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RTÉ to show racing on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during June and July

RTÉ Racing has announced a series of new one-hour evening programmes on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays when racing return next month.

The national broadcaster will also show live TV coverage on eight of the first 20 days following the resumption of Irish racing on 8th June. Hugh Cahill will present the live coverage with analysis from Jane Mangan, Ted Walsh and Ruby Walsh.

RTÉ coverage returns for the first Classics of the Flat racing season at The Curragh, the Irish 2000 Guineas on June 12 and the Irish 1000 Guineas on June 13.

RTÉ Sport will broadcast new hour-long evening programmes on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on consecutive Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with ten extra meetings confirmed up to mid-July.

The new programmes will run from 7-8pm on Friday evenings and 5-6pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and will have two live races with previews and analysis, interviews from the track, as well as replays from action earlier that evening.

Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said of today’s announcement: 

“RTÉ has always been very supportive of racing in Ireland and today’s announcement confirms that commitment. The new one-hour evening programmes are an opportunity for Irish racing to attract people to our sport and educate those new fans on what makes racing so exciting.”

RTÉ Racing coverage in June on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player

Friday 12th June, Curragh
Saturday 13th June, Curragh
Friday 19th June, Gowran Park
Saturday 20th June, Naas
Sunday 21st June, Leopardstown
June 26th – Curragh
June 27th – Curragh (The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby)
June 28th – Curragh

 

 

Major changes to the running order for Royal Ascot 2020

The 2020 Royal Ascot meeting, which this year will feature a total of 36 races, will be run behind closed doors from 16th to 20th June.

In this unprecedented year, several alterations have been made to the programme, including six extra races being added to the 5-day fixture.

There will now be seven races on the first four days with eight on the final card on Saturday 20th June.

The Buckingham Palace Handicap, which was removed from the card when the Commonwealth Cup was introduced in 2015, will open the meeting on Tuesday 16th June.

A Silver Royal Hunt Cup (1m) and a Silver Wokingham Handicap (6f) are included for those who miss the cut for the main events, while the Copper Horse Handicap (14f, 4yo+), the Golden Gates Handicap (10f, 3yo) and the Palace of Holyroodhouse Handicap (5f, 3yo) will also be added to the meeting.

Both the St James’s Palace Stakes and Coronation Stakes are moved to the Saturday in order to maximise the time between them and the Guineas at Newmarket (6th and 7th June).

The two year old programme at this year’s Royal Ascot has been moved back with four of the six races set for Friday and Saturday.

The King Edward VII Stakes and Ribblesdale Stakes, now key Derby and Oaks Trials, will be on the opening day in order to maximise the gap to the Investec Derby and the Investec Oaks on 4th July. The Hampton Court, also an eligible Epsom trial this year, will be run on day two.

Royal Ascot 2020 Order of Races:

Tuesday

Buckingham Palace Handicap (7f, 3yo+)
Queen Anne Stakes (1m, Group One, 4yo+)
Ribblesdale Stakes (1 1/2m, Group Two, 3yo fillies)
King Edward VII Stakes (1 1/2m, Group Two, 3yo colts & geldings)
King’s Stand Stakes (5f, Group One, 3yo+)
Duke of Cambridge Stakes (1m, Group Two, 4yo+ fillies and mares)
Ascot Stakes Handicap (2 1/2m, 4yo+)

Wednesday

Silver Royal Hunt Cup Handicap (1m, 3yo+)
Hampton Court Stakes (10f, Group Three, 3yo)
King George V Handicap (1 1/2m, 3yo)
Prince of Wales’s Stakes (10f, Group One, 4yo+)
Royal Hunt Cup Handicap (1m, 3yo+)
Windsor Castle Stakes (5f, Listed, 2yo)
Copper Horse Handicap (1 3/4m, 4yo+)

Thursday

Golden Gates Handicap (10f, 3yo)
Wolferton Stakes (10f, Listed, 4yo+)
Jersey Stakes (7f, Group Three, 3yo)
Chesham Stakes (7f, Listed, 2yo)
Gold Cup (2 1/2m, Group One, 4yo+)
Britannia Handicap (1m, 3yo colts & geldings)
Sandringham Handicap (1m, 3yo, fillies)

Friday

Palace of Holyroodhouse Handicap (5f, 3yo)
Albany Stakes (6f, Group Three, 2yo fillies)
Norfolk Stakes (5f, Group Two, 2yo)
Hardwicke Stakes (1 1/2m, Group Two, 4yo+)
Commonwealth Cup (6f, Group One, 3yo colts & fillies)
Queen’s Vase (1 3/4m, Group Two, 3yo)
Duke of Edinburgh Handicap (1 1/2m, 3yo+)

Saturday

Silver Wokingham Handicap (6f, 3yo+)
Queen Mary Stakes (5f, Group Two, 2yo fillies)
Coronation Stakes (1m, Group One, 3yo fillies)
Coventry Stakes (6f, Group Two, 2yo)
St James’s Palace Stakes (1m, Group One, 3yo colts)
Diamond Jubilee Stakes (6f, Group One, 4yo+)
Wokingham Handicap (6f, 3yo+)
Queen Alexandra Stakes (2 3/4m, Conditions, 4yo+)

Online sports sponsorship, a boredom remedy for sport fanatics

In this day and age of technology, the internet has saturated almost every aspect of our lives and is increasing its range evermore.

Shopping, working, and leisure have all pretty much been normalized as online activities. It’s fairly clear that our world is progressing to use online platforms as a modem Operandi and our future will be largely based on this. So how do we keep up all our usual activities and hobbies with regards to this? For those who are sports fanatics, it has been a trying time due to the cancellation of most major league sports events. Even the 2020 Olympics have been postponed which has never before happened in history. So then what edge does online sports sponsorship provide for regular sports fanatics?

 

Get local online

 

Bet365 is an online betting platform that has one of the largest ranges of sports and betting selections in the market. From ice hockey, tennis to major and minor league football and basketball, Bet365 ensures a constant feed of quality sports in spite of canceled events. It even has E-sports and virtual soccer for the new generations entering the realm of sports. If you can think of it, this site most probably has it. Sure, MLS isn’t happening and you’re heartbroken but when life throws you lemons…why not bring on the good old homemade lemonade? And by homemade, we’re talking about the minor league and local game betting. If it’s the sport you’re after then these leagues should tickle your fancy and bring you back to old times of supporting your local team no matter how awful they performed and how much ridicule your friends and family fired at you. If your locale is canceling sporting events, fear not because sports still encompass 80% of the bets on Bet365 so you’re bound to find something right up your alley.

 

Looking out for your safety 

 

With the wide range of online betting sites, it is then important to highlight aspects to look out for when choosing a site. First and foremost one needs to consider the reputation and history of the site. Bet365 is licensed by the UK Gambling association assuring its legality and has been operating since 2000, 20 years of clientele success. In addition to this, they use 128-bit SSL encryption technology to secure player information from any potential infiltrators and they use random number generators in their virtual gaming to avoid any rigging. Another factor is the ease of use and accessibility. Googling a few forums and review sites, many users remark on how quick and easy it is to register. Opening an account includes providing some pertinent details, creating a username and password, and creating an additional code for contact with the site. This isn’t ordinarily done on many sites but should be a staple as it further solidifies your security. Many users also remark on the simplicity of its web page, which is logically ordered and easy to gain quick access to whichever sporting platform appeals to you most. Another unique accessibility trait this site offers is the ability to use one account for everything, whereas many other sites would require separate accounts to enjoy the different aspects one can find entertaining.

 

 

As an online sponsor, you’d definitely want as many options as possible with regards to payment options, so that your particular method is likely to fall on the list. Secondly, you’d want the betting deposit requirements to be affordable so as not to feel forced to sponsor unwillingly or being taken on a ride somewhat. Thirdly, the speed in which they payout is imperative to your interest and feeling of protection and service guarantee. Bet365 ticks all these boxes, which is obviously why they’re one of the leaders in the market. In terms of payment options, you can use your debit or credit card and the host allows online payment options such as Neteller or PayPal with no additional deposit costs. Minimum deposits are low and the maximums are high enough to accommodate those who wish to deposit more, without being excessive or alienating. The site requires initial once-off documents for withdrawing your winnings in order to verify your identity and enforce security in the withdrawal process. Thereafter there are absolutely zero restrictions in withdrawing your cash, whenever you please, and the payments are received within a 24-48 hour window period.

 

Getting the most out of it

 

One of the most attractive aspects of Bet365 is their promotions. The site will notify you of promotions that directly relate to your chosen preferences and while many sites cover up hidden clauses of their conditions, Bet365 is open and provide easy-to-read terms and conditions where you won’t have to spend an hour reading. Bet365 covers many sporting events that extend to a global market, including Irish customers looking for promotions in local sports sponsorship and to get you started: bonus code Ireland provides exactly that for aspiring new members.  

 

Racing Post to resume print publication from June 1st

Racing Post, the only newspaper dedicated to horseracing, will resume publication of its print edition on June 1st to coincide with the resumption of British racing.   

The daily title will return for sale as racing becomes the first mainstream professional sport to return to action behind closed doors – with action in Ireland scheduled to follow suit on June 8th.   

The publication had temporarily halted the production of the newspaper for the first time in its 34-year history in March in response to British and Irish racing suspending competition entirely during the unprecedented Coronavirus pandemic.    

The long-awaited return to full publishing will see the Racing Post increase output from the streamlined digital newspaper, app and website news service which was maintained during the crisis in order to help readers follow racing’s resumption plans, alongside coverage of the sport where it was able to continue in jurisdictions such as Hong Kong, France & the United States.   

Horseracing in Britain is provisionally scheduled to return at Newcastle on Monday, June 1st, according to the BHA’s initial schedule for the resumption of the sport, while Naas will host the first fixture of Irish racing when the sport returns on June 8.   

All events will be behind closed doors and subject to strict government guidance around social distancing and hygiene requirements.    

Racing Post will have coverage of every race at every meeting from the revised schedule as well as in-depth interviews with racing’s biggest names, tipping from renowned tipsters Paul Kealy and Tom Segal and features on the resumption, spearheaded by the words of the multi-award-winning writer Alastair Down.    

Joining the daily publication on the return will be Racing Post weekly publications, Racing Post Weekender and the Racing and Football Outlook.    

The Racing Post will be available for sale nationwide Britain and Ireland at a cover price of £3.50 (Sun-Fri; £3.90 Sat; €4.20/€4.50 Ire).   

Discussing the return of the Racing Post, editor Tom Kerr said: “It’s been an incredibly difficult two months for all those involved with racing on these shores. The temporary halt in production of the newspaper in March was something no one could have predicted earlier in the year but I’m delighted to say we are coming back better than ever.   

“The team at Racing Post is prepared for the resumption of racing, and although it will be in a new world to the one it left behind we’re excited to be part of it.   

“It’s been a pleasure to work with the talented team here on the plans for bringing the print newspaper back – no small task under the current circumstances – and I can’t wait to get my hands on that first print edition.   

“We all love newspapers, and we know that for many of our customers there’s no substitute to the feel and experience of a print Racing Post as their daily guide to this great sport.” 

  

Top 5 Centre Backs in World Football 2000-2020

Once again I am going to do a list on my top 5. This time I will focus on the top 5 centre in world football from 2000-2020. Quite a difficult one this but I am open to plenty of debate !

1. Fabio Cannavaro – Simply my favourite defender. He played for several clubs from 1992 to 2011. He was a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006. That same year he scooped the Ballon d’OR, probably mainly due to his masterclass against Germany in the World Cup. Fabio made over 700 appearances for club and country, with 136 coming for Italy. He has been involved in management since retiring coaching in the Chinese Super League.

2. Paolo Maldini – Maldini spent his whole career at AC Milan from 1978 till 2009. His senior career began in 1984 at the club. A club legend, Maldini would make 902 appearances for AC. He would make 126 appearances for Italy. Furthermore, he would become one of only 18 players to surpass 1,000 appearances. He would win 7 Seria A titles, 5 Champions Leagues, World Soccer player of the year in 1994.

3. Giorgio Chiellini – Currently still playing with Juventus in the Serie A and the Italian national side. Chiellini has played over 500 games for the Juventus and has amassed over 100 caps for Italy. He simply puts his body on the line to protect the goal line. He has won 8 Serie A titles as well as winning Serie A defender of the year three seasons in a row 2008-2010.

4. Sergio Ramos – Many are not fans of Ramos but his record and medals speak for themselves. The 34 year old has more or less spent the majority of his professional career at Madrid. Ramos has made over 600 appearances for the club and has broken all kinds of records. He has become Spain’s most capped player of all time making 170 appearances since his debut in 2005. He is also the countries 10th highest goalscorer. Just some of his honours include 5 Champions League medals, 4 La Liga titles, 2 European Cups in 2008 and 2012 with Spain and a World Cup in 2010.

5. Carlos Puyol – Joined up with Barcelona in 1995 as a youth. Worked his way up to the senior squad after playing with Barcelona C and Barcelona B. He made over 650 appearances for the club in an outstanding career. A no nonsense defender. He won 21 titles including a World Cup in 2010, Euro Cup in 2008 with Spain. Furthermore, with Barcelona he won 3 Champions League, 6 La Liga titles and 2 Club World Cups to name but a few.

That completes my top 5 centre backs in world football 2000-2020. Some defenders that were close to making the list include Jaap Stam, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Alessandro Nesta to name but a few.

5 Sports Matches to watch this weekend

With the majority of sports activity still currently suspended due to the coronavirus there is not much live sport on. Check out my 5 sports matches to watch this weekend.

World Cup Gold – Friday, TG4, 7.30pm – World Cup Gold on TG4 will bring us to the 1986 soccer world cup in Mexico. France played Brazil in the quarter-final in what is certainly one of greatest games in history. The likes of players on show include Michel Platini and Zico. Cracker of a game !

Cluichi Na Bliana – Saturday, TG4, 11.05am – Monaghan take on Kerry  super 8’s. The game takes place at Clones. It was a cracking game with players like David Clifford, Sean O’Shea and Paul Murphy on show for the Kingdom. Monaghan with the likes of McManus, Rory Beggan and Karl O’Connell.

Rugbai Gold – Saturday, TG4, 7.15pm – Rugbai Gold will show the meeting between Connacht and Toulouse at the Stade Ernest Wallon from the 2012 Heineken Cup. It was a big game, considering Toulouse were unbeaten at home in the tournament for five years. Connacht were looking for an upset? Did they do it?

All-Ireland Gold – Sunday, TG4, 1.55pm – The first game on Sunday is the U21 All-Ireland Hurling semi-final between Galway and Clare from 2009. Extra time was required in this game. Could Joe Canning steer his side to victory?

All-Ireland Gold – Sunday, TG4, 3.40pm – Ah the perfect way to top off your weekend. The 2005 All-Ireland Football Final between Tyrone and Kerry. Mickey Hartes team were looking from 2 title in three seasons. But Jack O’Connor’s were the reigning champions and looking for back to back titles. Something had to give.

League of Ireland begin testing players

Four League of Ireland teams have begun to test players as part of the pilot programme and tournament for the Airtricity League teams who will compete in Europe this coming year.

RTE report that Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and Bohemians players were tested on Monday morning as the sides prepare to make a return to training in phase 2 on June 8th.It is expected the results of these tests will confirmed at end of the week.  We reported earlier this month that the mini league as such will take place later this summer, while the remaining League of Ireland clubs will return to training in June.

Speaking about the testing Ireland and Shamrock Rovers midfielder Jack Byrne told FAI TV, “The test was fine. We just got a little swab taken at the back of our throats and it was all done in less than 20 seconds. We’re happy to get it done as it’s another step closer to training soon”. Byrne said it would be important to get everyone in the country back playing football. He said, “Football is such a huge part of this country and we need to take these steps for football to return, from the league to the grassroots. I can’t wait to return and get back to playing football.”

The FAI have said that a safe return to football will happen when state agencies and government say so. Alan Byrne, medical director at the FAI said, “Today is a significant day as we plot our return for all football in Ireland in a safe environment for players, staff, officials and volunteers. Mr Byrne continued, “We will test the players from these four clubs again before they return to training on 8 June and then again regularly when they are back on the training field”.

 

 

Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League cancelled for 2020

Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League have been cancelled for 2020 due to the unprecedented impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The decision was taken by the organisers due to what they describe as “these exceptional circumstances”. With restrictions on travel varying from country to country, all riders would not have the freedom to compete in the global competition, while the risk of a second wave later this year is also being cited for cancelling the Tour.

Jan Tops, founder and President of LGCT and GCL, said:

“We sincerely thank our event organising partners, our Title Partner Longines, the GCL team owners and our partners around the world for their tremendous support and understanding. None of us could have foreseen the scale of this global emergency and the suffering so many people are going through.

“Our priority must continue to be the health and safety of our fans, our staff, the athletes and their teams and those living in the locations of our events. So it is with great regret we have decided to cancel the remaining shows this year.

“Now we must all pull together to build a positive future after the pandemic, adapting and adjusting to deliver incredible sport in 2021 and beyond.”

The decision to cancel has been welcomed by Neil Moffitt, owner of the London Knights team, winners of the Global Champions League championship for the past two years:

“As a Founding GCL Team Owner this is the right decision as it is more important to maintain the integrity and quality of the League than to try to stage a few shows this year in this extremely challenging and uncertain environment. GCL is not a one-off event, it is a prestigious Championship with knock-out stages like the Champions League in Europe. We look forward to continuing our successful campaign in the seasons ahead.”

The aim is to start the Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League top-level show jumping championship series afresh in 2021.

Leinster Rugby Cancel Season Tickets for 2020/21

Leinster Rugby has cancelled all season’s tickets for next season due to the uncertainty of being able to have supporters at matches during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Season Tickets for next season will not now go on sale and instead that supporters will have the opportunity to avail of any match tickets that do become available for next season through a new Official Membership open exclusively, in the first instance, to current season ticket holders.

  • Leinster Rugby season tickets sale for season 2020/21 to be cancelled.
  • Current season ticket holders will retain the right to purchase their current seat through to season 2021/22.
  • Current season ticket holders to receive credit for the three remaining games of the 2019/20 season on a pro-rata basis.
  • Supporters who bought single match tickets to any of the Saracens, Munster Rugby, Zebre or Cardiff Blues games will be refunded automatically.
  • Leinster Rugby to launch Official Membership offering for current season ticket holders for 2020/21 on Monday, 8th June.

Mick Dawson, Chief Executive of Leinster Rugby said:

“The consequences of the pandemic and implications for Leinster Rugby and our loyal supporters are significant. Our public health obligations to all of our stakeholders are key as we seek to plot the return of Leinster Rugby. Season ticket holders are and will continue to be the foundation stone of our province. Social distancing is imperative as we consider the 2020/21 season. As a consequence, we have tried to develop a solution which we believe is fair and balanced. The new Official Membership offering attempts to maintain critical financial support while protecting season ticket holders’ future rights.”

Season Tickets for 2020/21 were due to go on sale to current season ticket holders in late March but given the sporting and financial uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 crisis, the renewal window was postponed.

With social distancing now likely to remain a part of sporting and other spectator events for some time to come, that renewal has now been formally cancelled by Leinster Rugby as it was not feasible to accommodate over 12,800 season ticket holders for next season in the RDS Arena.

“Cancelling our Season Ticket offering is an unprecedented step,” explained Dawson, “and one that will have a significant financial impact on our organisation but we feel it is the right decision to make.

“It has been a very difficult time for everyone and nobody knows what the future will look like but as a business, we have to make decisions now based on the best information available to us.

“The priority now is to finish the 2019/20 season, look after those that have tickets outstanding and then hopefully start the 2020/21 season.

“Our supporters have been a crucial part of our success over the years and it is also vital that when we all come back from this, and we will come back, that we have a vibrant supporter base to welcome to the RDS Arena. We feel that by securing their right to purchase their seat for 2021/22, that our supporters will take some comfort from the steps we have taken.”

Leinster Rugby confirmed that the new Official Membership will launch on Monday, 8th June with the initial offer open exclusively to current season ticket holders only.

The Official Membership will provide priority access to any matchday tickets that become available during the 2020/21 season as well as other exclusive benefits. Leinster Rugby season ticket holders will be contacted by email in the coming days with full details on the Official Membership and how to avail of same.

Credit for the remaining three games of the 2019/20 season will be applied to season ticket accounts in the coming weeks, while refunds for match day tickets for the Saracens, Munster Rugby, Zebre or Cardiff Blues games will be processed automatically through Ticketmaster or at the point of purchase.

While the Leinster Rugby head office in UCD is still closed, supporters with any further queries are asked to email information@leinsterrugby.ie and queries will be dealt with as soon as possible.

Consistency pays off for Thanks Forever as he wins Group 3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap

Thanks Forever claimed his fifth career victory when winning the valuable Group 3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap (1200m/6f) at Sha Tin, Hong Kong, on Sunday under Australian jockey Zac Purton.

Thanks Forever, who had posted some notable efforts but without winning in recent times, namely when placed in the Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m/6f) and last month’s Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m/6f), got his head in front on this occasion, his 16th start.

Winning trainer, John Moore, said of Thanks Forever’s success:

“He really has deserved that. He’s been a model of consistency without winning one of the black type races.”

Moore nominated the Group 3 Premier Cup over a furlong further at Sha Tin (1400m/7f) next month as a possible season finale for Thanks Forever.

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