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Sandown win has punters talking about Native River once again

Amidst the clamour over Al Boum Photo’s successive Gold Cup triumphs, and all the talk over whether Willie Mullins’ horse can become the first since Best Mate to win it three times in a row, the 2018 Gold Cup winner has been somewhat forgotten about. Native River’s eventual absence from last year’s race meant he has not been a name on the lips of many punters, but with a fine win in the Cotswold Chase at Sandown recently, there is talk that the Colin Tizzard-trained horse could be set to make a roaring comeback at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

There was something almost ghostly about Native River’s Sandown success. It was as if watching a resurrection taking place. Suddenly, the hard work and heavy-footedness which defined Native River’s prior outing was gone, and the spirit of the Gold Cup champion was there at the forefront once more. He forged a strong lead in the early stages of the race, and did not surrender it despite the gallant challenges of the chasing pack.

Joe Tizzard, assistant to trainer Colin, was quick to pour the praise on Native River and highlight his qualities following the Sandown success.

“Not in the last few months have I enjoyed a race more than that,” he said. “He was good to watch today. He was a handful to saddle today which is kind of unlike him but he was right on his game.

“There are not many tougher than this horse. All these horses that get to the top end need to be tough, whether they look like it or not they need to be. He has got a cruising speed and he can maintain it for perhaps that extra half mile when other horses can’t. I wouldn’t mind a stable full of him.”

That kind of form will inspire confidence in any horse’s connections, and given Native River’s past achievements you can understand Tizzard’s belief in the horse that produced such a fantastic moment to win the Cheltenham showpiece three years ago. 

It’s no surprise that Al Boum Photo is the favourite in the Gold Cup ante-post odds for this year’s Cheltenham Festival. After all, two wins in the last two Gold Cups means it’s impossible to look beyond him. But with this resurgence from Native River, who has demonstrated bitty form since losing his Gold Cup crown in March 2019, horse racing fans have been forced to sit up and take notice of this great champion once more.  

Indeed, while other Cheltenham Gold Cup contenders have stuttered recently – notably Minella Indo’s drab showing in the Irish Gold Cup – Native River is one that seems to have built up a head of steam. Momentum can have a massive impact when it comes to enjoying success at the Cheltenham Festival, and there’s no doubt that the Tizzards will be doing all they can to get Native River in the best possible shape to win a second Cheltenham Gold Cup. If you end up with some free bets for Cheltenham, then perhaps the 2018 champion could be worth a stab for this year’s race. 

There are plenty of horses who are more fancied to challenge Al Boum Photo come March 19th, but there are few who have the experience of having been there and done it. The Tizzards, jockey Richard Johnson, and Native River himself all know what it takes to get over the line ahead of the pack in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Could there be one last hurrah for the 11-year-old in this year’s Festival showpiece?

A recap of Willie Mullins’ seven winners at the 2020 Cheltenham Festival

Over the course of the last decade, Willie Mullins has become the one to beat at the Cheltenham Festival, and doing so is no easy task. The Irishman has won the Leading Trainer accolade seven times in the last 10 years. His seven victories at Prestbury Park last year were enough to see him take home the trophy again, but there was heartache for Gordon Elliott, who missed out on the award on the basis of Mullins having more placings. 

It was a strange state of affairs in the Cotswolds last March. Elliott looked certain to land his third top trainer award of his career. However, a late comeback from Mullins, which included four wins on the final day, saw the 64-year-old retain his crown. Mullins is heavily expected to win the Leading Trainer award again this year, so why leave searching for the best Cheltenham tips for tomorrow, when you can sort out your selections today! 

Anyway, with the Festival just around the corner, let’s take a look back at Mullins’ seven winners from last year, some of which will be on the hunt for more glory in the Cotswolds this year.

Ferny Hollow – Champion Bumper

It wasn’t until the final race of day two that Mullins landed his first victory at the 2020 Festival, and it’s fair to say that it came from a rather unlikely suitor. The bookies’ favourite was another of Mullins’ horses, Appreciate It, but he was beaten by his stablemate and 11/1 shot Ferny Hollow, who romped over the line two and half lengths clear of the market leader.

Min – Ryanair Chase

Min’s victory in the Ryanair Chase on day three felt like a long time coming. Year after year, the Rich Ricci-owned horse was overshadowed by the legend that is Altior. However, with Min diverted away from the path of the Nicky Henderson-trained horse, who later pulled out of the Queen Mother through injury, in the build-up to the meeting, he finally had his day in the Ryanair Chase. But it wasn’t easy. He had to fight off the challenges of Saint Calvados and in the end, he won by just a neck. Min is the early favourite to defend his Ryanair Chase crown, and here’s hoping he can get another Festival victory under his belt.

Concertista – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

Concertista landed Mullins his second victory of day three in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle. The seven-year-old was denied of winning the Grade 2 race by a short neck in 2019 as a 66/1 shot, but she bounced back last year. This time at a much shorter 9/2, Concertista won easily, beating her nearest competitor, Dolcita, by some 12 lengths. With two more victories since then, Concertista looks nailed on to take the step up and win the Mares’ Hurdle. 

Burning Victory – Triumph Hurdle

Burning Victory got the ball rolling on a fantastic final day of the Festival for Mullins. Amazingly, the 12/1 shot had only joined Mullins’ yard two months prior to the meeting, and it was just her second outing for the Irish trainer, after winning a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse in February. At the final Hurdle, Burning Victory was around 10 lengths behind the leader, but with favourite Goshen unseating his rider, jockey Paul Townend kicked on and the pair went on to beat Aspire Tower by almost three lengths. 

Saint Roi – County Handicap Hurdle

It was back-to-back victories for Mullins on the day as Saint Roi claimed the Grade 3 County Handicap Hurdle. The six-year-old was challenged by Aramon and Embittered at the final hurdle, but once moved up a gear by Barry Geraghty, he left his competition behind and romped home four and a half lengths clear. The Champion Hurdle is on the cards for Saint Roi this year, but fellow JP McManus-owned horse Epatante is much more fancied.

Monkfish – Spa Novices’ Hurdle

The wins just wouldn’t stop for Mullins, and Monkfish made it a hattrick of successive victories in the Spa Novices’ Hurdle. It was an incredibly tight finish with Latest Exhibition, Fury Road, Thyme Hill and Monkfish charging towards home as one, but it was the Mullins-trained horse who narrowly got his neck over the line first. Monkfish is expected to step up to the challenge of the Festival Novices’ Chase this year and is tipped to be a Gold Cup winner in the future.

Al Boum Photo – Gold Cup

After the dramatic finish in the Spa Novices’ Hurdle, Mullins would have been hoping for a much more straight forward affair in the Gold Cup. But that was wishful thinking, as the Festival showpiece went down to the wire. Santini came within a whisker of ending Al Boum Photo’s defence of the Gold Cup, and had the track have been a yard longer, the Henderson-trained horse probably would have won. Instead, Al Boum Photo held on by a neck, and he’s the favourite to win the race again this year in the Cheltenham Gold Cup betting

 

Video Highlights – Irish lose to France in the 2021 Six Nations

Watch match highlights of Ireland v France in the second round of the Guinness Six Nations 2021.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell had ‘mixed emotions’ in the wake of his side’s 15-13 Guinness Six Nations defeat to France at the Aviva Stadium.

Despite Leinster duo Ronan Kelleher and Ross Byrne contributing five points apiece from the bench, Farrell’s men suffered a narrow loss at the hands of the in-form les Bleus.

While acknowledging the endeavour of his charges, he was nonetheless frustrated to still be searching for a first win in this year’s Championship.

“At the same time, Test matches are there to be won, especially at home. We rue a few decisions that we made and chances along that way.

“Even though a couple of days ago people were writing us off, we never wrote ourselves off. The game was there to be won and it was a hard-fought contest, but it’s one that slipped away from us in the end.”

Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Keith Earls, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 James Lowe, 10 Billy Burns, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 CJ Stander, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Rhys Ruddock, 5 Iain Henderson (c), 4 Tadhg Beirne, 3 Andrew Porter, 2 Rob Herring, 1 Cian Healy Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Ed Byrne, 18 Tadhg Furlong, 19 Ultan Dillane, 20 Will Connors, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Ross Byrne, 23 Jordan Larmour

France: 15 Brice Dulin, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Arthur Vincent, 12 Gael Fickou, 11 Gabin Villiere, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon (c), 6 Anthony Jelonch, 5 Paul Willemse, 4 Bernard le Roux, 3 Mohamed Haouas, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Cyril Baille Replacements: 16 Pierre Bourgarit, 17 Hassane Kolingar, 18 Uini Atonio, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Dylan Cretin, 21 Baptiste Serin, 22 Anthony Bouthier, 23 Teddy Thomas Date: Sunday, February 14 Venue: Aviva Stadium Kick-off: 15:00 GMT Referee: Luke Pearce (England) Assistant Referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Christophe Ridley (England) TMO: Tom Foley (England)

The Weird & Wonderful Games We’d Love to See in The Olympics

The recent addition of skateboarding, and the anticipation of Esports eventually making its way into the Olympic Games, has left many asking the question, “is anything off limits?”

 

It’s certainly divided sports fans across the globe, moving away from tradition and into a new era. But let one in and it could lead to a flurry of new sports starting to arrive into the Games over the next few decades, which got us thinking…

 

What sports or games would we like to see in the Olympics in the future?

Chess

There’s always been a debate around whether chess is a sport. The International Olympic Committee indeed does consider it a sport, so it is a fair game to be added to the Olympics.

 

The IOC recognised it as a sport way back in 2000, due to it requiring skill and elements of physical exertion, particularly when it comes to the brain. While many might not consider it the most fascinating spectacle, there’s always been drama and tension to the game, which could make it a great watch during a future Games.

Bingo

Probably more of a pipe dream is bingo. The game has really taken off in recent years, particularly online with millions playing on safe bingo sites like www.robinhoodbingo.com. Of course, there’s little skill involved in the game, with it being a game entirely made of luck, but can you imagine hundreds of athletes sat at a table in their official tracksuits desperate for Gold?

 

It would be an incredible watch. ! Even if it’s not for the main games, it should certainly be considered for the Olympic Village entertainment.

Cheese Rolling

Cheese rolling is only popular in Gloucester and the famous Cooper’s Hill, but given the opportunity, we could see rounds of Double Gloucester being pushed down hills across the globe.

 

The annual Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling contest has become world-renowned, and we think anyone that puts themselves through the competition certainly deserves a medal. Any Olympic Park would look breath-taking with the addition of a giant hill perched next to the velodrome!. So, how’s about it IOC?

Fireball Soccer

Nobody enjoys the football at the Olympic Games, particularly the men’s event anyway, so why not spice it up a bit with the traditional Indonesian sport of fireball soccer?

 

The game is much the same, but the ball is on fire. We’ve do not really have much to add to that.!

Frog Jumping

If you’ve seen Netflix’s We Are the Champions, then you’ll know just how intense frog jumping can be. It takes skill, courage and most importantly, an obedient frog. The aim of the game is to get your frog to jump the furthest in three leaps.

 

We see horses at the Olympic Games, so what about frogs? It would be a superb watch along the running track in the Olympic Stadium. We just hope the frogs would be able to handle the pressure.

Arsenal defeat Leeds in 4-2 thriller

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a hat-trick for the Gunners.

Despite being almost ¾ of the way through the Premier League season, Arsenal still found themselves in the bottom half of the table prior to this evening’s game against Leeds.

They had a horrific start to the season, finding themselves very close to the relegation zone for a prolonged period of time. Their improved form in January seen them climb the table but their February form left a lot to be desired going into the game, losing their previous 2 Premier League games.

They did, however, manage to get back to winning ways today with an impressive victory over a Leeds United side who have surpassed all expectations so far this season.

FIRST HALF

Arsenal started the game off with more intensity than they have done in previous games this season, moving the ball with intent and pressing quickly.

Their pressure paid off in the 13th minute as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted the opener. He received the ball and made space for himself with a few stepovers before accurately directing the ball into the bottom corner.

Aubameyang could have scored his second near the half-hour mark as he found space in the box and shot at goal but he was denied by an outstanding block by Luke Ayling.

Arsenal thought they had the chance to double their advantage in the 33rd minute as Bukayo Saka went down in the box after a brilliant run. Initially, the referee pointed to the spot to award a penalty but after further review from VAR, no penalty was awarded.

Just minutes later, though, Arsenal were awarded yet another penalty. However, this time it would stand. Saka earned the penalty again after pressuring goalkeeper Illan Meslier before being brought down in the box. Aubameyang stepped up to take the penalty and he made no mistake as he got his brace. 2-0 Arsenal.

Hector Bellerin all but finished the game off in the 44th minute as he made it 3-0 after an excellent period of play with Saka at the heart of it yet again.

The first half ended 3-0 to Arsenal in one of their most convincing performances of the season.

SECOND HALF

Arsenal’s goalscoring didn’t stop there.

Just 2 minutes into the second half and they had their fourth. Aubameyang was the goalscorer yet again as he got his hat-trick. Surprisingly enough, it was Aubameyang’s first Premier League hat-trick given the amount of goals he’s scored.

It was another defensive error that led to the goal. Helder Costa tried to play out from the back but was caught in possession and his error eventually led to an Aubameyang back-post header.

The Gabon international has looked a shadow of his former self this season but today’s performance could do him the world of good, particularly given the personal problems he’s had to endure recently.

Leeds showed they still had some fight left in them as they pulled one back in the 58th minute. It was Pascal Struijk who scored, and in doing so netted his first Premier League goal. The Dutch centre-back ventured into the box for a Leeds’ corner before he met the ball with an explosive header to make it 4-1.

Helder Costa was at fault for Arsenal’s fourth goal but he made up for that in the 68th minute as he finished off a fine Leeds’ move with a powerful finish inside the box. 4-2 Arsenal.

Unfortunately for Leeds though, that was about as far as their comeback would go.

The match finished 4-2 to Arsenal after a fantastic first half performance.

Leeds sat 10th and Arsenal sat 11th prior to the match. Now though, given Arsenal’s victory, the teams have switched positions with Arsenal moving into the top half.

David McGoldrick set for Ireland return?

Changes to the striker’s Instagram account have sparked rumours of an international comeback.

David McGoldrick hung up his boots at international level last November but recent changes to the striker’s Instagram account could suggest a potential return to the Ireland fold.

The Sheffield United man changed his profile picture to himself in an Ireland shirt, inserted the FAI’s account in his bio and deleted his retirement post today which left many fans thinking of a possible return with World Cup qualifying games approaching in March.

Nothing is concrete yet, though. In fact, it’s understood that McGoldrick has made no contact with the FAI regarding his international future since.

On the other hand, it seems odd that McGoldrick would make such drastic changes to his account if he wasn’t at least considering a comeback.

One thing’s for sure is that Ireland are in desperate need of striking options, and although McGoldrick hasn’t always been prolific throughout his career, his game is about so much more than just goals.

His link up play and work rate demonstrated for Ireland throughout his short international career left many fans mourning his departure, despite just scoring 1 goal in 14 games for the country.

He has arguably been Sheffield United’s best performer this season also. Despite the side’s substandard league form, McGoldrick has impressed on more than one occasion, with particularly accomplished showings against Manchester United and Tottenham.

Nothing has been confirmed yet. However, McGoldrick reviving his international career would provide a much needed boost to the Ireland squad and fans.

 

Burns and Gibson-Park start for Ireland against France on Sunday

Billy Burns and Jamison Gibson-Park start for Ireland against France on Sunday, Johnny Sexton, James Ryan, and Conor Murray are out through injury. 

The Ireland coaching group have named the side that will face France in round 2 of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations Championship.

There’s a new half-back pairing, a new captain a cap record in the front row and one uncapped player on the bench.

Ulster’s Iain Henderson will captain Ireland for the first time, becoming the 108th player to lead Ireland. He will be partnered in the second row by Tadhg Beirne.

The front row that started against Wales of Cian HealyRob Herring and Andrew Porter is retained. Healy will win his 106th cap taking him ahead of John Hayes (105) as Ireland’s most capped prop.

In the backrow Josh van der Flier and CJ Stander are joined by Rhys Ruddock who slots in on the blindside flank.

Conor Murray picked up a hamstring strain in training this week and has been ruled out of this game. Jamison Gibson Park comes in to start at 9 and will partner Billy Burns.

Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose line out in the centre and the back three is unchanged with  Hugo Keenan at fullback flanked by  Keith Earls and James Lowe.

There are four changes in the replacements as Ed Byrne, Ultan Dillane, Ross Byrne and the uncapped Craig Casey come in while Ronan Kelleher, Tadgh Furlong, Will Connors and Jordan Larmour complete the bench for the weekend.

IRELAND Team & Replacements (v France, 2021 Guinness Six Nations Championship, Aviva Stadium, Sunday, February 14, kick-off 3pm):

Player/Club/Province/Caps –

15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) 7 caps
14. Keith Earls (Munster/Young Munster) 89 caps
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD) 31 caps
12. Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers) 48 caps
11. James Lowe (Leinster) 3 caps
10. Billy Burns (Ulster) 4 caps
9. Jamison Gibson Park (Leinster) 6 caps
1. Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) 105 caps
2. Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 17 caps
3. Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 33 caps
4. Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne) 18 caps
5. Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy) 59 caps CAPTAIN
6. Rhys Ruddock (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 26 caps
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD) 29 caps
8. CJ Stander (Munster/Shannon) 47 caps

Replacements

16. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster/Lansdowne) 7 caps
17. Ed Byrne (Leinster/UCD) 3 caps
18. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf) 45 caps
19. Ultan Dillane (Connacht/Corinthians) 17 caps
20. Will Connors (Leinster/UCD) 6 caps
21. Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) uncapped
22. Ross Byrne (Leinster/UCD) 11 caps
23. Jordan Larmour (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 25 caps

Bayern Munich crowned FIFA Club World Cup champions after victory over Tigres

Benjamin Pavard scored the winner for the German heavyweights.

Bayern Munich have had an incredible year. Between winning the UEFA Champions League, German Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, they could hardly have done much better.

They were given the chance to further add to their trophy cabinet this evening as they took on Mexican side Tigres in the Club World Cup final, which was last won by Liverpool.

It was Tigres’ first appearance in the final of the Club World Cup. In fact, they were the first Mexican side to ever reach that stage.

Tigres beat South Korean side Ulsan and Brazilian giants Palmeiras on their way to the final while Bayern defeated Egyptian side Al Ahly SC in the semi-final.

As many would have expected, Bayern Munich scored the opening goal.

However, their celebrations wouldn’t last long.

Joshua Kimmich, who has been excellent for Bayern in recent times, struck from outside the area and his effort found the bottom corner. However, upon further review the goal was controversially ruled out as Robert Lewandowski was adjudged to be obstructing the view of the Tigres ‘keeper.

Tigres were likely the happier side going into the break as the first half ended scoreless.

Bayern were unusually quiet in their attacking output, finding it hard to penetrate the Tigres backline. Hansi Flick needed a much better second half performance from his side.

Bayern started the second similar to how they played in the first in that they lacked their usual attacking threat.

However, after a period of inactivity from both teams, Bayern found the net in the 59th minute.

Robert Lewandowski was initially played in from a good cross and his header was saved by the keeper. Benjamin Pavard was in the right position to pounce on the rebound, though, as he slotted into the back of the net.

The goal was initially disallowed for offside but VAR came to the rescue of Bayern this time. After a period of deliberation between the officials, the ruling was overturned and the goal stood.

Bayern had a number of chances to add to the scoreline thereafter but were unable to find the back of the net again.

The match finished 1-0.

Despite a respectable performance from Tigres, the German champions proved their quality in the end as they won their 2nd FIFA Club World Cup.

Manchester City Scholar of the Year Joe Hodge joins Derry City on loan

The 18-year-old midfielder also represents the Republic of Ireland at youth level.

Derry City have pulled off what could be a major coup in acquiring the services of 18-year-old Manchester City and Ireland midfielder Joe Hodge on loan.

Hodge is very highly-rated at both club and international level, leaving many surprised at his decision to move to the League of Ireland amid reported interest elsewhere.

If anything, this just goes to show the development of the league over the past few years. Premier League clubs are becoming increasingly comfortable in sending their academy footballers to the league which wasn’t the case in years gone by.

Hodge has already accumulated a number of honours despite his young age.

He was named Manchester City’s Scholar of the Year in 2019/20 despite suffering a horrifying leg and ankle break earlier in the season. His recovery has been nothing short of phenomenal, many young players would have their confidence destroyed by such an injury at a young age.

Not Joe Hodge, though.

Manchester City felt his progress was so impressive that it merited a professional contract which he signed in August of last year.

He was also named Ireland u17 Player of the Year, an award which has been won by Adam Idah, Declan Rice and Jack Grealish in years gone by.

More recently, Hodge started as he helped his Manchester City u18 squad win the FA Youth Cup final in November of 2020. He also started the semi-final days beforehand and scored the opening goal, a screamer from outside the box.

Playing in the league may also strengthen his ties with Ireland. Hodge played for England u16s and u17s in the past, but has been involved in the Irish youth setup since 2018.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be bringing Joe to Derry City,” manager Declan Devine stated.

“It’s a high profile loan signing for us given that Man City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and Joe is one of their top young talents and current ‘Scholar of the Year’.

“We want to help him evolve and to enjoy this opportunity. I’m hoping that his spell with Derry City will play some small part in the youngster fulfilling his potential.

“I’d like to thank Manchester City for their assistance in getting the deal done and assure them we will look after the lad.”

Premier league clubs perfect kick-off timings found with 888 Sport Research

As football has adapted to allow broadcasting of as many games as possible, and with a jam-packed schedule of Premier League fixtures, kick-off times and days are now incredibly varied. But, what kick-off time works best for which teams?

Half-way through the 2020/2021 Premier League campaign, and it is already being touted as one of the most unpredictable in history. With seemingly every matchday resulting in at least one upset, 888 Sport has exacted some method behind the madness, through their Perfect Timings campaign.

The extensive research from 888 Sport brings to light the patterns and consistencies developing in each club’s results, from Villa’s mid-week curse to Burnley’s winless Saturdays. LUFC and Palace take each other on tonight with neither winning previous Monday matches.

Many football fans questioned the impact that empty stadiums would have on results, and it seems it’s been a big one, with 6 teams boasting a better away record, than home.

While Champions, Liverpool haven’t been quite the formidable force of last season, they still remain unbeaten on a Saturday since relegated Watford put 3 past them at Vicarage Road in December 2019. Title challengers Man City hold an equally daunting record, having not lost a 3pm fixture since 2018, when Andros Townsend’s wonder strike sank Pep’s side.

At the other end of the scale, relegation battling Sheffield United have failed to pick up a point on a Saturday since they beat Frank Lampard’s Chelsea 3-0 at Bramall Lane last July.

A spokesperson from 888 Sport said: “The 2020/2021 Premier League season has thrown up plenty of surprises so far, and we wanted to take a look at the patterns that are emerging across the league, with our Perfect Timings campaign.

“We have delved into the data to analyse the results for each Premier League club, which will help us predict future results, highlight consistencies, and see what is it certain clubs need to work on for better results.

The research was completed by 888 Sport as part of the Perfect Timings campaign. To discover the findings for yourself, visit the 888 Sport website.