NEWMARKET // The Global Sprint Challenge is a series of races that was set up three years ago in order to encourage thoroughbred sprinters to achieve excellence around the world.
It is no surprise therefore, that this year the organisation decided to embrace Newmarket's July Cup, staged this afternoon, into its eight-leg series.
The July course's Group 1 dash over 6f is the real pinnacle of sprinting achievement in Europe.
During the last 31 years, 21 winners of the July Cup have gone on to be crowned Europe's top sprinter. It is a thought that delighted John Best, the trainer of the highly-fancied Kingsgate Native. "I'd love him to be champion sprinter at the end of the year," said the Kent handler yesterday.
Kingsgate Native ran twice at Royal Ascot, finishing 10th in the King's Stand, before routing an international field of Group or Graded winners from eight countries in the Golden Jubilee. It was the first time since Lyric Fantasy in 1992 that a three-year-old had won Ascot's 6f sprint, and the son of Mujadil is ready for another big effort today. "Everything has gone 100 per cent since Ascot," Best said. "I've had no problem with him. I just don't know how he will act on soft ground."
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has sponsored the July Cup through his breeding operation Darley since 1995, and yet Godolphin boast just one placing from 11 runners in the race during that period.
Two years ago, Iffraaj was just touched off by Les Arcs, and this year trainer Saeed bin Suroor relies on the former American speedster Diabolical."He ran disappointingly at Royal Ascot," Suroor admitted. "But he has been working well at home and looks fit." Tough opposition indeed, but one Best is not fearful of: "It'll have to be a mighty horse to wrest that crown off us."
@Email:sports@thenational.ae
A cryptocurrency primer for beginners
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Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Unresolved crisis
Russia and Ukraine have been locked in a bitter conflict since 2014, when Ukraine’s Kremlin-friendly president was ousted, Moscow annexed Crimea and then backed a separatist insurgency in the east.
Fighting between the Russia-backed rebels and Ukrainian forces has killed more than 14,000 people. In 2015, France and Germany helped broker a peace deal, known as the Minsk agreements, that ended large-scale hostilities but failed to bring a political settlement of the conflict.
The Kremlin has repeatedly accused Kiev of sabotaging the deal, and Ukrainian officials in recent weeks said that implementing it in full would hurt Ukraine.
What is Reform?
Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.
It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.
Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.
After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.
Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.
The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.
UAE jiu-jitsu squad
Men: Hamad Nawad and Khalid Al Balushi (56kg), Omar Al Fadhli and Saeed Al Mazroui (62kg), Taleb Al Kirbi and Humaid Al Kaabi (69kg), Mohammed Al Qubaisi and Saud Al Hammadi (70kg), Khalfan Belhol and Mohammad Haitham Radhi (85kg), Faisal Al Ketbi and Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)
Women: Wadima Al Yafei and Mahra Al Hanaei (49kg), Bashayer Al Matrooshi and Hessa Al Shamsi (62kg)
Kanye%20West
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
South Africa squad
: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada.
