Witness Stand gears up for Saudi Cup’s $2m 1351 Turf Sprint

Witness Stand, a Listed winner at Newbury last autumn under jockey Kieran Shoemark, is the highest-rated UK entry in the prestigious 7-furlong contest. (Supplied)
Witness Stand, a Listed winner at Newbury last autumn under jockey Kieran Shoemark, is the highest-rated UK entry in the prestigious 7-furlong contest. (Supplied)
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Updated 19 February 2025
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Witness Stand gears up for Saudi Cup’s $2m 1351 Turf Sprint

Witness Stand gears up for Saudi Cup’s $2m 1351 Turf Sprint
  • Jockey Kieran Shoemark, who will travel to Saudi Arabia for a sole ride aboard Witness Stand, is optimistic about gelding’s chances

LONDON: Urloxhey Stables is set for its first international flat runner as Witness Stand prepares to line up in the $2 million 1351 Turf Sprint at the Saudi Cup on Saturday.

The Worcestershire-based training partnership of National Hunt trainer Richard Newland and co-trainer Jamie Insole is making a significant leap onto the global racing stage with the four-year-old gelding.

Witness Stand, a Listed winner at Newbury last autumn under jockey Kieran Shoemark, is the highest-rated UK entry in the prestigious 7-furlong contest. Shoemark, who guided the son of Expert Eye to two victories last season, will renew his partnership in Riyadh.

Acquired for 100,000 guineas ($132,159) at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale, Witness Stand was identified as a value buy by Insole on behalf of owners Scott and Debbie Turner.

Recalling the acquisition, Insole told George Smyly Media: “We initially thought he’d be too pricey and his consignors Barton Stud brought him out to show me and I told them to put him away as he’d be too expensive. We were delighted to secure him and we’re excited to campaign him in 2025 and beyond.”

After arriving at Urloxhey Stables in November, Witness Stand was given a short break before returning to training. Insole has been steadily building up the gelding’s fitness, incorporating two away days at Wolverhampton to sharpen him for the Saudi challenge.




Urloxhey Stables is set for its first international flat runner as Witness Stand prepares to line up in the $2 million 1351 Turf Sprint at the Saudi Cup on Saturday. (Supplied)

“He’s a compact horse who carries his condition well, but the next 10 days will sharpen him up further,” Insole said.

The Saudi Cup’s unique seven-furlong test, which brings together sprinters stretching out and milers cutting back in trip, will pose tactical challenges. However, Insole believes Witness Stand’s adaptability is a key asset.

“The seven-furlong trip is perfect for him in a race that brings together five and six-furlong sprinters and milers dropping back in distance. He’s shown good form on quick ground at Goodwood, so that holds no concern,” he said.

Shoemark, who will travel to Saudi Arabia for a sole ride aboard Witness Stand, is optimistic about the gelding’s chances.

“He’s done a couple of pieces of work at Wolverhampton, and I’m happy with where he is at this stage,” Shoemark said. “The quick ground and track in Saudi won’t be an issue — he’s incredibly versatile both in terms of ground and trip. All he did last year was improve in a short space of time, and with his rating of 114, he fully deserves his place in this field.”

Witness Stand’s strong autumn campaign coincided with the addition of cheekpieces, which will remain in place for the Saudi Cup.

“They’ve sharpened him up and he’s worked well at home in them, so we see no reason to change what’s proven to be successful,” Insole added.




The Saudi Cup’s unique seven-furlong test, which brings together sprinters stretching out and milers cutting back in trip, will pose tactical challenges. However, Insole believes Witness Stand’s (pictured) adaptability is a key asset. (Supplied)

Shoemark also praised Insole’s approach to training, highlighting his ambition and results.

“Jamie is very passionate and proactive, and he’s not afraid to run his horses. His results last year speak for themselves, and with the quality two-year-olds and pedigrees he’s added to the yard, I think there’s more success ahead,” he said.

The international campaign marks a significant step forward for Urloxhey Stables, which was formed in December 2023 when Insole joined forces with Grand National-winning trainer Newland. Since then, the duo has sent out 27 winners on the flat and currently trains 35 National Hunt horses and 65 flat horses, including 27 two-year-olds.

“It’s a huge step,” Insole admitted.

“Last year, we showed we could improve older horses and develop two-year-olds. Now, we want to prove we can compete on the biggest stage and attract international owners. This race is fully funded, so it’s a free hit at big prize money. Even finishing sixth would bring home £50,000 ($62,914).”

Young British trainers such as George Boughey and George Scott have expanded their global presence in Dubai, Qatar and Bahrain, and Insole hopes this race will be the catalyst for a similar international profile for Urloxhey Stables, adding: “We’re hoping he can run a big race and we can prove we are a professional outfit who mean business.”


Mahuchikh hopes to show Ukraine’s resilience in Tokyo

Mahuchikh hopes to show Ukraine’s resilience in Tokyo
Updated 53 min 57 sec ago
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Mahuchikh hopes to show Ukraine’s resilience in Tokyo

Mahuchikh hopes to show Ukraine’s resilience in Tokyo

TOKYO: Olympic high jump champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh said Saturday she wants to “show people that Ukraine continues fighting” as she seeks to lay down a marker in Tokyo ahead of September’s world championships.
The 23-year-old is competing in Sunday’s Golden Grand Prix in the Japanese capital at the same stadium where she will attempt to defend her world title later this year.
Mahuchikh has emerged as one of Ukraine’s top athletes since Russia invaded the country in 2022.
She set a world record of 2.10m last year before winning gold at the Paris Games.
She said: “every competition is important for me because I represent my country.”
“I do my best to show people that Ukraine continues fighting for independence,” she said.
“I’m really proud to represent my country so I’m looking forward to coming back in September to protect my title of world champion.”
Mahuchikh has been outspoken in her support of Ukraine, dedicating her Olympic gold to the hundreds of athletes and coaches who have been killed since the invasion began.
Her country was again in her thoughts as she set her sights on defending her world title.
“Of course, I have a target to win the gold medal,” she said.
“I want to just give my people a happy time because, unfortunately, now is a difficult time — only sport and art can give these memories.”
Mahuchikh is competing in Tokyo for the first time since the pandemic-postponed Olympics in 2021, where she won bronze.
She has since gone from strength to strength, capturing the world title in Budapest in 2023 and Olympic gold a year later.
She said she wanted to savour the atmosphere in Tokyo after fans were locked out four years ago because of pandemic restrictions.
“I want to give the energy to the people, to my fans because I didn’t have time in Covid time to enjoy this atmosphere,” she said.
“Tomorrow it will be an incredible atmosphere for sure. It will be a great preparation before the world championships in September.”
American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, who won Olympic silver in Paris, will race for the first time this season in the women’s 100m in Tokyo.
American Christian Coleman headlines the men’s 100m race.


NBA champion Celtics eliminated from playoffs by rampant Knicks

NBA champion Celtics eliminated from playoffs by rampant Knicks
Updated 17 May 2025
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NBA champion Celtics eliminated from playoffs by rampant Knicks

NBA champion Celtics eliminated from playoffs by rampant Knicks

NEW YORK: The New York Knicks thrashed the Boston Celtics 119-81 to send the defending champions crashing out of the NBA playoffs on Friday.
The Knicks booked their first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years with a rampant display to complete a 4-2 series victory.
Six Knicks players finished in double figures, with Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby leading the way with 23 points apiece.
Mikal Bridges drained four three-pointers on his way to 22 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 21. Josh Hart finished with a triple-double of 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
The blowout win sets up a showdown against the Knicks’ arch-rivals the Indiana Pacers next week for a place in the NBA Finals.
New York will head into that best-of-seven series brimming with confidence after an electrifying performance that swept aside a Boston team who had dominated the Knicks in a game five win on Wednesday.
“In game five they got the best of us and we responded tonight,” Brunson told ESPN after Friday’s win. “We just found a way to keep making plays on the defensive side, the offense was just rolling.”
Brunson will spearhead the Knicks challenge 25 years after his father Rick was a member of the New York team that last played in the Eastern Conference finals in 2000.
“This is great. I mean, the fact that we haven’t been here since my dad was on the team — he’s not gonna like that — but it means a lot to this organization and this city.”
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said his team had delivered a complete performance to oust the reigning champions.
“I thought from start to finish we were terrific,” Thibodeau said. “ are a terrific team on both sides of the ball. They play their style no matter what, and so they’re not going to hand you anything. You have to earn it. And I felt we did that.
“But we can’t get carried away. Obviously it’s a great win and we advance. But you also understand that you have to get ready for the next series. We know that Indiana is a terrific team and we’re going to have to be ready.”
A slew of celebrities such as Timothee Chalamet, Lenny Kravitz, Ben Stiller and Spike Lee were courtside at Madison Square Garden to see the Knicks romp to victory.
Boston — who were dealt a crushing blow in game four with a season-ending injury to star Jayson Tatum — had given their fans hope of a miraculous comeback after their game five win.
But those hopes were snuffed out in ruthless fashion as the Knicks edged into an early 26-20 first quarter lead before burying Boston in an an avalanche of second quarter scoring.
The Knicks outscored the Celtics 38-17 in the second quarter to take a 64-37 lead at halftime, a 27-point cushion that all but extinguished Boston’s challenge.
New York kept the points flowing in the third quarter, stretching their lead to as many as 41 points at one stage as they surged to victory.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics scoring with 20 points with Al Horford adding 10 points and Payton Pritchard finishing with 11.
Derrick White, who scored 34 points in Boston’s game five win on Wednesday, was kept quiet with just eight points.
“At the end of the day, we set a goal out, and we didn’t achieve that goal,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said afterwards.
“But that shouldn’t take away from the mindset and effort that the players put in...the approach, the process, you can’t ask for anymore from the guys. I thought they gave everything they had throughout the season.
“You have to take your hats off to the Knicks. They played a great series and they’ve been great all year, and Thibs is a great coach — so you have to take your hat off to them.”


Chelsea beat Manchester United to stay on course for Champions League

Chelsea beat Manchester United to stay on course for Champions League
Updated 17 May 2025
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Chelsea beat Manchester United to stay on course for Champions League

Chelsea beat Manchester United to stay on course for Champions League

LONDON: Chelsea stayed in the hunt for a Champions League place next season with a nervy 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Friday, courtesy of a second-half goal from Marc Cucurella.
The Spain full back headed home from close range, turning in a cross from captain Reece James, who bamboozled the United defense with a twist and turn in the 71st minute.
“I knew I had space and time. I knew I put the ball in a good area, this guy was always arriving,” James told Sky Sports, standing alongside Cucurella.
James had hit the post in the first half with a stinging shot shortly after United defender Harry Maguire had the ball in the Chelsea net, only for VAR to rule it marginally offside.
United had few other chances, and Chelsea were tense but dominant for most of the match.
The result lifted Chelsea to fourth in the Premier League above Aston Villa, who earlier beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0, with one game left in the season for both sides.
“The Champions League is where the club belongs, competing in the best competitions,” James said.

The top five in the table qualify for the Champions League, which has been Chelsea’s target since Enzo Maresca took over as coach at the start of the season.
Relieved Maresca and his bench as well players and fans celebrated wildly at the final whistle.
It was the last home game of the season for Chelsea whose form has run hot and cold under since the Italian took over, and they circled the ground with a lap of honor before leaving the pitch.

Their last game is away to Nottingham Forest, who lie seventh and are still chasing qualification, next weekend.
United, whose target after a woeful season, is winning the Europa League final against Tottenham next Wednesday, are 16th.


Villa cruise past sorry Spurs to boost Champions League push

Villa cruise past sorry Spurs to boost Champions League push
Updated 17 May 2025
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Villa cruise past sorry Spurs to boost Champions League push

Villa cruise past sorry Spurs to boost Champions League push
  • Emery’s Villa fifth in Premier League with one game left
  • Yet another defeat for Spurs, ahead of Europa League final

BIRMINGHAM: High-flying Aston Villa comfortably dispatched Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the Premier League on Friday to keep up their quest for more Champions League football and leave their wounded visitors focused on next week’s Europa League final.
With Villa dominating possession in a party atmosphere for their final home game of the season, the breakthrough came in the 59th minute when center-back Ezri Konsa whipped home after Ollie Watkins headed the ball into his path from a corner.
Midfielder Boubacar Kamara rifled home Villa’s second in the 73rd minute to end the tepid resistance of Spurs, who hope to salvage an otherwise miserable season in Bilbao next week if they can beat Manchester United to lift the Europa League.
With one fixture left, Villa are on 66 points and fifth in the Premier League — the last qualifying berth for the Champions League. Chelsea are above them on goal difference after beating Manchester United also on Friday.
Manchester City are sixth on 65 points but with two games left.
Villa goalscorer Konsa said his goal came from a corner routine the team had worked on during the week, setting them on their way for a remarkable eighth consecutive home win.
“I’m just glad that we managed to get the win on our last home game and give the fans something to cheer for,” he said.
“We knew today was a must-win. We want to play Champions League football again. We had a taste of it this season, got to the quarters. For us as players, it’s the competition that you want to play in.”
After suffering a 21st defeat in this season, Spurs sit a woeful 17th in the Premier League with 38 points, just above the bottom three already relegated sides.

Son looking fit
Plagued by injuries, Spurs coach Ange Postecoglou at least had the pleasure of seeing his captain Son Heung-min, recently back, looking unscathed for the Bilbao clash.
“He is ready and available,” Postecoglou said. It was important tonight and he feels like he is getting back to some rhythm.”
Son was involved in the Londoners’ best attacking buildups, but in truth they posed little danger. Villa enjoyed 69 percent possession and had 18 shots to Spurs’ three even without showing their usual intensity.
The home side’s Morgan Rogers nearly saw a glancing header tipped round by Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, Marco Asensio tormented the visitors with his footwork, and the ever-dangerous Watkins saw a low shot fly just past the post.
“Very very happy,” said Villa coach Unai Emery, punching the air in joy before posing with fans for selfies after the game.
The Spaniard was enjoying his 100th league game as Villa boss, including 54 victories.
“We have to try keep being consistent like we are now, focused and demanding,” he added. “There’s still work to do, to have the chance of playing Champions League.”
Villa’s final Premier League game is away at Manchester United while Chelsea go to Nottingham Forest.
Manchester City face Bournemouth at home then Fulham away.
Spurs’ under-fire boss Postecoglou praised his team’s endeavour at Villa Park but said ultimately they ran out of steam.
Now winless in six Premier League games, Spurs’ best effort came when winger Wilson Odobert’s backheel almost deceived Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez before he recovered to make the save.
“Up until they scored, the boys worked hard, we didn’t let them create too many openings, we had our moments too,” Potecoglou said.
“Once they scored, I think we lost belief and we were fatiguing, then the game just got away with us.”


Vegas clings to PGA lead as Kim, Scheffler charge

Vegas clings to PGA lead as Kim, Scheffler charge
Updated 17 May 2025
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Vegas clings to PGA lead as Kim, Scheffler charge

Vegas clings to PGA lead as Kim, Scheffler charge
  • Vegas closed with a double bogey to fire a one-under-par 70

CHARLOTTE: Jhonattan Vegas, chasing his first major title, clung to a two-stroke lead in Friday’s second round of the PGA Championship while top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and South Korean Kim Si-woo made late charges at Quail Hollow.
Vegas closed with a double bogey to fire a one-under-par 70 and stand on eight-under 134 after 36 holes with France’s Matthieu Pavon shooting 65 to share second with England’s Matt Fitzpatrick and Kim on 136.
“It was a great day,” Vegas said. “I can’t really get too down on myself for making double on 18. I feel like I managed my game really well. I was feeling it out there. It was nice to keep the momentum. The game was there and the feeling was good.
“I wasn’t happy to finish with that double on 18 but we have two more days to go.”
Kim aced the par-three sixth hole from 252 yards with a five-wood, hitting the longest hole-in-one in major history, and added six birdies against a lone bogey to equal Max Homa for the day’s low round of 64.
“It was exciting,” Kim said of the ace. “I hit it like exactly how I wanted. So it was cool and it was pretty memorable hole-in-one in major.”
Sharing fifth in the clubhouse were Americans Homa and Scheffler, who shot 68 to stand on 137 — three off the lead.
“A little below average for me,” Scheffler said. “I felt like I did a good job scoring. I was able to hit the right shots when I need to.”
Scheffler’s playing partners in the feature group — second-ranked Masters winner Rory McIlroy and third-ranked defending champion Xander Schauffele — grinded through the final hole just to make the cut on the number at one-over 143.
McIlroy, who completed a career Grand Slam with his Masters win, closed bogey-bogey to flirt with missing the weekend, lipping out from three feet for par at 17 and hitting off a hospitality tent roof into rough at 18 and two-putting for bogey from 36 feet to shoot 69.
Closing par putts at 17 and 18 from inside four feet gave Schauffele a 71.
Vegas, who fired a 64 on Thursday, never lost the lead despite pressure while Pavon and Homa each delivered their career-low major rounds.
“That was really very solid,” Pavon said. “Got a nice momentum with the putter early on. A few birdies on the front nine helped me to be more confident on the back nine. Overall it was a super satisfying day.”
Homa shot 30 on the same back nine where he fired 39 on Thursday.
“I knew the game was good,” Homa said. “Didn’t know I was going to shoot seven-under but I’ll take it.”
Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open champion, fired a 68 and will draw upon his major win to try and pad his trophy haul.
“The fact I’ve done it before, that’s always a big confidence boost,” he said. “You can lean on that. I’m just happy to be in this position.”
World number 70 Vegas was set to become the lowest-ranked player to lead a major outright after each of the first two rounds since American Gil Morgan at the 1992 US Open.
Vegas was battling after a sleepless night sitting on the lead.
“Not getting a great sleep and having to come back early put me not in the best mood all day,” Vegas said. “It felt like three hours, but I probably got a little bit more than that. I got some sleep but it wasn’t the best.”
American Jordan Spieth, needing a win the complete a career Grand Slam, missed the cut on 144.
Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, whose 19 made major cuts were the longest active streak, and two-time major winner Justin Thomas were out on 145.