Connect with us

SPORTS

Rising Star Billy Loughnane Making Waves in the Racing World

Published

on

By

Billy Loughnane has always been in hot water. Racing’s latest ‘wonder-kid’ burst onto our screens early last year, landing a staggering 23 winners in January alone, and after another 18 months of rapid progress he is already eyeing the possibility of becoming Champion Jockeys in the future.

Loughnane was a small boy when he first rode a horse, so his racing debut at the age of 16 in October 2022 was, for him, a long time coming.

With his father Mark, a British-based racing trainer, “teaching him everything”, it came as no surprise to those who know Billy best how he quickly racked up wins.

The first came at Mark’s favourite track of Wolverhampton – where he has 155 winners from 1,589 runners – on a foggy November night aboard Swiss Rowe.

Mark recalls: “His first win there was the best feeling I’ve ever had.

Image:
Billy with his dad Mark in Wolverhampton

“When we moved here, I went to Wolverhampton every week without fail and Billy always came with me.

“From the people at the entrance, to those in the suite or in the hotel, everyone loves it.”

After a blistering start in the All-Weather over the winter, Billy continued to progress as the Turf season got underway and was crowned Champion Apprentice at Ascot in October, just 12 months after his first professional ride.

Image:
2023 Champion Jockey William Buick (left) and Champion Apprentice Billy Loughnane are crowned at Ascot

Entering 2024, Billy knew he would have to step it up a notch as frequent battles against the best in the weigh-in room became a regular occurrence.

The turf season started strongly when Billy rewarded the faith of powerful Newmarket trainer George Boughey with a dominant victory in the Prix La Camargo at Saint-Cloud, France.

Further international success came in Germany with Stan Moore’s Queues Likely winning the Group Three Schwarzgold-Rennen in April, but despite making a strong return to the turf season, Billy entered this year’s Royal Ascot still seeking high-profile domestic success.

Image:
Loughnane celebrates after winning the Sandringham Stakes aboard Soprano on day four of Royal Ascot

He came close to achieving that feat last year, finishing second to Richard Hughes’ Calling The Wind in the Ascot Stakes.

On the significance of the Royal meeting, Billy says: “Royal Ascot is the highlight of every flat racing season.

Who is Billy Loughnane?

Mark (dad)… “Dedicated, focused, thoughtful, caring. But he can have his moments!” READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Clare (Mom)… “Fun, adorable. Can’t lose an argument or a game of scrabble. Ultra competitive and not a happy kid when he loses. Focus, work ethic and intelligence come from me!”

Jack (brother)… “He’s outgoing, friendly, moody most of the time. He has to win at everything. When he loses, he gets really upset and angry, so it’s better if I let him win!”

“It’s the height of summer and the best horses from all over the world are competing. Everyone comes to have a good day, even the King and Queen, it’s a massive spectacle for everyone to enjoy.

“There’s definitely a buzz when you come out of the paddock, look around and there are thousands of people watching. It’s electric.”

Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video

Trainer Mark Loughnane couldn’t hide his excitement after watching his son Billy ride his first Royal Ascot winner aboard the horse Rashabar in the Coventry Stakes

There were wild celebrations when Billy pulled off a shock and dramatic victory aboard the 80/1 horse Rashabar in the Coventry Stakes after a thrilling photo finish.

Billy recalls: “When I got to the two furlongs I thought ‘I’m going pretty well here’ and it just took off!

“When they announced my number, I don’t really know how to describe it, my whole body went numb like something went through me. It was such a thrill. A feeling like no other.”

Image:
Loughnane celebrates his Royal Ascot victory on Soprano

Dad Mark and mum Clare were there to greet Billy in an emotional hug in the paddock. Mark recalls: “It was the best feeling ever! When you see your son excelling on the big stage, it’s a feeling that money can’t buy.

“I don’t remember anything from after Billy’s race until the last one, I was so excited.”

Full of confidence from Rashabar’s success, Billy added a second Royal winner to his name when Soprano won the Sandringham Stakes for Boughey.

Strengthened by Boughey’s support this season so far, Billy currently sits fifth in the jockey standings behind established stars such as Oisin Murphy, William Buick, Rossa Ryan and Tom Marquand.

“I want to be Champion Jockey one day,” says Billy. “It will take a lot of hard work and effort, but I will try my best.”

2024-07-17 02:28:48
#Billy #Loughnane #Royal #Ascot #prodigy #ambitions #challenge #Oisin #Murphy #William #Buick #Champion #Jockey

READ FULL STORY HERE>>...CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

SPORTS

SAD|| 10 Players Who Lost Everything After Divorce, Number 5 Will Shôck You

Published

on

By

The Hidden Financial Struggles of Footballers: Divorce’s Costly Toll

The glamorous image of professional footballers, with their luxurious lifestyles and multimillion-dollar contracts, often obscures a harsh reality: the financial devastation many endure through divorce. Behind the fame and fortune, several high-profile players have seen their wealth significantly depleted after parting ways with their spouses, a stark reminder that no amount of money can fully shield one of the financial pitfalls of personal relationships gone awry…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

One of the most shocking examples is that of former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué, who lost not only his properties in England but also custody of his children following a bitter divorce. Despite earning millions during his career, Eboué found himself stripped of almost everything. His situation became a cautionary tale, underscoring that even the wealthiest footballers can fall victim to the financial ruin that divorce can bring.

Eboué is not alone. Football legends such as Thierry Henry and Ryan Giggs have also experienced significant financial losses due to divorce. Henry reportedly paid £10 million to his ex-wife, while Giggs parted with an astonishing £40 million after his marriage ended. Louis Saha and Wes Brown, both former Manchester United players, also suffered substantial financial hits, with Brown declaring bankruptcy despite earning £50,000 per week during his time at the club. His case highlights how even vast earnings can quickly evaporate when faced with legal settlements and financial mismanagement.

David James, the former England goalkeeper, faced a particularly dire situation, losing much of his fortune after divorce and being forced to auction his personal belongings to make ends meet. Similarly, Ray Parlour, another Arsenal great, saw his ex-wife receive half of his £10 million fortune, including a £2.5 million house. Jamie Redknapp, a former Liverpool star, also faced a hefty settlement, parting with half of his estimated £15 million fortune after his marriage ended.

These are just a few of the many footballers who have faced financial disaster due to divorce. Keith Gillespie, once a key figure in the Premier League, lost over £7 million, leading to his bankruptcy in 2010. Despite earning significant wages during his career, his divorce and poor financial decisions left him in financial ruin. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Perhaps the most shocking case is that of Tendai Ndoro, a Zimbabwean striker who lost everything after registering all his properties in his wife’s name. Following their breakup, she kicked him out of the house, leaving him with nothing. Ndoro’s story serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of not protecting one’s assets, even in relationships where trust is implicit.

For footballers, whose careers often peak early, these financial setbacks can be devastating. While their salaries are among the highest in professional sports, the combination of short career spans, legal fees, and divorce settlements can quickly erode their fortunes. Many players also face additional challenges in managing their finances due to a lack of financial education or oversight during their playing years.

These stories underscore the importance of safeguarding personal wealth, especially for high-earning individuals like footballers, who may be more vulnerable to financial upheaval. Proper financial planning, asset protection strategies, and prenups are increasingly necessary tools for protecting one’s earnings and securing a stable future.

In conclusion, while the public sees footballers as insulated by their wealth, the reality is that they are just as susceptible to the financial hardships of divorce as anyone else. The personal struggles behind the scenes reveal that their lives, though glamorous on the surface, are often fraught with the same vulnerabilities and challenges faced by ordinary individuals. These cases serve as sobering reminders that financial security is never guaranteed, even for those at the pinnacle of success.

 

READ FULL STORY HERE>>...CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Continue Reading

SPORTS

NFL | The best was yet to come, and then no

Published

on

By

In February 2022, the Bengals missed the Super Bowl by three small points, but regardless, the future seemed bright in Cincinnati.


Posted at 1:13 a.m.

Updated at 7:00 a.m.

In any case, that’s what we, the most seasoned experts in American football, believed, capable of seeing the future each season, often in a very impressive way; for example, this column has been predicting since 1970 that the New York Jets are not going to win the Super Bowl, and that’s still exactly what happens.

The Bengals have never won anything, but their presence on the big stage two years ago suggested that, a bit like the Nordiques in 1990, the best was yet to come.

Well, no.

As of this hour, the Bengals are a dismal 1-4, and even then, their only win came against the Carolina Panthers, who are about as bad as they are.

The good news for the Bengals is that this “landing” is fairly easily explained: their defense is pretty awful. The less good news is that it is probably already too late to try to solve this problem.

In five games, the Bengals have allowed a total of 145 points, which gives a pretty staggering average of 29 points per game. No one else in the American Association looks this bad, and in the league as a whole, only the Carolina Panthers are even worse in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Bengals are wasting the best years of Joe Burrow, who turns 28 in December. He wouldn’t be the first quality quarterback to waste his talent in this uniform.

Is it necessary here to remember that in American football, as in life in general, there is never anything certain? This reality reminds us of this sublime quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who once wrote that “supreme happiness is a hundred times sweeter to hope for than to obtain”.

Rousseau must have been a Bengals fan, obviously.

You are probably aware that the New York Jets fired their coachbut that’s not the worst. The worst part is that poor Robert Saleh would have been escorted to the door like a pauper by security agents.

PHOTO MIKE STOBE, ARCHIVES AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh

It’s undoubtedly one of the worst moments in the history of a club that collects the worst moments, from Mark Sanchez dropping a ball on his lineman’s pussy, to a visibly hot Joe Namath trying to to kiss a reporter live on TV (we’re going to move on to the naughty photo of Brett Favre because there are children here).

We can never repeat it enough: in football, as in life, everything starts from the top. The leaders of the Jets, who display a level of competence similar to that of the inventors of Pepsi Crystal, thus opted for the easy way, instead of realizing that their ground game is non-existent, and that their quarterback who hears voices in his head is finished.

In addition, barely installed, new coach Jeff Ulbrich decided to give control of the attack to assistant Todd Downing, who will call the plays from now on. This is not a detail because this task previously fell to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, close and confidant of Aaron Rodgers.

It’s obvious that this is going to end very badly. As per usual.

Someone whispers in my ear that the inbox is overflowing again, so let’s get to it right away.

First, Luc Girouard from Sept-Îles sends us this timely little comment: “Would Prince Rodgers have plotted to kick Robert Saleh out in order to take his place? »

We all see what you did, Luc.

Then, there is a certain Nicolas B. from Laval who sent this: “Hi Richard. Great weekly column on football. Really entertaining. In addition, you allow my teenagers to read about football in French, which is still a challenge […] If you ever make a reference to my comment, my sports travel gang is buying me a beer on our next trip. »

You will demand a micro beer, Nicolas. Finally, there is Marco Campanozzi who can no longer hear about “mixing” and the right chair: “I can’t do it anymore!!! »

We are Marco.

It will be another great opportunity to lock yourself in front of the TV while pretending to do something constructive, because Sunday’s menu is particularly spicy.

Thus, Commanders in a state of grace will go to Baltimore to prove that they are serious, the Chargers will go to Denver in the hope of recovering after two defeats in a row, and the Cowboys will host the Lions, in a match that they can’t really let slip away, just to build something following the little miracle last Sunday night in Pittsburgh.

Don’t forget to check out the colors during halftime.

READ FULL STORY HERE>>...CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Continue Reading

SPORTS

A young badminton player realizes his deceased father’s dream

Published

on

By

Only 13 years old, badminton-player-honors-fathers-dream-at-nationals/” title=”13-year-old Saskatchewan badminton player honors father’s dream at nationals”>Gautham Sumesh is preparing to realize the dream of his father, who died six months ago: he will soon participate in the National Badminton Championship.

My father was really addicted to badmintonrecalls the Saskatchewan teenager. He really liked that I played.

Gautham Sumesh has been playing badminton since he was old enough to handle a racket. The first time he managed to beat his father, Sumesh Pulavathil, he was offered a drink to celebrate the event.

Sadly, Sumesh Pulavathil died in a road accident near Estevan last October.

Despite the tragedy, the teenager continues to carry his family’s dreams: Gautham Sumesh won the provincial championships this year and is preparing to participate in the National Championship in New Brunswick.

He would be really happyhe believes.

Dreaming of badminton

The young player’s parents left India in 2022 in the hope that their son would become a top badminton player.

: Gautham badminton”,”text”:”When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badminton”}}”>When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badmintonexplains the latter’s mother, Gayathri Ramdas. It is the foundation of our family life.

Her husband put everything in place to help his son play. He bought him shoes and racquets, in addition to devoting many hours to coaching him and other children.

Sumesh Pulavathil (front) was an avid badminton player. (Archive photo)

Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas

Although the family was devastated by Sumesh Pulavathil’s death, there was never any question of the teenager quitting badminton. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Since the death of his father, Gautham Sumesh has undergone intensive training, particularly in preparation for the provincial competition which took place in April.

He remembers that no one knew him when he started competing provincially, but that changed after his victory at the provincial championship.

: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”,”text”:”After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job! “Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”}}”>After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with meexplained Gautham Sumesh.

A portrait of Sumesh Pulavathil (far left) and his family.

Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas

Despite his son’s success in the championship, Gayathri Ramdas believes the victory was bittersweet due to his father’s absence.

Despite everything, she watched her son grow up and demonstrate the values ​​of sportsmanship and good play that she and her husband wanted to instill in him, as he harbored ambitions of becoming a professional badminton player.

I’m little by little catching up on all the dreams we had.

With information from Janani Whitfield

READ FULL STORY HERE>>...CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Continue Reading

Trending

error: Content is protected !!