Written By Unknown on Rabu, 31 Desember 2014 | 23.06
Updated: Wednesday, 31 Dec 2014 13:49 | Comments
Seamus Coleman confronts Papiss Cisse after the incident
Papiss Cisse has apologised for the elbow on Everton defender Seamus Coleman which earned the Newcastle striker a three-game ban.
Cisse on Tuesday accepted a Football Association charge of violent conduct for the altercation, which occurred during the Magpies' 3-2 Barclays Premiers League win on Sunday.
The 29-year-old Senegal international, who has now played his last game for the club before heading to Equatorial Guinea for the African Nations Cup, insists the incident was totally out of character.
"I'm sorry for doing something like this," he told club website nufc.co.uk. "I'm not the sort of player who does something like this.
"It is not like me. I am not an aggressive player, but in football you cannot do something like this.
"I would like to play in the next games, but I did something that is not good and the FA were right to ban me.
"I would have liked to play against Burnley, to help us get a win, but I am sure the other players will do well and win the game for us.
"We need points and need to win and it is not an easy match. I will not be on the pitch but my head and my heart will be with the team for the game."
Cisse will miss Thursday's match against Burnley at St James' Park, Saturday's FA Cup tie at Leicester and the 10 January trip to Chelsea.
Norwich were relegated after sacking Chris Hughton last season
Chris Hughton is the new manager of Brighton after agreeing a three-and-a-half-year deal to replace Sami Hyypia.
The Sky Bet Championship strugglers announced the appointment on Twitter on Wednesday morning.
The 56-year-old had been out of work since being relieved of his duties by Norwich in April with the club 17th in the Barclays Premier League.
Hughton has Championship pedigree, having led Newcastle to the title in 2009-10 and Birmingham to the play-offs two seasons later.
He takes over a Brighton outfit struggling at the wrong end of the table, although four points from two games under caretaker boss Nathan Jones means he begins his reign with the club outside of the relegation zone by virtue of goal difference.
Hughton's first game in charge will be Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie against Brentford at Griffin Park, where he ended his playing career.
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom believes Hughton possesses all the tools needed to get Albion back on track, both in the short term and the long term.
He told the club's official website, www.seagulls.co.uk: "Chris has an excellent record in coaching and management. He's hugely respected, both nationally and internationally, and he has great contacts within the game.
"I'm thrilled to be back in management and Brighton & Hove Albion is a fantastic club." - Chris Hughton
"He is someone who has a real wealth of experience in the top two divisions, from nearly 15 years at Spurs as a coach, assistant and interim manager, through to his more recent work in the Premier League and Championship.
"Chris is also a manager who has a track record for developing talent at all levels from academy upwards and will embrace the work we've been doing at the club in this area in recent seasons.
"Importantly, we also felt Chris is someone who can improve our immediate situation, while also having the management credentials and skills to plan our long-term future and help us to get back to progressing in the way we have in previous seasons."
After eight months away from management, Hughton is relishing the opportunity to be back in work.
Brighton, beaten in the play-off semi-finals last season, have struggled this time round and go into the new year teetering on the brink of the relegation places.
But the former Tottenham, West Ham, Brentford and Ireland full-back does not think relegation will be an issue come May.
"I'm thrilled to be back in management and Brighton & Hove Albion is a fantastic club, with a first-class infrastructure both in footballing and business terms," Hughton told the club's official website.
"We've got one very obvious initial challenge, and I am aiming to hit the ground running, but I am confident with the resources at the club we can succeed in retaining our status in the Championship.
"Once that is achieved we can work towards getting the club back challenging at the top end of the division."
Paul O'Connell returns to the Munster starting line-up
Anthony Foley has made five changes to the Munster team to play Connacht at the Sportsground on New Year's Day (5pm), with Ireland internationals Paul O'Connell, Peter O'Mahony and Simon Zebo all set to start.
The trio were rested for the St Stephen's Day victory over Leinster as part of the IRFU's Player Welfare Programme.
In the front row, BJ Botha trades places with Stephen Archer and packs down next to John Ryan and Duncan Casey, while in the second row O'Connell renews his partnership with Billy Holland.
Holland will make his 100th appearance for the province in Galway since making his debut in September 2007 against Scarlets, and becomes the sixth player in the current squad to reach the milestone.
With O'Mahony returning to captain the team at blindside, CJ Stander makes the positional switch to 8 and Tommy O'Donnell retains his place at openside.
The changes to the backline see JJ Hanrahan start at 12 for the second time in as many weeks while Zebo starts at fullback for the first time this season.
Gerhard van den Heever underwent his knee surgery on Monday and will commence rehabilitation once initial post-op recovery is complete.
Munster XV (v Connacht): Simon Zebo; Andrew Conway, Pat Howard, JJ Hanrahan, Ronan O'Mahony; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; John Ryan, Duncan Casey, BJ Botha; Billy Holland, Paul O'Connell; Peter O'Mahony (capt), Tommy O'Donnell, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Kevin O'Byrne, Eusebio Guinazu, Stephen Archer, Donncha O'Callaghan, Dave O'Callaghan, Neil Cronin, Rory Scannell, Ivan Dineen.
Connacht coach Pat Lam makes seven changes to the team that lost 13-10 to Ulster on St Stephen's Day.
The international trio of Robbie Henshaw, Kieran Marmion and Rodney Ah You all return.
All Black centurion Mils Muliaina starts at full-back while Galway man Darragh Leader moves to the right wing with Danie Poolman on the left.
Bundee Aki shifts to inside-centre to partner Henshaw for the second time this season while 24-year-old Craig Ronaldson is handed the reigns at outhalf.
Denis Buckley is named at loosehead prop for his 15th appearance of the season and starts in a front row with hooker Tom McCartney and Ah You at tighthead.
Quinn Roux returns form the ankle injury that forced him to withdraw late in Belfast last week, and partners try-scorer Aly Muldowney in the second row.
Eoin McKeon has recovered from injury to take his place at Number 8 in a back row with flankers John Muldoon and Willie Faloon.
Lam said: "I've always said that it is so important that we are comfortable adapting our style of play to suit the different conditions and opposition over a long season.
"Tomorrow we face a very direct and physical Munster side with an excellent kicking game. They are undefeated in the interpro games, going back-to-back against Leinster and beating Ulster.
"The changes to our own team reflect the game plan we have devised to try and combat the big challenge ahead.
"It's been six years since we've beaten Munster and only once in the last 41 meetings. We know how big a test this is. It's going to be a very special atmosphere at a sold out Sportsground and like our supporters, we are all massively excited for this game."
Connacht XV (v Munster): Mils Muliaina; Darragh Leader, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Danie Poolman; Craig Ronaldson, Kieran Marmion; Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney, Rodney Ah You; Quinn Roux, Aly Muldowney; John Muldoon (captain), Willie Faloon, Eoin McKeon.
Replacements: Dave Heffernan, JP Cooney, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, George Naoupu, John Cooney,Miah Nikora, Dave McSharry.
Liverpool have ended 2014 in eight place place in the Premier League
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers does not expect to be particularly active in the transfer window and will put his faith in the raft of signings he made in the summer.
Despite concerns over form at either ends of the pitch the Reds boss is unlikely to be looking to rectify either when the market reopens in January.
Rodgers will have striker Daniel Sturridge fit again by the middle of next month and fellow forward Mario Balotelli will almost certainly see out the season despite his disappointing performances - having not scored a Premier League goal since his £16million move from AC Milan - meaning he will be on the bench for most of the second half of the season.
"My first look is always within and I still think we have players who can do that," said the Northern Irishman when asked about what business he may do in the coming weeks.
"There won't be a lot of activity, if any, in January.
"I don't think it is a good time to spend. Last year we never brought anyone in.
"The beauty of our owners is they will always back what it is we want to do and if there was something there we felt would improve us for the short-term and longer term we would do that but I am happy with how the group is progressing.
"We brought in a lot of players (in the summer) who we felt could develop and they are starting to adapt.
"I don't think it is a good time to spend. Last year we never brought anyone in" - Brendan Rodgers
"My job is to coach and manage the players here and maximise that talent.
"Years ago players were given time to come into a club and settle and now they are getting judged after one or two days.
"It is so difficult. It is not going to be one or two months (to adapt) and we have also brought in young players.
"I can understand that but it is never that easy for supporters and other people to understand.
"We brought them here because they are very good players, we feel they can contribute now and for the future, and you can see with the work, settling in period and coaching we will see progress being made over the next couple of years.
"Unless it was something that would significantly improve us then I don't want to stockpile players."
Monday's victory over Swansea was the first time Liverpool had scored four in a match since March but none of the goals were scored by a player who could be classed as a genuine forward.
It is an area where the team has struggled this season in the absence of Sturridge, who has not featured since 31 August and is still undergoing rehabilitation in the United States, but Rodgers believes the return of the England international will make a difference.
"Sturridge is coming back into the country early January to finalise his rehab and the middle to end (of the month) he will be available to play," added Rodgers.
The Reds boss also denied the position of Balotelli, facing a long spell on the bench, had become untenable.
"I don't see that. The team functions in a certain way, and we need a certain profile of player to make it work but he is still a player who has a contribution to make," he said.
"He is working hard because he wants to be the best he can be and whether he starts a game or from the bench we will look for a contribution from him."
Despite a number of false dawns the win over Swansea, securing back-to-back league wins for only the third time this season, was seen as a turning point.
"Despite the start to this season we have made good progress and I have been pleased but we have work to do" - Brendan Rodgers
As they head into the new year, a period 12 months ago when results went into overdrive as they mounted an unlikely title challenge, Rodgers is looking for another upturn.
"It has been another year of progress," he said ahead of the visit of struggling Leicester.
"I know since the start of the season it hasn't been as good as we want but over the course of 2014 we have made significant strides forward.
"If you look at the points over the course of this year only Manchester City and Chelsea are above us on 88 (Liverpool recorded 76).
"Despite the start to this season we have made good progress and I have been pleased but we have work to do.
"I think there are a lot of very good teams trying to get into the top four, Chelsea and City are probably too far ahead for us to affect that at this stage but there are places a number of teams are going for."
Sadler's Risk was disqualified when jockey Andrew Lynch was not allotted the correct riding weight after passing the post in front in the Free Festival Upgrade Ticket Offer Hurdle at Punchestown.
With 7-4 favourite Jennies Jewel exiting the feature event before the halfway stage, the Henry de Bromhead-trained Sadler's Risk was left in front.
He'llberemembered emerged as the main threat from the home turn and both horses fought tooth and nail to the line, with 7-2 chance Sadler's Risk digging deep to hold on by a head.
However, it emerged shortly after the race had finished that the clerk of the scales had weighted out Lynch 4lb lighter than he should have been.
The stewards had little option but to disqualify him and hand victory to Paul Fahey's 33-1 shot He'llberemembered, with Sadler's Risk placed last.
Speaking before the result of the enquiry, De Bromhead said: "He battled really well and Andrew gave him a super ride.
"The main aim will be the World Hurdle back here in April. He doesn't seem to like Cheltenham and his only poor run for us was in the Coral Cup.
"He may go for the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park next month if that doesn't come too soon.
"He won his beginners' chase at Roscommon impressively and it's possible he could go back over fences for something like the (Galway) Plate in the summer."
Golden Ticket edged ahead close home in the Punchestown.com Handicap Chase.
The Christy Roche-trained gelding unseated conditional jockey Jody McGarvey at Thurles recently and was a 14-1 shot for his latest assignment.
Having been given plenty of time to get into a rhythm, Golden Ticket moved ominously into contention heading down the back straight before he was ridden to challenge soon after the home turn.
Heavenly Brook did his best to shake off the attentions of the chasing pack, but McGarvey's mount wore him down on the run to the final fence and ran on to take top honours by half a length.
Heavenly Brook was filling the runner-up spot for the fifth time in succession.
Frank Berry, racing manager for winning owner JP McManus, said: "Jody gave him a grand ride and it made up for Thurles the last day where they parted company.
"We'll find another little race for him somewhere."
The Job Is Right stuck to his guns to get off the mark over fences in the Buy Your 2015 Annual Membership Beginners Chase.
Michael Hourigan's six-year-old was turning out just four days after running a tremendous race to finish fourth in the valuable Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown and was a 9-4 chance in the hands of Mark Enright.
As De Ferbet looked set to deliver for odds-on backers when cruising to the lead rounding the home turn under Bryan Cooper, with Enright hard at work, but The Job Is Right showed plenty of heart to reel him in after jumping the final fence.
Hourigan said: "He jumped well and likes to be up with the pace. When he woke him up he was very good at the last.
"I agonised over whether to run him so soon after Leopardstown. He lost no weight and was very fresh the morning after. When I saw there were only a few declared I decided to take a chance.
"The four-miler at Cheltenham (National Hunt Chase) is in my head, but it's a long way off.
"He wants every yard of three miles plus and I think there is a big day in him some day."
Rock On Ruby ridden by Noel Fehily winning the Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham
Rock On Ruby returns to his happiest hunting ground for the Dornan Engineering Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.
Winner of the 2012 Champion Hurdle, he was second to Hurricane Fly 12 months later before turning his attention to chasing last term.
However, he failed to sparkle over the bigger obstacles and was switched back to hurdles, returning to winning ways in the Relkeel Hurdle at Prestbury Park nearly three weeks ago.
This race was immediately pinpointed by trainer Harry Fry and while the distance looks ideal, he faces stiffer opposition and is carrying an 8lb penalty so Fry knows it will not be easy.
With no race over the intermediate distance of two and a half miles at the Festival in March, Fry has yet to commit him to the World Hurdle over three miles and his performance here could offer a valuable pointer as to future plans.
"There's obviously more strength in depth to this race than the Relkeel and he's got to carry an 8lb penalty, so it will be tougher for him" - Harry Fry
"Hopefully the rain holds off until after the race as everyone knows he's not as effective in the soft," said Fry.
"He came out of his last race really well and this has always been the plan since.
"There's obviously more strength in depth to this race than the Relkeel and he's got to carry an 8lb penalty, so it will be tougher for him.
"We're looking forward to taking him back there, though, he's got a great record at Cheltenham.
"We've said all along that we'll take it one race at a time with him. Obviously with no two-and-a-half-mile race in March we've some thinking to do.
"There's obviously the Aintree Hurdle to think about and we know that suits him very well indeed, but for a horse who runs so well at Cheltenham, it would be a shame for him to miss the Festival so we'll just have to see what happens."
Written By Unknown on Selasa, 30 Desember 2014 | 23.06
Updated: Tuesday, 30 Dec 2014 11:43 | Comments
Luis Suarez (R) was among eight Barcelona signings last summer
Barcelona will not be allowed to sign any players in 2015 after the Catalan club's appeal against their transfer ban was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The Primera Division outfit turned to CAS in August after FIFA rejected their appeal to overturn a two-window ban, which was handed to them by world football's governing body in April due to concerns over the "international transfer of minors".
But their quest hit a further dead end on Tuesday, meaning they will be unable to bring in any new blood until January 2016.
"The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed the appeal filed by FC Barcelona against the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) regarding the decision issued by the FIFA appeals committee on 19 August 2014," a statement from CAS read.
"In such decision, the Spanish football club was sanctioned with a transfer ban for two periods, a fine of CHF [Swiss francs] 450,000 and a reprimand after it was found to have infringed the FIFA regulations with respect to the registration of a number of minor players."
Barcelona were found guilty of breaching FIFA's rules on the transfer of players aged under 18. The players in question were registered and participated in competitions with the Catalan club between 2009 and 2013.
Barcelona issued a statement on their official website later on Tuesday morning, expressing their "utter nonconformity with the resolution" and insisting any errors that may have been made were "of an administrative nature" only.
"The club has made it clear to the FIFA disciplinary commission, the FIFA appeals commission and the CAS itself that it understands and supports the policy on the protection of minors and the concern for the protection of their development and education," it said.
"This is confirmed by how the club has acted throughout its history, setting an example around the world for the way its young footballers are schooled and educated, and the work that is done on their development. FC Barcelona's youth structure has enabled hundreds of young players to achieve their dreams and receive a decent upbringing.
"The errors that the club might have committed, and which have been recognised and argued before the corresponding authorities, are, in all cases, of an administrative nature and to a large extent have been caused by the existing conflict between the FIFA regulations and Spanish legislation, along with the club's conviction that it was acting correctly.
"Therefore, FC Barcelona considers the sanction to be completely disproportionate as it supposes an excessive punishment for the club, when considering its trajectory and the circumstances of this specific case."
The CAS statement continued: "The panel found in particular that FC Barcelona had breached the rules regarding the protection of minors and the registration of minors attending football academies (articles 19 and 19bis of the FIFA regulations on the status and transfer of players).
"Accordingly, the FIFA decision is confirmed in full and the sanction remains in force.
"In view of the need to issue a decision before the opening of the next transfer window, the panel has issued its decision without the grounds. The full arbitral award, with the reasons for the panel's decision, will be issued as soon as possible."
Barca went on a summer spending spree this year while the suspension went on hold during the appeals process, splashing out more than €150million on Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Thomas Vermaelen, Claudio Bravo, Jeremy Mathieu and Alen Halilovic.
But there will be no further new recruits heading to the Nou Camp for at least 12 months, with the CAS ruling the final word on the matter.
Bobs Worth finished eighth of nine in the Lexus Chase
Connections of Bobs Worth are putting his disappointing defence of his crown in the Lexus Chase purely down to the testing conditions at Leopardstown.
Last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup hero was sent off favourite to repeat last year's heroics at the Dublin circuit, but was one of the first horses under pressure as Road to Riches took the honours.
Nicky Henderson's nine-year-old plugged on in the straight to finish eighth of nine runners and part-owner Malcolm Kimmins is keen to put a line through the race and move on.
Kimmins said: "The ground was horrendous and he just couldn't deal with it. There was no point destroying him on that sort of ground.
"He looked very well before the race and Barry (Geraghty) was very pleased with the way he felt. He just didn't like the ground.
"When he actually got on the better ground in the straight, it made a big difference and he wasn't beaten that far.
"It was a disappointing trip for his supporters, but he lives to fight another day."
Kimmins was non-committal when asked whether Bobs Worth would run again between now and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
"I think we'll just see how he is. The Gold Cup has always been his major aim and we're still on track for that," said the owner.
Gareth Bale has won the Champions League, Copa del Rey and World Club Cup since joining Real Madrid in summer 2013
Real Madrid have told Manchester United that Gareth Bale is not for sale at any price.
United have been linked with a summer move for Bale, who signed for the European champions in a world-record £85 million transfer 16 months ago.
The United board has informed manager Louis van Gaal there is a significant amount of money to spend if he feels his squad needs strengthening, and Bale's signing would be a considerable coup for the 20-time English champions.
But the Welshman is going nowhere, according to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
"We have not received an offer from Manchester or any other club for Gareth Bale," Perez was quoted as saying on Marca's website.
"We would never listen to any offer for Bale, no matter what the fee."
Van Gaal refused to discuss a potential bid for Bale at a press conference last week.
"I discuss that with my CEO (Ed Woodward) and not with anyone of the media," said the Dutchman, who spent £155m on six new players during his first transfer window as United boss.
United were in the running to sign Bale when he left Tottenham in September 2013 but he opted to move to Spain, where he has enjoyed considerable success since.
The 25-year-old was part of the Madrid team that lifted the Champions League last season and he also won the Copa del Rey in his first year at the club.
Bale has so far scored 11 goals this season for Madrid, who are top of the Primera Division.
Meanwhile, United striker Wayne Rooney has called for a change to the congested festive fixture list before the exertion leads to a serious injury.
The Manchester United and England skipper scored twice in the 3-1 St Stephen's Day victory over Newcastle and lined up again less than 48 hours later as Louis van Gaal named the same starting XI for Sunday's goalless draw at Tottenham.
The Red Devils boss labelled the match at White Hart Lane as "ugly" and a "struggle for life", and with more calls than ever for the Premier League to address the Christmas fixture congestion, his captain was left in agreement.
"It is not easy playing two games in two days and you do lose a lot of the quality from both teams," said Rooney.
"It is difficult. We started so well in the first half but in the second half it was tough and hopefully in the future it has to change.
"It will probably take someone getting a really bad injury from doing it (playing twice in two days), which no-one wants to see, but it is very demanding and I think it does need looking at.
"With the weather as well, with the fans coming from London or travelling from Manchester, it has been tough. It is a lot of money to spend over Christmas as well. But it is what it is, we have to deal with that and have to try and perform well."
Ireland international Robbie Henshaw is available again for Connacht
Robbie Henshaw, Fionn Carr and Eoin McKeon could all return for Connacht against Munster in the Pro12 on New Year's Day.
The provinces meet in a sold-out clash at the Sportsground (5pm) on Thursday.
Ireland international Henshaw missed the St Stephen's Day defeat to Ulster due to the IRFU's player welfare programme.
Back-row McKeon has recovered from the knee sprain that ruled him out while record Connacht try-scorer Carr Fionn Carr has completed the return-to-play protocols following a concussion.
After the Ulster game, there were also injury concerns around late withdrawals Ronan Loughney and Quinn Roux.
Galway man Loughney, who aggravated his back in training last week, remains a doubt for this week's clash while second-row Roux is on track for a return after symptoms from the ankle injury sustained in the Friday night warmup improved.
The province's most capped player Michael Swift has been entered in to the return-to-play programme for a concussion he suffered during last week's training session. It is expected that the second row veteran will be out of action for two to three weeks.
Scrum half Ian Porter is also facing a similar spell on the sidelines as he continues rehab on a mid-foot sprain.
Mick Kearney (ankle) and Tiernan O'Halloran (knee) both commenced running on Monday but the duo are another 2 - 3 weeks away from any match action.
Papiss Cisse will be banned for three matches after the Newcastle striker accepted a charge of violent conduct from the Football Association.
Cisse elbowed Everton defender and Republic of Ireland international Seamus Coleman during Newcastle's 3-2 victory on Sunday but escaped any action from referee Craig Pawson.
The 29-year-old's suspension begins with immediate effect.
Cisse is banned for Newcastle's Barclays Premier League home match against Burnley on New Year's Day, Saturday's FA Cup tie at Leicester and a trip to Chelsea on 10 January.
The Senegalese striker had been expected to miss the games against Leicester and Chelsea anyway as he departs to play at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Cisse has scored nine league goals already this season and five in his last six matches.
Ruby Walsh onboard Hurricane Fly clears the last hurdle on the way to winning the Ryanair Hurdle
Willie Mullins is still on a high 24 hours after Hurricane Fly's latest spine-tingling triumph at Leopardstown.
The brilliant hurdler improved his own record for number of wins in Grade One company to 21 and also made it nine starts unbeaten at his beloved Foxrock venue as he got the better of reigning Champion Hurdle hero Jezki for the second time this season in the Ryanair Hurdle.
The champion trainer reports his pride and joy to be none the worse for his exertions and he is now on course to bid for a historic fifth victory in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown in late January.
"It's getting to the point with him now where I just let him do the talking," said Mullins. "He's just a fantastic horse with fantastic ability.
"He has won (Champion Hurdle) twice at Cheltenham but maybe because he has disappointed once there it affected his followers, I don't know. There's certainly something about Leopardstown that suits him, though.
"He's just a horse with huge ability but also with a tremendous amount of guts. It's onwards and upwards for the Irish Champion Hurdle next.
"Ruby (Walsh) mentioned that going down to the start he didn't seem as geed up as normal and I'm not sure why that was, maybe something was too tight, I don't know but once he got warmed up he was fine.
"He then got a bit of gorse stuck in his girth and that must have been sore, but he obviously ignored that and was very brave.
"That's just one of those things that happens in races, it's not an issue now and he came home and ate up well. He's some horse."
Paddy Power make Hurricane Fly a 4-6 chance to beat his old rival Jezki (6-4) in the BHP Irish Champion Hurdle next month.
Written By Unknown on Senin, 29 Desember 2014 | 23.06
Updated: Monday, 29 Dec 2014 15:37 | Comments
Man City's Fernandinho scored a Christmas cracker for Man City
Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho looked on the bright side after the champions squandered the chance to close right in on Chelsea.
City blew a chance to move within a point of the Barclays Premier League leaders on Sunday as they surrendered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with relegation battlers Burnley at the Etihad Stadium.
Fernandinho was at a loss to explain City's capitulation but pointed out that no ground was lost on Chelsea - who drew at Southampton - and immediately looked to the next opportunity.
The Brazilian said: "I don't know exactly what went wrong. In the first half we played so well, and created so many chances to score, but in the second half we didn't do it.
"It was a result we didn't expect but it happened. We need to keep heads up and think about the next game. It is not over, there are still a lot of games to play.
"It is not a bad result - a bad result is losing. We have one point and we will try to win the next game to get the three points.
"Chelsea drew, we drew and the Premier League is still open. The race for the title is still open.
"It is too early to decide the title now, and we need to keep playing and winning games, and we will see what will happen."
"It is too early to decide the title now, and we need to keep playing and winning games, and we will see what will happen" -Fernandinho
City had a club record tenth successive win in their sights as, again without a recognised striker on the pitch, they controlled the first half.
Burnley were not outplayed but there only seemed one result as David Silva struck his fourth in three appearances and Fernandinho doubled the lead with a stunning long-range strike.
"I am so happy to score that goal," said Fernandinho, of his powerful hit that cannoned in off the underside of the bar. "But unfortunately it was not enough to help us win the game."
City were rocked two minutes into the second half as the Clarets hit back, although there was controversy over George Boyd's 47th-minute strike.
The Scot was in offside position as he got the faintest of touches to help a Danny Ings cross-cum-shot past Joe Hart.
There was debate over whether Boyd made contact at all but replays indicated that there was and that City were therefore unlucky.
But the hosts still let their intensity slip and all the energy after the break came from Burnley.
They arguably deserved the point that came their way as Ashley Barnes lashed a fierce drive into the roof of the net nine minutes from time after Jason Shackell had lofted a free-kick into the box.
The result was not enough to lift them out of the bottom three but the performance offered further proof that they have the wherewithal to survive.
Despite a run of just one win in seven games, Burnley have shown their battling qualities of late, not least in their narrow loss to Liverpool on St Stephen's Day.
Midfielder David Jones said: "From the start of the season we have been growing in belief and here that was evident and proof, if we needed it, that we can compete with anybody.
"It is one of the toughest places, if not the toughest, place to come. There are a lot of positives and we're very happy.
"Outside of our own camp there wouldn't have been much belief that we could get something, especially when we went 2-0 down.
"But that is what the manager has built at this club - a relentless mentality to keep going and see where it leads us at the end of the 90 minutes. That was evident in the second half. We never stopped.
"We felt we could have got more on Boxing Day. We definitely didn't deserve to lose the game, and we felt we should have won it really.
"But to bounce back in this fashion is great for us and gives us that belief to go and do what we have got to do."
Windsor Park, ridden by Davy Russell, comes home to win the first race of the day
Windsor Park wore down main market rival Royal Caviar to make a winning start to his jumping career in the Copper Face Jacks Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.
A dual bumper scorer and also successful on the Flat at Gowran Park and Galway this autumn, Windsor Park was the 6-4 favourite for Dermot Weld and Davy Russell.
Royal Caviar, representing Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh, travelled ominously well throughout and looked set to come out on top after cruising to the lead soon after rounding the home turn.
However, Windsor Park tracked him to the final flight and found most for pressure on the run-in to score by two and a half lengths.
Racing at Leopardstown and Limerick this afternoon goes ahead following precautionary inspections due to the threat of frost.
However, officials will continue to monitor the chase track, which is in part currently unraceable.
The track tweeted: "Parts of the chase track are currently unraceable and will be monitored through the morning as temps change.
"We are optimistic chases will take place. Forecast: cold and frosty this morning, becoming sunny later.
"New fresh track for the hurdle races will be provided on the inside line."
The going on the hurdles track is soft, with the chase course described as soft to heavy.
The main event is scheduled for 1.25pm, with Hurricane Fly and Jezki facing off for the sixth time in the Ryanair Hurdle.
The score currently stands at three to two in the favour of Hurricane Fly.
Racing at Limerick this afternoon goes ahead as planned.
Officials made a precautionary early-morning check of the track due to the threat of frost, and were able to give a positive outcome for the last of four days of racing over Christmas.
The Grade Three Cliona's Foundation Novice Hurdle is the feature event on the seven-race card.
Hurricane Fly (near side) is a top-price 14-1 for the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival
Hurricane Fly once again got the better of old foe Jezki in a pulsating renewal of the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown to register his fourth victory in the race as he stretched his unbeaten record at the Foxrock track to nine.
With the score 3-2 in favour of Willie Mullins' brilliant hurdler heading into their latest battle, Hurricane Fly was the 5-6 favourite to get the job done again.
Jezki was the first of the big two to commit for home in the hands of Tony McCoy, but Ruby Walsh tracked him through aboard Hurricane Fly and there was little to choose between the pair jumping the final flight.
Both horses fought tooth and nail to the line, but it was Hurricane Fly who brought the house down with another determined success.
Jezki was one of three runners in the field for leading owner JP McManus and his two other participants, Plinth and Alderwood, did their best to give the Jessica Harrington-trained Champion Hurdle hero a tow into the race.
Jezki hit the front after the home turn, but Hurricane Fly, who beat his major rival in this race 12 months ago, was right in his slipstream.
When it turned into a scrap after the last hurdle, Mullins' inmate once again dug deep into his reserves to seize the day by half a length.
The winner's stable companion, Arctic Fire, was not far behind the big two in third.
Mullins said: "I think he's the best anyone has ever trained over jumps.
"I'll never have another horse like him.
"He's unique."
Walsh said: "He's an incredible little horse, but it takes two horses to make a race and, in fairness to Jezki, he showed up today and it was an honest race.
"Plinth and Alderwood built the pace all the way down the back (straight) and it turned into a test of stamina more so than a sprint.
"He's a pleasure to ride. To have him at the peak of his powers for so many years is an incredible feat.
"You'll never take 21 Grade Ones away from him and counting."
Mullins was keen to praise Hurricane Fly's fighting qualities which yielded a half-length success.
"There is a fantastic atmosphere here and it was a fantastic race just to watch," said the County Carlow handler.
"It was a superbly run race. JP's horses had the advantage, tactically. I told Ruby to ride him as you find him and don't try and beat Jezki.
"Coming to the final flight, Fly always gets a good jump but Jezki got a fantastic one as well.
"When he got over the last he put his ears back and no horse I've ever seen can battle like him.
"When he got his head in front he kept it there and he's just a professional.
"Ruby said he jumped a shadow at the first and landed on it. He had a bit of gorse stuck in his girth coming back in which must have been uncomfortable for him.
"He didn't look happy going away on the bend from the stands and it took him until about the mile to warm up.
"We expected Jezki to be better but we knew we were better as well. There is not much between them.
"We're always trying to find the next one coming along but I don't think I have anything like him.
"Faugheen is seven from seven but he has a long way to go. Hopefully we find another one but he's unique.
"Last year people were asking me would he be retired but I said, 'No, why?'.
"He had two less-than-good runs but any horse is allowed that. I thought if the ability was still there, there was no question and he was showing at home that the zest for racing was still there.
"We probably didn't do enough with him in the second half of last season.
"We were training him like he was when he was still keen but he's not like that now. We rectified that now.
"I'm enjoying his wins more now as there is not the pressure there used to be."
Although stablemate Faugheen is the ante-post Champion Hurdle favourite for the Cheltenham showpiece in March, Mullins said: "To me, he's our top Champion Hurdle horse - he has the ratings.
"He (Faugheen) looks the one coming up, but he's (Hurricane Fly) doing it."
Mullins said Hurricane Fly is likely to next compete in the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle back at Leopardstown on 25 January.
Fernando Torres has joined Atletico Madrid on loan from AC Milan
Fernando Torres said it was "another dream" to rejoin boyhood club Atletico Madrid on loan, just two days after agreeing a permanent move to AC Milan from Chelsea.
The Spaniard agreed to make his loan switch from the Premier League leaders to the San Siro a permanent one on December 27, but on Monday was announced as an Atleti player on loan until the summer of 2016.
The move, announced on the website of the Primera Division champions, sets the 30-year-old up for an emotional return to the Vicente Calderon.
He told Atletico's official website clubatleticodemadrid.com: "I'm going to Atletico in the pursuit of my happiness.
"When I was a child, my dream was to play for Atletico. I achieved that and to come back now is another dream I get to accomplish again. I've been fine with other teams, but there isn't one like Atleti."
A lifelong fan of Los Rojiblancos, Torres did not celebrate when Chelsea scored against Atleti in the Champions League earlier this season and has made his love of the club well known.
"I was not a Liverpool fan or a Chelsea fan in Madrid," he once said. "I was an Atletico fan. I still am. Maybe they're the only badge I will kiss."
Torres scored 91 goals in 244 appearances for Atleti after making his debut as a 17-year-old in 2001.
The Spain striker sent a message to the Atletico fans on Monday, saying: "Nobody can doubt how I'll feel wearing that shirt again. Atleti fans always demand your all on the field and I guarantee that I will give them that and more."
Liverpool signed him from the Spanish club in 2007 and, after thrilling Anfield for the best part of four years, he left for Chelsea in a £50million switch but the move started a steady decline in his personal fortunes.
Despite winning the FA Cup, Europa League and Champions League, he found goals hard to come by and a return of 45 goals in 172 games, while not prolific, is still not a true reflection of his struggles.
Just 20 of those goals were in the Premier League, scant return compared to the 65 the double European champion and one-time World Cup winner got for Liverpool.
He joined Milan at the start of the season but has continued to labour for goals, netting just once.
A statement from Atleti read: "Fernando Torres returns to Atletico Madrid after an agreement reached by our club with Milan for the international striker to play on loan for the remainder of the season and one more.
"The player will have a medical on January 5. He returns home, where he trained as a player and became one of our biggest stars."
Written By Unknown on Minggu, 28 Desember 2014 | 23.06
Updated: Sunday, 28 Dec 2014 14:35 | Comments
Robin van Persie of Manchester United has his attempt on goal saved by Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris
Tottenham 0-0 Manchester United
Hugo Lloris refused to be beaten as Manchester United finished an ignominious 2014 with a goalless draw at Tottenham.
Louis van Gaal, who succeeded the sacked David Moyes in the summer, had been hoping to end a fraught year on a high and continue United's bid to regain a Champions League place.
It was the first time United had named an unchanged starting XI since November 2012, in 85 Premier League games; curious timing given they had played fewer than 48 hours previously.
United, who had not lost at White Hart Lane since May 2001, swept Newcastle aside in 53 minutes in that 3-1 win and had it not been for Lloris the visitors would have been out of sight at the interval.
The Spurs goalkeeper saved twice from Radamel Falcao, Robin van Persie and Ashley Young and was complimented by opposite number David de Gea as the teams left the field at half-time.
The one time Lloris was beaten Juan Mata's deflected free-kick hit the post and Vlad Chiriches cleared the rebound off the line ahead of Van Persie.
Van Persie and Mata fired over in a second half in which Spurs, who next play Chelsea, had the better openings without really testing De Gea as the match ended in a stalemate.
United still have won only twice away from home this season and now go to Stoke on New Year's Day hoping for a brighter 2015.
Spurs, who made four changes following the win at Leicester, had a couple of scrappy half-chances before United took control.
The first came after Wayne Rooney was dispossessed by Harry Kane, who threaded a pass through for Ryan Mason only for the midfielder to be squeezed off the ball.
Rooney attempted to make amends by setting up Falcao, but Jan Vertonghen blocked and the Colombia striker then should have done better than shoot weakly at Lloris following Mata's pass.
Mata struck the post with a curling free-kick which flicked off the head of Ryan Mason, who was standing in the wall.
Van Persie tried to tuck in the rebound, but Chiriches somehow scrambled clear.
The offside flag saved Spurs when Phil Jones' header appeared to cross the line before being hooked clear as United continued to build the pressure.
Benjamin Stambouli and Andros Townsend were booked in quick succession for fouls on Michael Carrick and Young as Spurs temporarily, and illegally, stemmed the tide of attacks.
Then Falcao shot meekly at Lloris after being found by Mata and Van Persie also had a chance but he was unable to control Carrick's lofted ball inside the six-yard box.
It was the sort of opportunity Van Persie usually makes look easy but he was thwarted by Lloris.
Lloris would not be beaten from distance either, palming Young's fine inswinging effort clear.
Rafael replaced Antonio Valencia at half-time and Spurs resumed on the attack with Christian Eriksen's effort ricocheting around in the United box before being thumped clear.
Van Persie could only volley over from a Mata cross and he took out his frustrations on Vertonghen, pushing over the defender as the Belgian made a clearance.
With the game meandering midway through the second half, Townsend tried to enliven proceedings, hitting a swerving shot which De Gea held.
United were still creating - and spurning - good chances and Mata hopelessly fired well over from Rafael's cross.
Tottenham's defence was shaky but so, too, was United's. Townsend appealed in vain as he tussled with Young, already booked, for a through ball and De Gea saved from Federico Fazio.
United switched to 4-4-2 with 15 minutes to go, including three substitutes in the back four as Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw came on for Jonny Evans and Paddy McNair to join Rafael and Jones.
Spurs' switches were more attacking but still they could not test De Gea.
Kane robbed Carrick and found the overlapping Mason, but the midfielder could not keep his shot down.
Road to Riches was commanding in victory in the Lexus Chase
Road To Riches pounced late to overcome concerns about the ground and take the honours in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.
Bryan Cooper was hard at work some way from home aboard the winner, but was still in with a shout at the last where On His Own and Sam Winner were battling it out.
Road To Riches (4-1), trained by Noel Meade, showed plenty of determination as he got up on the run to the line to score for Gigginstown House Stud. On His Own (14-1) was second and Sam Winner (7-1) third.
Road To Riches was prominent from the start with On His Own while Home Farm, the outsider of the party, fell at the first.
There were no other dramas as the race unfolded on the second circuit. Last year's winner Bobs Worth and Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Lord Windermere were held up and never got into contention.
Sam Winner staked his claim when going into the lead after the fourth last, but On His Own stuck to his guns while Carlingford Lough also threatened as the field turned for home with all to play for.
It was still anybody's race at the final fence, but Road To Riches came out on top by a length and a half as he supplemented his victory in the JNWine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal.
Road To Riches was trimmed to 14-1 from 20-1 for Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup with Paddy Power.
"You'd imagine it's all systems go for Cheltenham." - Noel Meade
Meade said: "We're thrilled. It really didn't go to plan because we thought we'd be able to make it without others but he was getting a bit of hassle from the other horse and I think around the last bend, he just didn't get the run of it really but it worked out well for him, I suppose.
"He's a fair horse - we knew he was in great shape, and he's just improved and improved all the time since Punchestown. He's just got better and better every day.
"He is exciting and the way he came home, you'd imagine it's all systems go for Cheltenham, I presume.
"You'd say he'll get the trip the way he stayed on there, he really stuck at it well."
Cooper said: "He was very good. Things didn't go according to plan but he showed today that he doesn't have to be ridden from the front and he showed he stays. He answered all the questions today.
"I knew I had plenty of horse left but he doesn't like to be crowded. I didn't want to get into a battle with Sam Winner from the second last as he's an out-and-out stayer.
"Our lad has a touch of class and showed that today."
Plans remain fluid for Sizing Europe after the veteran was taken out of the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown on Saturday due to the rain-softened ground.
Henry de Bromhead's stalwart would have been seeking the ninth Grade One success of his stellar career.
It had looked like retirement beckoned after he won at Punchestown in April, but that was put on hold and he returned to tremendous effect at Gowran in October before finding conditions against him in the Clonmel Oil Chase.
Stressing options were open, De Bromhead said: "I don't know yet where we'll see Sizing Europe.
"I'd say we might enter him in what used to be the Victor Chandler at Ascot (Clarence House Chase). I don't know, though.
"We're in no mad rush to run him - if we don't run him until the spring, that's OK."
Lieutenant Colonel, ridden by Bryan Cooper, clears the last fence on his way to winning
Lieutenant Colonel just collared gritty front-runner Jetson to lift the Grade One Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown.
The winner had beaten Jetson by four lengths in the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse just weeks earlier, but the margin was down to three-quarters of a length this time after a pulsating duel.
However, it was the same result as Bryan Cooper got the Sandra Hughes-trained Lieutenant Colonel (4-1) past the post first. Monksland was third and At Fishers Cross fourth.
Cooper, who was completing a double in the Gigginstown House Stud colours after victory earlier on Identity Thief, had his mount handily-placed in second as Jetson set the pace.
Though Lieutenant Colonel got his head in front after the final flight, Jetson would not give in without a fight despite having little room on the far rail and the battle went all the way to line.
Paddy Power cut Lieutenant Colonel to 14-1 from 25s for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham while BetVictor go 10s from 16-1.
"He was very, very good. We thought that he stayed and I'm delighted. He was brilliant," said Hughes, who took over the licence after the death of her father Dessie last month.
"He's very economical in his jumping. He stays well and has a bit of class - that's what you need in the three-mile Grade Ones.
"Bryan was fantastic on him. I don't have to worry when he is riding.
"Christmas was very hard as you can imagine, but this is fantastic for the lads in the yard and it's what we work for everyday.
"We'll take him home now and have a look. I'll talk to Michael and Eddie (O'Leary). The World Hurdle at Cheltenham is his main aim this season."
Hughes' brother Richard, Britain's champion Flat jockey, said: "I'm very proud of her. She's up at 6.30 every morning. I'll stay out of the limelight as it's her day."
Brendan Rodgers has lavished praise on Raheem Sterling
Brendan Rodgers believes Raheem Sterling is on course to become a top-class Premier League striker as he continues to develop his eye for goal.
The Liverpool manager admits Sterling is a natural winger but has tasked him with being the focal point of the attack as Rodgers continues to tweak his side to replicate the goalscoring feats they achieved last season.
After scoring three times in his last three games, including the winner against Burnley on St Stephen's Day, Rodgers believes that Sterling's work rate and willingness to learn are the key factors in a so far seamless transformation.
Rodgers said: "I think there are players that are natural-born goalscorers and they live to score goals, they want to score a goal. Some are not so worried about what they do in the build-up, not concerned about how hard they work, but they want to score a goal. They have that ability to get a goal.
"Then you get other players, the top-class players who work very hard, who have that ability to score a lot of goals and create goals and that's something that develops with confidence over your career. I think we see him like that and I think his numbers over his career will keep improving and improving.
"For me I'm very happy with his performance. He's gone into that role, he's offered us a real threat, his pace in every game is phenomenal but he's got that bit of composure at the end. He's going to miss some chances of course but you've seen at Burnley the one opportunity he had he took it."
Sterling has big shoes to fill as he bids to compensate for the absence of Daniel Sturridge. In his relatively short career to date, Sterling has only reached double figures once, last season.
Stepping up could be seen as a big ask for a player who has only just turned 20 years old, but his manager has every confidence he can stand up to the weight of expectation.
"He deals with it so well but it's hard to hide the talent," Rodgers added. "If you have that talent you're going to be under that scrutiny and we protect the players as much as we can.
"I've seen him develop into a wonderful young man. He's got great maturity. I think back to the boy when I arrived here when he was 17 and I see him now and the maturity that he has and how he's taken it all in his stride. Of course he's had difficult moments but as I said he's a real pleasure to work with.
"He obviously realises the harder you climb the ladder people want to criticise you more as well but that's all part of the dance. I'm delighted to work with him and hopefully we can be together for a long time."
Liverpool close the first half of their campaign on Sunday as they welcome Swansea to Anfield. A win would see them draw level on points with the visitors, although the Welsh side possess a superior goal difference. As they bid to close the gap on the Champions League places, Rodgers hopes that an improved second half of the season can see them fulfil their pre-season ambitions.
Rodgers said: "For us the objectives are very much the same - we want to finish in that top four. We know there's a long road but the points can whittle away very quickly. We're seven points behind that but we'll take each game as it comes and if we can keep this momentum going and keep the focus we can have a real good second half to the season."
Identity Thief, ridden by Bryan Cooper, clears the last fence on his way to winning the At The Races Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown
Identity Thief created a good impression when making a winning debut over jumps in the At The Races Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.
The Henry de Bromhead-trained four-year-old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, followed up his bumper success at Fairyhouse with a stylish display under Bryan Cooper.
Leading before the final flight, Identity Thief (7-4) shrugged off the attentions of the 6-4 favourite Snow Falcon to score by half-a-length. The pair pulled nicely clear of Okotoks in third.
"I'm delighted. He jumped well," said de Bromhead. "Bryan thought maybe a faster pace would suit him and we might drop him back and try the Deloitte here in February. We'll see how he goes after that.
"He was impressive in his bumper and kept the dream alive here today. He's a really nice young horse to have.
"The ground was pretty nice when he won his bumper and I'd say he pretty adaptable.
"Bryan said he didn't really want him winging the second last and getting there too soon so when he fluffed it he got a nice lead into the straight."
Identity Thief was quoted at by BetVictor at 25-1 first show for both the Neptune and Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival.
Usuel Smurfer (20-1) gamely fought off Off The Charts to cause a surprise in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier).
Whatuthink led the field to the turn for home where he was swamped by a host of challengers headed by John Hanlon's six-year-old.
Usuel Smurfer, owned by Barry Connell, was driven out by Adrian Heskin to win by two and a quarter lengths. Zabana was third and Dara Tango fourth.
"That was lovely. Coming here I was very much afraid of the ground," said Hanlon.
"He could go for the Pertemps at Cheltenham, we'll see what weight he gets. He might have to go for another one.
"We'll stick him in a handicap and if he gets a nice weight, he'll go straight to Cheltenham. The better ground in Cheltenham will be a big plus for him.
"Hopefully he'll get a nice mark at the bottom of the weights. It was great to get one here."
Le Vent D'Antan (7-4 favourite) went one better than on his fencing debut when taking the Ballymaloe Original Country Relish Beginners Chase.
Davy Russell never let the front-running Balbir Du Mathan out of his sights and produced Liz Doyle's charge to lead early in the straight before they bypassed the final fence because of low sun to win by eight lengths.
Doyle said: "It's coming together with him. He made two shockers in Naas but still ran a really good race against a really good horse.
"Davy said he travelled so well and to keep him to two and a half miles for the time being. We'll probably go for the PJ Moriarty and have another look at him over the trip.
"I'm still not sure with him. His dam is by Dr Devious so he might be a three-mile horse. Davy was delighted with the way he jumped. He was good long and short and he got a great feel from him.
"I think the Martalines all want better ground. When he hit the better ground today coming out of the back, he picked up the bridle.
"Hopefully he's a nice horse, he still has a lot to prove. He beat some nice horses today but he has to go and do it in graded company. Hopefully he's a nice horse for the festivals."
Le Vent D'Antan has been introduced at 16-1 for the JLT Novices' Chase and the RSA Chase by RaceBets.
Shemshal (4-1 favourite) struck gold for trainer Tony Martin and jockey Ruby Walsh in the Irish Daily Star Christmas Novice Handicap Hurdle.
"It's great. I'm delighted for the man who bought him. He bought him off Bill Moffett, who had a few too many horses. He recommended him to Dermot (Kilmurray) so it's worked out well," said Martin.
"It was typical Walsh. You're halfway there when you have him on your side.
"He can mix it. He won over a mile in Bellewstown and was placed in a good race at the Curragh.
"We'll get him home and enjoy today before making any plans."
It has not been the best of meetings for Mullins but at least he took the concluding race on day three in the Thornton's Recycyling INH Flat Race.
Up For Review (9-10 favourite), owned by Andrea and Graham Wylie, comfortably landed the odds by 10 lengths from Beyond The Obvious in the hands of the trainer's son, Patrick.
"I started working him in October and had him ready to run on 1 November, but I just did too much with him and he went over the top so I decided to put him away," said Mullins senior.
"He was doing fantastic work at home and today he showed that work was right. He set a very, very strong pace.
"Patrick has a clock in his head and I knew that if he was going that pace, he was comfortable doing it. He burned off his rivals and nothing had a chance.
"He has pace, he stays and he jumps. He's got everything and I think he's a really nice horse for Mr and Mrs Wylie.
"He's one to look forward to. We'll probably go the bumper route and go to Cheltenham. He's really a chaser in the making.
"He's by Presenting so his pedigree says he'll go on good ground and when you see him gallop at home he really flicks his toe out. The good ground at Cheltenham should suit."
Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 27 Desember 2014 | 23.06
Updated: Saturday, 27 Dec 2014 15:32 | Comments
Noel Fehily rode Vibrato Valtat to victory in the Novices' Chase
Vibrato Valtat dug deep to repel Three Kingdoms and take Grade Two honours in the williamhill.com Novices' Chase at Kempton.
In a race better known as the Wayward Lad, God's Own made the early running on his return to novice company, opening up a healthy advantage.
That gap had narrowed significantly by the time the field got to the third-last, with Vibrato Valtat poised and Three Kingdoms creeping closer.
It was still God's Own with two to jump, but his race faded from there as Vibrato Valtat (11-4) and Three Kingdoms took over.
For a brief moment after the last it looked like Brian Hughes and Three Kingdoms might have the edge, but Vibrato Valtat found another burst for Noel Fehily to come out on top by half a length.
William Hill cut the Paul Nicholls-trained winner to 12-1 from 14-1 for the Arkle, while Paddy Power are 16-1 from 20s and Boylesports 14-1 from 20-1.
Nicholls was at Chepstow and represented by his assistant Tom Jonason, who said: "Noel said he was a bit worried he might be in front two out. John's (Ferguson, trainer of Three Kingdoms) horse came with us, but he toughed it out which is a nice change.
"I spoke to Paul earlier and he said he could go for the Kingmaker at Warwick and there's no doubt he's in the Arkle picture now.
"Noel gets on so well with him and there might be some correlation, although we're a long way off making any decisions regarding jockeys."
Bivouac landed some good bets in the William Hill - Bet And Watch Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton.
The 9-4 favourite pulled the race out of the fire on the run-in after looking in trouble for much of the two-mile journey.
Barry Geraghty's mount had been hampered at the fourth-last flight, but knuckled down on the level to catch the Paul Nicholls-trained San Benedeto, scoring by half a length.
Winning trainer Nicky Henderson said: "It was just hard work for him. But he had a penalty, to be fair. He's a gorgeous horse and huge for a three-year-old.
"We'll be minding him this year, but if the entries closed (now) for the Triumph we would be putting him in."
Ballinvarrig ran out the narrowest of scorers in the William Hill - Bet On The Move Handicap Chase, giving Tom George his second winner at the meeting.
The only horse currently carrying the colours of the late Sir Stanley Clarke, Paddy Brennan's mount looked in control until strongly pressed by Shangani.
The latter's rally enabled him to force a photo with 3-1 favourite Ballinvarrig holding on by a short head.
George said: "This has been the target since he ran at Ascot and it's lovely to see Sir Stanley's colours carried in the names of Lady Clarke and their son, Simon.
"Last time I ran him back too soon, while today he was in front a bit too long. But he toughed it out and it's a nice race to win."
George added that Module (fourth in Desert Orchid Chase) and God's Own (third in Wayward Lad) would both move up in trip for their next races.
He said: "You won't see them over two miles again. I was thrilled with Module, who needs a step up. God's Own was probably not quite 100 per cent."
Twinlight, ridden by Paul Townend, races clear of the last on the way to winning the Paddy Power Dial-a-Bet ChaseWillie Mullins's Twinlight was the winner of the day's big race at Leaopardstown
Twinlight bounced right back to his best to win the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase and in the process condemn Hidden Cylcone to the runner-up spot in the Leopardstown feature for the second year running.
Willie Mullins' unpredictable seven-year-old was sent off at 16-1 as he was pulled up on his last outing in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork.
However, yet again he showed that when he is on a going day and in the right conditions he is a very good two-miler chaser.
Hidden Cyclone ran his usual game race from the front, seeing off Uxizandre at the head of affairs with a mile to run and putting the rest under pressure, despite jumping to his right on occasions.
All bar Twinlight were in trouble turning into the straight and it was he who saw out the race best in the conditions, winning by four and three-quarter lengths, giving a welcome change of luck to Paul Townend, who was beaten on some red-hot favourites a day earlier.
Nicky Richards' Simply Ned stayed on gamely for third but the favourite Uxizandre and Ballycasey were very disappointing.
Mullins said: "At Cork I had said to Paul 'I want you to go down the inner and just wing your fences' and two or three other horses kept up to him.
"I said to Paul today, to do the same, and he said he wanted to change the plan. Paul said 'no, I want to go the outside'.
"They went such a gallop today that Paul was on the outside, on his own and I think at about halfway the horse started to enjoy it and if you look at, I think, the second fence down the back, he put in as big a jump as I ever saw around here and he landed running.
"Hidden Cyclone ran a fantastic race - I thought he had us beaten going to the last - but our fella just met it right and I'm delighted for Paul to get a Grade One winner, against the head, as we say."
The winner was introduced into the Queen Mother betting at 16-1 by RaceBets.
Aidan Coleman riding Emperor's Choice (left) en route to victory in the Welsh Grand National
Emperor's Choice showed endless stamina to deny Benvolio and Glenquest in a thrilling finish to the Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow.
The Venetia Williams-trained seven-year-old appeared to have blown his chance when making a mistake in the home straight, handing the initiative to the Irish challenger Glenquest.
A big leap at the last looked to have sealed it for bottom weight Glenquest, but he was running on empty soon after and his pursuers sensed their chance.
Benvolio seemed set to be the beneficiary as Sam Twiston-Davies hunted for glory, but Aidan Coleman refused to be denied on Emperor's Choice and the 9-1 chance prevailed by a short head and two and a half lengths.
Previous winner Monbeg Dude briefly threatened in the straight and stuck on for fourth.
Coleman said: "I've ridden some big winners in my career but this tops, it, I don't know why.
"I've never had a feeling like that when the photo was called, it's such a prestigious race and to win it for Venetia and the team is great. These are great owners of ours.
"Venetia is a world class trainer and she deserves better horses."
Williams, winning the race for the second time after Jocks Cross in 2000, said: "I thought the fact he was in front meant the ground wasn't testing enough or they weren't going quick enough.
"I thought there would be too many in with a chance turning for home and they'd have too much speed for him, which they did, but when stamina really came into play he came back at them.
"He's been all about stamina. He was a slow learner and took a while to get into gear. I never dreamed he'd be able to make the running in such a prestigious race as I didn't think he'd be quick enough.
"It was really special for me as we had a box today with all my owners and friends and we were screaming, they must have heard us on the other side of the River Severn."
Bristol De Mai catapulted himself into the JCB Triumph Hurdle reckoning by winning the coral.co.uk Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle.
Owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, who are also lucky enough to have current Triumph favourite Peace And Co run in their silks, he travelled like a class act in the hands of Daryl Jacob.
The consistent Karezak was also going well just behind the leaders and the two of them had it to themselves from some way out.
While Karezak was not always fluent at his hurdles, though, Nigel Twiston-Davies' French import was foot-perfect.
Jacob never had to get overly serious with his mount as the 6-1 chance pulled six lengths clear.
The favourite Golden Doyen was ultimately disappointing for Philip Hobbs.
Jacob said: "He's a big, powerful horse, I've liked him since the first day I sat on him.
"He jumped well, and it was good education for him as he's still very green. He was so full of running, he's an exciting horse."
Asked to compare with Peace And Co, Jacob said: "They are two different kind of horses, Peace And Co goes on good ground no problem, but this lad just relishes the mud."
Twiston-Davies said: "We were very hopeful but it was his first run in England so we couldn't be certain.
"We don't know how he'll cope on better ground, he's classy and hopefully he'll cope.
"I've had very few nice three-year-old hurdlers, we had Upgrade but he's a nicer horse than he ever was.
"We'll definitely give him one more run and we'll talk to the owners and work out where we do go."
Special Tiara won the Desert Orchid Chase by two and a quarter lengths
A superb front-running performance from Special Tiara saw the Irish raider take the williamhill.com Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton.
Spectacular at many of his fences, Barry Geraghty's partner had all bar Balder Succes beaten from some way out.
The only scare came at the third-last, where the Henry de Bromhead-trained seven-year-old appeared as though he could be tiring with what was a slow jump, giving some hope to the pursuing Balder Succes.
But Geraghty's mount was soon back moving strongly and in the end two and a quarter lengths too good for the 11-10 favourite.
The race was won last year by subsequent Champion Chase hero Sire De Grugy, with the added drama of Sprinter Sacre being pulled up.
A Grade One winner at Aintree last year as a novice in the Maghull Novices' Chase, Special Tiara was given a first-show quote of 16-1 by Betfred for the two-mile championship at Cheltenham in March.
De Bromhead was at Leopardstown, where he said: "Everything went right at Kempton and Barry Geraghty gave Special Tiara an amazing ride. We thought we were in trouble with the ground having turned a bit soft there, but he was super."
Geraghty said: "That was the way Henry told me to ride him, I've seen plenty of this horse over the years and Henry said that is the way - to let him go, let him rip and use his jumping.
"He said to give him a little breather down the back and go again in the straight.
"He was very long at the ditch but popped the next and was in his element all the way round.
"It's very rare that you get a horse with that amount of guts. To do it like that was just fantastic. He was really up for it, Henry had him spot on."
Munster's Andrew Conway celebrates his try with Paddy Butler
Anthony Foley has hailed his players' ability to adapt to the conditions in their Pro12 derby win over Leinster, and said he wants them to push on in a consistent manner.
Munster put in a dominant display Thomond Park to see off a disappointing Leinster side 28-13.
With both sides shorn of many front-line players, Munster's players stepped up to the mark, and Foley lauded their efforts.
"We're delighted. I think we were down over 20 players in our squad going into this game," Foley told RTÉ Sport after the game. "I think Leinster have something similar, I imagine, but you didn't hear either side complain.
"We got out and gave a good account of ourselves. It's been good to get a derby win. It's been hard for the last few weeks; we lost games we should have won. And it's hard, nobody wants to hear excuses so we don't give them.
"What we'd like to do is: get those performances, and make them consistent. We've done that a few times this year but also we've let a few teams off the hook."
"What we'd like to do is: get those performances, and make them consistent. We've done that a few times this year but also we've let a few teams off the hook" - Anthony Foley
Foley was also happy with how his team dealt with the elements; they played well into a blustery wind in the first half.
He said: "We weren't sure it was going to stay as strong, but we felt we'd be best attacking them and keeping the ball, and making sure they couldn't get into their game, and they had to defend us for long periods."
Going in ahead at half-time, Munster sought to nullify Leinster's running game, Foley said. He was content with Munster's kicking efforts.
"We needed to make sure the kick-kick game was good," he said. "We needed to also do what we did in the first half in the second half, even though we had the elements behind us, just to make sure we didn't kick too much ball away and end up defending for long periods and lose rhythm out of the game. We kept our rhythm in the second half."
Foley said Munster had learned lessons from their disappointing loss last week to Glasgow, where they gave up a nine-point half-time lead to eventually lose 23-19.
"The boys are learning the whole time," he said. "We made sure we came out in the second half and made sure we kept playing. We put a lot into the corners, kept forcing them to make mistakes. We're very happy to come away from this game with four points."
Foley's Leinster counterpart Matt O'Connor had few complaints about the result and said that Munster had wanted the win more.
"I thought they were a little bit more desperate than us at stages," O'Connor said. "They worked that little bit harder to get the 50-50s, and errors compounded by errors gave them entry into the game."
O'Connor said that the sin-binning after 53 minutes of Darragh Fanning had "made it very hard to change the game. Half an hour on the clock, and you go down to 14 men, you're holding on then for dear life."
Foley was also happy with how his team dealt with the elements; they played well into a blustery wind in the first half.
"We weren't sure it was going to stay as strong, but we felt we'd be best attacking them and keeping the ball, and making sure they couldn't get into their game, and they had to defend us for long periods."
Going in ahead at half-time, Munster sought to nullify Leinster's running game, Foley said. He was content with Munster's kicking efforts.
"We needed to make sure the kick-kick game was good. We needed to also do what we did in the first half in the second half, even though we had the elements behind us, just to make sure we didn't kick too much ball away and end up defending for long periods and lose rhythm out of the game. We kept our rhythm in the second half."
Foley said Munster had learned lessons from their disappointing loss last week to Glasgow, where they gave up a nine-point half-time lead to eventually lose 23-19.
"The boys are learning the whole time," he said. "We made sure we came out in the second half and made sure we kept playing. We put a lot into the corners, kept forcing them to make mistakes. We're very happy to come away from this game with four points."
Foley's Leinster counterpart, Matt O'Connor, had few complaints about the result and said that Munster had wanted the win more.
"I thought they were a little bit more desperate than us at stages," O'Connor said. "They worked that little bit harder to get the 50-50s, and errors compounded by errors gave them entry into the game."
O'Connor said that the sin-binning after 53 minutes of Darragh Fanning had "made it very hard to change the game. Half an hour on the clock, and you go down to 14 men, you're holding on then for dear life."
Johnny Burke wins the Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle on Sizing John
An eventful renewal of the Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown went the way of Sizing John.
Willie Mullins saddled the odds-on favourite in Nichols Canyon, who was already a Grade One winner, but he was an early casualty, and stablemate McKinley was pulled up shortly afterwards.
Sizing John (11-1), highly regarded by Henry de Bromhead, made all under Johnny Burke and sprinted away from his two remaining rivals in the straight.
At one stage Tony Martin's Golantilla looked a threat but his run petered out and Sub Lieutenant stayed on again to grab second, although they were only playing second fiddle.
The silver lining for Mullins is that his Douvan beat the winner easily when they met earlier in the season.
It capped a great 10 minutes for De Bromhead, who captured the Desert Orchid Chase with Special Tiara at Kempton.
"There were a few incidents but it's great to win and a nice bonus. Our lad nearly ran out went the loose horse came by him. I'm delighted for Johnny as it's his first Grade One win," said De Bromhead.
"I was disappointed with him at Gowran, but they told me Douvan is very highly regarded. I always thought he wanted better ground and the plan was to back off him after this and look to the spring."
Des McDonogh unleashed a second smart debutant in the space of two days as Theophilus made a smooth introduction to the winter game in the Paddy Power "number 1 For Live Streaming" 3-Y-O Hurdle at Leopardstown.
Just 24 hours after Fiscal Focus made a winning start at 33-1, lowering the colours of Willie Mullins' Kalkir, Theophilus was sent off at just 4-1 in the same Jackie Bolger's silks.
No great shakes on the Flat, he travelled well and when another Mullins odds-on shot, Business Sivola, faded at the top of the straight, Theophilus kept on willingly to beat a couple of fellow newcomers in Hostile Fire and Battle Hymn by six and a half lengths in the hands of Danny Mullins.
McDonogh said "He got a superb ride from Danny. He was idling a bit in front and will be better in a better race. At the moment the two of them (including Fiscal Focus) will be aimed at the Triumph. "Fiscal Focus is different gravy. I must say I am in awe of him. I may need a double horse box now for Cheltenham!"
Paddy Power introduce Theophilus at 20-1 for Triumph Hurdle.
There was a big turn up in the Paddy Power Maiden Hurdle as Champion Bumper winner Silver Concorde was made to look ordinary by Blair Perrone.
Tony Martin's five-year-old was beaten a long way on his hurdling debut at Cork but looked a different proposition in the hands of Denis O'Regan.
Silver Concorde, a winner on the level since his Cheltenham success, was not fluent at the last for Davy Russell but such was Blair Perrone's superiority, it is unlikely the blunder had any bearing on the result.
The 10-1 chance came home two unextended lengths clear of the 1-3 favourite.
Martin said: "Things just didn't go right for him the first day at Punchestown (in a bumper) when he was too free, and he needed the run badly at Cork the last day.
"He's always showed us that he's a good horse at home. The plan was to stalk the favourite and hopefully take him on as late as possible and it worked out perfect.
"He's a big horse and will make a chaser. He was schooled over fences and hurdles."
Shantou Ed provided JP McManus with a winner when holding off Rock The World in the Paddy Power Games Handicap Hurdle.
Pat Fahy's charge looked a sitting duck going to the last as Robbie Power looked extremely confident on Jessica Harrington's six-year-old.
However, he fluffed the last while Shantou Ed flew it and galloped on powerfully to hold on by a length and a quarter at 8-1.
Fahy said: "Good As Gold and this horse both worked well in their last bit of work but after her run yesterday (fifth at Limerick) I was a bit worried. It's great to have a winner at Leopardstown and it's been a lucky track for me in the past.
"He could go for the Boylesports Hurdle here next month."
O'Regan's decision to make the journey back to Ireland was fully vindicated when he produced Living Next Door with a typically patient ride to win the valuable Paddy Power Steeplechase.
A close fifth in the four-miler at Cheltenham in March, he had shown little in two runs this season but bounced right back to his best under his confident jockey.
Top weight Foxrock made a bold bid under Adrian Heskin and had everything else in trouble approaching the final fence, but O'Regan had stalked him into the straight.
Martin's eight-year-old put in a massive leap and the 20-1 chance saw off the 7-2 favourite by a length and a quarter. Vics Canvas was third with The Job Is Right fourth.
Martin said: "These are the sort of races you like winning. You target them, and it's wonderful that it's worked out.
"Every fence he made ground and (Denis) O'Regan gave him the ride of the year as far as I'm concerned.
"He lacks a bit of oxygen after his races. It's happened before and we just need to get him away (from the parade ring) quickly. He'll be all right.
"We'll have a think about where we go next but he won't be going anywhere for at least a month anyway."
Written By Unknown on Jumat, 26 Desember 2014 | 23.06
Updated: Friday, 26 Dec 2014 15:49 | Comments
Diego Costa scores Chelsea's second
Chelsea 2-0 West Ham United
Diego Costa was on target in a 2-0 win as Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea proved a barrier too far for West Ham.
The Hammers, who began the day in fourth place, have been transformed since being criticised by Jose Mourinho for playing "football from the 19th century" last season and joked on Twitter they had arrived at Stamford Bridge by horse and cart.
Sam Allardyce believes that goalless draw was the turning point for his side to go from relegation candidates to European hopefuls after they achieved their highest Christmas position in nearly 30 years.
The Hammers boss had spoken of breaking down barriers, but compromised his enterprising tactics for a more pragmatic approach in a bid to frustrate Chelsea once again.
The Blues, though, have a greater armoury than last term and threatened repeatedly before John Terry's tap in after 31 minutes broke the deadlock.
And Costa's 13th goal of the season sealed victory and a ninth win from nine home games this term.
The win might have been more convincing but for fine saves by Adrian to deny Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and Nemanja Matic.
There was one moment of alarm for the Blues as West Ham substitute Morgan Amalfitano hit the post three minutes from time.
Chelsea go to Southampton on Sunday looking to enter 2015 on top of the table.
The Hammers, who lost for the second time in 12 games, host Arsenal in another test of their European ambitions.
Allardyce, unfazed by the pre-match compliments from Mourinho over his new approach, tinkered with the diamond formation which has served him well this season, deploying a 4-2-3-1 set-up.
The hope was to be resilient and test the Blues on the counter attack, but in reality Andy Carroll became an increasingly isolated figure as the match wore on.
The Blues looked for more guile following Monday's 2-0 win at Stoke, with Oscar replacing John Obi Mikel.
The Brazil playmaker should have scored inside five minutes. Carl Jenkinson watched Willian's cross go by him and fall to Oscar, who ballooned his shot over from eight yards out.
Cahill headed just over and then fired straight at Adrian from point-blank range.
Hazard shared return passes with Willian and Oscar but the ball did not break for him in the box as Chelsea went close again. The Blues took the lead from the resulting corner, taken by Cesc Fabregas. Diego Costa headed the ball down for Terry to net from two yards.
Matic curled narrowly wide and Costa's deflected strike went wide before the striker shot over as Chelsea sought a second.
Branislav Ivanovic and Carroll had a disagreement after the Chelsea defender went down in the box in search of a penalty, angering the Hammers before the interval and referee Michael Oliver was unmoved.
West Ham had to be more forward-thinking in the second half, but it was Chelsea who went close to scoring again when Hazard stung the palms of Adrian.
Willian curled a free-kick just over after Hazard was felled by Winston Reid and Allardyce had seen enough, readying Diafra Sakho and Alex Song for action.
Carroll and Mark Noble made way, but no sooner had Sakho and Song entered the fray then Chelsea went 2-0 up.
Cheikhou Kouyate lost out to Matic in midfield and Hazard picked up the ball, feeding Costa.
The striker ran at West Ham's retreating defence and shaped one way, tricking Jenkinson, Collins and Reid, before pushing the ball on to his left foot and shooting low across goal.
Far from satisfied, Chelsea pushed for more. Adrian tipped over Oscar's dipping free-kick and saved brilliantly to deny Matic following the resulting corner before Fabregas' shot went narrowly wide.
Song shot wide 11 minutes from time with a rare Hammers foray forward.
There was another as the match entered stoppage time, but Amalfitano could only clip his effort on to the post after a mazy run as Chelsea triumphed.
