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    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.
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    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.
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    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

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    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.
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    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.

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    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

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    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.
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    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.
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    “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

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    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.
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    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.
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    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

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    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.
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    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.
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    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

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    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.”
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    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

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    Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson shuts down ITV reporter with brilliant three-word response at Cheltenham Festival

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON gave a sensational three-word response when asked who he thinks will in the Premier League this season.The legendary Manchester United manager, 81, attended Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday as he lapped up an afternoon of racing.
    Sir Alex Ferguson gave a superb response to being asked about the title raceCredit: itv racing
    But he was inevitably asked his view on footballing matters as ITV attempted to squeeze a title prediction out of him.
    Reporter Matt Chapman put it to him: “Man City or Arsenal, Sir Alex?”
    But the Scot refused to be drawn in one way or the other, simply replying: “I’m not interested”.
    The Gunners lead defending champions Manchester City by five points with 11 games remaining.
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    Ferguson battled both Arsenal and Man City in several title races over the years.
    He is the most successful boss in Premier League history, lifting the title on 13 occasions.
    And his longevity is perhaps the most impressive facet of his managerial career, with his first league triumph coming in 1993 and his final one in 2013.
    But this week he is more focused on the horse racing as he watches three of his stable compete at Cheltenham.
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    Protektorat is his main charge – a 14/1 shot to win the marquee Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday at 3.30pm.
    And he also has 25/1 Hitman for the Ryanair Chase on Thursday at 2.50pm.

    But his first horse of the week – Hermes Allen – failed to compete for the win in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle.
    Meanwhile, reporter Chapman reacted hilariously to one fan criticising him for asking Fergie about the title race.
    The ITV presenter received a tweet which read: “What a p**** you are asking Sir Alex ‘Arsenal or Man City’, have some respect you b******”.
    To which he replied: “You have to laugh at Twitter 😂😂😂”. More

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    Heartbreak as punter loses out on £36k win off incredible accumulator after Man City draw and turning down HUGE cashout

    ONE punter was left heartbroken as he missed out on a whopping £36,000 thanks to Manchester City’s draw.Pep Guardiola’s side dominated the first half and led at RB Leipzig in their Champions League last-16 first leg thanks to Riyad Mahrez’s finish.
    Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at RB LeipzigCredit: Getty
    It was heartbreak as this incredible bet fell shortCredit: Twitter
    But Joski Gvardiol headed in a crucial header to earn a 1-1 draw – and no doubt leave the gambler gutted.
    To make matters worse, City were somehow denied a stonewall penalty in injury time despite a blatant handball that VAR didn’t even check.
    The Twitter user and Tottenham fan, Connor, shared his five-fold accumulator an hour before kick-off in Germany.
    He had placed £300 at 120-1 – with returns of £36,057.65.
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    The four horses he had backed – 2-1 Patient Dream and 7-4 Seigneur Des As at Ludlow, 2-1 Fleurman at Newcastle and 13-8 The Connector at Punchestown – all came in.
    And that left Connor with a decision to make – bank on City to do the business at Leipzig with odds of 17-20 to get the win.
    Or he could cash out for a cool £17,754.28 before a ball was kicked to save himself the stress of sitting through the European clash.
    According to Footy Accumulators on Twitter, he opted to stick it out, even once he was offered a £28,000 cash out.
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    Fans were divided on his tactics and gave differing advice.
    One said: “Take and run don’t risk it.”
    Another wrote: “Please take the money that already is life-changing – why risk £28k for an extra £8k?”
    But a third added: “Keep going City look good.”
    And a final user replied: “Minerals. Go for it.” More