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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.

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.

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.

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.

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Damon Hill has landed a new job in F1 after leaving Sky Sports[/caption]

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The former world champion left the broadcaster last year[/caption]

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.

“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.”

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.

Fabulosa

The incredible new scent is part of the iconic Your Sol Mate collection[/caption]

Fabulosa

And prices start from just £1 in B&M[/caption]

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”.

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

It is available in a 220ml Concentrated Multi-Purpose Cleaner, 1 Litre Floor Cleaner and a 750ml Multi-Purpose Cleaner.[/caption]

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”.

Rex

Bruno Fernandes has bitten back at Sir Jim Ratcliffe over his brutal squad comments[/caption]

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.

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.”

IT’S been a long week for racing fans, but the best has been very much saved for last, as Gold Cup Day hits our screens on today! 

The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world and millions will be tuning in to watch the big race at 4pm. We could be set for history, too, as Galopin Des Champs bids to become just the second horse this century to win the race three times. 

Willie Mullins’ charge is a hot favourite with the bookies to pull it off, but as we’ve seen this week, surprises are never too far away at Cheltenham.

With that in mind, we’ve taken a long look at the race card to put together an in-depth preview for anyone looking for Cheltenham day 4 tips, along with Cheltenham free bets and betting offers you may still use for the event!

Best bets and tips for Cheltenham day 4

• 13:20 – Lulamba in the JCB Triumph Hurdle – 9/4 with bet365
• 14:40 – Dinoblue in the Mares’ Chase – 6/4 with Coral
• 15:00 – Absurde in the County Handicap Hurdle – 25/5 with SBK
• 16:00 – Galopin Des Champs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup – 4/7 with Betway
• 16:40 – Shearer in the St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase – 8/1 with BetMGM

Cheltenham day 4 race schedule

The final day of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival is an excellent one, with three Grade 1 races scheduled on the card. The feature race is the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup at 4pm and you can find the full race card below. 

Time	Race	Distance	Grade
13:20	JCB Triumph Hurdle	2m1f	Grade 1
14:00	William Hill County Handicap Hurdle	2m1f	Premier Handicap
14:40	Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase	2m4½f	Grade 2
15:20	Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle	3m	Grade 1
16:00	Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup	3m2½f	Grade 1
16:40	St James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup	3m2½f	Hunter Chase
17:20	Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle	2m4½f	Handicap

Cheltenham Festival day 4 predictions and tips: The runners and riders

The big event on Friday is the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, which is one of the most prestigious races of the year. Galopin Des Champs is bidding to become just the fifth horse to win the blue riband three or more times and he’s certainly at the right age as a nine-year-old, bearing in mind that no winners this century have been 10 or older. 

Each of Corbetts Cross, Monty’s Star, Banbridge and Inothewayurthinkin are running in the race for the first time and it’s worth noting that race debutants don’t have the strongest record, with just two first-time winners this century. 

Galopin Des Champs is an odds-on favourite at the time of writing and the omens are good, with four of the last five winners being the market leader, but there’s no such thing as a certainty in horse racing!

In the Triumph Hurdle, the two market leaders are British-trained, but it would be folly to ignore the 11 (eleven!) Willie Mullins runners, seeing as the master of Closutton has won four of the last five renewals. 

Should the money pour in for either East India Dock or Lulamba to the point they go odds-on, show caution, only one odds-on jolly has won the Triumph ever – Attivo in 1974!

Finally, keep an eye on the Irish-trained runners in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, seeing as the trophy has gone back to the Emerald Isle in five of the last six years! Looking for some in-depth Cheltenham festival day 4 predictions? We have put together our best bets for you below. 

Finally, keep an eye on the Irish-trained runners in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, seeing as the trophy has gone back to the Emerald Isle in five of the last six years! Looking for some in-depth Cheltenham Gold Cup Day tips? We have put together our best bets for you below, along with Cheltenham betting offers and free bets from our favourite horse racing betting sites.

#1 – Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup Steeplechase at 4/7

It’s impossible to oppose the indomitable GALOPIN DES CHAMPS, who is bidding for his own little slice of history by winning this for a third time. The nine-year-old was faultless when winning this by three-and-a-half lengths in soft ground 12 months ago and to put it simply, he will be very hard to stop if in the same mood here. 

Willie Mullins’ charge rather needed the run when third on reappearance at Punchestown in November, something which isn’t out of the ordinary, and he was far too strong when winning back-to-back Grade 1 contests at Leopardstown the last twice. 

It may not be quite as soft as the previous two years on Friday, though he’s fairly versatile in terms of the ground and ought to prove too strong in this once again – with a fourth festival victory looking rather inevitable. 

With last year’s runner-up Gerri Colombe missing, the biggest threat is undoubtedly the King George VI Chase winner Banbridge. He has stamina to prove, but he took his form to a new level when reeling in Il Est Francais over Christmas and should the ground be on the faster side, he’d be a threat to the favourite. 

Inothewayurthinkin is a short price for next month’s Grand National but he has something to find having been held by the favourite the last twice, while the remainder of the field all have significant amounts to find with Willie Mullins’ superstar.

Bet on Galopin Des Champs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup at 4/7 with Betway

#2 – Lulamba in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at 9/4

A fascinating renewal of the Triumph Hurdle, which is shaping up into a match race between two unbeaten British challengers. East India Dock leads the market at the time of writing, having picked up two wide-margin victories in trials for this race over course and distance this season.

It’s difficult to completely weigh up that form though it’s certainly worth noting that the runner-up from his victory on Trials Day, Stencil, was well held on Tuesday. A half-brother to the Champion Hurdle runner-up Burdett Road, he has plenty of speed in his locker and ought to go close for a yard that’s firmly on the up. 

However, it is the other horse in this prospective match race that makes the most appeal, the Nicky Henderson-trained LULAMBA. The four-year-old has raced just once over hurdles so far on these shores, though he made an almighty impression when hitting the track, winning a warm-looking juvenile event at Ascot in January with plenty in hand. The form has worked out well, too, with the third and the fifth in behind that day winning since. 

With equally promising stablemate Palladium missing the race due to injury, the door looks open for Lulamba to take this, with the 9-4 currently available with bet365 looking more than fair. The biggest danger to the market leaders will likely come from Irish raider Hello Neighbour, who showed plenty of grit to win a Grade 1 contest at Leopardstown last month and is respected.

Bet on Lulamba in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at 9/4 with bet365

#3 – Absurde in the County Handicap Hurdle at 25/5

A fascinating renewal of the County Hurdle, in which the all-conquering Willie Mullins seemingly holds all of the cards. Mullins has won this race a record seven times – including three of the last five renewals – and it’s rather telling that each of the three market leaders at the time of writing all hail from Closutton.

The current favourite is Kargese, who was second behind Majborough in last season’s Triumph Hurdle. Given plenty of time to recover from a busy juvenile campaign, the five-year-old has had just one start so far this term, finishing second in a Grade 2 contest at Ascot in January. The winner that day finished a fine third behind Lossiemouth in Tuesday’s Mares’ Hurdle and she ought to go close off a fair-looking mark of 141.

However, it looks worth siding with her stablemate ABSURDE. The seven-year-old is perhaps better known for his exploits in the Melbourne Cup, finishing fifth down under in November, but he’s a seriously smart type on the Flat. That talent switched successfully to jumps last year, too, when winning this race on tacky ground by a length. 

An 8lbs rise for that victory makes life harder here, but the ground ought to play into his hands this time around if it is indeed faster, and it would be no surprise should he have a bit of improvement over timber up his sleeve. 

Mullins is the master of preparing one and it would be no surprise should Absurde prove good enough to take this again, meaning it’s worth placing a small bet on him at 5.8 with SBK to do the business. 

Bet on Absurde in the County Hurdle at 25/5 with SBK

#4 – Dinoblue in the Mares’ Chase at 6/5

A fascinating renewal of the Mares’ Chase, which features a rematch between the Irish raiders DINOBLUE and Limerick Lace. It was the last-named who came out on top by three quarters of a length here 12 months ago, though it could be argued that Dinoblue wasn’t fully firing that day.

The pair have gone in opposite directions since, with Limerick Lace looking flat in her two starts so far this campaign. Meanwhile, it has been a more productive campaign for Dinoblue, who built on two tough assignments when defeating her reopposing stablemate Allegorie De Vassy in a Listed race at Naas last month. 

That rival slammed Limerick Lace by some 25 lengths in January, which rather points the finger firmly in Dinoblue’s direction. It’s certainly worth noting that she has been a beaten favourite for the last three years running at the festival, but she’s fancied to make things right this time around, for a yard that has won two of the four renewals of this race to date.

Bet on Dinoblue in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase at 6/4 with Coral

#5 – Shearer in the St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase at 8/1

Run over the exact same distance as the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the hunters’ chase often proves to be an intriguing puzzle to solve, and this year is no different. 

Its On The Line won at two of the three spring festivals last year, with the only blot on his copy coming when three quarters of a length behind Sine Nomine in this race. He is of obvious interest, though he has finished second in this for two years running and has been below par in two starts so far this campaign. 

The market leader is Angels Dawn, who fell when right in contention in the Kim Muir last year. She is respected on the back of two commanding point wins, while Willitgoahead, Allmankind and Ryehill all deserve respect. 

However, the way to go could be SHEARER, who boasts an interesting profile. Named after the legendary Premier League striker by his Blackburn Rovers-obsessed owner, the nine-year-old was a promising novice before suffering an injury two years ago. 

The decision to switch him to this sphere raised eyebrows, but he’s done little wrong so far, winning events at Ffos Las and Taunton without much fuss to qualify for this. He appealed as the type that could have progressed far beyond his current mark of 137 in his younger years and the suspicion is that this race has been in the planning for some time by Paul Nicholls, who will be mindful that the owner has yet to taste victory at the festival. 

Trading at 9-1 at the time of writing, it looks worth siding with Shearer to take this, with this price likely to be gone by post time due to the popularity of his namesake!

Bet on Shearer in the St James’s Place Hunters’ Chase at 8/1 with BetMGM

Some famous Gold Cup Day moments down the years

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is one of the most glamorous and prestigious horse races of the year and the blue riband contest hasn’t been shy of drama over the years. 

With 100 years of history, it’s difficult to hone in on even the best renewal from this century, though plenty will point to the era of Kauto Star and Denman. Both trained by Paul Nicholls, the pair fought out a legendary rivalry, with Kauto winning the race twice and Denman once. 

The pair clashed for one final time in 2011 and while both would eventually fall to a younger rival in Long Run, the image of the pair rounding the bend for home in unison is one that went down into Cheltenham folklore. 

In terms of shocks, there is none greater this century than Lord Windermere, who stayed on best up the hill to pull off a 20-1 surprise for Jim Culloty in 2014 – who is the uncle of a certain four-time champion jockey in Oisin Murphy. 

Galopin Des Champs arrives on the Cotswolds in pursuit of history, having won the race in 2023 and 2024. If he was to win, he would be just the second horse this century after the great Best Mate to win the race three times and just the fifth ever (Arkle, Cottage Rake and Golden Miller are the other three). 

How to bet on day 4 at Cheltenham

Cheltenham Gold Cup Day is one of the few horse racing events that break through into the public consciousness, meaning it’s likely that there will be plenty of people who are placing a racing bet for the first time. 

If that statement applies to you, don’t worry, we have put together a quick step-by-step guide to placing a bet on the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

• Log into your betting account. If you need to create a new one, there are lots of suggestions in our list below.
• Deposit money into your account and head to the ‘Horse Racing’ section. Find the racing taking place at Cheltenham on Friday 14^th March 2025.
• Pick a horse to place a bet on. You can either follow the Cheltenham day 4 predictions in this article, or you can read the form on your betting site. 
• Add the horse to your betting slip by clicking on the odds next to their name. Once they appear in the betslip, input your stake and click on ‘place bets’. 

More 2025 Cheltenham free bets and betting offers

• bet365 Cheltenham free bets
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• AK Bets Cheltenham Festival offer
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Cheltenham Festival free bets for day 4

How to follow the Cheltenham Festival action on day 3

Cheltenham is one of the most popular sporting events of the year, meaning it’s fairly easy to keep up with the action. The majority of the races are being screened for free on terrestrial television by ITV1, who are showing the first six races on day three, while Racing TV is the place to watch all 28 contests during the week. If you are out and about, you can follow the action on talkSPORT radio, while betting apps will be live streaming the action. You can also watch each and every race in betting shops up and down the country.

A WOMAN has left the internet stunned after showing off her giant watermelon-shaped pregnancy bump.

Samantha, from the US, was left in hysterics after realising her baby bump resembled the giant fruit.

tiktok/@lovvesammay

tiktok/@lovvesammay

The mum, who has since given birth, said: “I’m 39 weeks tomorrow.

“And I have a watermelon to show you guys because I’m not even exaggerating. Look at this.

“Literally the size of a watermelon.”

In the clip, Samantha was seen holding a watermelon in front of her stomach.

But as she took the melon away to show her bump you could see it was the exact same size and shape.

Every baby bump comes in different sizes, but Samantha’s seems to be less round and more pointy.

The mum was left stunned by her realisation.

She added: “Like, if you put this under your shirt, that’s me. Ain’t that crazy?”

And it seemed everyone agreed her pregnancy bump was crazy and people couldn’t believe how big it was.

Now she has given birth, Samantha revealed that her son weighed a massive 10lb 3oz.

“We all knew he was going to be a big baby,” she added.

The clip of her bump has since gone viral on her TikTok account @lovvesammay with over 12 million views and 819k likes.

People in the comments were quick to joke that her son should be paying rent and had built himself a ‘penthouse.’

One person wrote: “bro needs to pay rent.”

Another commented: “That baby got a 5 bedroom 2 story apartment with 3 car garage.”

“How many grown adults are in there?” penned a third.

Meanwhile a fourth said: “Baby on a pull out mattress.”

“You’re meant to chew the watermelon before you swallow it,” claimed a fifth.

Someone else added: “Baby is planking the whole 9 months.”

Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: [email protected] and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.

COLEEN Rooney claimed that being married to Wayne has at times made her feel “like a single parent.”

As a solo mum to Mabel, seven, I was gobsmacked to read the 38-year-old mum-of-four reveal life’s like a constant “WWE wrestling match” with her boys and that she was often left “juggling” her home alone whilst Wayne was away playing football.

Rebecca Tidy

Rebecca Tidy

Coleen Rooney has no idea what being a single mum is really like, says Rebecca[/caption]

Coleen, speaking to Westlife singer Nicky Byrne, 46, on the most recent episode of his podcast, compared her life to that of a single mum.

Ridiculous.

I’ve no personal gripe with Coleen but she has no idea of the challenges we face. Her comments: “You could never rely on a plan. You couldn’t make a plan. That was hard because I like a plan and I like a schedule and I like to stick to that. I found that hard” are so removed from my lived reality.

I know exactly what it feels like to be a single parent, as I broke up with Mabel’s dad when she was a baby.

And since that fateful day, the parenting has all been on me.

There’s nobody else to lean on when things get crazy.

Only last Tuesday Mabel, seven, was hit in the face by a cricket ball at school, losing two adult teeth and two baby ones.

Abandoning my work and pay cheque, I sped off to collect my blood-covered child from school.

We’ve never managed to get an NHS dentist, so off we went to our private dentist, which cost me an absolute fortune.

I was consoling my precious little one, while pretending that I wasn’t devastated for her.

It would’ve been unthinkably helpful to have another parent there to ease my emotional woes, even if it was only on the other end of the phone.

Speaking of health, I recently convinced myself that the black spot on Mabel’s foot was actually a cancerous mole.

It was a terrifying thought, as I’ve endured melanoma treatment myself.

Child’s health fears

Thankfully, it turned out to be just a verruca.

But I desperately needed a bit of reassurance at that moment.

Then after I learned it was verruca, I started to panic about who would care for Mabel if the worst ever happened to me.

Practical support too

It’s not all about the emotional support though.

There’s the practical stuff too.

Coleen’s clearly never had to combat an outbreak of nits alone.

It’s near-impossible to comb those bugs off the back of your own head.

We endured three bouts of nit treatment, and I’m convinced it was because I kept missing them from my own hair.

And any single parent will tell you that the house is never quite clean, no matter how hard you try. 

When you’re tidying up one side of the room, your child is trashing the other half.

There’s no one else to stop your kid enthusiastically covering the floor in glitter, glue and sellotape as you scramble to get things under control.

No time for… anything

As a single mum, people don’t realise that I’m with my daughter or working.

There’s literally no time for anything else.

It’s near-impossible to fit in a gym class or even a regular haircut when you’ve got limited childcare options.

Yesterday I looked into joining the local trail running club, but soon realised that it was impossible as none of the meet-ups ended before 8pm and I can’t find childcare that late.

I don’t attend the primary school PTA meetings, as they’re at 8pm when the kids are in bed.

Don’t even get me started on the financial side of things. 

Who pays the mortgage?

It’s a constant effort to pay the mortgage each month now that there’s nobody to share the bills with.

My ex doesn’t pay a penny towards our daughter.

Yet Wayne was earning a fortune, and Coleen didn’t need to lift a finger to get the bills paid.

There are definitely perks to having a partner in your corner too. And not just because it gives you flexibility to work late at busy times of year.

Coleen’s experienced big success with her Applied Nutrition supplement line, yet that wouldn’t have been possible if her hubby wasn’t a famous sports star.

Let’s not forget that it was the power couple’s celeb status that led to her reported £5 million deal for her upcoming Disney+ reality TV series.

And who did the parenting while Coleen was in the Australian wilderness on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!

I totally get that being married to a footballer can probably be tough, however, it’s nowhere near the same as parenting solo.

Pretending otherwise does a disservice to those millions of us who do soldier on alone.

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Coleen Rooney in an interview[/caption]

WITH St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, Guinness lovers are being warned that prices could soar 10% in the coming months.

This warning comes amid concerns about potential US tariffs on European goods, and follows Diageo’s announcement of a 4.2% increase in wholesale prices, effective from 1 May.

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Should prices climb by a further 10%, the average cost of a pint could approach £5 nationwide and reach approximately £6.22 in London[/caption]

While Diageo doesn’t set retail prices, the cost of a pint has already seen an 8% increase over the past year, with the average price currently at £4.48.

London continues to hold the title of the priciest spot to enjoy a Guinness, with the average pint costing £5.66.

Should prices climb by a further 10%, the average cost of a pint could approach £5 nationwide and reach approximately £6.22 in London.

The warning follows comments from Diageo’s finance chief, Nik Jhangiani, who stated that the company expects its profits could fall by around $200 million if the US imposes tariffs on Mexico and Canada in March.

John J. Hardy, global head of macro strategy at investment platform Saxo, suggested that Diageo’s warning serves as a form of “insurance policy” while the company waits to gauge the potential impact of Trump’s tariffs.

He said: “A 10% increase is a reasonable baseline estimate for tariffs on European imports, but [but] just like us, Diageo has no idea where the Trump administration will end with these tariffs.

“Diageo’s move to warn of a potential loss on tariff impacts is like the prudent purchase of an insurance policy as they try to assess the potential downside risks to their future results in a ‘base case’ scenario of tariffs being implemented.

“This allows them to justify the risk of weak performance beforehand and to claim some positive news upside should the tariff impact prove far smaller.”

Guinness has seen a surge in popularity in recent years and in January there were reports it could be sold off for as much as £8billion as Diageo eyes cashing in.

Those looking to enjoy a bargain pint this St Patrick’s Day can head to Wetherspoons, which announced earlier this week that it will be reducing prices on March 17.

The price of a pint of Guinness is set to drop from £3.60 to £3.15 in over 670 pubs.

As St Patrick’s Day aligns with the pubs’ Monday Club promotion, a variety of other drink prices will also be reduced on Monday, March 17.

Highlights include a pint of Ruddles or Worthington’s for just £1.49, a pint of Carling for £2.49, and a single measure of selected spirits (including a mixer) for £1.99. 

Additionally, two cocktail pitchers can be enjoyed for £14.25, while a pint of Strongbow or Abbot Ale will cost £2.39 each.

TOUGH TIME FOR PUBS

The pub industry is facing mounting pressures, including soaring energy bills, rising costs, and squeezed household budgets.

In April they will also be hit by upcoming hikes in employer National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage.

Several operators have warned punters to expect price increases as a result including All Bar One owner Mitchells & Butlers and Fuller’s.

As costs increase the British Beer and Pub Association has warned that more pub closures could also be on the horizon.

The trade body estimates that the cumulative impact of the Autumn Budget will create an extra £650million in costs for the sector.

Many pubs are also bracing for a planned reduction in the business rates discount for hospitality, leisure, and retail firms, which will drop from 75% to 40%.

Camra’s Corbett-Collins has also renewed calls for business rates reform alongside changes to help publicans stock more beers from independent brewers to support the industry.

Last month research revealed the most expensive beer brands and the areas where a visit to the pub will hit your wallet the hardest.

Brewers have also been impacted by escalating costs with many cutting product lines or reducing the strength of much-loved brews.

Punters were left fuming earlier when Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) announced it was ditching 11 classic cask beers.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) slammed the decision as “another example of a globally owned business wiping out UK brewing heritage”.

A number of major beer brands have slashed the strength of their lagers in a budget-boosting move too.

Hophead has reduced its ABV from 3.8% to 3.4% with landlords still being charged the same wholesale price.

Bottles of Banks’s Amber Ale were also changed from 3.8% to 3.4% in the middle of last year.

Meanwhile, Carlsberg Danish Pilsner, Grolsch Premium Pilsner and Banks’ Amber Ale have been reduced to 3.4%.

The move from a number of beer brands come after drinks started being taxed by alcoholic strength.

The change since August means that drinks are now taxed according to strength rather than type.

POLICE have uncovered a creepy well-preserved mummy hidden in an alleged smuggler’s house after a shock raid.

The mummy is thought to be that of a Christian person from the Middle Ages.

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Video from local authorities show the remains with its arms crossed.

It’s thought the unusual possession was destined for sale on the black market.

A house in the historic city of Niğde, Turkey, was busted as part of a crackdown on illegal trafficking of valuable archaeological relics.

Six suspects were detained by authorities, according to Turkish press.

The ancient mummy has now been handed over to experts for thorough analysis.

Turkey is rich with historical sites making it a target for artefact smuggling.

More than 26,000 cultural assets, including rare coins and sculptures, have been reclaimed by Turkey since 1980.

“As a result of a successful operation carried out by our Niğde Provincial Gendarmerie Command within the scope of combating cultural and natural asset smuggling, individuals trying to sell a historical mummy in Kemerhisar town of Bor district were detected and caught,” the Niğde Governorship said.

“As a result of the operation, a male-looking mummy, determined to belong to a Christian person from the Middle Ages, was seized at the residence of a person named HG, and a total of 6 suspects were detained in connection with the incident.

“We would like to thank our Gendarmerie for their devoted efforts to protect our country’s cultural heritage and congratulate them for their successful operations.

“We emphasise once again that we will continue to protect our cultural heritage with determination.”

THOMAS TUCHEL has made some big calls in his first England squad.

Earlier today, the German tactician’s first squad to face Albania and Latvia was announced, featuring some surprise omissions and major recalls.

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Thomas Tuchel has named his first England squad[/caption]

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Jordan Henderson was a surprise recall to the England team[/caption]

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Dan Burn was selected by England for the first time alongside Myles Lewis-Skelly[/caption]

The likes of Reece James, Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson were brought back into the fold by Tuchel.

Meanwhile, stars like Ollie Watkins, Morgan Gibbs-White, Eliott Anderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish missed the cut.

There were debut call ups for Newcastle’s Dan Burn and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.

While there are of course the usual suspects like captain Harry Kane, midfielder Jude Bellingham and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

But now Tuchel has selected his cards, how will he play them?

Tuchel was known at Chelsea for playing a back three, but when he moved to Bayern Munich he preferred a back four shape.

This England squad has stars who are very capable in both shapes.

However, we expect the 51-year-old to deploy his England team in a back four shape to start with.

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Tuchel said the call ups for Burn and Henderson were down to them bringing leadership qualities and character to the squad.

For that reason both could be named in his first starting XI to face Albania on March 21 in England’s first World Cup qualifier.

Tuchel is likely to keep his spine a tried and trusted formula, with Jordan Pickford in goal, Harry Kane up front and Declan Rice in midfield.

Guehi, who has arguably established himself as the Three Lions best centre-back in the last 12 months, may partner debutant Burn in central defence, with veteran Kyle Walker selected at right-back and Lewis-Skelly filling in at left-back.

Rice could provide the legs for Henderson in midfield which would also allow the Arsenal midfielder the license to bomb forward and join the attack.

Ahead of them, Jarrod Bowen’s pace and directness off the left will partner well with Cole Palmer’s creativity on the right wing and Bellingham’s dynamism behind Kane.

Alternatively, Tuchel could go to his famous 3-4-3 shape and go with a very experimental XI to help him get to know his squad.

A change between in the sticks with Dean Henderson in for Pickford could come about, while Guehi’s anchor a back three alongside Chelsea pair Levi Colwill and James, who are both familiar with a back three system.

An aggressive set of wing-backs may see Newcastle duo Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon selected on either wing, while Rice and Bellingham pair in midfield able to shuffle back and forth.

Then Aston Villa duo Rashford and Morgan Rogers could start behind Dominic Solanke, which may give Tuchel a real idea about the true depth of his attacking options.