New York State

THE WAITING is finally over, as the 2025 Cheltenham Festival hits our screens this week.

We’ve got four days of high-octane sport ahead of us, beginning with arguably the best fixture of the lot on Tuesday afternoon.

Known as ‘Champions Day’, the opening day of the festival is also perhaps the most popular, with no less than four Grade 1 races on the card.

The feature race is the Champion Hurdle, a fast and furious two-mile contest, though it’s also the day where we get the chance to see potential champions of the future. 

All eyes will be on the Nicky Henderson-trained Constitution Hill in the feature, who boasts a perfect 10-10 record under Rules and will be hoping to make up for lost time after missing the big race last year. State Man won it in his absence 12 months ago and is back for more, alongside the super mare Brighterdaysahead.

We’ve put together an in-depth Cheltenham Day 1 preview, featuring plenty of our predictions, tips, and insight on the big races, for you below. 

Cheltenham Festival free bets for day 1

Cheltenham day 1 race schedule

There are seven races scheduled on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival, with no less than four top-level races on the line-up. The feature is the Grade 1 Unibet Champion Hurdle, which is due off at 4pm, and you can find full details below: 

Time	Race	Distance	Grade
13:20	Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle	2m½f	Grade 1
14:00	My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy	2m	Grade 1
14:40	Ultima Handicap Chase	3m1f	Handicap
15:20	Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle	2m4f	Grade 1
16:00	Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy	2m½f	Grade 1
16:40	Hallgarten And Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle	2m½f	Handicap
17:20	Princess Royal National Hunt Novices’ Handicap Chase	3m6f	Handicap

Cheltenham Festival day 1 predictions: The runners and riders

The opening day of the Cheltenham Festival is one of the most popular betting days of the entire year, with four top-level contests on the card.

It could be something of a bloodbath for the bookies, too, with four odds-on favourites across the Grade 1 races at the time of writing – opening the door to a four-fold of shorties for punters!

The curtain-raiser is the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, which often provides clues for next year’s Champion Hurdle. Willie Mullins has won the race an eye-watering seven times and has the odds-on jolly once again with Kopek Des Bordes, though it’s worth noting that only three of the last 10 winners have been favourites.

Mullins also has the short-priced favourite for the Arkle, which like the Supreme serves as a pointer for a championship race (the Queen Mother Champion Chase). Majborough won last year’s Triumph Hurdle and hasn’t put a hoof wrong in two starts over fences.

Meanwhile, Lossiemouth will bid for a second straight Mares’ Hurdle victory. She is a 4-6 favourite at the time of writing and there’s certainly good reason for that, seeing as Willie Mullins has won 10 of the 17 renewals to date!

The feature is the Unibet Champion Hurdle, which is dominated by Constitution Hill. Nicky Henderson’s charge missed last year’s race after a disappointing build-up, but he has since won twice at the top level. He’s yet to find his brilliant best, though, and the Irish raiders State Man and Brighterdaysahead will fancy their chances.

Constitution Hill will likely go off odds-on for a yard that has won this a record nine times. Favourites have won each of the last five renewals of this race, though punters had their fingers burned in 2019, when favourites Apple’s Jade and Buveur d’Air both disappointed.

Looking for some tips on the big races? We’ve put together some of our best Cheltenham Day 1 predictions for you below, along with Cheltenham betting offers and free bets from our favourite horse racing betting sites.

Constitution Hill to win the Champion Hurdle at 8/13

It’s impossible to look past Constitution Hill, who is aiming to make up for lost time by taking this for a second time.

Nicky Henderson’s charge missed the spring campaign last year after a disastrous build-up, though he was sensational when accounting for Lossiemouth when returning from a year off in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. It’s difficult to gauge just how good his victory on Festival Trials Day was against inadequate opposition, but there’s a feeling that he’s yet to recapture his devastating form from two years ago.

A promising workout at Kempton last month suggests he’s back to his best, but the fact Gordon Elliott and co have opted to send super mare Brighterdaysahead to this race is ominous. The six-year-old has a bit to find on the form figures at the favourite’s peak, but she couldn’t have been more impressive at Leopardstown over Christmas and is dangerous in receipt of the 7lbs mares’ allowance – especially if Constitution Hill is off colour.

With Lossiemouth heading for the Mares’ Hurdle, it would be folly not to mention last year’s winner State Man. The eight-year-old was no match for Constitution Hill when the pair met here two years ago, but he’s a class act and got back to his best in the Irish version of this race back in February.

It will likely come down to the shape of the favourite, but the suspicion is that he will have come on for his two runs this term and will likely take some kind of stopping.

Bet on Constitution Hill to win the Champion Hurdle at 8/13 with Betway

William Munny each-way in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at 12/1

The curtain-raiser for the festival almost always proves to be a frenetic affair and as usual, there is a short-priced Willie Mullins horse at the top of the market. Mullins has won this a record seven times and is represented this year by Kopek Des Bordes, who arrives here unbeaten in three starts. 

The five-year-old couldn’t have been more impressive when winning a Grade 1 contest at the Dublin Racing Festival last month on just his second hurdling start, powering clear for a 13-length success. That performance puts him clear on the form figures, and while he’s the likely winner he’s a little on the short side as a 5/6 favourite.

At the prices, it may be worth having a small bet on William Munny each-way, who’s available at around 12/1 at the time of writing. The seven-year-old took three tries to get off the mark over timber, but he’s improved for each outing and showed plenty of class to open his account in a Listed race at Punchestown last month. He’s got plenty of tactical speed, which could serve him well in what’s likely to be a fast and furious affair. 

A good performance would certainly be a poignant moment, as he represents the same connections as the 2023 winner Marine Nationale. He was brilliantly ridden to success by the late Michael O’Sullivan, who is honoured in this year’s race after his tragic death last month. 

Bet on William Munny each-way in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at 12/1 with bet365

Majborough to win the Arkle Trophy at 13/25

A favourite of plenty, the Arkle Trophy often serves as a key pointer for the following year’s Queen Mother Champion Chase and has been won by some classy horses over the years, including Altior and Sprinter Sacre to name just two. 

Each of the last four winners of this race have been favourites and with that in mind it’s very difficult to oppose Majborough for the all-powerful Willie Mullins team. Last year’s Triumph Hurdle winner has made a flawless transition to fences so far, looking a class act when tearing apart the field in the Irish equivalent of this race at Leopardstown last month. 

The son of Martinborough wasn’t completely flawless with his jumping, but he sets a gallop that’s very difficult to live with, stomping to a nine-length success last time. He will face a different kind of test from the more-experienced L’Eau du Sud here, who arrives here unbeaten in four and impressed when winning a Grade 1 contest at Sandown in December. 

However, it’s hard to think that there’s not more to come from Majborough after just the two starts over fences. He’s 6lbs clear of the field on official ratings and should he kick on again here, it’s very difficult to oppose him. 

Bet on Majborough to win the Arkle Trophy at 13/25 with SBK

Famous Bridge each-way in the Ultima Handicap Chase at 16/1

Following hot on the footsteps of the opening two Grade 1 races is the Ultima Handicap Chase, which is one of the most competitive heats of the week. It generally requires a mixture of class, stamina and a good racing weight to win this, though a whole host fall into that category this time around. 

Broadway Boy is the narrow favourite at the time of writing. He disappointed slightly in a handicap here on New Year’s Day, but that might have come too soon after his excellent run behind leading Grand National fancy Kandoo Kid in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. He has every chance, as does Katate Dori, who bolted up in a competitive-looking contest at Kempton at the end of last month. 

Plenty deserve respect, though it could be worth taking a chance on Famous Bridge each-way at around the 16-1 mark. The nine-year-old carries the instantly recognisable silks of Hemmings Racing, who won this with Vintage Clouds in 2021. The nine-year-old plugged on for fourth in this last year and has enjoyed an excellent campaign this term, winning last year’s Grand National Trial at Haydock Park by three lengths. 

That run game on uncharacteristically quick ground for Haydock’s standards and there was plenty to like with the way Famous Bridge jumped and stayed that day. It’s a shame that he won’t be in next year’s Grand National barring a miracle, but it would be no surprise to see him hit the frame here at a double figure price. 

Bet on Famous Bridge each-way in the Ultima Handicap Chase at 16/1 with Tote

Gericault Roque each-way in the National Hunt Challenge Cup at 12/1

The closing race on Day One is the National Hunt Chase, which is one of the sternest tests of stamina of the entire week. Exclusively for novices, this race regularly turns into a war of attrition, with the 2017 winner being a certain two-time Grand National winner in Tiger Roll.

Now Is The Hour was a Grade 2 winner over hurdles and has been cannily campaigned over fences so far by the shrewd Gavin Cromwell team, qualifying for a mark when fourth in a beginners’ chase at Navan in January. With stamina in abundance, he’s highly respected, as is Haiti Couleurs, who won a staying novice here in December. 

Each of Transmission, Captain Cody and the unbeaten chaser Aworkinprogress all deserve respect to name just three, but the eye is firmly drawn to the David Pipe-trained Gericault Roque, who boasts a fascinating profile. 

The nine-year-old is still a maiden after seven chase starts, though that doesn’t tell the full story, as he was off the track for more than two years through injury. He was a classy type prior to his setback, placing in both the Classic Chase at Warwick and the Ultima here in 2022. He made a highly pleasing return when third in a handicap at Windsor in January and with that run likely to have brought him on plenty, he’s lurking on a very dangerous racing weight. 

Trading at around the 12/1 mark with BetMGM at the time of writing, he looks well worth an each-way play in the final contest of the day.

Bet on Gericault Roque each-way in the National Hunt Chase at 12/1 with BetMGM 

Previous shocks at day 1 of Cheltenham

The Cheltenham Festival has thrown up plenty of surprises over the years, with several coming on the opening day. 

Perhaps the biggest shock in recent years was back in 2015, when Annie Power lined up as a red hot 1/2 favourite for the Mares’ Hurdle. It had been a painful afternoon for bookmakers to that point, who were fearing the worst after Douvan, Un De Sceaux and Faugheen had all won for trainer Willie Mullins earlier on the card. Punters up and down the country had the four horses in accumulators and Annie Power was seen as the best chance of the lot. She seemed to have everything in control before dramatically falling at the last, saving bookmakers an estimated £50 million!

Another big surprise came in the 2017 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, when Labaik caused a 25/1 shock. Gordon Elliott’s charge had a reputation for trouble, refusing to race three times in his last six starts coming into the Supreme, but he was able to turn it on rather emphatically for the curtain-raiser! 

How to bet on day 1 at Cheltenham

Placing a bet on horse racing can feel daunting if you’re new to the sphere, but it’s a simple process. We’ve put together a quick guide for you below:

• Log into your betting account. If you don’t have one, you can find plenty of suggestions on this page. 
• Deposit funds into your account and head to the ‘Horse Racing’ section. Find the racing taking place at Cheltenham on Tuesday 11^th March.
• Pick out a horse to bet on, you can either use the form guides on the bookie site or follow the Cheltenham Festival Day 1 predictions in this article.
• Add your pick to the betslip by clicking on the odds next to their name. 
• You should see your horse in the betslip, input your stake and once you are happy, select ‘Place Bets’.

How to follow the Cheltenham Festival action on day 1

The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most popular sporting events of the entire year, meaning you won’t have trouble if you want to follow along! ITV are showing the first six races on Day One live on terrestrial television, while all 28 races will be broadcast live on Racing TV during the week. If you’re out and about, you can follow all of the action live on talkSPORT, while bookmakers will also have all of the action live in their shops up and down the country.  

REGARDED the Olympics of horse racing, the Cheltenham Festival will see the best horses from the British Isles and beyond do battle.

The finest horses from Britain, Ireland, and France come together for four days of unmatched excitement and drama at Prestbury Park, the ultimate in jump racing.

PA

The event lures top horse stars to attempt to place their names on prestigious honour lists.[/caption]

Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets

For the past two years, crowds have decreased, and Irish stables have virtually destroyed British ones.

In an effort to revive public interest in an event that takes place in one of the best natural amphitheatres in any sport, the 2025 festival will include three more handicaps in place of level-weights competitions.

It will also see larger fields, fewer odds-on chances, and more expensive victors.

Cheltenham Festival is the focal point of the whole season, for better or worse, with riders, owners, and trainers hoping to succeed on the greatest stage of all.

Cheltenham Festival 2025 FULL race schedule

DAY 1: Champion Day – Tuesday, March 11 (All times GMT)

• 1.20: Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1 )
• Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course
• 2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
• Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course
• 2.40: Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
• Race conditions: £150,000 | 3m1f | 20 fences | Old Course
• 3.20: Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
• Race conditions: £120,000 | 2m4f | 10 hurdles | Old Course
• 4.00: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)
• Race conditions: £450,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course
• 4.40: Boodles Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)
• Race conditions: £80,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course
• 5.20: National Hunt Chase
• Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course

DAY 2: Style Wednesday – Wednesday, March 12 (All times GMT)

• 1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
• Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m5f | 10 hurdles | Old Course
• 2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
• Race conditions: £200,000 | 3m½f | 20 fences | Old Course
• 2.40: Coral Cup (Grade 3)
• Race conditions: £100,000 | 2m5f | 10 hurdles | Old Course
• 3.20: Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (Listed)
• Race conditions: £75,000 | 3m6f | 32 obstacles | Old Course
• 4.00: Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1)
• Race conditions: £400,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course
• 4.40: Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
• Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f | 14 fences | Old Course
• 5.20: Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1)
• Race conditions: £80,000 | 2m½f | 14 fences | Old Course

DAY 3: St Patrick’s Thursday – Thursday, March 13 (All times GMT)

• 1.20: Ryanair Mares Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)
• Race conditions: £105,000 | 2m1f | 8 hurdles | New Course
• 2.00: Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase (Grade 2)
• Race conditions: £125,000 | 2m4f | 17 fences | New Course
• 2.40: Pertemps Final (grade 3)
• Race conditions: £100,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course
• 3.20: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1)
• Race conditions: £375,000 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course
• 4.00: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
• Race conditions: £325,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course
• 4.40: TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
• Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course
• 5.20: JRL Kim Muir Challenge Cup (Listed)
• Race conditions: £75,000 | 3m2f | 21 fences | New Course

DAY 4: Gold Cup Day – Friday, March 14 (All times GMT)

• 1.20: JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)
• Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m1f | 8 hurdles | New Course
• 2.00: BetMGM County Hurdle (Grade 3)
• Race conditions: £98,370 (2024) | 2m1f| 8 hurdles | New Course
• 2.40: Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (Grade 2)
• Race conditions: £120,000 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course
• 3.20: Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
• Race conditions: £150,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course
• 4.00: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1)
• Race conditions: £625,000 | 3m2½f | 22 fences | New Course
• 4.40: St James’s Place Hunter Chase (Listed)
• Race conditions: £50 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course
• 5.20: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
• Race conditions: £75,000 | 2m4½f | 10 hurdles | New Course

How to watch Cheltenham Festival 2025

• In the UK, you can watch the first SIX races of each day on ITV1.
• You can live stream ITV’s coverage for FREE via the ITVX app/website.
• The final race of each day will not be shown on ITV, but Racing TV (a paid for channel) will provide FULL coverage of the Cheltenham Festival.

MANCHESTER UNITED will build a brand new 100,000-seater super stadium, the club have confirmed today.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s vision of a £2 BILLION ‘Wembley of the North’ will stand as the centrepiece of a wider regeneration of the Old Trafford area.

The legendary 115-year-old Theatre of Dreams has provided the backdrop to the biggest moments in English football history.

But a Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force – organised by minority owner Ratcliffe – has confirmed plans to demolish it and build a brand new home on adjacent land.

The Task Force found that staying at Old Trafford, standing since 1910, the capacity could only jump from 74,000 to 87,000.

Build a new stadium and not only do you get to 100,000, you unlock one of the biggest regeneration projects in Britain’s history.

United’s plans of building a new state-of-the-art arena – which would be the second largest football ground in Europe behind the revamped Nou Camp- received a major boost in January when the proposal received the backing of the government.

Under-fire co-owner Ratcliffe said: “Today marks the start of an
incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium, at the centre of a regenerated Old Trafford.

“Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.

“By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience only footsteps from our historic home.”

Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets

The stadium, and wider regeneration project, has the potential to deliver an additional £7.3billion-per-year to the UK economy.

The complex will boast a major transport hub as well as dedicated premises for sports, educational, entertainment and business.

Other communal benefits include more than 17,000 new homes as well as driving an additional 1.8 million visitors annually.

And their plans to re-shape the area would create more than 92,000 job opportunities.

The architecture group appointed to design the best-in-class stadium district is called Foster + Partners.

The company is lead by the award-winning architect Lord Norman Foster, a close pal of Ratcliffe’s who is currently overseeing the revamp of United’s Carrington training base.

The government has identified infrastructure investment as a strategic priority, particularly in the north of England.

The announcement comes a day after Ratcliffe’s bombshell interview with regeneration Task Force member Gary Neville.

While discussing the club’s current plight on the pitch, Sir Jim insisted that Man Utd will fund the project themselves.

He said: “We can build a stadium. We don’t need any government funding for that stadium, but it has to be the underpin for the regeneration.

“The only basis upon which we can build a new one is if it is part of this government regeneration scheme for south Manchester, because we can’t afford to regenerate southern Manchester, that’s too big a bill for the club.”

So United will deliver the stadium while the the Mayoral Development Corporation will support the wider regeneraton of Trafford Park.

Sir Alex Ferguson urged fans to be brave and accept Old Trafford’s fate while backing the decision.

Ferguson said: “Manchester United should always strive for the best in everything it does, on and off the pitch.

“And that includes the stadium we play in. Old Trafford holds so many special memories for me personally.

“But we must be brave and seize this opportunity to build a
new home, fit for the future, where new history can be made.”

And Lord Sebastian Coe compared said these plans are the most exiting urban regeneration project in the UK since London 2012.

Part of the feasibility study included a survey of more than 50,000 Man Utd season ticket-holders, members, and executive club members which found more than half favoured a new stadium.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, is one of the leading voices championing the regeneration project.

The Task Force consists of former United skipper Neville, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Trafford Council leader Sara Todd.

Mayor Burnham: “Manchester United could, and indeed should, have the best football stadium in the world.

“To me, that means a stadium that is true to the traditions of the club, affordable to all, with nobody priced out, and a stadium that sets new standards in the game globally.

“I believe this vision can be realised, and if so, the benefits for Greater Manchester, the North West and the country will be huge.”

The decision comes just two days after United fans held the largest protest since Ratcliffe was brought in last year.

More than 5,000 supporters gathered outside Old Trafford before United’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal, in protest against the club’s ownership.

Viral videos showed hundreds chanting: “Sell United and f*** off home” leading up to the iconic stadium.

Scores of flares were set off as fans dressed in black sang abusive songs towards co-chairman Joel Glazer and Ratcliffe, who has spent £1.3bn for a 28.94 per cent stake in the club.

The 1958 spokesperson Steve Crompton has claimed that the club is “dying” and is “facing financial Armageddon”.

LUKE LITTLER has offered an insight into the psychology behind his incredible darts success.

Since bursting onto the scene at the World Darts Championship in late 2023, Littler has become arguably the biggest name in the sport.

PA

Luke Littler has revealed the secret behind his success[/caption]

In his first year as a professional player, the 18-year-old won a series of titles and was crowned Premier League Darts champion.

He ended the incredible term with his first world title after beating close rival Michael van Gerwen 7-3 at Ally Pally.

Littler’s incredible form has continued this year and he is currently on a 14-game winning streak.

Following his World Championship victory, the Nuke has won two Premier League Darts nights, the UK Open and the Belgian Open.

And now he has offered fans an insight into the psychology behind his incredible performances.

Littler said: “If the first few legs go on and I get that two-to-three leg gap, I can see opponents throwing their darts away.

“Their heads are gone, and that’s when I can put pressure on them.

“That spurs me on because if they get their head down then I know that I’ve got them.”

The teenager went on to add: “The hunger is in myself. You want to go and win everything.”

Littler is next in action on Thursday for night six of Premier League Darts in Nottingham.

He will face Luke Humphries in the quarter-finals.

IF you’re not feeling fulfilled in your sexual encounters, a simple step can help.

A sex expert has revealed the best way to elevate your time in bed, and it’s a universal solution.

Getty

Instagram/beginagain

Speaking on the podcast Begin Again with Davina McCall, Cindy Gallop, the founder and CEO of MakeLoveNotPorn, shared her best advice on how to improve your sex life.

And her tips don’t involve studying the Kama Sutra or role-playing to spice things up.

Instead, she recommends viewing sex for what it is, a real life experience and not a performance.

Cindy explained that she has set out to create a “social revolution around sex”.

“If porn is the performative Hollywood blockbuster movie, we are the badly needed documentary,” she said as she described her company.

The entrepreneur said that her site helps to provide a “unique window into how we all make love in the real world”.

It does this by featuring real people having real encounters and not putting on a show.

Designed to create an open dialogue and comfortable approach to intimacy, MakeLoveNotPorn even has parents buying their teens subscriptions to “see what real relationships look like” in the bedroom.

This allows them to develop an understanding of what sex should actually be like.

And it is this identifying of core values that Cindy says is essential to good sex.

“Everything in life starts with you and your values,” she told podcast listeners.

She pointed out that we are taught about what our values should be in most areas of life but never sexually.

“No body ever brings us up to behave well in bed,” Cindy said before outlining the core life values which should also be prioritised during intimacy.

She encouraged listeners to practice empathy, sensitivity, generosity, kindness, honesty, trust, and respect during sex.

“We should make it as easy to talk openly and honestly about ourselves sexually as we do with other things we’re into or not into,” she explained.

Giving the example of trying new cuisines and sharing our thoughts, Cindy pointed out this approach should be taken to sex too.

She described society’s “outdated” views on sex as the “universal error of human experience we’re all most involved with and most engaged with, we’re most fascinated by and the most f**ked up about.”

According to Cindy, the stigma surrounding sex “means you may never find out what your really enjoy”.

“Everyone should feel free to explore as they wish,” the sex positive pro said.

She explained how her site’s mission is to make people “more connected and more in love than ever before”.

“I’ve had great sex that’s a transcendental experience and I want everybody to have that experience and not everyone does,” Cindy said.

She added that taking steps to talk openly about everything from masturbation to the language we use around sex can help with this.

Instagram/beginagain

EVERY time Brit Sam Newey went on a mission with his Ukrainian comrades to fight Russian oppression, he would call his mum to tell her how much he loved her.

Then one day the phone calls stopped.

supplied

Nigel Iskander

Sam, 22, took a direct mortar shell hit after his unit stormed a trench  and saved 12 prisoners close to the frontline city of Kharkiv.

Sam’s heroics in September 2023 won him two medals of honour in Ukraine.

Today, in an exclusive interview with The Sun, his mum Vikki Downes tells how two of her four sons went to war in Ukraine but only one came back.

Sam’s big brother Daniel, 32, also fought on the frontline in Ukraine – sometimes shoulder to shoulder with his sibling – and once fought against ISIS in Syria.

Vikki said: “Daniel took Sam’s death really hard. He was back in Britain for a bit of respite when he got the call to say his brother had been killed. 

“Daniel was living with me at the time and I got a call from him out of the blue, asking me to get home as fast as I could.

“When I got home he was standing in the hall and just started saying, ‘I’m sorry mum, I’m sorry, Sam is dead’.

“When I think about that moment all the feelings come back up but I’m incredibly proud of Sam – of both my boys.”

Community nurse Vikki says her boys have faced criticism for fighting in the war-torn region with someone once cruelly telling her: “Sam got what he deserved.”

She said: “I’ve had people tell me that Sam was an idiot and he got what he deserved because he should have never been in Ukraine, that it was his own fault.

“My reply is always, ‘Okay, that’s your opinion but you’re only allowed to voice your opinion because of the values Sam – and Daniel – were fighting for, freedom and democracy.’”

Vikki said she was left in tears by US President Donald Trump’s roasting of Ukraine’s President in a live TV interview last week.

Trump ordered Volodymyr Zelensky out of the Oval Office after a fiery public exchange over a minerals deal that would have ensured American presence in the region. He then paused the delivery of weapons to the country.

In defiance of Trump, world leaders voiced their support for Ukraine’s leader and Europe rallied with renewed commitment to the conflict.

Defiant hero

Nigel Iskander

Mum Vikki says her son’s have been heavily criticised for defending Ukraine[/caption]

Vikki says it’s right that Europe now steps up its efforts to help the war-torn nation as  Prime Minister Keir Starmer increases defence spending and commits to potentially  putting UK boots on the ground.

Vikki, 51, of Nuneaton, Warwickshire, said: “Initially watching the way Donald Trump and his deputy JD Vance bully President Zelensky, I just filled up with tears.  

“It was abhorrent the way they goaded and gaslighted a man whose country is on its knees and its army is the only thing that stands between Russia and the rest of Europe.

“Now I’ve had some time to digest what happened, that interview highlighted to the rest of Europe how serious the situation is and how we need to be doing more.”

Secret mission

Vikki’s son Sam was studying psychology at Birmingham University when Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago – travelling to the war zone without telling a soul.

He had previously worked as a butcher after leaving school and in 2017 won an apprenticeship of the year award, which was presented to him by Princess Anne.

Vikki said: “Sam was very much his own person. From early on he was quite a defiant, opinionated human being who just wanted to help others.

Sam died a hero – his comrades carried his body

Mum Vikki Downes

“While at university, Sam decided he was going to Africa to do some aid work and had completed all the paperwork.  He was due to go two weeks later when the war broke out in Ukraine.

“He didn’t tell anyone he was going – he just went and then let us know when he was there.”

Sam initially joined a Canadian aid organisation which delivered food, clothing and medicine to Ukrainians before eventually joining a crack volunteer unit called the Dark Angels, set up by ex Brit paratrooper Daniel Burke.

Burke, 36, of Manchester was ‘unlawfully’ shot dead by another soldier in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine in August 2023.

After serving with Burke’s brigade, Sam joined the Ukraine military intelligence unit and worked with drones before joining soldiers on the frontline where he was killed during a daring raid near Bakhmut in the Oblast region in September 2023.

His unit stormed a Russian-held trench, gaining back land and saving five Ukrainians being held hostage.

He was posthumously awarded a commendation for courage and the order of courage from President Zelensky.

Vikki takes comfort in the fact Sam’s comrades carried his bloodied body five kilometers back to base camp.

Prisoner rescue

Nigel Iskander

Daniel Newey fought in Ukraine after battling ISIS[/caption]

Supplied

She said: “I got the report from Ukraine into Sam’s death and, as difficult as reading it was, he wouldn’t have felt anything and his death would have been instantaneous.

“The injuries he sustained weren’t survivable.  The most touching thing for me, as a mother, is not only that Sam died a hero, helping rescue 12 prisoners, but his unit carried him back to his base.  They didn’t leave him behind.”

Sam’s brother Daniel followed his little brother out to Ukraine “because he felt he needed to look after him” says Vikki.

It wasn’t the first time Daniel, an ex Para, had gone into combat in another country.

He joined British-backed Kurdish fighters against ISIS between late 2017 and 2018. 

Daniel originally fought Isis with the People’s Protection Units (YPG) which the UK’s ally Turkey regarded as a terrorist organisation. 

As a result Daniel was charged with terrorism charges in 2020 and brother Sam and dad Paul were charged with assisting him by sending him cash.

Charges against all three were later dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service amid allegations the Government took action against the men after caving in to diplomatic pressure from Turkey.

Daniel later said he joined the battle against ISIS after watching the hurt caused by the Manchester arena bombing in which killed 22 mostly young people, who were enjoying a night out at an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017.

He said: “Being labelled a terrorist made me feel sick to my stomach and it made me feel very disappointed in my country.”

Supplied

Supplied

Sam with mum Vikki as a child[/caption]

In April last year, Vikki made an emotional pilgrimage to Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine to meet some of Sam’s friends.

She said: “I heard so many stories about Sam and saw how much they loved and missed him.

“When I got there everything made sense.  I got why Sam wanted to fight for this country.

“Kharkiv has patriot missiles to protect the city and there were so many people in military uniform. 

“People try their best to get on with normal life but there are signs of war everywhere,  destroyed buildings and missiles flying.

“As a parent I’ve raised my boys to stand up for others and to stand by their convictions.  

“I miss Sam every day. It’s like there’s a big hole inside me but I am exceptionally proud of him and Daniel.

“The more I spoke to people in Ukraine the more I realised that I was the mother of an exceptionally brave man.”

TRAGIC Paul Danan’s cause of death has been revealed after he was found dead at home, an inquest heard today.

The former Hollyoaks star, 46, was discovered unresponsive at the property in Bristol on January 15.

Getty

Paul Danan was tragically found dead in January[/caption]

Rex Features

An inquest heard how Paul’s primary cause of death was a “combined toxicity” of drugs, including heroin, methadone and cocaine.

The court heard he was identified by his girlfriend Melissa Crooks after being declared dead at the scene.

Coroner Marie Voisin adjourned the full inquest until May 28 pending reports.

Avon and Somerset Police previously confirmed they were called to the home in the Brislington area at around 5.20pm.

Tragically, Paul could not be saved and was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

Officers confirmed they were not treating the reality star’s death as suspicious.

Paul rose to fame in 1997 playing badboy Sol Patrick on Hollyoaks for four years.

He was also a contestant on Celebrity Love Island in 2005 and 2006.

Paul appeared in the 2006 ITV2 reality show Calum, Fran And Dangerous Danan, which saw the actor, former Westlife bodyguard Fran Cosgrave and George Best‘s son Calum Best travel across the US.

In 2017, he took part in Celebrity Big Brother, which he said hoped would give him a “second chance” at his career.

Other appearances included Celebrity Coach Trip, and Channel 4 sketch comedy programme The Kevin Bishop Show.

Away from the screen, Paul battled demons including substance abuse, which he discussed on The Jeremy Kyle Show in 2019.

The troubled star told how he battled a cocaine addiction and revealed he had been to rehab 17 times.

Paul, dad to nine-year-old DeNiro, had been due to appear in court to face drug charges the day after he was found dead.

He was charged with possessing cocaine and cannabis, along with driving under the influence of drugs last October.

The star also opened up about his health issues to The Sun last year – revealing that he suffered respiratory failure triggered by his addiction to vapes.

He then spent a week in intensive care, where he contracted pneumonia.

Afterwards, Paul said: “I was dead — it’s a miracle I’m here. I’m so lucky.”

Tributes flooded in for the “exceptional talent” following the tragedy.

Calum Best, the son of footballer George, described him as one of the “funniest, kindest, and most authentic people I’ve known”.

In an Instagram post, he said: “Paul was truly a creative genius too having all of us laughing our a**es off at his insta profile he made to rinse a certain era of celeb culture we lived.

“Life wasn’t always easy for him, but he faced it with such heart and courage, and that inspired so many of us.

“We shared many laughs, chats, and unforgettable moments. My heart goes out to his loved ones right now. Rest easy, brother.”

TV presenter Vanessa Feltz also paid tribute to her “fantastically gifted” friend.

She said: “He was a friend of mine and he was the most delightful person.

“You know, when someone comes in and you just know that the whole evening’s going to be fabulous because he’s going to be funny and he’s going to be lively.

“He’s going to be, you know, telling you stories he shouldn’t have told you and telling you not to tell anyone and you immediately tell everyone.

“You know, he was funny and lively and lovely and warm and a fantastically gifted actor.”

While Bafta-winning actor writer, director, and producer Adam Deacon said Paul was a “genuinely kind and compassionate person”.

Paul was laid to rest in an emotional funeral on January 21 attended by Boyzone‘s Shane Lynch and his Hollyoaks co-stars.

PA:Press Association

Paul appeared on Celebrity Big Brother[/caption]

Getty - Contributor

He had previously opened up about his demons[/caption]

Getty

Paul’s death is not being treated as suspicious[/caption]

LOTTIE Moss has dissolved her facial fillers and is embracing her natural appearance.

The 27-year-old model wiped away a tear as she opened up in an emotional video on TikTok explaining her decision.

Instagram/lottiemossxo

Lottie got the face inking while drunk in Bali[/caption]

instagram

The star has a number of tattoos[/caption]

She said she reversed all the cosmetic procedures she had done on her face when she was younger, saying it has helped her feel like herself again. 

The model got the word ‘Lover’ inked just under her eye while on holiday in Bali in December 2022 but Lottie had it erased last year.

In a warning to fans, she joked at the time: “Don’t drink alcohol kids!”

Speaking in her latest video, the Bear Hunt contestant said: “I haven’t really spoken for a minute online, and I thought I would.”

She pointed out a bruise on her lip from filler removal, and said: “I dissolved everything in my face that I had before — I used to have jaw filler, which looked awful, and I used to have lip filler, but it’s all gone now, and I look like me again.” 

Lottie said getting fillers at a young age affected her, and she wishes she had allowed herself to develop naturally.

She said she feels happier focusing on her health, practicing hot yoga, the gym and embracing her natural hair.

She went on: “I wish that I had at a really young age let my face turn into me because I was so young when I got filler — my face still had a puppy face, and it wasn’t really my face yet.”

Alongside her physical changes, Lottie said she was proud of herself for making healthier lifestyle choices, reducing her nights out, and focusing on fitness and well-being.

She added: “I’m still drinking, but I’m being better with my choices.

“It’s a Friday night, and I’m in, and I feel very proud of myself.

“I know that’s not a lot for most people, but with my journey, I couldn’t even imagine being in on a Friday night a few months ago.”

The model, who is the half sister of catwalk superstar Kate Moss, also opened up about feelings of rejection in her personal and family life, which led her to a difficult mental space.

The star added: “I was in a very dark place a few years ago, facing a lot of rejection, personal and family relationships, and it got to me,.

“But now I feel like I’ve finally put a lot of that to bed and kind of worked through all of it.”

 She credited motivational speaker Jay Shetty for helping her stay positive and shared a message of hope for others who may be struggling.

She added: “For anyone who feels like they’re in a rut right now… just stick with it, please, because it gets so much better

“I just feel like a very happy version of myself.”

Instagram/lottiemossxo

She tried to get the tattoo removed in 2024 but it was still visible[/caption]

GARDENING experts have revealed the kitchen staple that can transform your flowerbeds this spring.

The green-fingered pros explained that a budget item in your cupboard can help to “nourish and restore” your plants.

Getty

Gardening experts shared the kitchen staple you can use to nourish your flowerbeds (stock image)[/caption]

Gardener and herbalist Daniela Rey spoke to Homes and Gardens about the DIY hack.

She discussed how a breakfast favourite can add vital nutrients to the soil in your garden.

The expert revealed that oatmeal is a “rich source of nitrogen” which is required in large amounts by plants.

“Nitrogen’s most important purpose is to help plants grow big green foliage,” she explained.

“It is used in many plant processes to synthesize amino acids, proteins, chlorophyll, and enzymes.

“Oats also contain a unique type of fibre that nourishes and restores healthy bacteria in the soil.

“This bacteria helps break down organic matter in the soil, making it available to plants.”

She recommended “mixing it into the top layer of the soil or sprinkle it as a type of mulch over plants”.

“As the oatmeal breaks down, it will release nutrients into the soil, like a slow-release fertiliser that can last several months,” Daniela said.

And you can pick up a kilogram bag of porridge oats for just 90p from Asda.

Dennis Sons, who works as a horticulturist at TN Nursery, broke down the history of the technique.

“Old timers in the early 1900s would warm water over a wood cook stove and put the oatmeal in for about five minutes,” he explained.

Before the oats have time to thicken and start to cook, they would be strained with a cheesecloth.

The “juice” created is them poured around houseplants and garden plants.

However, some experts have warned against using this method on all your plants.

Lindsey Hyland, founder of Urban Organic Yield, explained that “not all” plants from oats.

“It is especially beneficial for tomatoes and other vegetables that need more nitrogen in their soil, such as cabbage, broccoli, kale, lettuce and spinach,” she said.

“However, it should be avoided when fertilizing flowering plants or other more delicate varieties since it could lead to poor growth or seedling diseases caused by excessive moisture near the roots.”

She recommended doing research on particular plants and what feed is best for them before using oatmeal as a fertiliser.

You can also carry out a soil pH test done to understand your soil types and any nutrient deficiencies that could be affecting plants.

Asda

You can pick up a kilogram bag of porridge oats for just 90p from Asda[/caption]

PAREPOS.FAJAR.CO.ID, SURAKARTA-– Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) kembali menganugerahkan penghargaan tertinggi kepada tokoh nasional yang berkontribusi...

Source