruby [...]