9 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on Maura Higgins’ bank busting year ahead revealed as she signs string of multi-million deals and names her dream job
MAURA Higgins turns up the heat — and shows why everyone wants to collar her.
Noctis MagazineMaura Higgins is in line to bank the biggest pay cheques of her life[/caption]
Noctis MagazineThe star is now in demand on both sides of the Atlantic[/caption]
Her stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle last year also boosted her profile but Maura said she is proud of her Love Island roots.
The Irish star impressed producers and audiences as the host of the US version of spin-off Aftersun last year.
And she has her sights set on becoming as big as Maya Jama, the host of the British version of the cult dating show.
Posing for these sizzling shots for the cover of Noctis magazine, Maura said: “Love Island is always going to be a dream job for me.
“Love Island got me to where I am today, and I’m hugely grateful.
“With Aftersun, I feel like being thrown into the deep end like that will only make me better.”
The ambitious beauty added: “I hope someday I can be as big as some of the most incredible hosts out there like we have in the UK and US.”
Noctis MagazineMaura is on the cover of the latest edition of Noctis magazine[/caption]
Noctis MagazineThe TV personality’s dream is to host Love Island, the show that made her famous[/caption]
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme –Sun Club.
Thea Stein, chief of the Nuffield Trust, said: “NHS dentistry in England has fallen apart as a universal service and small tweaks cannot bring it back.
“If governments are not willing to put in the billions required to bring back dentistry for everyone, we need a serious conversation about who should be first in line.”
A Department of Health spokesperson said: “This government inherited a broken NHS dental sector after years of neglect.
“We’re getting on with fixing it through our Plan for Change, so the NHS can be there for patients once again.”
NHS SATISFACTION AT ALL-TIME LOW
PUBLIC satisfaction with the NHS is at a record 40-year low, a survey has found.
Some 59 per cent said they were unhappy with the health service, with A&E delays the biggest bugbear among patients.
The figure, from the Nuffield Trust think-tank’s British Social Attitudes survey, is up from 52 per cent last year and the highest since the study began in 1983.
Just 21 per cent said they were satisfied with the NHS, well down from 60 per cent in 2019, before the pandemic, and a peak of 70 per cent in 2010.
Satisfaction is lowest with A&E waiting times at just 12 per cent. Social care and NHS dentistry had satisfaction levels of 13 and 20 per cent.
The poll of 3,000 was done in September and October.
Analyst Mark Dayan, of the Nuffield Trust, said: “These are pretty grim findings.”
9 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on Rats, sewage leaks and cockroach infestation – NHS staff reveal the true crisis in crumbling hospitals
RATS, cockroaches, and silverfish are running rampant at NHS hospitals and buildings, according to a large staff survey.
A poll of almost 9,000 health workers for the Unison union suggests pests may be thriving in damp conditions and unfixed buildings.
GettyRats are among a number of pests running rampant in NHS hospitals, according to a large staff survey[/caption]
GettyNHS staff also reported feeling unsafe in the buildings they worked in, with sewage leaks and crumbling ceilings[/caption]
Staff also reported sewage leaks, defective lighting, broken toilets and crumbling ceilings.
Of those that took part in the poll, around one in six said they’d spotted vermin such as rats inside their building in the past 12 months.
Silverfish are metallic, silvery bugs that thrive in damp conditions while cockroaches can carry diseases and illnesses such as gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, typhoid and salmonella.
Rats carry several diseases such as leptospirosis (Weil’s disease), which is spread in their urine.
But pests weren’t the only thing to worry about, as 17 per cent of staff said they didn’t think the building they worked in was safe.
More than half (52 per cent) reported seeing buckets catching leaking water in their workplace buildings in the past year while almost a quarter (23 per cent) witnessed sewage leaks.
And 28 per cent said public toilets in their hospitals have been out of order for extended periods while 30 per cent reported broken staff toilets.
Out of order lifts, defective lighting, and ceilings falling apart were among other top complaints.
Helga Pile, Unison head of health, said: “This survey paints a worrying picture of an NHS system that’s falling apart at the seams and in need of a serious overhaul.
“No-one should be dodging rats, stepping over sewage or watching out for falling ceiling tiles in NHS buildings.
“The last thing patients or staff want is vermin, cockroaches and other unpleasant things roaming the wards. Disease-carrying pests can put people’s health at risk.”
One member of staff working in the north-west of England told how rodent bait boxes were dotted all over his hospital and a leaking waste pipe had resulted in a foul odour.
However, rats were still getting into a room storing sterile instruments and supplies, he said.
Another hospital staff member from Scotland said ceilings had collapsed and water buckets collecting leaking rainwater were a constant trip hazard.
Another worker in charge of cleaning and handling medical equipment in the east of England told Unison he had seen mouse droppings on the floor and desks in reception, in staff break rooms and in the sterile instrument storage room.
No-one should be dodging rats, stepping over sewage or watching out for falling ceiling tiles in NHS buildings
Helga PileUnison head of health
Ms Pile said: “Previous governments made wildly exaggerated claims about building new hospitals and raided pots of cash earmarked to improve the NHS estate.
“The NHS should be fit for the 21st century, not a crumbling Dickensian relic.”
Ms Pile said fixing the damage done by years of neglect isn’t going to be a five-minute job.
She continued: “Money needs to be made available immediately to sort out the worst of the problems.
“Longer-term investment plans must be sped up and maintenance budgets spared the axe.
“If operations are cancelled and wards closed because of pests and sewage leaks, delays and waiting times will only get worse.”
GettySilverfish are metallic, silvery bugs that thrive in damp conditions[/caption]
The Department of Health has been contacted for comment.
Interim chief executive of NHS Providers Saffron Cordery said: “Safety of patients and staff is the top priority, but this is being put at risk every day from crumbling buildings, pest infestations and sewage leaks.
“It’s alarming that NHS trusts have to spend lots of money on pest control on top of a rocketing, near-£14 billion backlog of essential repairs to buildings and equipment which are in a very bad way.
“Vital parts of the NHS are falling to bits after years of underinvestment nationally.
“Hospitals as well as mental health, community and ambulance services are doing everything they can to improve productivity and deliver more high-quality care, but to do this they need safe, modern, efficient and reliable facilities.
“The condition of the NHS estate is holding them back from doing this as quickly as possible.”
Pest control callouts in NHS hospitals on the rise...
Since 2021, over 60 NHS Trusts have reported £3.7 million spent on pest control at their hospitals.
Imperial College NHS Trust, which includes St.Mary’s Hospital London, spent a staggering £383,597 on pest control, including dealing with 748 pest incidents last year alone.
The most shocking incidents were reported by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Trust, which includes Colchester Hospital and Ipswich Hospital. Staff reported:
Black insects are biting the legs of staff
Ants and fly infestations
Rats in the ambulance area
Overall, there has been a rise in pests reported at hospitals, from 5,292 in 2021/2022 to 6,666 2023/2024.
9 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on Why is Max Verstappen allowed to wear No 1 on his F1 car?
FORMULA ONE is back for another season – and Max Verstappen has a unique distinction on his car that no other driver can boast.
Dutch driver Verstappen has won the Drivers’ Championship FOUR times in a row, and will be looking to equal Michael Schumacher’s record of five in a row this season.
Max Verstappen is a four time world championgettyVerstappen wears the number one on the front of his cargetty
Lewis Hamilton will also be looking to break a record Michael Schumacher currently holds alongside him, and win Drivers’ Championship number eight.
Hamilton drives with the No 44, while fellow Brit Lando Norris drives with No 4
Each driver has a choice over which number they use, and their numbers are reserved for up to two years after they leave F1.
Four-time world champion Verstappen did previously sport the No 33, but has since switched to No 1.
SunSport can reveal why he is allowed to wear this number.
Why is Max Verstappen allowed to wear No 1?
In F1, a racer is allowed to switch to the number if they are the defending world champion.
However, this is an option – not an obligation, as Lewis Hamilton never used No 1, sticking with his favoured 44 throughout his career.
Max Verstappen made the switch from 33 to 1 when he won the Drivers’ World Championship in 2021 and has been able to stick with it since.
Full race schedule
Round One – Australia Practice one – Fri, Mar 14, 1:30am GMT Practice two – Fri, Mar 14, 5am GMT Practice three – Sat, Mar 15, 1:30am GMT Qualifying – Sat, Mar 15, 5am GMT Race – Sun, Mar 16, 4am GMT
Round Two – China– Sprint weekend Practice one – Fri, Mar 21, 3:30am GMT Sprint Qualifying – Fri, Mar 21, 7:30am GMT Sprint – Sat, Mar 22, 3am GMT Qualifying – Sat, Mar 22, 7am GMT Race – Sun, Mar 23, 7am GMT
Round Three – Japan Practice one – Fri, Apr 4, 3:30am BST Practice two – Fri, Apr 4, 7am BST Practice three – Sat, Apr 5, 3:30am BST Qualifying – Sat, Apr 5, 7am BST Race – Sun, Apr 6, 6am BST
Round Four – Bahrain Practice one – Fri, Apr 11, 12:30pm BST Practice two – Fri, Apr 11, 4pm BST Practice three – Sat, Apr 12, 1:30pm BST Qualifying – Sat, Apr 12, 5pm BST Race – Sun, Apr 13, 4pm BST
Round Five – Saudi Arabia Practice one – Fri, Apr 18, 2:30pm BST Practice two – Fri, Apr 18, 6pm BST Practice three – Sat, Apr 19, 2:30pm BST Qualifying – Sat, Apr 19, 6pm BST Race – Sun, Apr 20, 6pm BST
Round Six – Miami– Sprint weekend Practice one – Fri, May 2, 5:30pm BST Sprint Qualifying- Fri, May 2 , 9:30pm BST Sprint – Sat, May 3, 5pm BST Qualifying – Sat, May 3, 9pm BST Race – Sun, May 4, 9pm BST
Round Seven – Emilia-Romagna Practice one – Fri, May 16, 12:30pm BST Practice two – Fri, May 16, 4pm BST Practice three – Sat, May 17, 11:30pm BST Qualifying – Sat, May 17, 3pm BST Race – Sun, May 18, 2pm BST
Round Eight – Monaco Practice one – Fri, May 23, 12:30pm BST Practice two – Fri, May 23, 4pm BST Practice three – Sat, May 24, 11:30pm BST Qualifying – Sat, May 24, 3pm BST Race – Sun, May 25, 2pm BST
Round Nine – Spain Practice one – Fri, May 30, 12:30pm BST Practice two – Fri, May 30, 4pm BST Practice three – Sat, May 31, 11:30pm BST Qualifying – Sat, May 31, 3pm BST Race – Sun, Jun 1, 2pm BST
Round Ten – Canada Practice one – Fri, Jun 13, 6:30pm BST Practice two – Fri, Jun 13, 10pm BST Practice three – Sat, Jun 14, 5:30pm BST Qualifying – Sat, Jun 14, 9pm BST Race – Sun, Jun 15, 7pm BST
Round 11 – Austria Practice one – Fri, Jun 27, 12:30pm BST Practice two – Fri, Jun 27, 4pm BST Practice three – Sat, Jun 28, 11:30pm BST Qualifying – Sat, Jun 28, 3pm BST Race – Sat, Jun 29, 2pm BST
Round 12 – Silverstone Practice one – Fri, Jul 4, 12:30pm BST Practice two – Fri, Jul 4, 4pm BST Practice three – Sat, Jul 5, 11:30pm BST Qualifying – Sat, Jul 5, 3pm BST Race – Sun, Jul 6, 3pm BST
Round 14 – Hungary Practice one – Fri, Aug 1, 12:30pm BST Practice two – Fri, Aug 1, 4pm BST Practice three – Sat, Aug 2, 11:30am BST Qualifying – Sat, Aug 2, 3pm BST Race – Sun, Aug 3, 2pm BST
Round 15 – Netherlands Practice one – Fri, Aug 29, 11:30am BST Practice two – Fri, Aug 29, 3pm BST Practice three – Sat, Aug 30, 10:30am BST Qualifying – Sat, Aug 30, 2pm BST Race – Sun, Aug 31, 2pm BST
Round 16 – Italy Practice one – Fri, Sep 7, 12:30pm BST Practice two – Fri, Sep 7, 4pm BST Practice three – Sat, Sep 8, 11:30am BST Qualifying – Sat, Sep 8, 3pm BST Race – Sun, Sep 9, 2pm BST
Round 17 – Azerbaijan Practice one – Fri, Sep 19, 9:30am BST Practice two – Fri, Sep 19, 1pm BST Practice three – Sat, Sep 20, 9:30am BST Qualifying – Sat, Sep 20, 1pm BST Race – Sun, Sep 21, 12pm BST
Round 18 – Singapore Practice one – Fri, Oct 3, 10:30am BST Practice two – Fri, Oct 3, 2pm BST Practice three – Sat, Oct 4, 10:30am BST Qualifying – Sat, Oct 4, 2pm BST Race – Sun, Oct 5, 1pm BST
Round 19 – United States– Sprint weekend Practice one – Fri, Oct 17, 6:30pm BST Sprint Qualifying – Fri, Oct 17, 10:30pm BST Sprint – Sat, Oct 18, 6pm BST Qualifying – Sat, Oct 18, 10pm BST Race – Sun, Oct 19, 8pm BST
Round 20 – Mexico Practice one – Fri, Oct 24, 7:30pm BST Practice two – Fri, Oct 24, 11pm BST Practice three – Sat, Oct 25, 6:30pm BST Qualifying – Sat, Oct 25, 10pm BST Race – Sun, Oct 26, 8pm GMT
Round 21 – Brazil– Sprint weekend Practice one – Fri, Nov 7, 2:30pm GMT Sprint Qualifying – Fri, Nov 7, 6:30pm GMT Sprint – Sat, Nov 8, 2pm GMT Qualifying – Sat, Nov 8, 6pm GMT Race – Sun, Nov 9, 5pm GMT
Round 22 – Las Vegas Practice one – Fri, Nov 20, 12:30am GMT Practice two – Fri, Nov 20, 4am GMT Practice three – Sat, Nov 21, 12:30am GMT Qualifying – Sat, Nov 21, 4am GMT Race – Sun, Nov 22, 4am GMT
Round 23 – Qatar – Sprint weekend Practice one – Fri, Nov 28, 1:30pm GMT Sprint Qualifying – Fri, Nov 28, 5:30pm GMT Sprint – Sat, Nov 29, 2pm GMT Qualifying – Sat, Nov 29, 6pm GMT Race – Sun, Nov 30, 4pm GMT
Round 24 – Abu Dhabi Practice one – Fri, Dec 5, 9:30am GMT Practice two – Fri, Dec 5, 1pm GMT Practice three – Sat, Dec 6, 10:30am GMT Qualifying – Sat, Dec 6, 2pm GMT Race – Sun, Dec 7, 1pm GMT
9 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on Prince Andrew ‘not surprised’ his accuser Virginia Giuffre shared shocking ‘4 days to live’ post after crash, pals say
FRIENDS of Prince Andrew say he’s “unsurprised” that his accuser Virginia Giuffre has claimed she nearly died in a bus crash.
instagramVirginia Giuffre claimed she has ‘four days to live’[/caption]
PAPrince Andrew and Virginia in 2001[/caption]
APPrince Andrew speaks during a television interview at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge, Windsor, in 2021[/caption]
Virginia said online she had days to live, sharing a shocking photograph from hospital bed with her face covered in bruises, begging to see her children “one last time”.
Her spokesman said it was meant for her private Facebook page.
Cops in Western Australia, where she now lives, said the only bus crash they could find on their systems was not serious and had resulted in no injuries.
One friend of Andrew’s told The Daily Beast: “There is no sense of satisfaction on the duke’s part at Giuffre’s disgrace.
“If anything it has brought back the sadness the entire family feel that this woman, who he always maintained was a fantasist, was allowed to ruin his life.
“The whole family are completely unsurprised that her alarmist post turned out to be a fabrication.”
Police confirmed a 41-year-old woman was involved in a minor car accident with a school bus last week.
And Virginia’s family also released a statement on Tuesday, saying: “Virginia thanks everyone for the outpouring of love and support.
“She is overwhelmed with gratitude. Today she remains in serious condition while receiving medical care.”
AFP or licensorsConvicted sex offender Epstein avoided justice after being found dead in his cell in 2019[/caption]
AFPVirginia was sex trafficked as young girl by paedo Jeffrey Epstein[/caption]
“She greatly appreciates the support and well wishes people are sending.”
And Brad Edwards, her former US lawyer, said: “We’re hoping for better news in the coming days,” adding it was a “very bad situation” and he hoped she “would pull through with good medical care”.
It was also revealed this week that Virginia had been charged with breaching a family violence restraining order just days before her horror bus crash.
She had entered no plea at the Magistrates Court in Joondalup, near Perth, Western Australia.
Virginia was charged with breaching the restraining order on March 14.
That was 10 days before she said she was hit by a bus at 68mph while driving on March 24.
The Sun has approached Prince Andrew’s representatives for comment.
The driver of Virginia’s car, Cheryl Sassela, 71, has spoken out on the mysterious crash.
She told Daily Mail Australia: “I’m sure Virginia will release a statement soon to clear it all up.
“I’m not covering for her. I’m not implicated in a cover up.”
Sassela is the caretaker at Giuffre’s 40-acre $1.3million AUD (£630,000) hobby farm in Western Australia.
She said the accident happened because a broken taillight had created a misunderstanding while driving.
The bus driver has also spoken out about the incident, which cops haven’t laid charges or made arrests over.
Bus driver Ross Munns said he was shocked to see the post – insisting the crash has been “blown out of proportion”.
He had been following a slow-moving Toyota Highlander for 1.86 miles (3km) – and tried to overtake it when it slowed to 46mph (75kmh).
The granddad, who has been a bus driver for 16 years, said he had 29 children on board at the time.
Facebook/Cheryl Sassella Cheryl Sassela is the caretaker on Giuffre’s farm and was driving the car during the crash[/caption]
FacebookRoss Munns was the driver of the school bus[/caption]
He claims he beeped his horn but he was unable to avoid clipping the Toyota.
He described the crash as a “minor collision” and pulled over to check those in the other car were okay.
Munns said: “It’s just all blown out of proportion and I know what happened.
“The driver basically pulled out in front of me. I made sure she was alright, and I went and did a police report.”
Damage to the vehicle Virginia was travelling in is believed to be around $2000 – around £974.
Virginia had been spending more time at the farm since her break up with her husband of 22 years Robert Giuffre.
In the post to her Instagram, which was supposed to go to her private Facebook, Virginia said: “They’ve given me four days to live, transferring me to a specialist hospital in urology.
“I think it’s important to note that when a school bus driver comes at you driving 110kmh as we were slowing down for a turn, that no matter what your car is made of, it might as well be a tin can.
“I’m ready to go, just not until I see my babies one last time.”
Who is Virginia Giuffre?
VIRGINIA Roberts - now Virginia Giuffre, 41, is an American-Australian campaigner and a prominent victim of the sex trafficking ring of Jeffrey Epstein.
She has made claims against Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, as well as Brit socialite Ghislaine Maxwell – Jeffrey Epstein’s ex-lover.
Giuffre alleged in court documents that she was procured by Maxwell, 63, the daughter of disgraced tycoon Robert Maxwell, as a teenage “sex slave” for Epstein.
She released a manuscript just hours before Epstein’s death, which added to more than 2,000 documents of a lawsuit pending against the former financier and his pals.
The legal documents were released in a defamation case involving Giuffre, who has claimed in court documents that Prince Andrew slept with her three times.
In 2019, Virginia Roberts has claimed that she had sex with Prince Andrew in a toilet when she was 17, after a night where he had allegedly been plying her with vodka in a posh London club.
9 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on Russian TV falls for April Fool’s spoof about new aircraft carrier with ‘go-faster’ stripes named HMS Prince Andrew
RUSSIAN state TV fell for an April Fool’s story about a new aircraft carrier named HMS Prince Andrew.
Broadcaster Russia Today published claims that Britain was buying a trillion-pound super carrier armed with “infinity jets” and crayons.
The TimesThe real carriers, HMS Prince of Wales, left, sails next to HMS Queen Elizabeth[/caption]
The report on the Russian state TV company website
The spoof was originally published the specialist website the UK Defence Journal alongside a joke about inflatable warships.
The story was peppered with clues it was fake including the author’s name, Avril Fuller, a twist on April Fool.
The spoof claimed the new super-carrier would cost a staggering £987.6 billion – almost 20 times the MoD budget and more than 300 times more than the most expensive surface ships ever built for the Royal Navy.
It claimed the ship would have have go-faster stripes and extra crayons to speed up planning.
But the jokes were lost on Moscow as state broadcaster RT ran the article under the headline “Britain to expand navy due to Russian ‘threat’.”
The spoof also claimed that: “Prince Andrew is projected to measure 480 metres in length and will be capable of deploying an estimated infinity-hundred aircraft — giving it a theoretical edge over any known carrier fleet in existence, real or imagined.”
The website’s editor George Allison told The Sun: “As part of our usual April Fools’ Day tradition, we published a clearly satirical piece about a fictional third aircraft carrier – HMS Prince Andrew – complete with absurd details like go-faster stripes and crayons.
“It was meant to be obviously fake, and it was written to make people laugh.”
He added: “A Russian state media outlet picked up the story and presented it as real.
“It’s easy to laugh, but it also points to something important: how easily disinformation can spread.”
The Royal Navy’s real aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales are the largest and most expensive surface ships ever built for UK forces.
They are 280 metres long and cost £3.2billion each.
Back any horse you fancy simply by clicking their odds below.
JACOB’S LADDER (4.40 Aintree, nap)
He looked all about stamina when winning a Naas Grade 3 over 2m4f last time out. He powered through the line there like a horse who is going to enjoy stepping up in distance here. That was on heavy ground but he’s won in quicker conditions and should be right there.
CALDWELL POTTER (1.45 Aintree, nb)
He was impressive when winning the Golden Miller at Cheltenham last time and that race has been a good pointer to success here. He was always up with the pace and jumped brilliantly which will stand him in good stead on the Mildmay course which is a real test. He shapes as though this trip will be fine on a flat track and there’s more to come.
ROMEO COOLIO (2.55 Aintree, treble)
He was an excellent third in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last month and looks hard to beat for Gordon Elliott. He has already taken on Grade 1 over this trip at Leopardstown on good ground so conditions should be ideal.
Templegate’s verdicts
1.45
CALDWELL POTTER was impressive when winning the Golden Miller at Cheltenham last time and that race has been a good pointer to success here.
He was always up with the pace and jumped brilliantly which will stand him in good stead on the Mildmay course which is a real test.
He shapes as though this trip will be fine on a flat track and there’s more to come.
Handstands was excellent in beating subsequent Arkle winner Jango Baie in the Scilly Isles at Sandown last time.
He swerved the Festival so comes here fresher than many of his rivals and should enjoy this step up in distance for Sunracing Ben Pauling.
The only negative is the ground because his best form is in testing conditions although it was a bit quicker when he won a Sandown Grade 2 in December so he could well handle it.
Stellar Story was a good second in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham last time.
He is a proven stayer and trainer Gordon Elliott has won this race before.
He’s another who would ideally want more juice but should run well.
Dancing City was leading in that Brown Advisory before clattering into the third-last fence.
He won a Grade 1 hurdle over this trip here last year so the track suits but this will be the fastest ground he’s faced.
Don’t Rightly Know is another soft-ground performer who has won back-to-back Listed contests.
She gets the mares’ weight allowance but will have to raise her game.
2.20
HANSARD looks overpriced returning to a flat track which should play to his strengths.
He was never totally at home in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham last time when it was far from a disgrace to be beaten eight lengths.
He’s had a slight drop in the weights here and his capable rider takes off 5lb too.
He was a good fourth in a Grade 1 here as a novice and this is his first visit since with the Moore yard doing better now.
Impose Toi was a cracking second in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham last time and enjoys this sort of trip.
The handicapper has been fair with a 4lb rise and he’ll be right in the hunt again.
Steel Ally missed the Festival after going close in the Grade 2 National Spirit at Fontwell last time.
Slightly softer ground would be ideal but he likes a flat track and goes from the front.
Wreckless Eric caught the eye when second in the big-field Imperial Cup at Sandown last time.
He stormed home there only for the line to come too soon. He likes good ground and is a major player again.
Kopeck De Mee was hailed as the bet of Cheltenham by many but didn’t fire in the Martin Pipe.
He is clearly better than that and may have needed the run after almost a year off. Any easing of the ground would help.
Wade Out was impressive at Wetherby last time and looks well ahead of the handicapper. He goes on decent ground and looks a threat.
2.55
ROMEO COOLIO was an excellent third in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last month and looks hard to beat for Gordon Elliott.
He has already taken on Grade 1 over this trip at Leopardstown on good ground so conditions should be ideal.
Tripoli Flyer was impressive when winning the Grade 2 Dovecote at Kempton in February.
He was found to have broken a blood vessel during that victory so he missed Cheltenham with this less demanding test in mind.
That’s a slight worry but he was second in the Grade 2 bumper here last season so the track suits.
Diva Luna was a good third in the Dawn Run at the Festival and gets 7lb from the boys here.
She likes this trip and took the Nickel Coin bumper at last year’s meeting.
She’s had just four spins over hurdles so should be capable of better and could make the frame again.
Salvator Mundi was well beaten in the Supreme last time when the ground may have been a little lively for him.
That’s the case again but he has few miles on the clock and could take a step forward for Willie Mullins.
Jet To Vegas didn’t do a lot wrong when winning a Kelso Grade 2 last month.
He picked up nicely there and had plenty left at the line. This is stronger opposition but a podium finish wouldn’t be a shock.
3.30
JONBON pulled off a miracle to stay on his feet in the Champion Chase last time when hammering the ninth fence.
He wasn’t helped by one of the Festival’s farcical starts which left him on the back foot from the off.
Nico De Boinville coaxed him into second after that mistake which hopefully hasn’t left too much of a mark.
He has won Grade 1s at the past two Aintree festivals and can keep up that record here.
It would be great to see El Fabiolo come back to something like his best.
He was so impressive when winning the 2023 Arkle but his chancy jumping has cancelled out his big engine for the past couple of seasons.
He was beaten in a Grade 2 at Navan last time so he’s living on his former glories a bit now.
Protektorat has run well here including when third in this race 12 months ago on the back of his victory in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.
He was well beaten in that race this time so has a few questions to answer.
Matata is a very useful handicapper who landed a nice victory at Windsor’s comeback meeting in January.
He failed to back that up when held in the Grade 2 Game Spirit at Newbury last time and needs a major step forward to figure in this company.
4.05
BAD hasn’t been living up to his name since blinkers went on and Ben Jones has been riding him with a lot more patience.
Those tactics have earned two good wins at Kempton heading here.
He likes this trip and still looks well ahead of the handicapper even after a 6lb rise.
This speed track will be ideal and he even rallied to lead on the run-in last time which bodes well for the famous long run to the line at Aintree.
James Du Berlais was second in this last year when his stamina just failed him in the dying strides.
The ground should be a bit quicker this time and he’s only 1lb higher than 12 months ago.
Fellow double green runner Blue Lord is interesting taking a drop in class after finishing third in the Ascot Chase last time.
He has spent most of his career at Grade 1 level so may find this a little easier and he’s a decent jumper.
Latenightpass loves this track and was a cracking second in the Cross-Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last time.
He’s getting on a bit now but looks a solid each-way contender.
Amirite has been aimed at this race by Henry De Bromhead who ran him over hurdles at Thurles to warm up.
He has come down the weights and should enjoy this challenge under Rachael Blackmore.
Ginny’s Destiny hasn’t fired this season but he has a big engine and could be woken up by these different fences.
He’s come down the weights and the first-time cheekpieces could help too.
The Goffer ran well in the Grand National last year before running out of petrol.
He should be happier with this shorter distance and showed promise in the Cross-Country Chase last time out.
4.40
JACOB’S LADDER looked all about stamina when winning a Naas Grade 3 over 2m4f last time out.
He powered through the line there like a horse who is going to enjoy stepping up in distance here.
That was on heavy ground but he’s won in quicker conditions and should be right there.
His trainer Gordon Elliott has another decent chance with Familiar Dreams.
He took Grade 3 honours at Limerick 22 days ago and is a proven stayer.
Battle Born Lad is an interesting runner for trainer Mark Walford.
He had almost six lengths in hand when scooting in over this trip at Haydock last time.
Decent ground suits and there’s a lot more to come.
Mister Meggit didn’t have to leave first gear when sauntering to victory over 2m4f here in November.
We haven’t seen him since then but he looked potentially classy and it will be interesting to see if there’s market support on this comeback.
Califet En Vol was just getting going at the end of 2m4f when winning a Huntingdon Listed race for Nicky Henderson.
He is certain to enjoy this stiffer test and is proven on the ground.
Argento Boy didn’t land a blow in the Albert Bartlett at the Festival for Willie Mullins.
He looked useful when winning at Punchestown before that and should finish a good deal closer here.
5.15
AFADIL ran a mighty race when second in the Imperial Cup at Sandown last month and a 2lb rise in the weights gives him every chance.
Freddie Gingell is one of the better conditional riders around and gets on well with this six-year-old who is open to plenty of improvement.
The excellent Conor Stone-Walsh is good booking for Washington who threw in a rare blip in hot company at Newbury last time.
He’s had a little nudge down the weights and looked up to this standard when scoring at Fairyhouse before Christmas.
His trainer Harry Derham has another big chance with Lario who was a fair second at Newbury 34 days ago.
He likes this trip and the cheekpieces may just wake him up a little bit. He looks fairly handicapped.
Celtic Dino was fourth in the Grade 1 Formby Hurdle here on Boxing Day before a slightly disappointing effort at Kempton last time.
He clearly likes Aintree and this trip is right up his street.
Stablemate Lump Sum threw in a rare stinker in the Imperial Cup on the back of an excellent second at Newbury.
He has plenty of weight but his best form could see him make the places.
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9 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on ‘People like you will be happy’ – Postecoglou snaps at Sky Sports reporter in ‘generational meltdown’ after Chelsea loss
ANGE POSTECOGLOU snapped at a Sky Sports reporter in a “generational meltdown” after Tottenham’s defeat to Chelsea.
Ange Postecoglou snapped at a Sky Sports reporter after Spurs’ defeat to ChelseaBig Ange was left fuming over VAR’s lengthy decision to overturn Pape Matar Sarr’s equaliser
Spurs were second best all over the field at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
And fans even booed when Postecoglou replaced favourites including Lucas Bergvall in the second half.
But he also took aim at the reporter, who had suggested that despite the lengthy wait, VAR actually made the correct decision.
Postecoglou said: “Look Pat, you can try and force me into a corner. You are. Did you think last night was a red card? Clear and obvious? Yes, okay.
Postecoglou cupped his ears to Spurs fans after Sarr, who was booed coming on, scoredSupporters afterwards let rip at their team of flopsGuglielmo Vicario appeared to shush them in bizarre scenesThe goalie then hit Chelsea’s tunnel before heading off the field
“How many minutes did it take this referee to figure out it was clear and obvious? In your basic knowledge of vocabulary, clear and obvious, what does that suggest to you.
“If you have to watch something quite a few times, is that clear and obvious?”
Davison replied: “No, it’s maybe not clear and obvious [but] I do think it was a foul, if I’m honest.”
Postecoglou fired back: “Right, there you go. So the referee didn’t see it, he then needs to see it for six minutes, but he gets the right outcome so you’re happy. That’s why the game is going the way it is.
“I guess people like you will continue to be happy, sitting on your couches, waiting six minutes for clear and obvious stuff. I don’t agree with it, but that’s fine.”
Fans were quick to react to Postecoglou’s rant.
One said: “Generational meltdown.”
Another declared: “Absolute gold this.”
One noted: “Clear and obvious Spurs are 14th.”
Another added: “Unlucky mate.”
Ange's Sky Sports rant in full
“Difficult night, tight game. Not an easy place to come. You have to work hard to stay in the game.
“They scored a disappointing goal but we forced our way back in the game but unfortunately we couldn’t get the goal.
“It’s a work in progress. It’s the first time we’ve had the group together and there were elements of it. We didn’t get locked in tonight.
“We could have been a little bit cleaner with our football. But for the most part we handled it well.
“It’s a tough ask coming here but there was enough there tonight to say the lads are getting back to the level we need to get to.
“VAR is killing the game. We all saw on TV last night and if Jared Gillett had been the VAR it would have had a different outcome.
“You just don’t know what you’re going to get and everyone’s standing around for 12 minutes but no one seems to care.
“They love the drama and controversy. They want a 24-hour discussion about it but it’s killing the game.
What was clear and obvious about it? The referee had to look at it three or four times. Last night we sat on our couches and all went ‘Oh my God!’
“Tonight we stood for six minutes for Jarred Gillett. It’s madness but we accept it and when we accept it we have to take the fallout.
“Look Pat, you can try and force me into a corner. You are. Did you think last night was a red card? Clear and obvious? Yes, okay.
“How many minutes did it take this referee to figure out it was clear and obvious?
“In your basic knowledge of vocabulary, clear and obvious, what does that suggest to you. If you have to watch something quite a few times, is that clear and obvious?
“Right, there you go. So the referee didn’t see it, he then needs to see it for six minutes, but he gets the right outcome so you’re happy.
“That’s why the game is going the way it is. I guess people like you will continue to be happy, sitting on your couches, waiting six minutes for clear and obvious stuff. I don’t agree with it, but that’s fine.
“I wanted the supporters to cheer. I thought it was a cracking goal. They’ve booed my substitutions before. It had nothing to do with them booing my substitutions.
“You’re trying really hard, mate but my view is that it was a tight game decided by a really poor decision.
“Apart from that everyone got through healthy, we got some minutes into players and we move on to Sunday.”
Later on, Postecoglou denied trying to wind up fans following his ear-cupping after Sarr’s goal.
He said: “Jesus mate, it’s incredible how things get interpreted. We’d just scored, I just wanted to hear them cheer.
“Because we’d been through a tough time, and I thought it was a cracking goal. I wanted them to get really excited.
“I felt at that point we could potentially go on and win the game. I just felt momentum was on our [side].
“It doesn’t bother me, it’s not the first time they’ve booed my substitutions or my decisions, that’s fine, they’re allowed to do that.”
Postecoglou also continued his VAR rant, adding: “It’s killing the game but no-one cares about it.
“Clear and obvious means you go to the screen, standing around for six minutes.
“Not me, because I’m very vocal on it, we all accept it. It’s going to be refereed by AI soon.
“Like I said, we might as well dispense with the players at some point when some genius comes up with a game with no participants at some point. Referees aren’t refereeing.
“If anyone believes when VAR was brought in we would be sitting around for six minutes with a microscope. It’s irrelevant if it’s a foul.”
9 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on How company scholarships could be a better option than university for you – from mentorship to living expenses
WANT to go to university but don’t think you can afford it? Then consider applying for a company scholarship.
Offered by firms keen to hire graduates, the grants cover your fees and, in many cases, living expenses too.
AlamyHow a company scholarship could be a better option than university for you – from mentorship to living expenses[/caption]
Some add in mentorship, work experience and, of course, a job afterwards if you make the grade.
University scholarships are relatively new to the UK — they have a long tradition in the US — and are used by leading firms to find top new talent.
This week is the National Scholarship Week, with awards on offer from companies including Amazon and Nationwide.
When the Week launched in 2023, there was £300,000 worth of funding available. This year there are 100 scholarships worth £1.1million.
The week is backed by student finance specialist Blackbullion, whose research shows more than three-quarters of students are stressed about finances, with an average £365 monthly gap between what they need and what they have.
Official statistics show that around 40,000 students quit their courses each year, with many blaming money worries.
Blackbullion CEO Vivi Friedgut explains: “A world-class knowledge economy doesn’t happen by accident, it’s built on access, opportunity and bold solutions which ensure students can thrive and drive the UK forward.
“National Scholarships Week is breaking down financial barriers for students nationwide.”
For the first time this year, there is a scholarship open specifically to white working-class boys.
Statistics show just 13.7 per cent of white boys on free school meals progress to higher education, against 16.1 per cent of mixed ethnicity boys and 22.2 per cent of white girls in the same position.
The scholarship is being provided by talent management software firm TalentMapper, whose working-class founders Martin Mason and Carl Tucker struggled to pay their own way through university.
WANT to apply for a scholarship? Blackbullion’s scholarships expert Jon Hering shares his tips . . .
Be prepared: Many scholarships open for applications in April, so start preparing now. There’s a second window in September.
Check what’s on offer: As well as financial aid, many scholarships offer internships, mentorship and work experience.
These extras can be pivotal in building your career. Seek scholarships aligned with your goals as these opportunities will make you more appealing to potential employers.
Cover all the channels: Search through universities and use thescholarshiphub.org.uk and study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding.
Also check out Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. Sign up for newsletters from relevant sites and follow key scholarship influencers.
Increase your chances: Ensure employers know why you are applying and what the scholarship will mean for your ability to achieve your goals. Stand out by sharing your individual story.
Connect future goals to the subject you have chosen: This shows your dedication to your education and your future, which funders really value. Research the funder, too.
Be cautious of AI: Reviewers can tell when AI is used in scholarship applications. Be sure to inject your personality into your application.
Provide evidence: Many scholarships will be targeted towards students who need funding due to their personal circumstances. Have bank statements, student loan entitlement letters and photo ID ready.
Apply widely: There are a lot of students, and too few opportunities. Apply to as many scholarships and bursaries as possible for the best chance of success.
‘Scheme gave me money… and freedom’
SuppliedRayane Ourari was awarded a Nationwide Building Society Scholarship covering maintenance support, mentorship and two internships[/caption]
GROWING up in a community where higher education wasn’t a common path, Rayane Ourari was worried about accumulating student debt.
Just before his A-levels, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and lost vision in one eye.
However, he has been awarded a Nationwide Building Society Scholarship covering maintenance support, mentorship and two internships to study maths and statistics at a top London university.
Rayane, 19, from Bromley, Kent, said: “So many people assume that if you’re smart, you’ll just figure it out, but that’s not how it works.
“There are students who are just as talented as the top candidates, but they don’t have the financial backing or the networks to get their foot in the door.
“I always wanted to aim high, and now I have the chance to do that.
“The scholarship didn’t just give me money, it gave me freedom.
“Now, I can think about the future instead of worrying about day to day expenses.
“Scholarships are not just handing out money, they’re investing in people.”
TALK UP YOUR SKILLS
HIKES to employer National Insurance rates next week mean a quarter of firms are planning redundancies.
But if you do lose your job, there are still hundreds of thousands of vacancies.
Aaron Case, from CV Genius, shares his tips for finding a job fast . . .
Know your CV. Update your it with your latest skills and achievements. Ensure you can talk about any part of your CV. Print out copies to take to interview.
Do a deep dive into the company you are applying to. Research its values, and the role, to explain why you are applying – but use trusted sources such as company websites and social media profiles rather than AI.
Practise interviewing with AI. While you should use AI with caution in your applications, it can be a fantastic tool for mock interviews. Wizco’s Ava and InterviewFocus.com are designed especially for this purpose.
Prep for interview. If that chat is on a video platform, check the required tech is working, ensure there is no background noise and present your best image. If the interview is in person, get to the venue 15 minutes early. Check what to bring, who you are seeing and what to wear.
Nail non-verbal interaction. Interview success is based on more than just what you say. Maintaining eye contact demonstrates engagement and interest. Avoid common body language mistakes such as slouching, fidgeting and a limp handshake, as these can convey nervousness or lack of confidence.
Ask informed questions. Talk to your interviewer about the role, your potential team, company culture and next steps. This is your opportunity to show you are really interested.
Treat every moment at the company as part of the interview. Employers scrutinise your conduct from the time you enter the room to when you leave. Follow up with a thank-you email or note.
Take time for self-reflection. Reviewing your interview experience helps you find ways to improve. But you should also avoid beating yourself up over mistakes.
Get shoe in door
You can break into the competitive fashion retail industry with Kurt GeigerHandout
BREAKING into the competitive fashion retail industry is a shoe-in with a new scheme at foot-wear firm Kurt Geiger.
Its Business by Design Academy is a fully funded career incubator for wannabe young creatives.
The digital course is open to students across the UK and offers weekly masterclasses, mentoring and seven weeks’ paid work experience.
Kurt Geiger CEO Neil Clifford said: “Retail is the largest private sector employer in the UK, yet often overlooked as a rewarding, creative career.”
Around 30 per cent of previous graduates have secured roles with the firm and this year the scheme has expanded from 33 to 50 places.
NATWEST has launched a contest for small busineses to boost their growth by winning a share of a £1million funding pot.
To take part in the NatWest Accelerator Pitch, submit a 60- second video about how a cash injection could grow your firm, and how you have set and hit targets for its success.
The best entries will be picked to compete in a series of finals – in London and Manchester later in the year – where they present to a panel of judges. The top three pitches at each final will share £100,000 in prize money, while the overall winner will get £70,000.
Darren Pirie, head of the NatWest Accelerator, said: “Don’t be modest – tell us what makes your business special.”
NURSERY chain Bright Horizons is recruiting for childcare apprentices. For more details, check out careers.brighthorizons.com
CARE specialist Salutem has 178 vacancies including roles for support workers, deputy managers and managers. Learn more at vacancies. salutemcareers.co.uk/v
9 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on Prince Harry demands truth: UK charity watchdog investigates Sentebale bullying claims amid bitter feud
The Duke of Sussex is hoping the truth is unveiled and ‘put in the right hands immediately’ as the British charity watchdog announces investigation into Senteable, trustees and chair Dr Sophie Chandauka.
