Venus Williams heads back to school to #ThankATeacher

Venus Williams returns to her old classroom.

VENUS Williams played her first professional tennis tournament at age 14, when most kids are in eighth grade getting ready for high school.

But as a first grader, she was just a regular kid with an outstanding gift (and a pushy/dedicated father) who was lucky enough to have a good teacher who, even back then, thought Venus was destined for greatness and encouraged her to do the same.

As part of Teacher Appreciation Month, Venus, now 36 and playing her best tennis in a decade, went back to Mark Twain Elementary School in Lynwood, Ca. to surprise Judy Vellegas, who’s been teaching for close to four decades.

The video is a touching two-and-a-half minutes reminding us all of the importance of teachers and how a great one can help shape the lives of students of all talents and abilities.

Venus spoke about the visit and this thought, in particular, shows the thoughtfulness and eloquence of the most graceful star in the sport. Our brain can play tricks on us when remembering things that happened decades ago, glorifying or sullying the way things actually were. It’s lovely to see that Venus’s memory didn’t fail her.

Going back to her classroom thirty years later, everything I remember about her was true. She was a positive influence in my life and the first teacher that I remember who told me that she believed in my potential. Her good spirit really shines through.

This article originally appeared on Fox Sports US

Originally published as Venus surprises first-grade teacher

Off and running for big weekend of festivities at Quilpie

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• Image

Renew leaves the field behind1:25

Horse Racing: The Darren Weir-trained Renew took centre stage at Warrnambool when he blew away his rivals in the $125,000 Galleywood Hurdle. Renew vindicated his firm favouritism race with an impressive staying and jumping performance in the 3200m race.

• May 3rd 2017
• 21 hours ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/Sport/Horse Racing/

Welcome to Quilpie. Photo: Phil Hawkes

A HUGE crowd is expected to converge at the Quilpie Diggers’ Race Club’s Bulloo Park on Saturday as part of the town’s Quilpie Centenary Cup celebrations.

The Queensland town, located 1000km west of Brisbane with a population of just over 600, is celebrating its 100th anniversary and the Quilpie Diggers’ Race Club has put together a six-race card with $65,000 prizemoney on offer.

The feature is the $12,500 Mack Trucks Quilpie Cup (1350m), which headlines a full weekend of festivities.

On Saturday the club will open its new Bulloo Park complex, a $1.5 million project which came about after the town allocated money from last year’s drought assistance fund.

“As the home of red corner racing, the Quilpie Cup always attracts a keen and diverse crowd and we’re expecting a mob of enthusiastic revellers,” organising committee president Brian Donovan said. “We welcome visitors from far and wide and are providing free camping at the race track, with access to facilities.

“The Quilpie Diggers Race Club committee has been working to continue to grow the event into a major race meet, __like an outback Roma races or even an outback Melbourne Cup.”

Quilpie is gearing up for a big weekend of racing. Picture: Phil HawkesSource:Supplied

Cup festivities kick off tomorrow night with the inaugural Cup Calcutta at the Quilpie Club, then the President’s Drinks function before the start of raceday.

Special guests over the weekend include satirists Errol Parker (editor) and Clancy Overell (editor-at-large) of popular online publication The Betoota Advocate.

The pair will be part of a Q&A session at the President’s Drinks with local Federal Member David Littleproud, which will precede Saturday’s meeting.

There’s also a $5000 prize for Fashions on the Field.

Quilpie has races just once a year and club representative Lyn Barnes said they hope to be hosting the town’s entire 600-plus population on Saturday.

The Quilpie Cup honours the memory of brothers Bill and KJ Costello, legends of Queensland outback racing. Each May their families gather at Bulloo Park to remember them both with the running of the Memorial Plate.

Bill, who died in 1999, rode his first winner at Betoota, aged 12, in 1924 and went on to win the Windorah Cup 10 times. Five of those wins were on Spirit, who was prepared by his brother KJ. KJ Costello trained countless country cups winners and was also instrumental in having the track moved to its current location.

Locals will take on a visiting Warehouse cricket team from the city on Sunday.

Originally published as Off and running for a big weekend at Quilpie

Cameron Smith seals dramatic Zurich Classic victory after super chip shot

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Smith speechless after win0:48

Golf: Aussie Cameron Smith couldn't hold back his emotions after his first ever win on the PGA Tour.

• May 2nd 2017
• 2 days ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/Sport/Golf/

(L-R) Jonas Blixt of Sweden and Cameron Smith of Australia pose with the trophy after winning in a sudden-death playoff during a continuation of the final round of the Zurich Classic.

CAMERON Smith was tongue-tied with elation after a super chip shot in New Orleans sealed a dramatic playoff for the young Queenslander’s maiden victory on the PGA Tour.

It wasn’t the $1.36 million cheque that overwhelmed him although that might come later after he stepped up as the tie-breaker with a birdie at the fourth extra hole at the Zurich Classic early Tuesday morning (AEST).

It was the emotion of his four-year quest to win his first pro event anywhere in the world that made him speechless when American on-course commentator Dotti Pepper attempted to prise a green-side reaction.

Smith, 23, patted his forehead and grinned but no words came out so it was left to Swede Jonas Blixt to offer a rich tribute instead for his partner in the four-ball and foursomes team event.

“He’s going to be a superstar one day,” Blixt said.

“The sky’s the limit ... I’ve never seen anything that good in an extremely long time.”

A life-changing moment for Cameron Smith @Zurich_Classic

No words necessary pic.twitter.com/ko36RvWZ9N

— Mike McAllister (@PGATOUR_mikemc) May 1, 2017

It was fitting that Smith clipped a wedge from just over 50m to half a metre from the hole to set up the deciding birdie because his elite short game has earned this praise all week from Blixt and CBS golf commentator, Sir Nick Faldo, the three-time Masters champion.

Smith and Blixt had been locked in a tense run of pars and missed putts through the opening three playoff holes with American duo Kevin Kisner and Scott Brown in the four-ball.

When forced to play the lake-fringed par five 18th for a third time, after the teams could not be split at the par three ninth, Smith found the fairway with his drive and flushed a three wood to get closer to the green than any of the group.

Brown and Kisner both slide their birdie putts by the hole, Blixt pulled his and it was left to Smith to settle the issue from short range.

The left hand fist pumps said it all for Smith, now secure on the rich PGA tour for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons with a bunch of prestige tournament starts.

Smith’s shotmaking show in New Orleans has pitched him into the reckoning for an even bigger teams event, the Presidents Cup.

Cameron Smith of reacts after putting in to win in the sudden-death playoff.Source:Getty Images

As impressive as Smith’s partnership was with Blixt, his composure, team ethos and super short game stood out even more.

All are prized traits when the foursomes and four-ball of this week’s event are such a rare road test for the same format at the Presidents Cup in New Jersey from September 26.

Smith’s win in New Orleans will vault him to within striking distance of automatic selection among the top 10 on world rankings for Nick Price’s Internationals team and put him in the picture for one of the two captain’s picks.

“You can see Cam thrives on the team format and always has from his days winning with Queensland in the interstate teams event,” Smith’s coach Grant Field said.

“He’d definitely be an asset on a Presidents Cup team.”

Field was unsurprised but in raptures over Smith’s clutch pitch from a wet, downhill lie onto a ledged green at the 72nd hole to set up a birdie and entry into the sudden-death playoff.

“He’s learnt a lifetime of pitch shots at 23 and has amazing creativity around the greens,” Field said.

“It takes a special player to hit that shot in that situation with a potential first victory on the line.”

Jonas Blixt, of Sweden, left, and teammate Cameron Smith, of Australia, hold up their tournament trophy.Source:AP

Kisner’s remarkable chip-in eagle on the same par five to force the playoff, with both teams at 27-under-par, was some shot at almost pin-bending speed.

Smith’s fine run of form has great spin-offs.

With his playing rights secure in the US, he will be a drawcard at Australia’s two big summer tournaments.

The dates for the Australia PGA were unveiled on Monday with a November-30-December 3 slot at RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast.

Smith desperately wants to win the biggest tournament in his home state, especially after popping his head in front and fading for fifth in 2015.

After losing in a playoff last year, the Emirates Australian Open at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney (November 23-26) will be unfinished business as well.

Why Blixt as a partner in New Orleans?

“My caddie Sam (Pinfold) lives with Jonas (in Florida) and we’ve become quite good mates since I moved to Jacksonville last year,” Smith said.

A cool Swede and an even cooler Aussie for tight situations.

Freak shot denies Aussie Cam Smith first PGA win3:12

Golf: Amazing chip shot denies Cameron Smith victory and forces a playoff in incredible scenes at Zurich Classic.

• May 1st 2017
• 3 days ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/Sport/Golf/

Originally published as Dramatic PGA victory for Aussie

Articus on mission to regain old spark at Brisbane winter carnival

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• Image

Renew leaves the field behind1:25

Horse Racing: The Darren Weir-trained Renew took centre stage at Warrnambool when he blew away his rivals in the $125,000 Galleywood Hurdle. Renew vindicated his firm favouritism race with an impressive staying and jumping performance in the 3200m race.

• May 3rd 2017
• 21 hours ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/Sport/Horse Racing/

Morning trackwork at Werribee International Horse Centre ahead of the 2016 Caulfield Cup. Andreas Wohler trained Articus. Picture: Mark Stewart

ARTICUS had a big enough reputation to start $8 on debut in Australia in last year’s Caulfield Cup and while the gloss has gone off in two starts since, connections are maintaining the faith as he plots a Doomben Cup path.

The Darren Weir-trained German import will run in Saturday’s Hollindale Stakes at the Gold Coast, provided a suitable flight can be found. If not, he will run at Flemington and then head north for the Doomben Cup.

“It’s our intention to get him there, but we keep getting shuffled back on the flights. We’re hopeful of getting one Friday morning,” Australian Bloodstock’s Luke Murrell said.

Articus ran 13th in the Caulfield Cup and was turned straight out. First up, he ran 13th at Caulfield again, albeit over an unsuitable 1400m.

German import Articus is yet to show his best since arriving in Australia last spring. Picture: Mark StewartSource:News Corp Australia

“After the Caulfield Cup, we were just gutted,” Murrell said. “We were really confident there, he had worked well, but he just didn’t get around Caulfield.

“That’s the only excuse we could find. Then first-up, he would have probably preferred a wetter track, but we were happy enough with the run.”

Murrell imported Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist, A-grader Lucas Cranach and Sydney Cup placegetter Big Duke to Australia and has always felt Articus had a level of talent capable of winning a big race here.

He said everything this preparation has been geared to the Queensland carnival but after the first-up run, he asked Weir whether he should lower expectations.

“I said if he had any concerns we were happy to go to Adelaide to win a race, and Darren said he didn’t want to dodge anything with this horse,” Murrell said.

SKY Racing update 3rd May 171:59

All the latest from SKY racing

• May 3rd 2017
• a day ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/Sport/Horse Racing/

“If you’d seen some of his private jumpouts, you would be pretty happy as an owner. The only proviso is that he has to do it race day. I know it looks __like he’s had two common runs on paper, but he has a lot of ability and I take confidence in what Darren thinks of the horse.”

The Australian Bloodstock colours are likely to be worn by a number of others in the Queensland carnival. One of those could be Plein Ceil, who resumes at Warrnambool on Thursday after winning his first four starts in Australia.

“There’s a couple of options for him,” Murrell said.

Packer Plate winner Mongolian Wolf is headed to the Derby, while underperforming import Singing is on trial for a Queensland trip if he runs well at his next start, likely at Scone.

Originally published as Weir import on Hollindale mission

Super Rugby teams: Week 11 squads, injury news, referees, kick-off times

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Mic'd up with Hendrik Tui4:24

Super Rugby: Listen to the sounds of the game from the perpective of Reds backrower Hendrik Tui

• May 2nd 2017
• 2 days ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/News/

Jake Gordon of the Waratahs breaks away to score a try.

WARATAHS coach Daryl Gibson has stuck to his halfback rotation policy while making four changes to play the Blues.

Keep checking in for all the latest week 11 Super Rugby team news.

HURRICANES v STORMERS in Wellington, Friday 5.35pm AEST

ARDIE Savea gets another potentially important chance to impress at No 8 in a Hurricanes team featuring two starting changes to face the Stormers in Wellington.

Regular openside flanker Savea returns to the base of the scrum on Friday following the season-ending shoulder injury suffered by Blade Thomson in the 56-21 defeat of the Brumbies in Napier two weeks ago.

Callum Gibbins is promoted to wear to No 7, with Reed Prinsep coming onto the reserves bench.

All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara starts again after coming off the bench in Napier, swapping roles with Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi.

Perenara also reclaims the captaincy from Brad Shields, with first-choice skipper Dane Coles sidelined for a seventh straight week by ongoing calf and concussion issues.

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said Coles is experiencing exercise-induced headaches which are making it difficult to train sufficiently to recover from other injuries.

Boyd said team medical staff and Coles have no idea when his concussion occurred.

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Ardie Savea of the Hurricanes in action at Eden Park.Source:Getty Images

Coles injured his knee in a March 18 match against the Highlanders and aggravated a calf muscle injury in training.

Headaches began when he returned to training but medical staff, studying match videos, cannot find any incident in which he might have sustained head trauma.

Boyd said it was difficult for Coles to test the recovery of his knee and calf while concussion symptoms persist.

Savea is poised to have a consistent run at No 8 which could boost his stocks ahead of the Test series against the British and Irish Lions.

With Sam Cane favoured to start for New Zealand on the openside flank, the dynamic Savea is among a clutch of others in contention to fill any loose forward vacancy if Kieran Read (thumb) or Jerome Kaino (knee) is unavailable.

Veteran Test stalwarts Read and Kaino are both forecast to return to rugby about two weeks before the first Test against the Lions on June 24.

Savea has been one of the standout performers in the defending champions’ 7-1 start to the season.

Shaun Treeby of the Stormers looks to pass the ball.Source:Getty Images

Meanwhile, Shaun Treeby will make his first start for the Stormers against many of his former Wellington teammates.

Treeby will wear the No 12 jersey ahead of Dan Kriel while Dewaldt Duvenage starts at scrumhalf in place of Jano Vermaak.

Captain Siya Kolisi is back at blindside flanker with Kobus van Dyk getting his first opportunity to start on the openside.

Chris van Zyl returns from a week out with concussion to take his place in the second row alongside Jan de Klerk, while in the front-row there are two new props in the starting line-up as Wilco Louw and Ali Vermaak get an opportunity.

Prop JC Janse van Rensburg, locks Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit and fly half Kurt Coleman were all injury casualties from the heavy Highlanders loss and have flown back to Cape Town.

“We have had to learn some hard lessons on this tour which will be good for us going forward,” Stormers coach Robbie Fleck said.

“We face the defending champions and the players are determined to make an impression and show that we can be competitive.”

HURRICANES (15-1): Jordie Barrett, Cory Jane, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara (c), Ardie Savea, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields, Vaea Fifita, Mark Abbott, Jeffery To’omaga-Allen, Ricky Riccitelli, Ben May

Reserves: Leni Apisai, Chris Eves, Mike Kainga, James Blackwell, Reed Prinsep, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Otere Black, Ben Lam

STORMERS (15-1): SP Marais, Cheslin Kolbe, EW Viljoen, Shaun Treeby, Dillyn Leyds, Robert du Preez, Dewaldt Duvenage, Nizaam Carr, Siya Kolisi (c), Kobus van Dyk, Chris van Zyl, Jan de Klerk, Wilco Louw, Bongi Mbonambi, Ali Vermaak.

Reserves: Ramone Samuels, Caylib Oosthuizen, Oli Kebble, JD Schickerling, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Jano Vermaak, Dan Kriel, Bjorn Basson

Referee: Glen Jackson (NZ)

Wheeler's unlikely try assist0:24

Super Rugby: In an unexpected assist Joe Wheeler sets up Matt Faddes' for the final try in the highlanders thrashing of the Storm.

• April 28th 2017
• 6 days ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/Sport/Rugby Union/Super 15/

CHEETAHS v HIGHLANDERS in Bloemfontein, Saturday 3am AEST

CHEETAHS coach Franco Smith has rung the changes for the clash with the Highlanders.

Carl Wegner and Francois Uys are the new lock pairing, while Paul Schoeman and Henco Venter are new inclusions in the backrow.

Tian Meyer replaces Shaun Venter at halfback, Fred Zeilinga starts ahead of Neil Marias at five-eighth and William Small-Smith comes in for the injured Nico Lee at inside centre.

“I still believe that the growth of this side is immense,” Smith said.

“To have a team play against the best every week is the only way to get better.

“We are a good team with ball in hand and we want to play best to our strengths.”

Meanwhile, Highlanders coach Tony Brown has made three changes to his side.

Matt Faddes starts ahead of injured captain Ben Smith at fullback, with Luke Whitelock returning from concussion to start at No 8 and take the leadership reins.

Whitelock’s return forces Gareth Evans to the bench, with Liam Squire switching to blindside flanker.

Joe Wheeler starts at lock ahead of Alex Ainley while squad co-captain and hooker Ash Dixon returns from injury to play his first game of the year.

“The Cheetahs are an adventurous side who play an attacking brand of rugby and we’re anticipating a good battle,” Brown said.

CHEETAHS (15-1): Clayton Blommetjies, Sergeal Petersen, Francois Venter (c), William Small-Smith, Raymond Rhule, Fred Zeilinga, Tian Meyer, Henco Venter, Oupa Mohoje, Paul Schoeman, Francois Uys, Carl Wegner, Johan Coetzee, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Ox Nche

Reserves: Elandre Huggett, Charles Marais, Tom Botha, Armandt Koster, Uzair Cassiem, Niell Jordaan, Shaun Venter, Niel Marais

HIGHLANDERS (15-1): Matt Faddes, Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Rob Thompson, Patrick Osborne, Marty Banks, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock (c), Dillon Hunt, Liam Squire, Tom Franklin, Joe Wheeler, Siosuia Halanukonuka, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown

Reserves: Ash Dixon, Aki Seiuli, Siate Tokolahi, Elliot Dixon, Gareth Evans, Kayne Hammington, Fletcher Smith, Richard Buckman

Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (SA)

Lions dangerous left side2:52

Fox Sports Lab: Rod Kafer and George Gregan break down the tough play of the Lions

• May 2nd 2017
• 2 days ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/News/

REBELS v LIONS in Melbourne, Saturday 3pm AEST

REBELS (TBC)

LIONS (TBC)

Referee: Shuhei Kubo (JAP)

Get to know Samu Kerevi3:48

Super Rugby: The Kick & Chase team got to know Samu Kerevi.

• May 2nd 2017
• 2 days ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/News/

CHIEFS v REDS in New Plymouth, Saturday 5.35pm AEST

CHIEFS (TBC)

REDS (TBC)

Referee: Jamie Nutbrown (NZ)

Outrageous moments in Rugby5:47

Super Rugby: Check out some of the more outrageous moments in rugby history

• May 2nd 2017
• 2 days ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/News/

WARATAHS v BLUES in Sydney, Saturday 7.45pm AEST

WARATAHS coach Daryl Gibson has made four changes to the side that beat the Reds in Brisbane.

Hooker Tolu Latu returns from injury and replaces Hugh Roach, halfback Jake Gordon returns for Nick Phipps, Jed Holloways replaces Michael Wells at No 8 and Reece Robinson gets the nod on the wing ahead of Taqele Naiyaravoro, who has been sidelined with a broken hand.

“We are pleased to welcome back Tolu Latu who has been a stand out for the team in the No 2 jersey this season and was forced out last weekend due to a shoulder injury,” Gibson said.

“The rotation among our halves will see Jake Gordon return to the starting fifteen with Nick Phipps on the bench.

“As I’ve said previously, we have three strong halves and we think this combination is the right one to take on the Blues.

“Jed Holloway’s strong form will see him starting at No 8 with Reece Robinson given another opportunity to start on the wing.

“What impressed me most last weekend was our level of commitment for the full eighty minutes and that’s what we’re focus on as a team to deliver again this weekend.

Jake Gordon of the Waratahs breaks away to score a try.Source:Getty Images

“The win against the Reds is a step in the right direction, with the Australian conference still open — hopefully we can build the momentum on the back that result.

“Last Saturday we showed the pride our team has in the NSW jersey and we want to do that again for our fans at home.”

Meanwhile, Blues coach Tana Umaga — a former All Blacks teammate of Gibson — has made just one change from the side that beat the Brumbies in Canberra.

Five-eighth Piers Francis has been cleared of a wrist injury and returns in place of Bryn Gatland.

“We are very evenly matched in stats this year in most parts of the game so we are expecting a very hard encounter,” Umaga said.

“They are a quality side across the park with mobile forwards; they are excellent at the breakdown and have some world-class running backs.

“We’ve constantly said that we need to improve week by week and we will definitely need to step up again.”

Umaga said he was pleased with the effort from his forwards against the Brumbies.

“The front five laid the platform from which the rest of the team were able to prosper,” Umaga said.

“They will need to be at their very best again in all facets of the game.”

WARATAHS (15-1): Israel Folau, Reece Robinson, Rob Horne, David Horwitz, Cam Clark, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper (c), Ned Hanigan, David McDuling, Dean Mumm, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Tom Robertson

Reserves: Hugh Roach, Paddy Ryan, Angus Ta’avao, Will Skelton, Michael Wells, Nick Phipps, Bryce Hegarty, Irae Simone

BLUES (15-1): Michael Collins, Matt Duffie, George Moala, Sonny Bill Williams, Rieko Ioane, Piers Francis, Augustine Pulu, Akira Ioane, Blake Gibson, Steven Luatua, Scott Scrafton, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons (c), Pauliasi Manu

Reserves: Matt Moulds, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Sione Mafileo, Leighton Price, Murphy Taramai, Billy Guyton, Bryn Gatland, Melani Nanai

Referee: Angus Gardner (AUS)

Wallaby watch1:48

Super Rugby: The Kick and Chase team discuss who should be on the watchlist for Australian selection.

• May 2nd 2017
• 2 days ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/News/

SHARKS v FORCE in Durban, Saturday 11.05pm AEST

SHARKS (TBC)

FORCE (TBC)

Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge (SA)

Clark on the weeks results4:45

Rugby: Greg Clark discusses this weeks Rugby results.

• May 1st 2017
• 3 days ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/Sport/Rugby Union/

BULLS v CRUSADERS in Pretoria, Sunday 1.15am AEST

FORMER Waratahs star Jacques Potgieter returns from a long-term injury to start for the Bulls at flanker against the Crusaders.

Potgieter replaces Jannes Kirsten while Jan Serfontein, who was rested last week, is named on the bench.

The Bulls are now second in the South Africa 1 conference and coach Nollis Marais said his team’s mindset was much improved.

“Rugby is not only played on the field, but in the minds of teams as well,” Marais said.

“We lacked some belief when results did not reflect our effort earlier in the season, but that is not an issue any more.

“The last two wins confirmed that we can indeed compete against anyone.

“I have always said that the team is better than the results showed and the last two wins started to show that.

“We have a massive hurdle to overcome on Saturday (local time) though, as the Crusaders have been setting a number of benchmarks to other teams this year.

“They remain a classy side and despite not having Sam Whitelock and Kieran Read available for this match, remain one of the top teams in the competition.”

BULLS (15-1): Warrick Gelant, Travis Ismaiel, Jamba Ulengo, Jesse Kriel, Burger Odendaal, Tian Schoeman, Piet van Zyl, Hanro Liebenberg, Jacques Potgieter, Nick de Jager, Lood de Jager, Jason Jenkins, Trevor Nyakane, Adriaan Strauss (c), Pierre Schoeman

Reserves: Jaco Visagie, Lizo Gqoboka, Jacobie Adriaanse, RG Snyman, Jannes Kirsten, Rudy Paige, Francois Brummer, Jan Serfontein

CRUSADERS (TBC)

Referee: Nic Berry (AUS)

McKenzie slices Sunwolves 0:56

Super Rugby: Highlights from the Super Rugby.

• April 29th 2017
• 5 days ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/Sport/Rugby Union/Super 15/

JAGUARES v SUNWOLVES in Buenos Aires, Sunday 7.40am AEST

JAGUARES (TBC)

SUNWOLVES (TBC)

Referee: Jaco van Heerden (SA)

Brumbies struck by the Blues 0:50

Super Rugby: Highlights from Super Rugby.

• April 30th 2017
• 4 days ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/Sport/Rugby Union/Super 15/

BYES: BRUMBIES, KINGS

Originally published as Week 11 teams: Waratahs make four changes

Supercars teams warned to stop dobbing on rivals after flurry of tit-for-tat tattletales

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Mostert on a high 1:35

Supercars: 2014 Bathurst winner Chaz Mostert is on a high after victory at Phillip Island and is determined to keep-up the pace in Perth.

• May 3rd 2017
• a day ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/Sport/Motor Sport/V8/

Former driver Greg Murphy says “dobbing” is part of the sport. Picture: Jerad Williams

SUPERCARS teams will be warned to “dump the dob’’ after more than 80 emails were sent to race control by teams “telling on’’ rivals for making infringements during the Phillip Island 500.

In farcical scenes that plunged the first 250km blast of the Victorian round into controversy, eight cars were slapped with race-ruining penalties for crossing a pit-lane line that had never previously been policed.

The Daily Telegraph has learned the kneejerk reaction that led to the offending cars slugged with severe time penalties was prompted by an email sent from a team that alerted race control that DJR Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin had made a breach.

Scott McLaughlin (C) was robbed of victory at Phillip Island after a rival team “dobbed” on him.Source:Getty Images

McLaughlin was vying for victory when he was slapped with a pit-lane penalty that robbed him of his winning chance.

And then the floodgates opened.

Race control received more than 80 emails on the Race LAN system with teams pointing out infringements made by rivals.

RED BULL: Officials ‘tried to sabotage’ the sport

BLOWOUT: Supercars out to avoid Bathurst farce

The unprecedented flood of finger-pointing forced officials to review footage of alleged breaches.

Another eight cars were stung following the electronic complaints.

In a bid to stop another tit-for-tat round of penalties at this week’s Perth Super Sprint, beginning on Friday with practice, Supercars will send a memo to teams warning them that the LAN is to only be used for “matters relating to your own team’’.

Pit lane at Bathurst. Picture: Tim HunterSource:News Corp Australia

News of the looming “dump the dob” edict divided opinion with Bathurst hero Greg Murphy claiming “dobbing’’ had always been part of the sport.

“There is nothing new about it,’’ Murphy said.

“It is a tit-for-tat thing. If you get done by something at some stage then you will want other teams to get done for the same thing if they do it too. It is a bit of pay back I suppose.’’

Murphy said teams would always be out to gain an advantage in the high-stakes sport.

“It is just a part of the competition,’’ Murphy said.

“If you can gain an advantage then you go for it. Everyone is looking for an advantage in this sport. You have to try and get everything you possibly can. It comes down to the smallest of things and at the end of the day you have to work out how you want to play the game.

“Some will go down that path (of alerting officials) but I think you find nearly all will once they have been pinged for it themselves. It is hard not to want revenge.’’

Former driver Greg Murphy says “dobbing” is part of the sport. Picture: Jerad WilliamsSource:News Corp Australia

Murphy admitted the plague of pit-lane penalties at Phillip Island was not likely to be repeated.

“Sometimes these things present themselves,’’ Murphy said.

“But it is not something you see every day. Is it right or wrong? I am not sure. But you have to remember there is a lot at stake.’’

Murphy called for consistency after it was revealed that several cars that also crossed the offending line were not penalised during the controversial race.

“Was everybody that did the same thing penalised?’’ Murphy said.

“And they weren’t. In my eyes that is where it becomes a problem.’’

Originally published as Supercars snitches warned to ‘dump the dob’

Saddle The Stars ready for biggest test in Grand Annual Steeplechase

• Video
• Image

Renew leaves the field behind1:25

Horse Racing: The Darren Weir-trained Renew took centre stage at Warrnambool when he blew away his rivals in the $125,000 Galleywood Hurdle. Renew vindicated his firm favouritism race with an impressive staying and jumping performance in the 3200m race.

• May 3rd 2017
• 21 hours ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/Sport/Horse Racing/

Warrnambool racing carnival — Galleywood Day, Race 1- (L) John Allen onboard Waxing clears the jump with (r) Shane Jackson onboard Saddle The Stars, Waxing went onto win. 4th May 2016. Picture: Colleen Petch.

WARRNAMBOOL hobby trainer Chris Ryan has wanted to run Saddle The Stars in the Grand Annual Steeplechase for a while, and Thursday he will achieve his aim.

“I’ve had him earmarked for this for the last two years,’’ Ryan said. “He’s had his issues, but I’ve been able to put six months of work into him this time and he’s ready for it.”

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Ryan, who runs a property valuing business, trains only a couple of horses and Saddle The Stars will be his first Annual runner. He said Saddle The Stars wasn’t just making up the numbers on Thursday.

“He’s a very good, clever jumper and he’ll be suited by the intricacies of this course, which he knows well,’’ Ryan said. “He’ll run the distance, but whether he’s good enough, that’s the question.”

Saddle The Stars, a nine-year-old gelding, has had four jumps starts for three seconds, including last start on his steeplechase debut at Pakenham behind Annual rival Lucky Tonight.

“I think that’s good form as Lucky Tonight should be hard to beat,” Ryan said.

Saddle The Stars, right, will chase his biggest win in the Grand Annual Steeplechase on Thursday. Picture: Colleen PetchSource:News Corp Australia

Ryan purchased Saddle The Stars as a yearling for $60,000.

As a three-year-old, Saddle The Stars finished third in the Geelong Classic but was balloted out of the Victoria Derby, a race in which Ryan was confident he would run well.

Ryan said since then Saddle The Stars had struggled with his breathing as he was an asthmatic.

Ryan recently relocated to a property at Tower Hill and said he could train Saddle The Stars from the paddock, which had made all the difference.

“When he was in the stables he would breathe the dust in, but he’s a different horse now he’s in the paddock the whole time,” he said.

Saddle The Stars will carry the Ryan family colours also worn by 1970s cult galloper Gala Red, who was trained by his father Bernard, a part-owner of Saddle The Stars.

Gala Red finished second to Leilani in the 1974 Queen’s Cup at Flemington and was placed in the West Australian Derby and Queensland Derby.

MICHAEL MANLEY’S FEATURE TIPS

GRAND ANNUAL STEEPLECHASE (5500m)

RACE 7 (2.35pm)

Steve Pateman opted to ride I’LL’AVA’ALF (3) in a tough decision over last year’s winner NO SONG NO SUPPER (2) before I’ll’ava’alf won on the flat impressively on Tuesday. That would have boosted his confidence further. I’ll’ava’alf loves the wet and if he’s ever going to run the distance it should be today. Patrick Payne, aiming for his fourth win in the race since 2012, has strong chances in No Song No Supper and SLOWPOKE RODRIGUEZ (8), whom he set for this race two years ago. Kiwi LUCKY TONIGHT (4) outstayed his rivals to win at Pakenham last start. Last August he finished second in the Grand National Steeplechase to Wells.

THE TIPS

1. I’LL’AVA’ALF

2. Slowpoke Rodriguez

3. Lucky Tonight

4. No Song No Supper

WARRNAMBOOL CUP (2350m)

RACE 8 (3.15pm)

The three imports at the top of the weights look the hardest to beat. Darren Weir will have targeted this race for HIGH CHURCH (3), who sat wide and ran on well when fourth last start in the Easter Cup. The step up to 2350m will suit, he handles wet tracks and Damian Lane goes on. OBSERVATIONAL (1) made it two wins on end when he won the Easter Cup, charging home as he had done in the Golden Mile at Bendigo. GREY LION (2) over-raced in the Easter Cup and was beaten a long way out. He will be better suited on a wet track. UNFURL (12) is racing well but a query on a wet track.

THE TIPS

1. HIGH CHURCH

2. Observational

3. Grey Lion

4. Unfurl

Originally published as Ryan shoots for the stars in Annual grind