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Up-and-coming seaside town’s main holiday park gets £15million revamp with new entertainment venue, pub and sports bar

A HOLIDAY park in Somerset has undergone a huge £15million renovation with a new entertainment venue, pub and sports bar opening on its site.

Unity Beach (previously Holiday Resort Unity) in Brean, Somerset, went into new ownership at the end of 2024.

Two people axe throwing at Unity Beach holiday park.
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Unity Beach (previously Holiday Resort Unity), a holiday park in Somerset, has benefitted from a £15m revamp[/caption]
Restaurant tables set for diners near a large window.
Supplied
The award-winning holiday park has a wave of new onsite venues, including an entertainment venue, pub and sports bar[/caption]
Children playing in a water park splash pad.
Supplied
Splash Waterpark has a six-lane pool, a splash zone and water slides, all free for guests to use[/caption]

The award-winning holiday park has a wave of new onsite venues, including an entertainment venue, pub and sports bar.

The Wonky Donkey pub will serve a range of family-favourite meals from breakfast until late.

Meanwhile, the Sports Cafe blends traditional pub pastimes like pool, shuffleboard and darts with cutting-edge virtual reality gaming.

Families will also be able to watch live sports on the giant TV screens and order a range of food and drink.

And, a whole host of entertainment will be offered throughout the day at the Pavilion Theatre, including Wake ‘n’ Shake sessions, Wave Art Warrior classes, Wizard Workshops, and pop-up pier performances.

Other entertainment includes talent shows, tribute acts and classic family pantos.

Set across 240 acres, Unity Beach has plenty of other activities like an onsite waterpark.

Splash Waterpark has a six-lane pool, a splash zone and water slides, all free for guests to use.

There’s also Brean Play, an indoor soft play area with a spider web climbing frame, slides, a trampoline, cannon zone and obstacle course.

Holidaymakers can also use the outdoor play area with swings, climbing frames and seesaws.

Other onsite facilities include an American-themed diner called RJ’s, a Chinese takeaway called Treasure Chinese, an ice cream parlour, an Indian restaurant and Breakers Bar and Restaurant.

Nearby, there’s also Brean Theme Park with 40 rides and attractions, and an 18-hole golf course.

Brean Beach sits directly across the road from Unity Beach, making it ideal for families who want to go a dip in the sea.

The seven-mile stretch of sand is just one of the reason Brean is an up-and-coming holiday destination.

Last year, the first section of the King Charles III England Coastal Path opened at Brean Down, with more walkers and nature lovers expected to flock to this part of the world.

Brean beach has been featured in TV shows including hit costume drama Sanditon and, last year, crews were spotted filming new mini-series The Killing Kind, starring Merlin’s Colin Morgan.

Popular seaside towns Weston-Super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea are a short drive from the award-winning holiday park.

Amazing value for money

Three-night Easter breaks at Unity Beach start from £77 per person, with four-night midweek breaks from £66 per person.

Prices are based on a family of four sharing a Bronze two-bedroom holiday home.

Other overnight accommodation options include luxury lodges with hot tubs and touring pitches.

The Somerset-based holiday park has been praised by holidaymakers with a 4/5-star rating from nearly 2,000 reviews on TripAdvisor.

One person wrote: “Amazing value for money. We do a lot of caravan holidays and this was by far the best caravan we’ve ever had.”

Another added: “We regularly visit this site and use the facilities across the site. The kids have loved the entertainment, there is so much more energy and interaction for them now.”

Seven items to take on every holiday park break

HOLIDAY Park expert Robbie Lane recently revealed the seven items he always packs before heading on a holiday park break with his family.

Here’s what he takes…

  • Swimming trunks – an essential for days at the beach.
  • A bottle of wine because on-site shops often have inflated prices, meaning the cost of food and drink will be higher.
  • Bikes/scooters, which come in particularly useful when staying at larger sites.
  • Blackout blinds for kids’ rooms to keep out any unwanted sunlight ensuring a good night’s kip.
  • A multi-socket extension because some caravans or lodges simply don’t have enough sockets.
  • A fan to help keep places cool, especially in the hot weather.
  • And a can of WD40 to get rid of any annoying squeaks in door frames.

Earlier this year, The Holiday Park Guru revealed England’s top three underrated holiday parks – with private beaches, indoor water parks and jet skis for kids.

Meanwhile, Haven’s Weymouth Bay Holiday Park site plans to add 239 static caravans and a wildflower meadow in £20million expansion.

Living room in a holiday park.
Supplied
Overnight accommodation options include luxury lodges with hot tubs and touring pitches[/caption]
People enjoying a water park with slides and sprinklers.
The onsite waterpark is a hit with families
Holiday park homes at sunset reflected in a pond.
Supplied
Three-night Easter breaks at Unity Beach start from £77 per person, with four-night midweek breaks from £66 per person[/caption]

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Huge rooftop ‘playground for grown ups’ to reopen this summer with music festivals and outdoor cinema

FOR anyone seeking fun summer vibes, check out this quirky London roof top venue.

Roof East is essentially a ‘playground’ for the adults, with classic games, an outdoor cinema, bars, street food vendors and as of this year, will be a sun-soaked spot (weather permitting), to enjoy bottomless brunch and festivals.

Roof East rooftop bar with deck chairs and city view.
Instagram
Roof East in Stratford will open in April for the summer[/caption]
Outdoor rooftop movie screening with audience seated in lounge chairs.
Instagram
In the afternoons and evening you can catch a film showing[/caption]

This venue isn’t one you’ll accidentally stumble upon as, you might have guessed it, on a roof.

Only open for a limited time during the year, Roof East, found on the top floor of a Stratford car park, will reopen its doors on Thursday 17 April 2025.

The quirky venue known for its vibrant colours and joyful atmosphere is also completely free to enter with each activity being priced separately.

You can play games like Sluggers, which is inside a batting cage, along with Birdies crazy golf, bowls and archery.

Prices for the games vary with crazy golf starting at £10 and up to £56 for the batting cages.

Dotted around the rooftop are your classic games too, from Jenga to Hang Bar, Ping Pong and Cornhole – which you can play for free.

With deckchairs you can take a seat and enjoy cult classic films as the roof of the car park turns into an outdoor cinema – they’ll play anything from romance to horror.

If you can get an Early Bird ticket the price for a booking a lounge chair is £13.60.

It’s also the perfect place to enjoy a drink and bite to eat. The bar has everything from soft drinks to beers, cocktails and wine.

And to eat, there’s your classic street food, burgers, flatbreads, fries and fried chicken – they also have vegan and gluten free options too.

Aerial view of a colorful rooftop bar with people sitting at tables and in deck chairs.
Instagram
On a summer’s day this is the ideal place to stop for a drink[/caption]
Man swinging a bat in a batting cage.
Instagram
A batting cage costs £28 for 25 minutes or £56 for 50 minutes[/caption]

Along with all of these, Roof East has also added something else to their line-up, bottomless brunches.

These are available for booking from the last weekend of May – you can expect classic dishes and of course, bottomless drinks.

You can also add on bottomless games for afterwards as well.

For any couples heading Roof East, they’ve also added what they call “Fireside Films”.

Aimed at romantics, this option is for those who want to catch a film at the outdoor cinema and snuggle up on a love seat next to a wood-burning heater.

On their list of what’s playing in April, there’s the cult classics, 10 Things I hate About You, Dirty Dancing, The Parent Trap and Pulp Fiction.

Also new for this year is the ‘Roof East festival weekends’, which will take place on the final weekend of June, July, and August.

Head over to the roof for live music, comedy, art activities and markets, each with a different theme every month.

For anyone fancying a visit to see what it’s all about, Roof East is on Level 8 of the Stratford Multi-Storey Car Park in London.

Some guests on TripAdvisor described it as the “best day out”; another added that it’s “a wicked venue for friends, celebrations, dates – everything and anything.”

If you head over to their website, they are now open for bookings.

We visited London’s ‘urban theme park’, perfect for a day testing your VR skills.

And this famous London high street that is a playground for punks rock stars and tourists is going car-free.

Here Are Our Top Picks For London Pubs, Bars, Hotels And Attractions

We've picked some of our most-loved destinations in London from pubs to hotels...

When you want something fancier than the pub but nothing as formal as a restaurant, the best bars in London have you covered (and a favourite pastime of mine is finding the newest and best). A recent discovery of mine after a delayed train home was Spiritlands, tucked behind Central Saint Martins College at Kings Cross and, dare I say it, is a hidden gem.” – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

“From the glitz of the Ritz to the budget urban cool of Z Hotels, it’s no wonder London comes out on top when you look at its buzzing hotel scene. Where other capital cities offer eye-watering prices for pokey rooms and no pizazz, London delivers a vast range of hotel styles at all budgets. At the top end, the recent most-talked about opening was Raffles London at the Old War Office.” – Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

“One of our capital’s greatest strengths is its culinary scene, taking inspiration from all over the world – I’ve eaten international dishes that taste better in London than in the places where they originated. Shout out to London Bridge’s Padella with its homemade saucy pastas and Coal Office in Kings Cross for its medley of sharing plates including one of the creamiest labneh’s I’ve ever eaten, topped with salty anchovies.” – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

“I first moved to London eight years ago, so have made the most of the free museums – along with the crowds of tourists too. But a way to avoid the crowds is the little-known early morning tours of the British Museum, where experts lead small tour groups around the museum before it opens. Gazing at the Rosetta Stone without loads of people in the way will forever stay with me, with tours costing £33 for a full-paying adult although you must book in advance online.” – Hope Brotherton, Travel Reporter

Rooftop bar with colorful decorations and many people sitting at tables.
Instagram
Roof East can be found on top of a Stratford car park[/caption]

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Met Police launch probe into suspended Reform MP Rupert Lowe over claims of ‘verbal threats’

SUSPENDED Reform MP Rupert Lowe is being probed by cops over allegations of “verbal threats”, the Met confirmed today.

It comes after the 67-year-old politician was accused by party chairman Zia Yusuf of threatening him with “physical violence”.

Photo of Rupert Lowe, Reform UK MP, at a podium.
PA
Rupert Lowe MP is being investigated by the Met over allegations of “verbal threats”[/caption]

Mr Yusuf also claimed the Great Yarmouth MP bullied two members of staff.

A spokesperson for the Met confirmed it has launched an investigation “into an allegation of a series of verbal threats made by a 67-year-old man”.

The alleged threats date between December 2024 and February 2025, and “inquiries are ongoing”.

Mr Lowe strenuously denies the accusations against him and claimed they are retaliatory smears for his criticism of Mr Farage’s leadership.

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'FALSEHOODS'

Lowe threatens legal action against Reform after being ousted from party

He said: “I have instructed lawyers to represent me in this matter.

“My lawyers have made contact with the Met Police, and have made them aware of my willingness to co-operate in any necessary investigation.

“My lawyers have not yet received any contact from the Police. It is highly unusual for the police to disclose anything to the media at this stage of an investigation.

“I remain unaware of the specific allegations, but in any event, I deny any wrongdoing.

“The allegations are entirely untrue.”

A civil war erupted in the Reform Party last week as Mr Lowe issued a blow-by-blow rebuke to each of Mr Yusuf’s charges.

The former Southampton FC chairman said it was “highly unlikely” he would return to the party but that he was not intending to stand down.

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Meet F1 2025 rookies including star gifted first go-kart by Michael Schumacher and Brit teen who’s already a millionaire

FOR the first time since 2010, SIX rookies will grace the Formula One grid this season.

The 2025 F1 season is sure to have it’s fair share of dramatic narratives.

Group photo of Formula 1 drivers at a photocall.
Getty
The F1 2025 grid has six rookies this year, the most since 2010[/caption]

These will range from Lewis Hamilton’s first year at Ferrari, McLaren‘s bid to win a drivers title for Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri and how Red Bull will recover from their poor season last time out.

However, six rookies coming to the grid is one of the most interesting storylines in itself with each of them having bags of talent shown throughout their careers in the junior categories of motor racing.

However, they are also as diverse as they come, with some stepping into huge shoes at top teams and others already having F1 racing experience behind them.

Below we take a look at each of F1’s 2025 rookies.

Kimi Antonelli – Italian born 2006 – Mercedes

Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes during Formula 1 pre-season testing.
Rex
Kimi Antonelli is named after F1 royalty and has the nigh-on impossible task of replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes[/caption]

Kimi Antonelli is the son of former racing driver Marco and was named after former world champion Kimi Raikkonen. He joined the Mercedes junior programme at the age of 11.

The teen – who will run the number 12 and says his spirit animal is a lion – only passed his driving test in January of this year, but has impressed in the junior categories.

This included a stunning wet Silverstone F3 test which saw him run four seconds quicker than any of his rivals. But his first test in an F1 car during last season’s Italian Grand Prix saw him crash into the barriers.

Mercedes have handed Antonelli more than 5,500 miles of private testing to boost his preparation for a move into F1 after being asked to fill the boots of Hamilton at the team.

Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets

Ollie Bearman – Brit born 2005 – Haas

Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team driver.
Rex
Ollie Bearman is already a millionaire after three successful sub appearances in F1 in 2024[/caption]

Ollie Bearman became the first Brit to race in the Scarlet Red of Ferrari in the 21st century when he finished P7 on his super-sub debut at last season’s Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.

He later made two more substitute appearances for Haas before securing a permanent seat based off of those appearances, although he endured a torrid time in F2 when not showing his pace in an F1 car.

Bearman turns 20 in May but is already estimated to have a net worth of more than £1m, as estimated from figures of his firm OBR Management Ltd.

He joined the Ferrari academy at the age of 16 and races under the number 87. Bearman also astonishingly failed his driving test the first time he took it. His spirit animal is suitably a bear.

Gabriel Bortoleto – Brazilian born 2004 – Sauber

Gabriel Bortoleto of Kick Sauber during Formula 1 pre-season testing.
Rex
Gabriel Bortoleto is one of only four drivers to win back-to-back F3 and F2 championships[/caption]

Gabriel Bortoleto arguably has the biggest racing credentials out of any of the 2025 rookies as he is one of only four drivers – with Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Piastri – to win back-to-back F3 and F2 titles.

Bortoleto admits his racing career was saved by Fernando Alonso when the two-time world champion sponsored him in 2022 before he was snapped up by the McLaren development programme a year later.

2025 Formula 1 season calendar.

They allowed Bortoleto, who says his favourite movie is Interstellar and his favourite TV show is Peaky Blinders, to then join Sauber for this season, with McLaren chief Zak Brown calling him a “great racing driver”.

Bortoleto – whose spirit animal is a lion – will race with the number 5 in F1 this season. His father, Lincoln, is the co-founder of one of the biggest Internet providers in world, Americanet following a merger with Vero in 2023.

Jack Doohan – Australian born 2003 – Alpine

Jack Doohan of Alpine F1 being interviewed.
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Jack Doohan was gifted his first ever go-kart by legend Michael Schumacher[/caption]

Jack Doohan has been placed under an incredible amount of pressure early in his F1 career with reports suggesting a poor start could see him removed from the seat, which has seen team boss Oliver Oakes praise Doohan for his “punchy” response to the speculation.

Doohan is the son of five-time MotoGP world champion Mick, who admits he tried to keep him away from motorsport for a year when he was 11 before he was forced to give in.

F1 2025 grid

Here are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:

Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson

Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli

McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll

Williams: Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz

Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto

Alpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan

RB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar

Haas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon

He was gifted his first-ever kart by none other than seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher and eventually joined the Alpine Academy in 2022.

Doohan, who will race with the number 7 in 2025 and who says his spirit animal is either a kangaroo or koala, replaced Esteban Ocon in last season’s season finale at Abu Dhabi to make his debut.

Isack Hadjar – Frenchman born 2004 – Racing Bulls

Isack Hadjar of Racing Bulls giving a peace sign.
Rex
Isack Hadjar has already been praised for his ‘god-like’ reflexes in F2[/caption]

Isack Hadjar is different from many of his peers in that his parents do not have any sort of background in motorsport.

Born into an Algerian family of physicians and physicists, he only gained an interest in cars because his dad was a kart mechanic and after watching the Pixar animation Cars.

https://twitter.com/Formula2/status/1794092357068980583

Hadjar was praised for his “god-like” reflexes in F2 last year when he managed to avoid a collision in the Monaco tunnel when a car ahead of him was around a blind corner.

Hadjar – who says his spirit animal is a gorilla – won more races than any other driver in F2 last season but was pipped to the title by Bortoleto. He will race with the number 6 for this season in F1.

Liam Lawson – New Zealander born 2003 – Red Bull

Liam Lawson of Oracle Red Bull Racing.
Getty
Liam Lawson’s parents had to sell his house to fund his racing career[/caption]

Liam Lawson is a weird case when it comes to being rookie since he already has 11 races in F1 under his belt, yet the Kiwi has never started a season so can be considered a rookie for all intents and purposes.

Lawson’s parents had to sell their house to fund his racing career while he never officially finished high school as he went to pursue his dream instead.

He only became a motorsport fanatic after watching his dad race in karts at the age of six, although Lawson actually cried after the first time he fired up a go-kart when the engine started.

Like Hadjar, Lawson is huge Cars fan, and will race with the number 30 this season as he attempts to tame the role of being Max Verstappen‘s team-mate.

Illustration of 2025 F1 driver salaries, ranked by annual salary.

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Retro 90s Ford Capri once raced by member of Royal Family on sale for £120,000 after gathering dust for 36 years

A RETRO Ford Capri 1973 raced by a member of the Royal family and driven by a Formula 1 icon is up for sale for £120k.

The remarkable motor, which remained in storage for 36 years before a mechanical rebuild in 2014, is set to go under the hammer in April.

Blue and white 1973 Ford Capri race car.
mediadrumimages
The Ford was fully restored in 2018, costing 100k[/caption]
1973 Ford Capri race car, blue and white "Shell Sport" livery.
mediadrumimages
The Capri was built in 1973[/caption]
Interior view of a restored 1973 Ford Capri race car.
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It is set to go under the hammer at Bonhams auction in Goodwood, Chichester[/caption]

The genuine Ford works car, decorated with a blue and white ‘Shell Sport’ livery, was originally built for the 1973 Avon Tour of Great Britain.

It was during this event that HRH Prince Michael of Kent took the wheel of the Capri, which has the registration ‘XWC 713L’.

The royal achieved a respectable 16th place finish after driving in circuit races, rally stages, and across 1,000 miles of public roads.

Later that year, it was driven by Formula 1 World Champion Niki Lauda at a one-off race at the Österreichring circuit in Austria.

Eligible for prestigious events such as Goodwood Members’ meetings, it will go under the hammer at Bonhams’ auction in Goodwood, Chichester, on April 13.

The 3.0 GXL Group 1 Competition Coupé was purchased by its current owner in 2018.

It then underwent a full restoration, costing more than £100k.

The bodyshell required minimal repair, retaining its original condition, and the engine was rebuilt to factory specification.

This work was completed by Neil Brown Engineering, the same specialists who worked on the car in 1973.

The listing states: “Hundreds of new parts were sourced and the car was completely rebuilt over a period of 18 months with no expense spared.

“It is an important part of Ford‘s motor racing history and has the unique distinction of being the only car ever raced by a member of the Royal Family and Niki Lauda.”

The same vehicle was driven by Nigel Clarkson and Jeremy Walton in the 24 Hours of Spa Francorchamps, where it finished 13th overall.

In 1974, the Capri was allocated to Tom Walkinshaw for the British Saloon Car Championship, where he claimed six victories and finished 4th overall, topping Class C.

That same year, Grand Prix motorcycle star Barry Sheene raced the car in a celebrity event at Brands Hatch.

In 2021, after a full restoration, the Capri was driven to a strong finish – despite brake issues – by racing legend Steve Soper at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting.

In November that year, the car claimed 1st in class and 2nd overall at the endurance race 250km of Estoril in Portugal.

Portrait of Niki Lauda, Austrian racing driver.
Hulton Archive - Getty
Niki Lauda celebrates winning the British Grand Prix[/caption]
Prince Michael of Kent at Wimbledon.
Paul Edwards
Prince Michael of Kent in the Royal Box at Wimbledon[/caption]

Car Auctions: How To Nab A Bargain

Car auctions are a way to sell vehicles based on a bidding system with the highest offer securing the deal.

Auctions aren’t restricted to the rich and famous as thousands of cars are sold at motor auctions in the UK each week.

Here’s what you need to know before attending an auction:

  1. Be prepared: Do your research on the car you would like to purchase beforehand.
  2. Check the car: Cars will usually be lined up before the start, so make sure to arrive early to inspect the desired car thoroughly.
  3. Have a back-up: Be ready for disappointment as your desired motor may be sold to someone else and select a few back-ups.
  4. Be realistic: Realise that there won’t be a “perfect” car at an auction and adjust expectations accordingly.
  5. Set a budget: It is easy to overspend in the heat of the moment during bidding. Ensure you have set a budget and do not go over it.

Key phrases to look out for:

  • ‘No major mechanical faults’ – suggests that there shouldn’t be any issues with the car’s drivetrain, gearbox, suspension, or engine. 
  • ‘Specified faults’ – the auctioneer will read out specific faults.
  • ‘Sold as seen’ – the vehicle is sold with any problems it may have. The auction company will rarely entertain complaints regarding the mechanical or cosmetic condition of these vehicles after sale.
  • ‘Sold with a warranted mileage’ – The car is being offered based on the report, which confirms the mileage through an independent check.

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2.00 Cheltenham result – day 1: Who won Arkle Novices’ Chase 2025? How every horse finished

DAY 1 of the Cheltenham Festival has gotten off to a thrilling start – with Jango Baie winning the Arkle!

We’ll bring you how every horse finished right here below, or check out Sun Racing’s Cheltenham live blog for the latest race updates.

Jockey Paul Townend celebrating after a horse race win.
Paul Townend aboard Gaelic Warrior won the Arkle Novices’ Chase last year
Sportsfile

2.00 Cheltenham result

1 Jango Baie 5/1

Cheltenham Festival 2025 schedule in FULL

Tuesday, March 11 – Champion Day

1.20pm: Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ (WINNER: KOPEK DES BORDES)
2pm: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (WINNER: JANGO BAIE)
2.40pm: Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
3.20pm: Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
4pm: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)
4.40pm: Hallgarten And Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
5.20pm: National Hunt Novices’ Chase

Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets

Wednesday, March 12 – Style Wednesday

1.20pm: Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
2pm: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
2.40pm: Coral Cup Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
3.20pm: Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
4pm: BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1)
4.40pm: Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
5.20pm: Weatherbys Champion Bumper

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF

Thursday, March 13 – St Patrick’s Thursday

1.20pm: Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)
2pm: Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase
2.40pm: Pertemps Network Final (Premier Handicap)
3.20pm: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1)
4pm: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
4.40pm: TrustATrader Plate (Premier Handicap)
5.20pm: Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup

Friday, March 14 – Gold Cup Day

1.20pm: JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)
2pm: William Hill County Handicap Hurdle Race (Premier Handicap)
2.40pm: Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (Grade 2)
3.20pm: Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
4pm: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1)
4.40pm: St. James’s Place Festival Hunters Chase
5.20pm: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

How to watch EVERY race at Cheltenham Festival 2025

In the UK, ITV1 will be providing FREE coverage of the first SIX races of each day at Cheltenham Festival this year.

Fans in the UK will be able to live stream ITV’s coverage for FREE via the ITVX app/website.

ITV‘s broadcast of the event will begin at 12.45pm and end at 5pm each day.

Previously, ITV didn’t air the final two races of each day at Cheltenham, but this year, viewers are treated to an extra four races across the festival for absolutely NOTHING.

Racing TV is the only place to watch the Cheltenham Festival in its entirety, but you will be required to purchase a subscription to access the channel.

SunSport’s Cheltenham live blog will provide comprehensive coverage of EVERY race across the festival.

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 chase their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – gamcare.org.uk
  • GambleAware – GambleAware.org

Read our guide on responsible gambling practices.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

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‘No way he should be riding’ say punters after seeing Cheltenham jockey’s horrific black eye and stitches

FANS have been left shocked after jockey Harry Skelton was seen with a horror eye injury ahead of his races today.

Skelton rides L’Eau du Sud in the Arkle Challenge and Take No Chances in the Mares’ Hurdle this afternoon.

Jockey Harry Skelton with a black eye and stitches.
PA
Harry Skelton showed off a horror eye injury before his race[/caption]
Jockey Harry Skelton in a bright yellow jacket.
Rex
Skelton rides L’Eau du Sud and Take No Chances on the opening day at Cheltenham[/caption]

But ahead of the opening race of the festival, the highly-rated jockey was seen with a painful-looking swollen eye.

There was also a nasty cut along the side of his brow that was held together by stitches.

Skelton is said to have sustained the injury after being kicked by a foul.

But punters are unsure whether it is safe for him to be out on the turf, with one saying: “There is no way he should be riding today!”

Another added: “Surely he shouldn’t be allowed to ride like that.”

A third wrote: “I’m no doctor but that doesn’t look great.”

L’Eau du Sud is the 5/1 second favourite in the 14:00 race – behind only Majborough in the odds.

He then rides the 33/1 Take No Chances – with Lossiemouth tipped to win the 15:20.

Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets

Skelton heads to Cheltenham with some pedigree, having previously rode nine winners in Gloucestershire.

He had a great 2024 with four victories, including retaining the Coral Cup on the back of Langer Dan.

The 35-year-old is the son of two-time Olympic gold medal-winning show jumper Nick Skelton and his brother Dan is the trainer of Take No Chances.

He is married to fellow jockey Bridget Andrews and they have a baby together called Rory, who was born in April last year.

Nick Skelton, wearing a Team GB jacket, celebrates his gold medal win at the Rio Olympics.
AFP or licensors
His dad is showjumping legend Nick Skelton[/caption]

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF

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Who is YouTube star TBJZL? Everything we know about the internet personality starring in the Baller League?

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Tobit "Tobi" Brown, better known as 'TBJZL' of the Sidemen, during the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Manchester United FC at London Stadium on October 27, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Tobit “Tobi” Brown, better known as ‘TBJZL’ of the Sidemen, during the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Manchester United FC at London Stadium on October 27, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

TBJZL – aka Tobijizzle – is a streamer, rapper, businessman, and influencer but is probably best known as a member and co-founder of the Sidemen, the hugely popular YouTube group, which includes internet personality KSI.

His profile is expected to skyrocket later this month when he manages a team – VZN FC  in the forthcoming Baller League, which begins on March 24, and features a star-studded managerial line-up, including Gary Lineker and John Terry.

For The Times Magazine use only, for enquiries contact anna.bassett@thetimes.co.uk or greg.moss@the-times.co.uk . ,  Clockwise from top left: YouTubers Zerkaa, Vikkstar123, Wroetoshaw, Behzinga, KSI, TBJZL and Miniminter, collectively known as the Sidemen. Photographed by Tom Jackson
TBJZL, second left, with his fellow Sidemen

Early life, influence and business interests

Born Tobit John Brown in Hackney, London, on April 8, 1993, the 31-year-old’s business interests are as wide-ranging as his influence across YouTube, and include co-owning XIX Vodka, Sidemen Clothing, the restaurant chain Sides, and the cereal brand Best Breakfasts.

In September 2019, he was listed as the 38th most influential online creator in the United Kingdom by The Sunday Times. As of March 2025, his main YouTube channel had more than 5 million subscribers and 567 million views.

TBJZL – who is of Nigerian heritage – joined YouTube in 2011 while studying at university after seeing his friends’ success; after completing his degree he became a full-time YouTuber, before joining the Sidemen in 2013, having met future fellow Sidemen member Josh Bradley a few years earlier at Bexley Grammar School.

The Sidemen

https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/inside-season-2-release-date-news
TBJZL, far left, with his fellow Sidemen before their charity match at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, March 8

Music career

In December 2019, he released The Gift with the rest of the Sidemen, which reached number 77 on the UK singles chart, while in early 2020 he released his debut single, Destined for Greatness, with his brother Manny and featuring his sister Janellé.

The song charted at number 31 on the UK Singles Chart, making it his first UK top 40 single; it also debuted at number 18 in New Zealand; that year he also featured in a remix of his fellow Sidemen member KSI‘s song Wake Up Call.

What is his involvement in the Baller League?

He will manage a team – VZN FC in the league.

The Baller League began in Germany, created by entrepreneur Felix Starck and aided by Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski. It is a six-a-side indoor football competition, with the first UK season taking place at the Copper Box Arena in London.

The influencer-led league – headlined by KSI for the UK version – sees former Premier League players, futsal players and celebrities face one another in 12 teams to win the Baller League.

TBJZL’s squad includes Henri Lansbury, Kurtice Herbert, Jerome Sinclair and Remy Mitchell.

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Emmerdale and Coronation Street SNUBBED at Royal Television Society Awards as rivals scoop nominations for best soap

ITV soaps Emmerdale and Coronation Street have been snubbed for the top gong at this year’s Royal Television Society Awards.

The fledgling programme have been brutally sidelined for this year’s industry awards amid ongoing chaos behind-the-scenes as a result of the cash crisis.

Still image from Emmerdale episode 10236: Rhona, Dylan, April, and Marlon stand outside a stone building.
Not known, clear with picture desk
Emmerdale has been snubbed for the eighth year in a row[/caption]
Scene from Coronation Street: Characters arguing in a pub.
Not known, clear with picture desk
Coronation Street has also failed to land a nom at this year’s RTS Awards[/caption]

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that both shows had been forced to axe an entire episode in order to limit costs with both shows also ditching around 10 actors each from its cast in recent months to combat their money woes.

Now, in a crushing blow to both programme, neither have failed to secure a nomination as this year’s awards.

In the category of Soap and Continuing Drama, the BBC‘s EastEnders and Casualty picked up nominations as did Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks.

But for ITV, they were left with nothing once again.

Last year, neither Emmerdale or Corrie managed to bag the nomination too with the Beeb sweeping up all the nominations with its two aforementioned shows as well as Waterloo Road.

In fact, the last time that ITV did manage to receive a nod was for Corrie back in 2022.

Shockingly, Emmerdale has failed to be nominated for EIGHT years after it won the award back in 2017.

Emmerdale had won two years running before their shocking slew of snubs.

This year’s ceremony is set to take place on March 25 where the winner will be announced in a glitzy event at Grovesnor House Hotel.

Despite the snub, the shows will be hoping to win back at this year’s British Soap Awards.

The show is back after ITV mysteriously axed it last year.

Host Jane McDonald will be back for the ceremony this June after joining the show in 2022.

Hollyoaks cast photo.
Lime Pictures
Hollyoaks will be hoping to win on the night[/caption]
Linda Carter, Sharon Watts, Grant Mitchell, and Nigel seated at a table in a pub.
BBC
As will EastEnders too![/caption]

Soap's most harrowing teen storylines

We take a look at other harrowing teen soap storylines from soaps Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.

Belle Dingle’s schizophrenia in Emmerdale – Belle’s (Eden Taylor-Draper) traumatic journey in Emmerdale took a dark turn when, after accidentally killing her best friend Gemma at just 16, her mental health began to spiral.

The storyline, which saw Belle struggling with her grief and guilt, showcased her battle with hearing Gemma’s voice inside her head, leading to a dramatic decline in her well-being.

Hannah Ashworth’s anorexia in Hollyoaks – Viewers were horrified as they watched Hannah (Emma Rigby), a seemingly innocent teen, spiral into dangerous behavior, starving herself in an attempt to achieve what she thought was the ideal body.

As Hannah’s condition worsened, the storyline became more intense, culminating in her being hospitalised for two months as she fought for her life.

Bethany Platt’s grooming ordeal in Coronation Street – Vulnerable schoolgirl, played by Lucy Fallon, was at the centre of one of Corrie’s darkest storylines to date when she fell under the spell of her older boyfriend and sexual predator.

The controversial scenes saw Nathan groom and manipulate the 16-year-old before coercing her into sleeping with his friends, with one of them raping her.

Whitney Dean’s abuse from Tony in EastEnders – Since the age of 12, she had been in a twisted relationship with her stepmum Bianca’s boyfriend, Tony King. The predator had groomed young Whit (Shona McGarty), making her believe she was in love and planning to run away with him.

On her 16th birthday, the traumatised teen finally revealed the years of abuse to Bianca. Tony was swiftly sent to prison sentenced for 13 years.

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