A statement has been issued and an investigation is on the way.
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South Sydney and Roosters fans clash in wild fight at Accor Stadium
Man killed, woman seriously injured in collision in Wongabel, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland
Two cars were travelling on the same road in opposite directions when they crashed.
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Fresh crackdown on graduate visas to slash migration sparks Government row
A FRESH crackdown to slash migration numbers has sparked a Government row over reducing graduate visas.
The Home Office is gearing up to overhaul the graduate visa route, making it harder for foreign grads to stay without landing high-skilled jobs.
This comes after net migration hit 728,000 in the 12 months to June – and ministers are aiming to slash that figure to pre-pandemic levels of 200,000–300,000.
But it is understood education officials have been pushing back – warning the move could cripple the university sector.
International students bring in billions through higher tuition fees, and many universities rely on them to stay afloat.
A Home Office source told The Sun: “We are prepared to ensure the priority of reducing net migration comes first.”
Overseas grads currently stay in the UK for up to two years, even without a job, but ministers now plan to raise the bar.
The upcoming immigration white paper will require graduates to find high-skilled work, and sources suggest they may need to earn between £36,000 and £40,000, though the final figure isn’t set.
Ministers are focusing on sectors where salaries don’t rise much over time and plan to limit the number of grads staying without a real career prospect.
The graduate visa route currently accounts for 10 per cent of total net migration, with 150,000 using it last year.
David Beckham looks up to 6ft 9in basketball star LeBron James — as 50th birthday celebrations roll on
DAVID Beckham looks up to 6ft 9in basketball star LeBron James — as the ex-Three Lions captain continues his month-long 50th birthday celebrations.
The two sporting greats embraced ahead of LeBron’s team — LA Lakers — taking on the Golden State Warriors.
Becks was joined by son Romeo, 22, in the front row at the Crypto.com Arena, LA.
It comes days after Romeo gave an emotional speech at his dad’s early 50th party in Miami.
David will be celebrating his 50th with a month of partying.
The former England skipper, who owns US club Inter Miami, got the ball rolling with a posh bash at his favourite restaurant in the city.
Guests included 6ft 4in quarterback legend Tom Brady and 7ft 1in basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal.
The sporting giants towered over 5ft 11in Becks and his shorter pal, Authentic Brands founder Jamie Salter.
Also attending the do at swanky Italian diner Cipriani was Becks’ wife Victoria, and their children Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13.
Eldest son Brooklyn, 26, had work commitments.
John Sugden’s sinister true colours revealed in Emmerdale next week – and fiance Aaron Dingle is in serious danger
EMMERDALE is revealing John Sugden’s sinister true colours next week – and fiancé Aaron Dingle is in grave danger.
Played by Oliver Farnworth, mysterious medic John arrived in the village last year.
He’s since met half-sister Victoria (Isabel Hodgins) and formed a strong relationship with Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller).
But since his arrival, John has been hiding big secrets – including his true persona.
Although he and John are now engaged, Aaron is oblivious about what his partner is capable of.
A series of flashbacks next week will reveal more information about this enigmatic villager.
With John and Aaron’s wedding nearing closer, will Aaron come to know who he wil really be spending his life with?
Emmerdale producer, Laura Shaw, said: “Since enigmatic and inscrutable John Sugden arrived on our screens last summer, he’s managed to hide some pretty big secrets from his family and friends.
“As his clandestine acts are revealed, the audience has an opportunity to really get inside John’s mind and to finally understand exactly what this mysterious character is really about.”
Viewers have suspected John of harbouring various secrets ever since his arrival.
The first instance concerned Aidan Moore – as the newcomer had been holding onto dog tags with that name on it.
John later revealed to Aaron how he and Aidan served together in the army.
Things ended tragically with John being unable to save him and ultimately losing him.
Fans also suspected John of secretly killing Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter), who left the village last year.
After the horrifying limo crash in February, it was revealed a body was at the bottom of an icy lake.
The arm of the body wore a bracelet identical to that of Nate’s, made for him by daughter Frankie.
One viewer wrote online: “Okay anyone thinking John had something to do with Nate? That tarp wrapping has got me thinking.
“Might have to go back and watch to see if I can spot the connection.”
Another predicted: “It was John he’s not who he says he is and is a serial killer.”
Suspicions were also raised when John covered up Anthony Fox‘s (Nicholas Day) murder – believing Aaron was responsible at the time.
Aaron Dingle's biggest storylines
The character Aaron Dingle (formerly Livesy) made his Emmerdale debut all the way back in 2003. Current actor Danny Miller took on the role in 2008. Here are some of Aaron's biggest soap storylines over the years.
- McFarlane family: After Aaron returns to the village in 2008, he is arrested by Ross Kirk (Samuel Anderson) for possession of drugs. His mother Chas‘ (Lucy Pargeter) family later learn he is a drug courier for the McFarlanes.
- Coming to terms with his homosexuality: Initially, Aaron questioned and struggled to come to terms with his homosexuality. He ultimately confided in friend and guardian Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt).
- Romantic advance towards Adam Barton: At one point, Aaron begins dating Holly Barton (Sophie Powles) and befriends her brother Adam (Adam Thomas). Aaron tries to kiss Adam after they are involved in a run-off road collision. Embarrassed, he tells Adam that he misunderstood the situation. Aaron sleeps with Holly, however, Adam informs his family that he thinks Aaron is gay. Aaron denies it but Holly ends the relationship.
- Child sexual abuse: In 2015, it was revealed Aaron had been sexually abused by his father Gordon (Gary Mavers) when he was from the age of 8 before Gordon kicked him out. Ultimately, Gordon was imprisoned years later – but took his own life while in prison.
- Relationship with Jackson Walsh: Aaron and Jackson Walsh (Marc Silcock) started dating after a tumultuous start to knowing each other. Their story ultimately ended in heartbreak, as Jackson died by assisted suicide.
- Suicide attempt: A harrowing storyline from 2010 saw a then-teenage Aaron attempt to take his own life.
- Relationship with Robert Sugden: Aaron and long-standing character Robert Sugden were romantically linked following the latter’s return in 2014. Nicknamed “Robron“, the pair married in 2018, however, Robert exited the soap in 2019.
Admitting he had to do similar in the army, he soon cleaned up the entire floor before putting Anthony inside a bag to conceal his body.
John dragged him out and later told Aaron he had disposed of the body “where no one would find it”, but declined to tell him where.
How will the upcoming revelations about John affect the village moving forward?
Emmerdale continues on ITV1 and ITVX.
Bargain supermarket butter crowned better than Lurpak in taste test
A SPREADABLE butter from a discount supermarket has been named tastier than Lurpak – and it’s cheaper too.
Consumer champion Which? carried out a blind taste test to find out what shoppers preferred out of spreadables from the eight major supermarkets versus premium brand Lurpak.
Sixty-seven people rated the products – and they picked out Aldi‘s Nordpak spreadable butter as the tastiest.
It was also one of the cheapest options at £2.18 for 500g, earning it a Which? Great Value Endorsement.
Tasters said the creaminess was spot on and they also liked its colour and well-rounded flavour, giving it an overall score of 75%.
For comparison, Lurpak is the most expensive spread tested – costing nearly £5 for 400g.
It came out in fourth place among taste testers, although they were still impressed by its appearance, flavour and texture.
Coming in at a very close second was the Lightly Salted Butter Blend from M&S with a score of 74%.
Shoppers scored it particularly well for its flavour and texture, and it also had the highest proportion of butter out of all the spreads.
It was among the pricier offerings though, at £2.30 for 250g, but still remains cheaper than Lurpak.
The third supermarket version to score higher than Lurpak was the Morrisons Salted Spreadable, with 73%.
It narrowly pipped Lurpak to the post in the taste tests, and it’s also half the price at £1.97 for 450g.
Plus, it was rated by the panel as among the best for texture.
The spreadable butters from Ocado, Lidl and Asda also scored fairly well, but those from Tesco and Waitrose didn’t so much.
They lost marks for aroma, flavour and creaminess.
Here is how the rest of the supermarkets did:
- Ocado Lightly Salted Spreadable – 70%. Reasonably liked overall, scoring well on appearance, flavour and creaminess. £2.25 for 500g (45p per 100g).
- Asda Spreadable Slightly Salted – 69%. Worth considering, although tasters didn’t find the texture quite as satisfying as higher scoring spreads. £2.18 for 500g (44p per 100g).
- Lidl Danpak Spreadable Slightly Salted – 66%. Lidl’s spread isn’t bad, however others were rated more highly for aroma and strength of flavour. £2.18 for 500g (44p per 100g).
- Tesco Butterpak Spreadable Slightly Salted – 64%. Tesco’s offering had a good appearance, but the panel were disappointed with the aroma and flavour. £2.18 for 500g (44p per 100g).
- Waitrose Spreadable – 59%. The lowest scoring spread overall, lacking in both flavour and creaminess. £2.75 for 500g (55p per 100g).
Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said: “A spreadable butter that can be used straight out of the fridge and without making a mess of your bread can save time and stress.
“We’ve churned through offerings from the main supermarkets and found Aldi’s Nordpak is not only the tastiest tub on test, but also less than half the price of its branded counterpart.”
The butters were all tested by a panel of 67 people in March 2025 at Which?’s specialist test lab.
The spreads were all served with a slice of toast, and the testers tasted them in a fully rotated order to avoid any bias.
Each tester had a private tasting booth so they couldn’t discuss their tests or be influenced by others.
They each rated the flavour, aroma, appearance and texture of the butters.
How to save money on your food shop
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save hundreds of pounds a year:
Odd boxes – plenty of retailers offer slightly misshapen fruit and veg or surplus food at a discounted price.
Lidl sells five kilos of fruit and veg for just £1.50 through its Waste Not scheme while Aldi shoppers can get Too Good to Go bags which contain £10 worth of all kinds of products for £3.30.
Sainsbury’s also sells £2 “Taste Me, Don’t Waste Me” fruit and veg boxes to help shoppers reduced food waste and save cash.
Food waste apps – food waste apps work by helping shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses shift stock that is due to go out of date and passing it on to members of the public.
Some of the most notable ones include Too Good to Go and Olio.
Too Good to Go’s app is free to sign up to and is used by millions of people across the UK, letting users buy food at a discount.
Olio works similarly, except users can collect both food and other household items for free from neighbours and businesses.
Yellow sticker bargains – yellow sticker bargains, sometimes orange and red in certain supermarkets, are a great way of getting food on the cheap.
But what time to head out to get the best deals varies depending on the retailer. You can see the best times for each supermarket here.
Super cheap bargains – sign up to bargain hunter Facebook groups like Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK where shoppers regularly post hauls they’ve found on the cheap, including food finds.
“Downshift” – you will almost always save money going for a supermarket’s own-brand economy lines rather than premium brands.
The move to lower-tier ranges, also known as “downshifting” and hailed by consumer expert Martin Lewis, could save you hundreds of pounds a year on your food shop.
Horoscope today, April 5, 2025: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg
OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.
Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.
ARIES
March 21 to April 20
Your moon and sun mix is not without its challenges, but they are the kind that can make you glow brighter.
So instead of hiding your light, let it shine, and trust yourself to deal with any reactions.
Do resist gossip, or catty comments, especially when three people become two. Lucky numbers end in “4”.
TAURUS
April 21 to May 21
As the moon and Mars match, tough words can be softened and find the perfect path.
It’s important to keep on talking, even when it feels difficult – as you are showing how committed you can be.
In love, maintaining a friendship may seem harder with passion in the mix, but you can help this happen.
GEMINI
How you think about money matters more than what you do with it – so refresh your views when you get the chance.
So much of what’s in your mind may not be reliable and clearing some space can leave you richer all round.
The kind of talent that delights the world is strong in you – but only you can decide to share it.
CANCER
June 22 to July 22
How much control you have over a set of circumstances may not be easy to judge – but this should encourage you to go forward rather than back.
Your current chart is rich in coping mechanisms, and whatever comes your way, you can handle it.
A voice, or accent, so similar to your own can be your key clue that love is close.
Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
LEO
July 23 to August 23
The more unlikely an ambition may seem, the more you start to see how right it is – this marks a turning point in your mind and heart.
You adore being adored – but it’s more important to have respect and trust.
So you can see straight through flattery, and find what you need. Luck and love both link to “A”.
Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Most read in The Sun
VIRGO
August 24 to September 22
A deal may seem to be taking several steps back – but you don’t need to go with it.
Standing your ground feels easier, as diverse planets connect and create a space that’s perfect for Virgo.
The time to reveal what you can do is close. Some subtitles and pictures are sending you a strong luck signal – will you respond?
Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
LIBRA
September 23 to October 23
Mixing steadfastness with sincerity is the gift of your chart – and you are ready to prove it.
Only thoughts and feelings you know to be genuine are acceptable, so close off your heart to fake words.
People who love you will love this new Libra honesty. Cash choices linked to “N” are ready to be pushed through.
Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
List of 12 star signs
The traditional dates used by Mystic Meg for each sign are below.
- Capricorn: December 22 – January 20
- Aquarius: January 21 – February 18
- Pisces: February 19 – March 20
- Aries: March 21 – April 20
- Taurus: April 21 – May 21
- Gemini: May 22 – June 21
- Cancer: June 22 – July 22
- Leo: July 23 – August 23
- Virgo: August 24 – September 22
- Libra: September 23 – October 23
- Scorpio: October 24 – November 22
- Sagittarius: November 23 – December 21
SCORPIO
October 24 to November 22
Fitness that moves too fast could leave you behind – so when you get the chance to adjust a timetable, take it.
That sense of being over-stretched can go when you feel more in charge.
You may see simple ways to solve a complex family problem – but keeping everyone included and involved is important, too.
Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
SAGITTARIUS
November 23 to December 21
Sudden switches in attitude can be the effect of Mars in your chart – it’s good to be more confident, but not at the cost of success.
So if you feel an impulse to turn away, or walk away, do let yourself think this through.
The sun shines bright on parent and child bonds, and more equality between generations is on the way.
Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
CAPRICORN
December 22 to January 20
The fewer words you use, the better so don’t be tempted into long apologies.
Say exactly what you mean, then stop.
Mercury’s back-track, plus the moon’s eagerness to please, can lead to confusion unless you are careful. In love-bonds, Venus still seeks a balance between being open and reliable.
Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
AQUARIUS
January 21 to February 18
Total trust must go deeper than words – so plan the right actions then set them in motion.
When you know you have done everything you can to get your message across, you can deal with what happens next.
In a practical task, too, keep trying no matter how many times you trip up – success is right there, waiting.
Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
PISCES
February 19 to March 20
Your own sign is not the simplest today, but can be the most satisfying.
Seeing, and accepting, your mistakes matters more than pretending to be perfect – and you have the emotional capacity to accept other people’s flaws.
Saturn keeps your heart steady even when your mind is tempted – making you a love-leader.
Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.
I’m a gardening expert – my quirky ‘Three Sisters’ planting hack will boost your veg for months & it only costs £2.47
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Templegate’s Grand National tip, runner-by-runner guide and 1-2-3-4 prediction for world’s most famous race at Aintree
TEMPLEGATE takes on what promises to be an epic Grand National confident of having found YOU the winner.
Our man runs through every single one of the 34 runners below, rates them out of five stars and reveals his tip at the bottom as well as his 1-2-3-4 prediction.
You’ll find all his picks for the races at Aintree below that too.
Don’t forget to download your free, printable Grand National sweepstake kit HERE, with the big one due off at 4pm live on ITV1.
Back any horse you fancy simply by clicking their odds – it couldn’t be easier…. Good luck!
Templegate’s Grand National tip and complete runner-by-runner guide
I AM MAXIMUS 4
MAX factor. Won easily last year and been aimed at a repeat ever since. Hard to win off top weight but has lots of class and will be thereabouts again.
ROYALE PAGAILLE 2
ROYALE flush. Loves the mud and won’t get that here. Hammered in the Gold Cup last time and surely has too much weight.
NICK ROCKETT 3
ROCK solid. Didn’t seem to stay in Irish National but beat Intense Raffles last time in a hot handicap. Paid the price for that with a big weight so needs a bit more.
GRANGECLARE WEST 3
GO West. Good second behind Galopin Des Champs in February before a rare blip last time. Early days over fences so can improve but weight a bit high.
HEWICK 3
HEW a cry. King George winner at his best who should get his favoured decent ground and warmed up nicely over hurdles last time. Never gives up and could be finishing like a train.
MINELLA INDO 3
IN the mix. 2022 Gold Cup winner was third in this last year and targeted at it all season. Bit old now but won’t be far away under Rachael Blackmore.
APPRECIATE IT 2
NOT it. Yet to win beyond 2m4f and likely to run out of gas even coming from Willie Mullins.
MINELLA COCOONER 4
MIN to the max. Won the Bet365 Gold Cup over 3m5f so will enjoy this test and is back in a more suitable grade here. Decent jumper who can’t be ignored.
CONFLATED 2
CON flat. Top-class at best but hasn’t won since 2022 and is best over shorter. Hard to fancy.
STUMPTOWN 4
TALK of Town. Easy winner of cross-country race at Cheltenham so track will suit and he’s a stayer. Looks on a fair weight and should go very close.
HITMAN 1
TAKE the Hit. He’s on a long losing run and can be a weak finisher. He’s likely to struggle with this marathon distance.
BEAUPORT 3
BEAU for it. Former Midlands National winner who has been aimed at this all season. Warmed up over hurdles last time and should love this test. Has genuine place prospects.
BRAVEMANSGAME 2
BRAVE to back. Last win was the 2022 King George but he’s badly lost his way since then. Has a nice weight but needs to find his old spark.
CHANTRY HOUSE 1
CHANT doesn’t sing. High-class novice but one win in past three years. Makes mistakes which is a worry and not certain to stay.
THREEUNDERTHRUFIVE 3
THREE stars. Was fourth in Scottish National so stays and went close at Ascot last time. Jumps better these days and looks the pick of the huge prices.
PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS 5
LEGAL eagle. Looks perfect for this race having won a big 3m handicap before showing pace to score over hurdles last time. Still a fair weight for in-form Gavin Cromwell and will love this test.
KANDOO KID 3
KID rocks. Third in the Topham last year and has stamina. Poor run at Newbury last time a worry but can bounce back.
IROKO 4
KO a knockout. Been aimed at this and ran a cracker behind Grey Dawning at Kelso. Shapes like a stayer and looks on a fair weight. Has more to come and will be right there.
INTENSE RAFFLES 3
RAFFLES just the ticket. Irish National winner so has staying power ad ran well in the Bobbyjo last time. Has a perfect weight but ideally would like it softer.
SENIOR CHIEF 3
HAIL Chief. Solid around 3m and swerved Cheltenham for this. Early days over fences so could improve and not out of this.
IDAS BOY 1
I’D swerve. Stays well but in his own time and looks outclassed.
FIL DOR 1
SHUT Dor. Decent hurdler but only modest over fences and stamina is not guaranteed.
BROADWAY BOY 2
WAY to go. Did well last season but has gone backwards. Poor last two at Cheltenham and needs his very best to figure.
COKO BEACH 2
KO Coko. Likes the Punchestown Banks so may enjoy the track but was poor at Cheltenham last time and this is tougher.
STAY AWAY FAY 1
STAY away from Fay. Has failed to finish three of his past four and hammered at Cheltenham last time. This looks too much.
MEETINGOFTHEWATERS 2
WATERS sunk. Seventh in this last year when he didn’t seem to stay. Way off it this season and needs more despite handy weight.
MONBEG GENIUS 3
GENIUS no mug. Broke two-year losing run last time after a solid fourth in Welsh National. Not the quickest but on a nice weight.
VANILLIER 4
VAN motors. Second in 2022 and jumped round last year. Ran a cracker in the Festival Cross-Country last time and has plenty of stamina. Big place chance.
HORANTZAU D’AIRY 1
D’AIRY sour. Struggled all season for Willie Mullins and hard to fancy on debut for new yard.
HYLAND 4
HY and mighty. Has genuine chance of giving Nicky Henderson his first National. Ran good prep at Kempton last time and shapes like a stayer. Has a fair weight and will be right there.
CELEBRE D’ALLEN 2
CEL a sell. Likes these fences and should jump round but lacks stamina for this trip and class for this level. Is also 13 now!
THREE CARD BRAG 2
CARD not sharp. Decent around 3m and good jockey booked but he jumped badly when beaten at Navan latest which is a worry.
TWIG 3
TWIG may snap. Not won for two years but has stamina and has been trained for this race by Ben Pauling. Low weight could bag him a place.
DUFFLE COAT 3
COAT on. Second in the Galway Plate and going well when brought down at Cheltenham last time. Should stay and one of the better longshots.
Templegate’s Grand National tip and 1-2-3-4 prediction
MY Legal eagle can get the £1m Grand National verdict.
PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS can give the Gold Cup-winning team of JP McManus, Gavin Cromwell and Mark Walsh another huge prize.
This eight-year-old has an ideal weight, loves a big field and warmed up with nice win over hurdles.
McManus has another hope in Iroko who has been working up to a big run here. And last year’s winner I Am Maximus has every chance too.
I fancy Cromwell to have two in the frame thanks to Vanillier, while Nicky Henderson’s hunt for a first National could be over thanks to Hyland.
1st Perceval Legallois
2nd Iroko
3rd Vanillier
4th Hyland
Templegate’s best Aintree bets
PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS (4.00 Aintree, nap)
Gavin Cromwell is having a brilliant season and this eight-year-old contributed when winning the red-hot Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown by seven lengths. He warmed up for this with a winning spin over hurdles at the Dublin Racing Festival and he has a nice racing weight of 10st 12lb. He looks perfect for this challenge and won’t mind the decent ground.
LULAMBA (1.55 Aintree, nb)
She is different class to these rivals and was unlucky not to win the Triumph Hurdle last time. She got the better of a battle with East India Dock up the straight only for an outsider making his debut to swoop in the dying strides. Moving up in trip holds no fears especially at this less taxing track. There’s more to come after just four starts and anything close to her Cheltenham form will do with her age and mares’ weight allowance the cherry on top.
HOME BY THE LEE (3.05 Aintree, treble)
He was brought down in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and can gain compensation here. He looked better than ever before that Festival spill, winning at Navan and in fine style at Leopardstown. He is fine on this decent ground and has no worries about staying.
Templegate’s Aintree verdicts
1.20
ACT OF AUTHORITY finished like a train when second in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham last time.
That was over 2m4f and he should relish this extra half-mile.
He’s won twice under young rider Lewis Saunders who can claim his 7lb today so he’s effectively lower in the weights despite that excellent effort.
The second and third from Cheltenham’s Pertemps Final look big threats.
Jeriko Du Reponet enjoyed moving up to this distance and may have won but for a dodgy jump at the final flight.
A 5lb rise for that seems fair and he could be open to improvement at the age of six.
He was followed home there by Catch Him Derry who came from a mile back to grab the bronze medal.
Harry Skelton will need to keep him a bit closer to the pace and he’ll go close again.
Double Powerful started this season on a mark 38lb lower than today’s.
That’s because he won his first four handicaps before going close in good company at Ascot and Kempton.
He travels strongly and gives the impression that moving up to three miles may give him another nudge in quality.
Bill Joyce drops down from Graded company where he was a fair third at Cheltenham last time.
He shapes like a stayer and hasn’t been clobbered by the handicapper on his debut at this level.
Kamsinas improved for the step up to three miles when second at Doncaster last time and comes into the each-way picture.
He likes a flat track and won’t mind decent ground.
Timmy Tuesday has won two of his past three and wasn’t stopping at the end of 2m4f at Down Royal last month.
He’s been hiked 13lb for that success so will have to find more but he can’t be ruled out.
Nurse Susan was predictably rusty after more than a year off when midfield in the Martin Pipe last time.
She may do better with that under her belt and cheekpieces going on for the first time.
1.55
LULAMBA is different class to these rivals and was unlucky not to win the Triumph Hurdle last time.
He got the better of a battle with East India Dock up the straight only for an outsider making his debut to swoop in the dying strides. Moving up in trip holds no fears especially at this less taxing track.
There’s more to come after just four starts and anything close to his Cheltenham form will do.
Fingle Bridge is improving with every run and had a bit in hand when landing a Listed contest at Exeter last time out in February.
He’s had a little break since then and looks likely to improve for this step up in distance.
Koktail Divin had plenty left in the tank when striking in a modest company at Leopardstown 33 days ago.
He saw out this trip and managed to score eased down. There’s clearly a lot more to come from him.
Honesty Policy is improving with every run and stayed strongly over two miles when winning at Leopardstown.
He should find more for this longer distance and Gordon Elliott has won the past three runnings of this race.
Regent’s Stroll didn’t have a lot to beat at Wincanton last time but did it nicely enough and the first-time hood may bring a little improvement.
Castle Carrock wasn’t disgraced when third in a Kelso Grade 2 last time but will have to find more in this company.
The way Willie Mullins has been going, you can’t ignore his pair Kappy Jy Pyke and Funiculi Funicula who may enjoy this more than Cheltenham last time.
2.30
DOCPICKED ME may have been a little lucky to win the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster last time when the leader fell but it was still a good performance and he looks on a fair weight.
He has plenty of staying power over this trip and looks solid each-way.
Cruz Control hasn’t done a lot since winning this race 12 months ago but that means his mark is only 3lb higher now.
We haven’t seen him since a poor run at Wetherby on Boxing Day but it would be no surprise to see him do a fair bit better today.
Imperial Saint wasn’t disgraced in a Kempton Grade 2 last time on the back of a solid handicap third at Cheltenham in January.
He’s off the same mark but has stamina to prove over this longer distance.
He’d be a danger if getting home which isn’t guaranteed.
But he has a fantastic record at this track with three wins which counts for a lot.
Richmond Lake likes it around here but would like the ground a fair bit softer.
A surprise rain shower would bring him into the reckoning.
Happygolucky didn’t run a bad race when fourth in the Ultima and he won this race way back in 2021.
He’s had just five runs since then and is off a 10lb lower mark these days.
He could run into the extra places at rewarding odds at a track he clearly likes.
Peaky Boy ran a shocker at Ascot last time but was in better form at Cheltenham before Christmas and sees out this trip nicely enough.
Weveallbeencaught could get the fast pace he likes and could make a late bid.
He is a little high in the weights but has an each-way shout.
3.05
HOME BY THE LEE was brought down in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and can gain compensation here.
He looked better than ever before that Festival spill, winning at Navan and in fine style at Leopardstown.
He is fine on this decent ground and has no worries about staying.
Teahupoo was kept fresh for that Stayers’ Hurdle where he was second on ground that was a bit too lively for him.
It’s likely to be even quicker here and that just puts you off slightly.
The Wallpark likes good ground but was eight lengths behind Teahupoo at the Festival last time.
There’s no obvious reason why he should turn that around but it would be no shock to see him on the podium again.
Kitzbuhel swerved Cheltenham after winning at Gowran in February.
He is another who has shown his best in testing ground so far but he’s only five and there should be a lot more to come from the Willie Mullins contender.
The others look to be playing for places.
Strong Leader won the novices’ Grade 1 at last year’s meeting on decent ground.
He hasn’t come close to that form since but returning to Aintree may do the trick.
Jetara ran well enough behind Lossiemouth at Cheltenham and has winning form over this longer trip.
She gets weight off the males which boosts her place claims.
Templegate’s tips
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More than a third of UK schools hit by cripping cyber attacks – with some hackers demanding hefty ransoms
CYBER crooks are waging war on schools – with more than a third in England hit by crippling attacks in the past year, officials have warned.
Education chiefs are scrambling to protect pupils after a surge in hacking attempts, many linked to Russian-speaking ransomware gangs.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – the UK’s top authority on cyber threats – said the education sector is now one of the most targeted parts of the public sector.
NCSC Deputy Director Sarah Lyons told The Sun: “Cyber attacks at schools, academies, colleges and universities can have serious real-world consequences, from disrupting students’ learning to putting sensitive information at risk.
“Sadly, we know these institutions see a range of threats facing their networks, with recent figures highlighting more than a third of schools and colleges in England have experienced a cyber incident during the last academic year.”
Experts at cyber firm Sophos said schools are being picked because hackers see them as “frequent victims” with weak cyber defences, outdated systems and tight budgets.
Their data shows ransom demands for schools now average £5.1million, with recovery costs soaring to nearly £3million.
In one significant attack last year, ten schools in Lancashire were knocked offline after ransomware gang Rhysida crippled the Fylde Coast Academy Trust.
Trust CEO Dean Logan said they went back to “chalk and talk” and have since invested around £300,000 in “resilience measures”.
On whether more should be done to protect schools, he said: “There’s under investment and its not the first priority for a school trust.”
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We take the cyber security of our schools seriously and understand the significant disruption attacks can cause.
“We have a dedicated support team for schools affected by cybercrime.”
But unions say more must be done, with James Bowen, of school leaders’ union NAHT, saying: “School leaders already work closely with their IT partners and providers to ensure a high level of protection is in place.
But they and their staff would certainly benefit from additional funded training on spotting and responding to these evolving risks.”