More stories

  • in

    Arsenal line up Royal Ascot guru as new CEO following departure of Vinai Venkatesham

    ARSENAL are short-listing Ascot horse racing business guru Felicity Barnard for their chief executive vacancy.Barnard worked for the Gunners in London and Singapore and was also at West Ham.
    The Gunners will consider Felicity Barnard for the CEO vacancyCredit: Getty
    Current CEO Vinai Venkatesham is departing Arsenal next summerCredit: Getty
    Apart from being the Deputy DEO and commercial director at Ascot, she is also a non-executive director for Great British Racing.
    Barnard graduated in Material Science at the University of Birmingham in 2004.
    Arsenal’s interest in her follows Vinai Venkatesham confirming he will depart the club after 14 years next summer.
    After arriving in 2010 as head of global partnerships, he worked his way up to CEO three years ago.
    READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
    Venkatesham is also a non-executive director of the British Olympic Association.
    He admitted quitting the Gunners was a “tough decision”.
    But he is determined to oversee a “seamless transition”.
    Arsenal director Josh Kroenke said the club’s board was “fully supportive of Vinai’s desire to pursue his next challenge”.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    But Kroenke added: “Change and succession is something the club is well prepared for.”
    The Gunners have been on the rise under Venkatesham as CEO – helped by Mikel Arteta really finding his feet last season after taking over as manager in 2019. More

  • in

    Sky Bet free bets and betting review for major bookmaker

    SKY BET have enjoyed a stellar rise through the bookmaking ranks to become an industry leader in recent years.Their mix of sign-up offers and wide-ranging price boosts across all major sports has put them among the elite firms for new and existing customers.
    Sky Bet logo
    Sky Bet Free Bets and Review
    It’s been a quick rise to the top for Sky Bet, with the company first established by twelve individuals who started their own firm after quitting a rival bookmaker back in 1999.
    They are solely a digital base, operating from their headquarters in Leeds.
    A change of ownership would follow as Stars Group acquired the company before that became part of the ‘Flutter’ brand which includes Betfair, Paddy Power and PokerStars.
    Alongside their thorough and wide-ranging sports betting market, they have also branched out to games, slots, live casino, bingo, daily fantasy sports and online poker.
    All of this is made simpler with an easy-to-use and eye-catching website and ‘No1 betting app’, which makes the betting and gaming experience more enjoyable for punters.
    The company pride themselves on being a ‘truly diverse, global presence’ and say data gathering has helped shape their decision-making.
    They also have a recognisable advertising campaign and sponsor the English Football League.
    Check out our Betfair review with extra free bets HERE*
    Sky Bet: £30 in free bets*
    Sky Bet’s sign-up offer
    Sky Free Bets, Offers and Promotions
    Sky Bet have a strong list of offers and promotions to help them stay ultra competitive in a busy market.

    Cash Out: When betting on football or horse racing you can have the ability to cash-out your bet for an instant return on winning or losing bets.  All you have to do is select your live bet and see the latest cash-out price. The cash-out value on offer fluctuates as the event unfolds
    Request A Bet: Sky Bet offer customers the chance to get odds on a bet of their choice, even if it is already not priced up. You can make a request via social media and Sky Bet will get back to you with a price on that event happening.
    Price Boost: Sky Bet are one of the best at offering a huge number of daily price boosts on football, horse racing and other sports. These can be enhanced prices on accumulators or events to go a certain way, as well as ‘Double Up Boosts’ which usually boost the odds significantly on a single event happening, normally with a max stake limit applied.
    Best Odds Guaranteed: This is a promotion available to customers on horse and greyhound racing. If you back a horse to win but before the start of the race the odds drift and starts the race at at bigger odds, Sky Bet will make sure that if it wins, you get paid out at the bigger price. This is on bets placed after 9am on the day of the race.
    Extra Place Races: Sky Bet will boost the each way places in selected races across selected meetings EVERY day. This gives you the opportunity to back an outsider at a long price and for it to finish in your extra places.

    Check out our Paddy Power review with extra free bets HERE*
    Sky Bet Free Bet and Sign-Up Offer

    Sky Bet consistently host some of the best sign up offers, which can be similar to many other bookmakers.
    These can and will vary throughout the year but but right now they have two sign up offers.
    Get £30 in free bets when you place any bet HERE*: Customers who sign up using that link with claim £30 in free bets, just for signing up and staking at least 5p!
    SKY BET: GET £30 IN FREE BETS*
    How to sign up to Sky Bet
    The beauty of this is it couldn’t be simpler!
    You can click either of the sign up offers above and that will immediately boost your betting bank before you even get started!
    When registering, you just need to enter a few details about yourself including name, age, email and address and you will have an account within minutes.
    Make sure you read the T&C’s to ensure you claim the promotion correctly.
    What is Good About Sky Bet
    Sky Bet is one of the best online bookmakers in the UK, with some of the main benefits being:

    Very competitive odds
    In-Play betting
    Cash-out
    Request A Bet
    Live streaming
    Great daily offers and rewards
    Huge price boosts
    Excellent mobile products
    Thousands of markets

    Sky Bet Products
    As mentioned previously, Sky Bet has one of the top mobile apps in bookmaking which is really simple to use.
    Their customer support team is always on hand to help with any problems you may encounter. 
    You can install the App through the usual channels of the App store for iOS and Google Play store for android users.
    Live streaming and cash-out features are all live on the app just like the website.
    Sky Bet sign up offer£30 in free bets when you place any bet
    New customers only. First single & e/w bet only. 5p minimum stake. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 3 x £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets exclude virtuals. Free bets are non-withdrawable. Free bets expire after 30 days. Eligibility restrictions and further t&cs apply. 18+. Begambleaware.Org
    SIGN UP

    Sky Bet Terms and Conditions
    Sky Bet have similar terms and conditions as other bookmakers in the market. It is crucial read all the small print for any sign up offer and promotion you wish to commit to.
    Sky Bet: Get £30 in free bets!*
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    FOOTBALL OFFERS
    Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org

    Remember to gamble responsibly
    A responsible gambler is someone who:

    Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
    Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
    Never chase their losses
    Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
    Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
    Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

    For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
    Read More on The Sun
    *New customers only. First single & e/w bet only odds of 1/1 or greater. 3 x £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets only redeemable on football. Free bets are non withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions and further t&cs apply.
    **New customers only. First single & e/w bet only odds of 1/1 or greater. 3 x £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets only redeemable on horse racing. Free bets are non-withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions and further t&cs apply.
    Most read in Betting Tips More

  • in

    Premier League legend unrecognisable as he turns his hand to painting and decorating at the home of racing icon

    FORMER Middlesbrough star Craig Hignett looks unrecognisable after he was pictured painting and decorating at the house of racing legend Derek Thompson.Thompson, 72, a horse racing commentator and presenter, shared an image of the pair in his home on Wednesday.
    Look who’s turned up to help me decorate my house today! Former ⁦@Boro⁩ star Craig Hignett @higs8 – swapped his kit for new overalls as he didn’t want to get Messi ⚽️😂 pic.twitter.com/krQaBitD6N— Derek ‘Tommo’ Thompson (@tommoracing) July 25, 2023

    And he added the caption: “Look who’s turned up to help me decorate my house today! Former ⁦@Boro star Craig Hignett.
    “@higs swapped his kit for new overalls as he didn’t want to get Messi ⚽️😂.”
    Hignett spent six years as a Boro player between 1992 and 1998.
    He racked up more than 100 appearances for the North East outfit, helping them secure promotion from the second tier as champions in 1995.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Hignett, who played as a midfielder, winger and striker, then featured in both the League Cup and FA Cup finals in 1997.
    But Boro were on the wrong end of both.
    They lost to Leicester in the League Cup final after a replay, before Chelsea beat them 2-0 in the FA Cup.
    Prior to his time at the Riverside Stadium, he came through as a youth team player at Liverpool and went on to sign for Crewe.
    Most read in Sport
    DREAM TEAM IS LIVE – JOIN NOW TO BATTLE FOR THE £50k TOP PRIZE
    Craig Hignett played for Middlesbrough for six yearsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    He also enjoyed stints at the likes of Blackburn, Leicester and LeedsCredit: PA:Press Association
    After leaving Boro, he featured for the likes of Barnsley, Blackburn, Leicester, Leeds and Hartlepool.
    Hignett hung up his boots in 2009 following a 21-year career in the game.
    And he has gone on to take charge of Hartlepool on three separate occasions – the last of which came in 2019.
    Reacting to the picture of him in painting and decorating gear, one person said: “Two legends x.”
    Another replied: “Some player.”
    And a third added: “Hope that Paint is Red Tommo?”
    He last took charge of Hartlepool back in 2019Credit: Getty More

  • in

    When is the Grand National 2024? TV channel, streaming info and how to get tickets for Aintree

    THE Grand National is back in April – and so is the world’s greatest steeplechase. The famous race takes place at the three-day event in Aintree as upcoming stars, fan favourites and shock winners will look to take home a victory.
    Horses and jockeys during the Grand National.
    Nearly every horse will have their whole campaign geared around winning the four-mile and 2½ furlong race, including Lucinda Russell’s Corach Rambler, who romped home victorious in 2023.
    But the Grand National sells out quickly, and organisers have again capped the number of fans allowed this year.
    The 2024 event will run from Thursday, April 11 to Saturday, April 13.
    Here, we tell you all you need to know about the 2024 Grand National.
    Read more in horse racing
    When is Aintree Festival 2024?

    The Aintree Festival will return on Thursday 11th April 2024.
    It will run between April 11 and Saturday, April, 13.
    The first race will take place at 1.45 pm on each day.

    When is the Grand National?

    The Randox Grand National Steeplechase will take place at 5.15pm on April 13, 2024.

    What TV channel is it on and can I live stream it?

    The Grand National will be available live on ITV and Racing TV.
    You can follow all the action on SunSport’s Grand National live blog.

    Can I buy tickets for Aintree 2024?

    You can now buy tickets for the Grand National.
    The tickets come in varying costs for different enclosures.
    You can view all the available ticket options here.

    Most read in Football
    Who are the favourites for the 2024 Grand National?
    Favourites for the big race include last year’s winner Corach Rambler at 16-1.
    Other favourites include:

    Fastorslow 20-1
    I Am Maximus 20-1
    Mr Incredible 20-1

    *Odds courtesy of PaddyPower and are correct at the time of publication.
    Is Rachael Blackmore riding the Grand National in 2024?
    Yes. Rachael Blackmore will be riding at the Grand National in 2024.
    Blackmore took the sporting world by storm when she won the Grand National two years ago.
    She is best known for becoming the first female jockey to win the 30-fence jump when she rode Minella Times in 2021 at Aintree.
    Blackmore also won numerous events at Cheltenham and the Gold Cup with A Plus Tard in 2022.
    Rachael Blackmore after winning the Grand National back in 2021 on Minella Times.Credit: The Times More

  • in

    Sevilla pay touching tribute to ex-keeper Sergio Rico before Roma clash with star in hospital after falling from horse

    SEVILLA paid an emotional tribute to their former goalkeeper Sergio Rico before the Europa League Final. Jose Luis Mendilibar’s men take on Jose Mourinho’s Roma at the Puskas Arena determined to win their seventh European trophy.
    Sevilla paid tribute to former goalkeeper Sergio Rico before the Europa League FinalCredit: Getty
    Paris Saint-Germain ace Rico has been hospitalised after a horse-riding accidentCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Sevilla wear shirts in support of their former goalkeeper Sergio Rico, who is currently hospitalised after a tragic accident ❤️ pic.twitter.com/IKFDFMk9iy— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 31, 2023

    But the LaLiga giants were focused on Paris Saint-Germain ace Rico before kick-off as they wore T-shirt with a special message written in Spanish for their former team-mate.
    The statement read: “Come on, Sergio, we are with you!”
    Rico has been in intensive care since a tragic horse-riding accident on Sunday.
    The 29-year-old was rushed to hospital in a helicopter after falling from his horse in El Rocio, Huelva, and is in serious condition.
    Read More on Football
    It has been claimed that the horse he was riding on his way to mass got frightened and threw the ex-Fulham ace off before he was kicked in the head several times.
    Reports claimed the Spain international suffered severe head trauma which meant he had to be intubated upon his arrival at the Virgen del Rocio hospital in Seville.
    And Rico’s partner Alba Silva shared a heartbreaking and desperate message on Instagram.
    Silva posted: “Don’t leave me alone, my love, because I swear I cannot.
    Most read in Football
    “I don’t know how to live without you. We love you a lot.”
    Another post read: “Thank you for all the love you have for us. Sergio has a lot of people praying for him and he is very strong.
    “I have no words to describe what I feel.”
    The match in Budapest finished 1-1, with neither side able to find a winner in extra time as it went to a penalty shootout.
    And it was Sevilla to claim yet another Europa League trophy as they won 4-1 on penalties. More

  • in

    FA Cup final plunged into TV chaos with new kick-off time expected, forcing another major ITV event to be moved as well

    THE FA Cup Final’s kick-off time may have to be moved due to police concerns and could clash with the Epsom Derby.Rivals Manchester United and Manchester City are set to collide in the final at Wembley on June 3.
    The FA Cup Final’s kick-off time may have to be moved due to police concernsCredit: Rex
    The FA Cup Final may clash with the Epsom Derby on ITV next monthCredit: Getty
    And the FA are facing a logistical nightmare over scheduling the game with the Metropolitan Police refusing to sanction their preferred 5:30pm kick-off time due to safety reasons.
    According to The Mail, the authorities have deemed the first ever all-Manchester final a high-risk fixture for fan trouble.
    That is why they will demand an earlier kick-off time when they meet the FA for talks later this week.
    But the football governing body will also have to consider a potential clash with the Derby at Epsom.
    Read More on Man Utd
    The Jockey Club have listed it as being run at 4:30pm, but may now be brought forward.
    But the major problem is that both events are scheduled to air on ITV.
    The channel would ideally schedule both during late afternoon with a significant gap between them to increase the audience size and satisfy both sets of fans.
    But the FA may have no option but to follow police advice, with late kick-off times being avoided at Wembley following the violent scenes back in the final of Euro 2020 between England and Italy.
    Most read in Premier League
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    The authorities have made it clear that 4:45pm is the latest time they will tolerate for the FA Cup Final.
    The most likely solution would be if ITV tried to bring forward the running of the Derby until earlier in the card at Epsom.
    This way both events can be shown on ITV1, but that would still require the Jockey Club’s approval. More

  • in

    Major change to ITV coverage before FA Cup final as TV bosses look to give fans blockbuster day of sport

    ITV are planning to move the Epsom Derby to an earlier slot in order to broadcast it immediately before the FA Cup final, according to reports.The terrestrial broadcaster is the home of UK racing, with the Derby one of its biggest events.
    The Epsom Derby could be given a new start timeCredit: AFP
    Last year’s FA Cup final kicked off at 4:45pmCredit: Getty
    Since 2015 it has been shown at 4:30pm in order to try and gather as big an audience as possible.
    This year it is set to take place on Saturday, June 3 – the same day as the FA Cup final.
    With ITV going up against the BBC, who also hold rights to the FA Cup final, they reckon that showing the Derby immediately beforehand could help retain viewers for the football.
    The Cup final kick-off time has yet to be confirmed by football chiefs.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Manchester City play Sheffield United in the first semi-final this Saturday, with Manchester United taking on Brighton in the second on Sunday.
    The final kick-off time will depend on who wins – with factors such as travel being taken into account.
    Last year’s final kicked off at 4:45pm, and according to the Mirror, the Epsom Derby could be moved to an earlier 4pm slot in order to get straight to the football afterwards.
    Along with Cheltenham and the Grand National, the Derby is one of the biggest events on ITV’s extensive racing schedule.
    Most read in FA Cup
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    The terrestrial channel recently confirmed that they have secured exclusive rights to UK racing through to the end of 2026.
    This year will mark the first time that the FA Cup final has ever been played in June.

    The mid-season World Cup pushed the usual schedule back by a number of weeks, with the Champions League final not taking place until June 10.
    While the 2020 FA Cup final was also pushed back, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was not played until August 1. More

  • in

    Boxing stunner Ebanie Bridges leaves little to imagination as she dresses up as ‘cute jockey’ in tight see-through silks

    BOXER Ebanie Bridges posed as a “cute jockey” as she left little to the imagination while showing off to fans. The Blonde Bomber continues to dominate in the ring but also showed her versatility as she tried her hand at another sport.
    Ebanie Bridges tried her hand at jockeying and managed to still look glamorousCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges
    The boxer appeared a natural as she rode a horseCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges
    Bridges took to Instagram to show off her outfit as she prepared to mount a horse.
    The Australian was shooting a commercial for bookmaker BetGoodwin.
    And she flashed a smile a wide smile at the camera while decked out in jockey gear as she asked fans: “Am I a cute jockey?”
    The 36-year-old wears a black and yellow jacket and tight see-through white trousers.
    READ MORE ON EBANIE BRIDGES
    She can then be seen in a short video sat confidently on top of the horse while stroking its mane.
    Fans loved seeing the boxing star in different surroundings.
    One said: “So cute!”
    Another said: “Bored of walking to the ring… now she rides into battle haha, go on lass.”
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Another fan wrote: “Is there no end to your talent? Taking over as a jockey as well.”
    While another joked of the 5ft 1in star: “You got the height for it Ebanie.”
    Bridges is the holder of the IBF bantamweight title after beating Maria Roman in March 2022.
    She then held on to that belt by beating Shannon O’Connell in December last year.
    The star is also a trainer for OnlyFans influencer Elle Brooke.
    Bridges wiped out Shannon O’Connell to retain her IBF bantamweight titleCredit: Getty
    Ebanie Bridges has 731,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges More