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Galopin Des Champs set to join the elite with third Cheltenham Gold Cup win

GALOPIN DES CHAMPS (4.00) can join the Gold Cup greats.

The Gold Cup is the Festival highlight, but this year means even more with Galopin Des Champs within reach of the elite club of horses to win three of more Gold Cups.

Winning jockey and trainer holding a trophy.
AFP
Paul Townend and Willie Mullins after Galopin Des Champs second Gold Cup win[/caption]

He’s odds on to do so, and while it’s been a tough week for some of the hot Festival favourites, he is the highest-rated jumper in training and is 9lb clear of his closest rival Banbridge.

The ground has come right for King George winner Banbridge, but he has to prove his stamina against relentless stayer Galopin Des Champs, completed a hat-trick of Irish Gold Cups when two more of his rivals here, Inothewayurthinkin and Monty’s Star, were miles behind him.

Nicky Henderson has won a record seven Triumph Hurdles and French import Lulamba was was impressive on his British debut at Ascot in January.

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Hello Neighbour heads the Irish challenge but the Triumph may well be kept at home for the first time since 2019 thanks to EAST INDIA DOCK (1.20).

He’s unbeaten in three races over hurdles for James Owen, including two clear-cut victories in Grade 2 contests at Cheltenham, and that makes him the form pick — 6 lb clear in the ratings with a figure of 146p.

Willie Mullins runs four in his bid to win an eighth County Hurdle, including last year’s winner Absurde.

But it looks significant that Paul Townend has chosen the mare KARGESE (2.00) instead of last year’s hero.

She was one of the top juvenile hurdlers last year, finishing second in the Triumph, and was also runner-up in an Ascot Grade 2 in January on her only start this season.

This will be Kargese’s first handicap and, given that she tends to take a strong hold, the relentless gallop should suit her perfectly.

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Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chases their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

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Damon Hill lands new job in F1 just hours after Sky Sports confirmed his replacement in huge broadcasting shake-up

DAMON HILL has landed a new job just hours after Sky Sports F1 announced his replacement.

Hill, 64, had worked as a pundit for Sky Sports on their Formula One coverage since 2012.

A man in a suit at a film premiere.
News Group Newspapers Ltd
Damon Hill has landed a new job in F1 after leaving Sky Sports[/caption]
Damon Hill of Sky Sports holding a microphone.
Getty
The former world champion left the broadcaster last year[/caption]
A woman sits with a Sky Sports microphone, next to several racing helmets.
Sky Sports F1
Sky announced three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick would replace him this season[/caption]

But last November it was announced the 1996 F1 world champion was leaving the broadcaster.

Johnny Herbert, who was dropped by the broadcaster in 2022, claimed Hill was pushed after accusing world champion Max Verstappen of “using dangerous tactics” during the Mexico Grand Prix.

Tributes from Hill’s colleagues poured in at the time, before Sky announced earlier this week that three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, 26, would join the broadcaster for 2025.

However, Hill has not wasted any time in landing a new job of his own.

But instead of being in front of the camera, Hill will be working as a radio pundit with BBC Sport.

The Beeb announced Hill would join their radio coverage for the 2025 season starting with this weekend’s season opener at the Australian Grand Prix.

It came alongside an announcement that BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds had secured the exclusive Formula 1 UK radio rights for the next three seasons.

Jennie Gow, who has bravely battled back to the pitlane after suffering a stroke in 2022, and Rosanna Tennant will be on the presenting team.

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Meanwhile, Harry Benjamin and Ben Edwards will serve as the commentators.

Hill will also be joined on punditry by Formula E driver Sam Bird,  former W Series driver Alice Powell and former McLaren race mechanic Marc Priestley.

On the upcoming season, Gow said: “With Lewis Hamilton moving stables to Ferrari, Max Verstappen going for a fifth consecutive title, and Lando Norris hoping to win his first drivers’ championship, it’s got all the elements to be the best season in history.”

The first practice sessions of the 2025 season got off to a chaotic start as Ollie Bearman crashed out in the first practice session to mark a horror start to the rookie’s season.

Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton was outshone by Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc, while McLaren duo Lando Norris and home-favourite Oscar Piastri looked sharp Down Under.

On the end of his time at Sky Sports, Hill previously said: “I think I felt like the end was coming anyway, because I was kind of pushed back all last year.

Who is Jamie Chadwick?

Jamie Chadwick is one of the world's most decorated female racing drivers.

She has broken barriers and made history at every level of the sport she has taken part in.

Chadwick is a three-time W-Series Champion, MRF Series Champion, the only female racer to ever win an INDY NXT road course and British Formula 3 race and the first ever female and youngest ever driver to win a British GT Championship. 

A Williams F1 Racing Academy driver since 2019, she is regarded by many as a strong candidate to become the first ever woman to race in Formula One in the modern era.

She is a figurehead for women in the sport and is hugely passionate about supporting the next generation of girls on their journey into racing and increasing the participation of young girls in karting.

Jamie is currently racing in ELMS and will compete in the Le Mans 24hr this season. She is also continuing her development role for Williams Racing F1. 

In 2025 she will drive for IDEC Sport in the 2025 European Le Mans Series.

She recently launched the Jamie Chadwick Series, an initiative encouraging more young girls to enter racing at the grassroots level, aiming to balance the gender gap in participation.

In its first year, the series has reached over 450 girls and seen a dramatic 1900% increase in competitive participation.

“I was doing the less attractive races. And they’ve got younger, fresher names. They’ve got Jenson [Button], they’ve got Nico [Rosberg]. And that’s fair enough – I completely get it.

“They’re closer to the front line than I am. And it’s TV. There’s got to be a bit of eye-candy factor to it.”

On replacing Hill, Chadwick told the Daily Mail: “I hope that anyone who switches on the TV screen and sees female pundits – they see female mechanics, engineers, and drivers hopefully in the future.

“I think now the key is going to be trying to transition that female fan base into actual female participation – actually being involved in the sport across the board.

“And I really don’t think that’s going to take too long, given how quickly we’ve seen the fan base change.

“But it’s fantastic for the sport. You turn up to races now and you see so many different people watching and enjoying our sport.”

2025 Formula 1 season calendar.

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Cleaning fans race to B&M as Fabulosa extends iconic collection with must-have new scent 

SHOPPERS are going wild for a bargain cleaning brand’s new scent as bosses extend an iconic, fan-favourite collection.

Fabulosa already has an army of devoted cleaning fanatics who have cupboards full of their disinfectants.

Hand holding two bottles of Fabulosa concentrated multi-purpose cleaner.
Fabulosa
The incredible new scent is part of the iconic Your Sol Mate collection[/caption]
Bottle of Fabulosa Hummingbird Multi-Purpose Cleaner.
Fabulosa
And prices start from just £1 in B&M[/caption]
Pink Fabulosa multi-purpose cleaner bottle.
Fabulosa
The sun-soaked notes will transport you to the Brazilian shores[/caption]

And they are now racing to their nearest B&M to get their hands on their newest, must-have scent.

But the best thing about it is that prices for their latest range start at just £1.

The fragrance-led home and lifestyle brand revealed that the new scent is part of their fan-favourite Your Sol Mate’ collection.

Shoppers have already flocked to their local store to pick up the Summer Crush scent after it was released earlier this year.

This cleaning spray is infused with the delicious notes of pistachio, jasmine, salted caramel and sandalwood.

And it proved so popular that bosses have decided to introduce a new smell to the range of tropical scent medlies.

The brand has now released a new Hummingbird fragrance which is available in B&M stores now.

This starts with notes of pink dragonfruit, lychee and Brazilian jasmine, ocean air and hibiscus, with a base of creamy vanilla and rich sun musk.

The sun-soaked notes will transport you to the Brazilian shores as you spray it around your home.

The sought-after new fragrance is available in a 220ml Concentrated Multi-Purpose Cleaner.

It also comes in a one litre Floor Cleaner and a 750ml Multi-Purpose Cleaner.

The indulgent new aroma has been specially developed by the brand’s team of expert scentmakers to invigorate the senses and encourage homeowners to adore their chores.

Fans are already rushing to pick it up so they can drench their houses with squeaky clean, divine fragrances.

Many have been left excited by the latest addition to the collection and have flocked to social media to say they “need” the new scent.

One person said: “Looks amazing”.

Another added: “Need to try”.

Someone else wrote: “Will have to keep a look out for these”.

While a fourth gushed: “Oh yes please”.

15 Cleaning Hacks That Will Blow Your Mind

Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro:

  • How to clean your washing machine in a few easy steps
  • Keep on top of cleaning your oven regularly
  •  Clean your shower to ensure it’s always sparkling
  • How to clean your microwave using cheap household items
  • Here’s how to get rid of that nasty limescale in your kettle
  • You’re cleaning your carpet all wrong – here’s how to get it spotless again in no time
  • Unblock a toilet without a plunger
  • Clean your fabric or leather sofa in a few easy steps
  • If you haven’t cleaned your mattress in ages, here’s how
  • Steps to cleaning your dishwasher to leave it looking brand new
  • This is how to clean mirrors and windows without streaking
  • Keep your toilet clean in four easy steps
  • Give your TV screen a once-over
  • Did you know your Venetian, Roman, vertical, or roller blinds also need cleaning?
  • Deep-clean your fridge in five simple steps

And a fifth chimed in: “Need this in my life”.

It comes after we told how a cleaning whizz revealed that one product works wonders to remove stains from mattresses with little effort.

And the best thing about it is that you may already have it in your bathroom cupboard.

Experts explained that shaving foam is the secret cleaning “hero” that is hiding in the cabinet.

It also works to tackle a number of cleaning tasks around the house.

Fabulosa Hummingbird multi-purpose and floor cleaners.
Fabulosa
It is available in a 220ml Concentrated Multi-Purpose Cleaner, 1 Litre Floor Cleaner and a 750ml Multi-Purpose Cleaner.[/caption]

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Bruno Fernandes hits out at Sir Jim Ratcliffe for ‘not nice’ comments about ‘overpaid and not good enough’ Man Utd stars

BRUNO FERNANDES has bitten back at Sir Jim Ratcliffe over the Manchester United part owner’s brutal comments about the squad.

On Monday, the penny-pinching Ineos chief let rip as he called some of the players “not good enough” and “overpaid”.

Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United during a Europa League match.
Rex
Bruno Fernandes has bitten back at Sir Jim Ratcliffe over his brutal squad comments[/caption]
Sir Jim Ratcliffe in interview with Gary Neville.
Youtube @TheOverlap
Sir Jim Ratcliffe called some of the Man Utd squad ‘not good enough’ and ‘overpaid’[/caption]

Ratcliffe even name-checked Antony, Casemiro, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund and Jadon Sancho in his clearly-frustrated rant.

He told the BBC: “Some are not good enough and some probably are overpaid.

“But for us to mould the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time.

“We’ve got this period of transformation where we move from the past to the future.”

Ratcliffe reserved special praise for United captain Fernandes. adding: “There are some great players in the squad as we know, the captain is a fabulous footballer.

“We definitely need Bruno Fernandes, he’s a fantastic footballer.”

Despite the nice comments, the Portugal star, 30, was quick to defend his troops.

Fernandes said: “We need to prove ourselves every day in training, every day that we have a game. We can’t relax at this club.

Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets

“You know that there’s a big standard, a big attention that you get from the media, from everywhere.

“You need to realise that sometimes you need to put your focus on your game, trying to improve yourself.

Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrating a goal.
Getty
Bruno Fernandes scored twice as Man Utd reached the Europa League quarter finals[/caption]

“It’s not nice to hear certain things, obviously. I don’t think that any player likes to hear criticism or things that are talked about to you, that you’re not good enough or you’re overpaid or whatever.

“Everyone has their own contract. The club agrees to do the contracts at the time you come here or at the time you do a new contract or whatever.

“It’s about yourself proving that you can be important for the club.”

Fernandes played a starring role in Man Utd’s 4-1 Europa League win over Real Sociedad, scoring two penalties to reach the quarter finals.

United next face Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday evening as they aim to improve on their woeful season, currently 14th in the standings.

But Ruben Amorim has every faith in Fernandes. After the Sociedad match, the Red Devils boss said: “When we need it, (Fernandes) is always there.”

Man Utd player ratings

CAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again - scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.

He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.

Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.

But it wasn’t all positive.

Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.

Check out our full Man Utd player ratings.

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