Talking Horses: Sunday night races may result in serious jockey burnout

A winning rider saying ‘I wish I wasn’t here’ told its own story about the sport’s latest money-spinning exercise

A winning jockey’s post-race comments after picking up a decent prize rarely stray beyond gratitude to the horse’s owner and trainer, and how much they are looking forward to being aboard next time up. “I wish I wasn’t here” is unusual, to say the least.

But that was the gist of Callum Shepherd’s comments after his win aboard Charlie’s Choice in the 5pm race at Wolverhampton on Sunday, the opener on the first of six “trial” cards over the next few weeks, which will explore the potential of Sunday evening racing to expand the sport’s audience and boost betting turnover.

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The Spin | Men’s Test cricket team of the year: from Joe Root to Mitchell Starc

Our special board of selectors announces the picks for the best men’s Test XI of the past 12 months

After 32 Tests, 33,408 runs, 1,016 wickets, it’s time at last for the Guardian’s tenth annual men’s Test XI of the year. This year’s selectors were Vic Marks, Ali Martin, Rob Smyth, Tanya Aldred, Taha Hashim, Geoff Lemon, Adam Collins, Emma John, Tim de Lisle, Daniel Gallan and Andy Bull. Depressingly, some teams (South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh) played so little this year that it was hard to pick any of their players, which feels like a worrying sign of the way the game is going, but for now …

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Rugby Australia won’t rule out hiring Michael Cheika for second stint as Wallabies coach

  • Cheika quits as Argentina coach after reaching World Cup semis
  • Phil Waugh says RA ‘interested in anyone’ to replace Eddie Jones

Rugby Australia chief executive, Phil Waugh, isn’t ruling out going back to the well once more and hiring Michael Cheika as Wallabies coach for a second stint.

Cheika on Tuesday announced he had parted company with Argentina, two months after guiding the Pumas to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals in France.

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Lions announce historic rugby first with Dublin match against Argentina

  • British & Irish Lions have never played in Ireland before
  • June 2025 match is warm-up for three-Test tour of Australia

The British & Irish Lions will take on Argentina in Dublin in preparation for their 2025 tour to Australia in what will be their first ever match in Ireland, the team said on Thursday.

The game will be held at the Aviva Stadium on 20 June 2025, and the two teams will play for the Lions 1888 Cup, which marks the first year British teams toured the southern hemisphere.

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