Home Blog Page 527

Cork Club Together 4 Pieta on Saturday, 30th May

The Cork Senior football panel and management team will be invloved in an initiative tomorrow, Saturday, 30th May, to raise funds for Pieta House, the suicide and self-harm crisis centre.

The Cork panel and management will run the required distance it takes to run through each of the 24 clubs involved in the senior football set-up in the county, with each individual set to run about 10 kilometres.

The Cork captain Ian Maguire from St Finbarr’s will begin the run, with players set to run the total of 432km between them over the course of the day, finishing back with the team manager Ronan McCarthy in Douglas.

Cork football captain Ian Maguire said of the fundraiser:

“It was inspiring and heart warming to see the nation wide support for Pieta in absence of their main fundraiser Darkness Into Light, but we the Cork footballers recognise that we can not rely on one event to fund such an essential service.”

The fundraising campaign has a Go Fund Me page called “Cork Club Together 4 Pieta” on social media channels such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Pat Duffy of Pieta House said the cancellation of the “Darkness into Light” event this year due to covid-19 has been a major financial loss for the organisation, as “last year (it) accounted for €6 million which represents 45% to 50% of our annual fundraising.”

All services in Pieta House are completely free and we depend on the community for our funding. Overall, our annual funding from the community accounts for in excess of 80%.

Donations can be made at gofundme.com/f/corkclubtogether4pieta

Pieta House offers a confidential, free of charge counselling service in 15 centres around the country, and can be contacted on 1800 247 257 or text Help to 51444. 

Stevo raises 45,000 euro for Irish Wheelchair Association

Another remarkable story we have to just give credit to Steven Goggins also known as Stevo is currently raising funds for the Irish Wheelchair Associations and is now approaching his 45,000 euro target. The link to the fundraising page can be found below.

Please support

Steven, suffered a spinal injury in 2005 which left him using a wheelchair and crutches for life. Steven though has come out to do an amazing gesture. He has decided to cycle 5k on a real bicycle to raise the funds. As we all know the Irish Wheelchair Association and all of it’s frontline workers are doing incredible work at the moment and always have done in fact. Their assisted living workers are currently going to people’s homes, the most vulnerable in society to assist them with their daily activities, chores, and personal hygiene care. The community outreach team of the Irish Wheelchair Association is also providing support for those alone due to the current restrictions in place.

They are also delivering care packages to those who need them most, setting up Skype accounts to keep those in touch with family and friends, while also setting up virtual tea parties and online dancing lessons. Steven has decided to raise money to help the Irish Wheelchair Association which needs 2 million euros every year to keep such services running. Without this funding, frontline workers wouldn’t be able to help the elderly during this time. The COVID 19 pandemic has put a halt on various fundraising events for the Association. In addition, all of the charity shops the organization runs are shut.

Steven deserves massive recognition for doing this and we just hope you can all donate as much as you can to such a worthy cause.

Cricket season delayed till August in UK

The England and Wales cricket season will be delayed till August in the UK until at least August 1st. The season was due to start on 12th of April but in fact was postponed until May 28th. However, this was then extended till July 1st.

The delay will now mean that 10 rounds of the county championship will have to be played at a later date. The T-20 blast will also not occur and the One-Day Cup will also be halted. The English Cricket Board have stated that it will try it’s utmost to create windows for red and white ball competition. However, the options for this will be planned by the Professional Game Group. Options as such may include splitting counties into regional groups, playing matches behind closed doors and social distancing measure put in place.

Additionally, the Guardian.com report that the season could potentially run into October. The T20 Blast and first class cricket will be played in three regional groups. In terms of first class cricket, teams will play each other once in their six team pool .The two teams with the most points at the top of the table across the three pools will then meet in the final. The T20 Blast could see teams play 10 games, 5 at home and 5 away. The three table toppers and next best side meeting for a finals day.

The English Cricket Board Chief Executive, Tom Harrison said the ECB is “hopeful of domestic and recreational cricket this season”. Harrison also addressed childrens cricket, he said, “As children start returning to school in the coming weeks, we look forward to exploring how those guidelines and learnings can be deployed for cricket,”.

 

Boxing and MMA events to resume in Las Vegas

Boxing and MMA events will resume in Las Vegas from this weekend after the Nevada state lifted a combat sports ban.

The BBC report that all events will be behind closed doors in order to stop the spread of Covid 19. MMA will return on Saturday to the Apex which will be headlined by fighters Tyron Woodley and Gilbert Burns in a welterweight bout. It is also expected boxing events will return on June 9th.

Combat sports have been suspended since the 12th of March when we were in the midst of the pandemic. Deadline.com report that the states athletic commission have sanctioned two UFC events as well as two Top ranking boxing shows. In addition, some casinos on the Strip have also been told they can reopen by the Nevada state governor.

On Tuesday the governor said that sporting events and casinos could reopen if they follow strict social distancing and other protocols. These protocols as such include hand sanitising, temperature checks, frequent handwashing and social distancing. In terms of casinos they will also have to change decks of cards regularly, limits on slot seating and table games spacing. Steve Sisolak, Nevada governor said, “I don’t think you’re going to find a safer place to come than Las Vegas by June 4, with the protocols that we’ve put in place, than the testing that we’ve put in place, with the contact tracing that will be in place by that time.”Not all amenities will re-open however. Most restaurants will continue to remain closed, as will bowling alleys, cafes, pools and clubs.

New rugby rules for Covid 19 approved

World Rugby have approved new rugby rules owing to Covid 19. BBC report that the rules will drastically reduce the number of scrums in a game, limiting numbers in the maul, removing the choke tackle and speeding up rucks are just 10 of the optional laws trials which were approved.

RTE Sport say that unions can apply to use one or more of the temporary law amendments in line with the World Rugby protocol on play to guidance. The World Health Organisation have supported the new laws and were considered by a law group which consisted of coaches, players, medics, match officials and law specialists on the back of analysis of 60 games. World Rugby said in a statement the trials will “provide limits to scrum options with no scrum resets, limits for players joining rucks and mauls, time to play the ball at the base of scrums and rucks reduced from five to three seconds and only one movement permitted for a maul.”

Bill Beaumont said that the health and well-being of the rugby family is paramount. He said, “We have extensively evaluated the perceived risk areas within the game in partnership with our unions”. World Rugby have also that contact exposure could be resumed between the tight 5 by more than 30%. They also said ruck exposure will decrease by 25% and maul exposure by around 50%.

In addition to the 10 laws outlined above, hygiene measures will also be in place. Hand and face sanitisation will be required, before and after games. Furthermore, the rugby ball will also be washed, before, during and after a game. Teams will be required to change their kits at half time. Teams will be asked not to huddle and celebrate in terms of close contact. Spitting and nose clearance is also not recommended. World Rugby have said that scrum practice should be done by machine rather than team mates. High transmission training such as scrummaging and mauling should be avoided for 48 hours after a game. The full list of these hygiene measures can be found here

 

Dutch Grand Prix postponed

The 2020 Dutch Grand Prix has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The race was originally set to take place on May 3rd. In fact, it was to be the first Dutch Grand Prix since 1985.

Sports director for the Dutch Grand Prix, Jan Lammers said, “We were completely ready for this race and we still are”. Mr Lammers continued, “We ask everyone to be patient. I had to look forward to it for 35 years, so I can wait another year. Formula 1 and Dutch Grand Prix officials said they had discussed whether to reschedule the meeting for later in the year with no fans but came to the conclusion that they would like to celebrate the moment and return of Formula in Zandvoort together with racing fans.

BBC Sport say that F1 officials are still trying to bring a programme together for the remainder of the season. Two races in the UK at Silverstone have already been planned an agreed on, depending on quarantine rules by government. Belgium have said they are hopeful of hosting a Grand Prix, I reported earlier this month this expected to take place on August 30th at Spa-Francorchamps.

In addition other Formula 1 that are potential hosts for Formula 1 races include Spain, Italy, Hungary and France. Germany’s track in Hockenheim which is not on the original schedule will remain on standby in case there is another slot for a race which other racing tracks can’t fill. BBC say that each of the 10 teams will be limited to a maximum of 80 each.

Remaining 92 Premier League games will be live on TV from 17th June

The English Premier League will recommence on Wednesday, 17th June, subject to all safety requirements being in place, the Chief Executive of the Premier League, Richard Masters, has confirmed.

The 92 games remaining in this season’s league will all be played behind closed doors, but each one of them will be televised live.

The Premier League is set to play two rearranged games on Wednesday, 17th June, involving Manchester City v Arsenal and Aston Villa v Sheffield United.

The weekend of 20-21 June will see a full round of games that weekend, with games broadcast on live on Sky Sports, BT Sport, BBC Sport or Amazon Prime.

The Premier League has also announced revised kick-off times for the remainder of the 2019-20 season.

Weekend games:

Friday 8pm

Saturday 12.30pm, 3pm, 5.30pm, 8pm.

Sunday 12.00, 2.00pm, 4.30pm, 7pm

Monday 8pm

Midweek games:

Tuesday 6pm, 8pm

Wednesday 6pm, 8pm

Thursday 6pm, 8pm

 

Two Premier League matches likely on Wednesday 17th June

The London Independent newspaper is reporting that the Premier League may resume on Wednesday, 17th June with possibly two games being played.

It is believed the 20 Premier League clubs have agreed to a full return to action on Saturday, 20th June, with a number of games being played in advance of that date.

The BBC is reporting that Premier League second-placed Manchester City v Arsenal, and Aston Villa v Sheffield United, are the two games likely to take place earlier that week.

It has been confirmed that Premier League players and staff will continue to be tested twice a week for coronavirus, with the capacity increased from 50 to 60 tests per club for the fourth round of testing, with any player or staff member who tests positive having to self-isolate for a period of seven days.

Liverpool, bidding to win a first league title in three decades, were 25 points clear at the top of the table when the Premier League was suspended on 13th March.

Horse racing – List of 2yo’s given priority to race before Royal Ascot

Here is the list of 2yo’s that have been nominated by their trainers to get priority to race in the first few weeks of the new horse racing fixture list.

By this time of the year, there would normally have been around 700 individual two-year-old performances. These performances would have helped determine the horses which would be of sufficient quality to compete at Royal Ascot. Bearing this in mind, a number of races have been programmed specifically for two-year-olds after resumption – and these races have been given priority to divide once or sometimes twice – but despite this it is anticipated that there will only be capacity for around half of that number of runners ahead of Royal Ascot.

In order to get into Ascot races, a previous run is likely to be necessary and the chances of getting one would normally be decided by random ballot.

Under the policy, trainers were asked to identify specific horses that they would like to see given priority against elimination from any division of the currently programmed two-year-old races. The offering of priority from elimination is intended to help trainers with two-year-olds that they feel are Ascot prospects ensure that they have a chance to get into a race in the first eight days upon resumption, so as to potentially be able to go on to Ascot.

The number of horses that could be selected by any trainer was based on their previous record with two-year-olds in Open Maiden or Novice races as well as the number of runners that they have had in Royal Ascot two-year-old races in the last three years. The number of priority nominations resulting from this formula is relatively small per trainer, with 126 nominations spread across 50 trainers. This means that we would expect a further 225 places to be available in two-year-old races in the first eight days for horses that have not been prioritised by their trainers, and qualification for these places will be by random ballot.

Following further consultation with horsemen representatives it was agreed that trainers that did not qualify for priority selections through this formula were invited to make up to one selection should they feel that they have a horse that they consider to be an Ascot prospect.

Adrian Nicholls Mamba Wamba (IRE)
Alan King Painless Potter (IRE)
Amanda Perrett Kodi Kub (IRE)
Andrew Balding Bright Devil (IRE)
Andrew Balding Tactical (GB)
Archie Watson Science (IRE)
Archie Watson Proclaimed (GB)
Archie Watson Identified (GB)
Archie Watson You’ve Charmed Me (IRE)
Archie Watson Ocean Star (IRE)
Archie Watson Igotatext (IRE)
Archie Watson Mighty Gurkha (IRE)
Ben Haslam Macho Pride (IRE)
Bill Turner Weymouth Bay (IRE)
Brian Ellison Bonne Vitesse (IRE)
Brian Meehan Talbot (IRE)
Bryan Smart Unleash (GB)
Charles Hills Give ‘Em The Slip (GB)
Charles Hills Snash (IRE)
Charles Hills Mutarabes (IRE)
Charlie Appleby Creative Force (IRE)
Charlie Appleby Magical Land (IRE)
Charlie Appleby Modern News (GB)
Charlie Appleby Sunset Memory (GB)
Charlie Appleby Sky Angel (IRE)
Charlie Appleby Fanciful Tale (IRE)
Charlie Appleby Fabrizio (GB)
Charlie Appleby Noble Dynasty (GB)
Charlie Fellowes Golden Bear (IRE)
Christopher Mason Glamorous Breeze (GB)
Clive Cox Get It (GB)
Clive Cox Bright Armor (IRE)
Clive Cox Nando Parrado (GB)
Daniel Kubler Bowland Park (GB)
David Evans Plum Run (IRE)
David Loughnane Ex. Money Note (GB)
Dominic Ffrench Davis Just A Jeroboam (GB)
Donald McCain Nacho (IRE)
Ed Dunlop Trixie Mitskie (GB)
Ed Walker Peerless (IRE)
Eve Johnson Houghton Enduring (GB)
Gay Kelleway Mehmo (IRE)
George Baker Magical Diva (FR)
George Boughey Astimegoesby (IRE)
George Margarson Berrtie (GB)
George Scott Bungledupinblue (IRE)
Grant Tuer Mokaman (GB)
Harry Dunlop Dream Chaser (FR)
Heather Main Lady Menilly (IRE)
Hughie Morrison Rooster (GB)
Hugo Palmer Lockdown (GB)
Hugo Palmer London Palladium (GB)
Iain Jardine Bulls Aye (IRE)
Ismail Mohammed Glowing For Gold (GB)
Ivan Furtado Gems Jewel (GB)
J. S. Moore Wholelotafun (IRE)
James Ferguson Zoetic (GB)
James Given Sparkling Perry (GB)
James Grassick Living On A Dream (GB)
James Tate Sense Of Romance (IRE)
Jamie Osborne Balavad (IRE)
Jane Chapple-Hyam On My Way (GB)
John Gosden Saeiqa (GB)
John Gosden The Circus (GB)
John Gosden Willabel (USA)
John Gosden Third Kingdom (GB)
John Gosden Rainbow Fire (IRE)
John Gosden Sarsaparilla (GB)
John Gosden Existent (GB)
John Quinn Virginia Plane (GB)
K. R. Burke Significantly (GB)
K. R. Burke Tapeten Toni (FR)
K. R. Burke Inhaler (GB)
K. R. Burke Dandalla (IRE)
Keith Dalgleish Tatsthewaytodoit (GB)
Keith Dalgleish Peely Wally (IRE)
Kevin Ryan Sound Reason (GB)
Kevin Ryan Signora Princess (GB)
Les Eyre Fields Of Berries (GB)
Liam Bailey Harswell Prince (GB)
Marco Botti Angels Will Rise (GB)
Marcus Tregoning Molhim (USA)
Mark Johnston Pelekai (GB)
Mark Johnston Eye Of Heaven (GB)
Mark Johnston Mutazawwed (IRE)
Mark Johnston Baileys Breathless (GB)
Mark Johnston Army Of India (IRE)
Mark Johnston Naamoos (FR)
Mark Johnston Ventura Vision (FR)
Mark Johnston High Peak (IRE)
Mark Johnston Julie Johnston (GB)
Mark Johnston Thunder Of Niagara (IRE)
Mark Johnston Meshakel (IRE)
Mark Loughnane Meant Two B (IRE)
Michael Appleby Katie’s Kitten (GB)
Michael Attwater Lothian (GB)
Michael Bell Vedute (IRE)
Michael Bell The Hulk (GB)
Mick Channon Chattri (GB)
Mick Channon Mahale (GB)
Mike Murphy Steely Queen (GB)
Milton Harris Tempah (GB)
Owen Burrows Kawaalees (GB)
Paul Cole Valpolicella (GB)
Paul Cole General Lee (IRE)
Paul D’Arcy Power On (IRE)
Paul George Wind Rider (IRE)
Phillip Makin Muker (IRE)
Ralph Beckett Time Scale (GB)
Ralph Beckett William Bligh (GB)
Richard Fahey Internationaldream (IRE)
Richard Fahey Strike Red (IRE)
Richard Fahey Samara Bay (IRE)
Richard Fahey Double Dealing (IRE)
Richard Fahey Imperial Butterfly (IRE)
Richard Fahey Patsy Fagan (IRE)
Richard Fahey No School Today (IRE)
Richard Fahey Ventura Mutiny (GB)
Richard Hannon Pure Dreamer (GB)
Richard Hannon Cooperation (IRE)
Richard Hannon Host (IRE)
Richard Hannon Kool Moe Dee (IRE)
Richard Hannon Happy Romance (IRE)
Richard Hannon Risque (IRE)
Richard Hannon Ventura Tormenta (IRE)
Richard Hughes Nelson Gay (IRE)
Richard Hughes Aussie Stormer (IRE)
Richard Spencer Wings Of A Dove (IRE)
Robert Cowell Isle Of Lismore (IRE)
Rod Millman Furlong Factor (GB)
Roger Teal Gussy Mac (IRE)
Roger Varian Dark Lion (IRE)
Roger Varian Saint Lawrence (IRE)
Roger Varian Setarhe (IRE)
Roger Varian Sardinia Sunset (IRE)
Roger Varian Rumaythah (IRE)
Saeed bin Suroor Mashmoom (GB)
Saeed bin Suroor Fast Start (GB)
Saeed bin Suroor Future Vision (GB)
Saeed bin Suroor Al Watan (IRE)
Seamus Mullins Roseacre (IRE)
Simon & Ed Crisford Jadoomi (FR)
Simon & Ed Crisford Zamaani (IRE)
Simon & Ed Crisford Star Cactus (USA)
Simon Dow Twentysharesofgrey (GB)
Sir Mark Prescott Bt Chill Out (IRE)
Sir Mark Todd L’Operateur (GB)
Steph Hollinshead Velocistar (IRE)
Stuart Williams Baby Sham (GB)
Tim Easterby Winter Power (IRE)
Tom Clover Soldierpoy (GB)
Tom Dascombe Andronicus Beau (IRE)
Tom Dascombe Lauded (GB)
Tom Dascombe Fools Rush In (IRE)
Tom Dascombe Scarlet Bear (IRE)
Tom Ward Bilandy (GB)
William Haggas Sacred (GB)
William Haggas Yazaman (IRE)
William Haggas Currency Exchange (IRE)
William Haggas Light Refrain (GB)
William Haggas Golden Melody (IRE)
William Jarvis Porfin (IRE)
William Stone Little Sunflower (GB)

Video – Ryan Moore’s Top Five Horses

Thanks to Betfair we have been talking to Ryan Moore about five racehorses he has ridden over his illustrious career.

  1. Ryan Moore rode Notnowcato to glory in the Coral Eclipse in 2007

The Coral Eclipse in 2007 was an amazing race. I was a big admirer of George Washington, but I also believed we had a very good horse in Notnowcato. He had taken on a derby winner as well which was very impressive.

We knew he was very straightforward and honest; we wanted to set our own rhythm and pace to dictate things. I’d rode at Sandown the day before and after walking the track in the morning I knew where I wanted to be on the day.

Everything worked out so smoothly, I knew he would put his head down and go. He was a lovely horse that always tried so hard, it was a wonderful day for everyone involved.

2) Ryan Moore romped home with Snowfairy at the Epsom Oaks in 2010

I’d sat on Snowfairy at home, and she was always rock solid in her work. We didn’t expect her to be the horse she’d became at that stage, but she was exceptionally talented. It was a big field and we were a little bit worried about running her a mile and a half as she’d already ran a mile and a quarter at Goodwood.

We were patient with her, the gaps all came at the right time and she had the speed to take them. She didn’t run very fast, but the reality was that she ran a lot better than all the other horses in the race.

3) ‘No better race than the Epsom Derby!’ – Ryan Moore wins the 2010 Epsom Derby with Workforce

Workforce had a serious amount of talent, winning his maiden at Goodwood on his debut. He was quite a big and awkward customer, I remember being really happy with him afterwards, although he was a difficult horse, he had a really good mind and wouldn’t get too upset.

I remember saying, “all I’ve got to do is get him downhill and he’ll win.” He was very good on the day, maybe it wasn’t the strongest derby, but he was super-impressive.” The Derby is the race that you really want to win, and there’s no better race in my eyes anyway, it was a special day.

4) Royalty in attendance… Moore races home in the 2013 Royal Ascot Gold Cup with Estimate

Estimate was a very straightforward filly; she’d won the vase as a three-year-old. She had come back as a four-year-old and had won at Ascot. We went back to Ascot pretty confident with her.

She stayed well, was honest and never gave a moment’s doubt. It was a very special day; I was lucky to be a part of that – The Queen loves her racing and enjoys going to see her horses’ race. To take part in such a big race at her meeting made it an extra special day all-round.

 

5) Moore fights off favourite Joseph O’Brien’s Australia to win Irish Champion Stakes with Grey Gatsby in Leopardstown

Grey Gatsby had already won the Dante Stakes and Prix du Jockey-Club but was so impressive that day and scooted round the inside of the course. He got out late and won somehow. I thought he would win the Grand Prix De Paris, but it was bad, bad ground, un-raceable.

There were a few good horses racing in the Champion Stakes (Irish), Al Kazeem, Mukhadram, Trading Leather. I remember going down the back and was surprised that no one wanted to do so. It felt right for my horse on the day and he was a lovely horse to ride. He had serious talent.