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Gaelic Warrior’s Gold Cup victory sets up the path to glory and greatness

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What is it that makes a champion? Is it enough to simply win, or could there be more nuance to those on whom we bequeath the title?

There have been many winners of the Cheltenham Gold Cup but fewer champions. The race was first run in 1924 and, excepting a few occasions, has been run every year since.

The horses which history remembers as champions have triumphed in this race multiple times – Golden Miller, Arkle, Best Mate, for example. Eight horses have won the race in consecutive years, with Al Boum Photo (2019 and 2020) and Galopin Des Champs (2023 and 2024) the most recent achievers. In the 2000s, Kauto Star became the only horse to regain the title, having first won it in 2007 before triumphing again in 2009.

That is a feat Galopin Des Champs would have tried to replicate this year, had he not suffered a setback before the Festival, but with Willie Mullins’s champion horse absent, others had to fill the hole he left behind, to step into the spotlight and declare, ‘this is my time’. And there were plenty that tried.

Paul Townend and Gaelic Warrior won the Gold Cup

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Paul Townend and Gaelic Warrior won the Gold Cup (Adam Davy/PA Wire)
No jockey has matched Townend’s five Gold Cup triumphs

No jockey has matched Townend’s five Gold Cup triumphs (AP)

The Gold Cup is the grandest of horse races and is staged at a racecourse that is the highlight of luxury and opulence. It almost feels like a remnant of a previous British age, where prestige was defined by money or power, and if you were bereft of those, you had to earn recognition in other ways. You had to fight to be seen, not just as a winner but as a champion. Winning here, and in this race, means more than a season of triumphs at lesser meetings. It is where champions are made.

Irish-trained horses had won nine of the last 10 runnings, with the British-trained Native River being the anomaly in 2018. They now have 10 from the last 11.

Gaelic Warrior, a former winner at Cheltenham – he took the Arkle in 2024 – now adds the Gold Cup to his repertoire. In Mullins, he has the best trainer; in Paul Townend, he now officially has the best jockey to ever ride in the race; and in himself, he had the best chance to be the successor to Galopin Des Champs. His two previous races of this quality, the King George VI Chase and the Irish Gold Cup, didn’t go his way, but perhaps this was the one he was made for all along.

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Townend rode superbly. With Haiti Couleurs setting a quick pace out front, he positioned Gaelic Warrior on the rail and rode behind the leading trio of horses, which included Grey Dawning and The Jukebox Man. Alongside the stayer and fellow joint-favourite Jango Baie, Gaelic Warrior was eased further wide coming from the backside of the course towards the turn. He leapt the fourth from home and was asked to move past The Jukebox Man, which he duly did.

Those behind him tried to respond but they couldn’t. There are levels to this horse; he is a champion in waiting, now a Gold Cup winner.

Townend held Gaelic Warrior on the rail before making his move

Townend held Gaelic Warrior on the rail before making his move (AFP/Getty)

In the Guinness Village beforehand, there were many cries of support for The Jukebox Man, the horse owned by Harry Redknapp – a man from a working-class background and a champion in his own right.

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For most of the week, Redknapp has done a sterling job at building support for his contender, enthusing about his trainer, Ben Pauling, and his jockey, Ben Jones, and telling stories of his nan’s love of racing and his lucky tie. His charm and appeal helped make The Jukebox Man the horse of the everyman.

Despite being heavily backed, there was still an underdog nature to him, and the well-wishes of many Cheltenham racegoers followed him for three miles and two furlongs. “Go on, Jukebox!” came cries from the Paddock as Redknapp watched his contender fall away.

“He travelled well. At two out, I’m looking at Gaelic Warrior. The winner was fantastic and really impressive,” Redknapp said on ITV afterwards.

“I think he’s got a little win problem that we need to sort out. But no excuses. It’s been amazing. What a week it’s been to be here and have a runner in the Gold Cup.

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“I’ve loved every minute of it. It would have been the icing on the cake to win it, but it wasn’t to be.”

And what about Inothewayurthinkin? He was the forgotten star, the one who bested Galopin Des Champs in this very race last year. Back then, with the cheers of the crowd fresh in his ears, he would have believed he was on the path of champions. Not so.

Harry Redknapp’s The Jukebox Man (red and white cap) was favoured but fell away over the closing stages

Harry Redknapp’s The Jukebox Man (red and white cap) was favoured but fell away over the closing stages (Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)

A horrendous season has seen him easily beaten in the John Durkan and the Savills Chase before he fell during the Irish Gold Cup a month ago. Despite his third-place finish, he now feels like just another Gold Cup winner who could fall into obscurity and never match the level of a champion like the great Galopin.

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Gaelic Warrior’s owner, Rich Ricci, had never had a Gold Cup-winning horse. He does now.

“I’ve been trying to win this race for 21 years; it’s just magic. It’s been a great week, incredible, great racing, great winners, I’m pleased for the horse,” he enthused.

“I love the game, it’s kept me involved for all these years, the passion, the people… I’ve said before, the people take me as they find me. I’m loud, obnoxious, I love the sport, and long may it last.”

When Irish trainer Henry De Bromhead’s Air Of Entitlement won the final race of the Festival, it meant Ireland maintained their hold on the Prestbury Cup for the eighth successive year, a 15-13 win over their hosts. It proved a bittersweet success for De Bromhead, whose Envoi Allen had what a medical official described as “almost certainly a very acute cardiovascular collapse” and died after finishing ninth in the Gold Cup.

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Envoi Allen became the third horse to die at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival

Envoi Allen became the third horse to die at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival (Brian Lawless/PA Wire)

The 12-year-old was having the final start of his glittering career, with owners Cheveley Park Stud having confirmed he would retire following his run in the blue riband.

Envoi Allen had won three times at the Festival, landing the 2019 Champion Bumper, the 2020 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, now known as the Turners, and the 2023 Ryanair Chase, as well as placing on a further three occasions.

Cheveley Park Stud director Richard Thompson said: “We didn’t see it. The vets OK-ed them all [after the race] and Darragh [O’Keeffe, jockey] said he was pricking his ears, then he came up and went over as he was coming out of the chute.

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“He had just retired and he’s just gone in a minute or two.

“He’s finished the race, the vets have had a look, he’s walked on and he’s gone down before the chute.”

The overall attendance of 226,223 spectators at the Festival this year is an uptick of almost 8,000 from the year before. Of those, 67,016 watched on from the concourses as Gaelic Warrior wrote his name into the history books.

If winning the Gold Cup once is good enough to become a champion, then he has achieved that goal. If repeating that feat is the true mark of greatness, well, he’s now on his way.

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Updated Utah State Aggies All-Time FBS Football Seasons

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  By SuperWest Sports Staff


After last year’s 6-7 campaign, Utah State football has played 111 FBS seasons, dating back to 1912.

utah state espnOverall, according to Sports-Reference.com, the Aggies have compiled a 548–557–28 (.496) record as an FBS program through the 2025 season.

Since the program’s first season, Utah State has appeared in 18 bowl games, winning six, and has secured two conference championships.

Utah State has also produced three consensus First Team All-America players.

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The Aggies begin their 112th FBS season in the new Pac-12 with renewed optimism under second-year head coach Bronco Mendenhall, looking to resume their winning ways.

—Conference Affiliations—

  • Pac-12 Conference (2026–present)
  • Mountain West Conference (2013–2025)
  • Western Athletic Conference (2005–2012)
  • Sun Belt Conference (2003–2004)
  • Division I-A Independent (2001–2002)
  • Pacific Coast Athletic Association / Big West Conference (1978–2000)
  • Division I Independent (1973–1977)
  • University Division Independent (1962–1972)
  • Mountain States Conference (1938–1961)
  • Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (1914–1937)
  • Unknown (1909–1913)

The table below provides an all-time FBS season rundown with Conference, W-L record, win percentage, coach, and bowl game, if any, for each year.

Year Conf W L T Pct Coach(es) Bowl
2025 MWC 6 7 0 .462 Bronco Mendenhall (6-7) Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (L)
2024 MWC 4 8 0 .333 Nate Dreiling (4-8)
2023 MWC 6 7 0 .462 Blake Anderson (6-7) Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (L)
2022 MWC 6 7 0 .462 Blake Anderson (6-7) First Responder Bowl (L)
2021 MWC 11 3 0 .786 Blake Anderson (11-3) LA Bowl (W)
2020 MWC 1 5 0 .167 Gary Andersen (0-3) Frank Maile (1-2)
2019 MWC 7 6 0 .538 Gary Andersen (7-6) Frisco Bowl (L)
2018 MWC 11 2 0 .846 Matt Wells (10-2) Frank Maile (1-0) New Mexico Bowl (W)
2017 MWC 6 7 0 .462 Matt Wells (6-7) Arizona Bowl (L)
2016 MWC 3 9 0 .250 Matt Wells (3-9)
2015 MWC 6 7 0 .462 Matt Wells (6-7) Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (L)
2014 MWC 10 4 0 .714 Matt Wells (10-4) New Mexico Bowl (W)
2013 MWC 9 5 0 .643 Matt Wells (9-5) Poinsettia Bowl (W)
2012 WAC 11 2 0 .846 Gary Andersen (11-2) Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (W)
2011 WAC 7 6 0 .538 Gary Andersen (7-6) Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (L)
2010 WAC 4 8 0 .333 Gary Andersen (4-8)
2009 WAC 4 8 0 .333 Gary Andersen (4-8)
2008 WAC 3 9 0 .250 Brent Guy (3-9)
2007 WAC 2 10 0 .167 Brent Guy (2-10)
2006 WAC 1 11 0 .083 Brent Guy (1-11)
2005 WAC 3 8 0 .273 Brent Guy (3-8)
2004 Sun Belt 3 8 0 .273 Mick Dennehy (3-8)
2003 Sun Belt 3 9 0 .250 Mick Dennehy (3-9)
2002 Ind 4 7 0 .364 Mick Dennehy (4-7)
2001 Ind 4 7 0 .364 Mick Dennehy (4-7)
2000 Big West 5 6 0 .455 Mick Dennehy (5-6)
1999 Big West 4 7 0 .364 Dave Arslanian (4-7)
1998 Big West 3 8 0 .273 Dave Arslanian (3-8)
1997 Big West 6 6 0 .500 John Smith (6-6) Humanitarian Bowl (L)
1996 Big West 6 5 0 .545 John Smith (6-5)
1995 Big West 4 7 0 .364 John Smith (4-7)
1994 Big West 3 8 0 .273 Charlie Weatherbie (3-8)
1993 Big West 7 5 0 .583 Charlie Weatherbie (7-5) Las Vegas Bowl (W)
1992 Big West 5 6 0 .455 Charlie Weatherbie (5-6)
1991 Big West 5 6 0 .455 Chuck Shelton (5-6)
1990 Big West 5 5 1 .500 Chuck Shelton (5-5-1)
1989 Big West 4 7 0 .364 Chuck Shelton (4-7)
1988 Big West 4 7 0 .364 Chuck Shelton (4-7)
1987 PCAA 5 6 0 .455 Chuck Shelton (5-6)
1986 PCAA 3 8 0 .273 Chuck Shelton (3-8)
1985 PCAA 3 8 0 .273 Chris Pella (3-8)
1984 PCAA 1 10 0 .091 Chris Pella (1-10)
1983 PCAA 5 6 0 .455 Chris Pella (5-6)
1982 PCAA 5 6 0 .455 Bruce Snyder (5-6)
1981 PCAA 5 5 1 .500 Bruce Snyder (5-5-1)
1980 PCAA 6 5 0 .545 Bruce Snyder (6-5)
1979 PCAA 7 3 1 .682 Bruce Snyder (7-3-1)
1978 PCAA 7 4 0 .636 Bruce Snyder (7-4)
1977 Ind 4 7 0 .364 Bruce Snyder (4-7)
1976 Ind 3 8 0 .273 Bruce Snyder (3-8)
1975 Ind 6 5 0 .545 Phil Krueger (6-5)
1974 Ind 8 3 0 .727 Phil Krueger (8-3)
1973 Ind 7 4 0 .636 Phil Krueger (7-4)
1972 Ind 8 3 0 .727 Chuck Mills (8-3)
1971 Ind 8 3 0 .727 Chuck Mills (8-3)
1970 Ind 5 5 0 .500 Chuck Mills (5-5)
1969 Ind 3 7 0 .300 Chuck Mills (3-7)
1968 Ind 7 3 0 .700 Chuck Mills (7-3)
1967 Ind 7 2 1 .750 Chuck Mills (7-2-1)
1966 Ind 4 6 0 .400 Tony Knap (4-6)
1965 Ind 8 2 0 .800 Tony Knap (8-2)
1964 Ind 5 4 1 .550 Tony Knap (5-4-1)
1963 Ind 8 2 0 .800 Tony Knap (8-2)
1962 Ind 8 2 0 .800 John Ralston (8-2)
1961 Skyline 9 1 1 .864 John Ralston (9-1-1) Gotham Bowl (L)
1960 Skyline 9 2 0 .818 John Ralston (9-2) Sun Bowl (L)
1959 Skyline 5 6 0 .455 John Ralston (5-6)
1958 Skyline 3 7 0 .300 Everett Faunce (3-7)
1957 Skyline 2 7 1 .250 Everett Faunce (2-7-1)
1956 Skyline 6 4 0 .600 Everett Faunce (6-4)
1955 Skyline 4 6 0 .400 Everett Faunce (4-6)
1954 Skyline 4 6 0 .400 John Roning (4-6)
1953 Skyline 8 3 0 .727 John Roning (8-3)
1952 Skyline 3 7 1 .318 John Roning (3-7-1)
1951 Skyline 3 5 1 .389 John Roning (3-5-1)
1950 Skyline 2 9 0 .182 George Melinkovich (2-9)
1949 Skyline 3 7 0 .300 George Melinkovich (3-7)
1948 Skyline 5 6 0 .455 E. Lowell Romney (5-6)
1947 MSAC 6 5 0 .545 E. Lowell Romney (6-5)
1946 MSAC 7 2 1 .750 E. Lowell Romney (7-2-1) Raisin Bowl (L)
1945 MSAC 4 3 0 .571 E. Lowell Romney (4-3)
1944 MSAC 3 3 0 .500 E. Lowell Romney (3-3)
1942 MSAC 6 3 1 .650 E. Lowell Romney (6-3-1)
1941 MSAC 0 8 0 .000 E. Lowell Romney (0-8)
1940 MSAC 2 5 1 .313 E. Lowell Romney (2-5-1)
1939 MSAC 3 4 1 .438 E. Lowell Romney (3-4-1)
1938 MSAC 4 4 0 .500 E. Lowell Romney (4-4)
1937 RMC 2 4 2 .375 E. Lowell Romney (2-4-2)
1936 RMC 7 0 1 .938 E. Lowell Romney (7-0-1)
1935 RMC 5 2 1 .688 E. Lowell Romney (5-2-1)
1934 RMC 5 1 1 .786 E. Lowell Romney (5-1-1)
1933 RMC 4 4 0 .500 E. Lowell Romney (4-4)
1932 RMC 4 4 0 .500 E. Lowell Romney (4-4)
1931 RMC 6 2 0 .750 E. Lowell Romney (6-2)
1930 RMC 3 5 1 .389 E. Lowell Romney (3-5-1)
1929 RMC 3 4 0 .429 E. Lowell Romney (3-4)
1928 RMC 5 3 1 .611 E. Lowell Romney (5-3-1)
1927 RMC 3 4 1 .438 E. Lowell Romney (3-4-1)
1926 RMC 5 1 2 .750 E. Lowell Romney (5-1-2)
1925 RMC 6 1 0 .857 E. Lowell Romney (6-1)
1924 RMC 4 2 1 .643 E. Lowell Romney (4-2-1)
1923 RMC 5 2 0 .714 E. Lowell Romney (5-2)
1922 RMC 5 4 0 .556 E. Lowell Romney (5-4)
1921 RMC 7 1 0 .875 E. Lowell Romney (7-1)
1920 RMC 4 2 1 .643 E. Lowell Romney (4-2-1)
1919 RMC 5 2 0 .714 E. Lowell Romney (5-2)
1917 RMC 7 0 1 .938 Jack Watson (7-0-1)
1916 RMC 1 5 1 .214 Jack Watson (1-5-1)
1915 RMC 3 4 0 .429
1914 RMC 2 5 0 .286
1912 Ind 4 2 1 .643

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Carson Wentz Needs a Minnesota Re-Run

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Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Last offseason, the Minnesota Vikings all but handed their starting quarterback job to J.J. McCarthy. Daniel Jones wasn’t given the assurances he could start, and no legitimate backup was brought in either. After watching Sam Howell struggle in the preseason, someone spoke up and called Carson Wentz.

The chatter thus far this offseason has focused solely on Kyler Murray. That’s fair, as he will come in to start in for Kevin O’Connell and can be signed for just $1.3 million. Arguably as important is who backs him up.

A Familiar Veteran Could Solve the Vikings’ Backup QB Question

Murray doesn’t have the cleanest injury history, and McCarthy certainly doesn’t either. The reality, though, is that McCarthy shouldn’t be called upon mid-game at any point. It’s unclear if he’s ready to be relied upon at the highest level, but an unexpected situation makes matters even worse.

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Sep 26, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) at press conference at Sport Ireland Campus. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Vikings need a backup capable of stepping on the field without a range that could span the entire field. Last season, Wentz went just 2-3 as the starter for the Vikings. However, he connected with Justin Jefferson for over 95 yards per game while under center, and he completed 65.1% of his passes.

It’s unfortunate how much Wentz’s career trajectory changed after his knee injury with the Philadelphia Eagles. Nick Foles came on and won the Super Bowl; he should have led them to. However, Wentz is a North Dakota kid who grew up cheering for the Vikings, and it’s only right that he be on the sidelines the first time they win one.

Oct 5, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) walks off the field after their win against the Cleveland Browns in an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Murray brings a serious ceiling to a Minnesota team ready to compete now. If O’Connell can integrate him into the offense and immediately get things clicking, the upcoming season could be really fun. There has to be someone on the sidelines pushing that player, though, and it won’t be McCarthy.

Assuming Wentz is cleared from his season-ending surgery, he’d be best suited to reunite with the Vikings. This time, it would happen a few days before Week 1, and the chemistry is already there with the coach and the roster. QB3 for McCarthy might not be fun, but it needs to happen.


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Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler
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Corniche targets 2026 Caulfield sprint in VOBIS Gold feature

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For years, trainer Shawn Mathrick out of Cranbourne has thrived using horses let go by Godolphin.

The current stablemate Corniche prepares for another start with Mathrick in the VOBIS Gold Sprint (1200m) this Saturday at Caulfield.

Having raced 14 times for Godolphin with two wins under James Cummings and Ciaron Maher, the gelding was runner-up in the Listed Abell Stakes (1200m) at Cranbourne on February 27.

This came as the gelding’s first race back from last September, and Mathrick was delighted with the outcome having dreaded the worst when Corniche arrived.

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“I was worried we he first came, and thought ‘I’ve done my brass here’, but it’s taken a bit of work and he’s thriving at the beach,” Mathrick said.

“He’s got some knee issues. His action was terrible when he came to me and we’ve been doing a lot of beach work with him.

He galloped on Monday, and he worked the place down.”

Mathrick has managed numerous ex-Godolphin performers in his care, with special fondness for Adirondack and Gig, a mare he bred from.

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“They pretty much tell what it is with their horses is,” Mathrick said of Godolphin.

“They’re pretty honest about it.

My old man used to say they don’t lose their ability, so there must be something going on and this horse got beaten a length-and-a-half by Joliestar one day and got flattened twice in the straight and then powered home.

He’s definitely got the ability and softer tracks, with his knees, would be better for him, but I’ll let him go around on Saturday and then see if we have to back off.”

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Early on, Corniche placed in the Blue Diamond Preview and Prelude, won the Group 2 Magic Night Stakes, and later the Group 3 Sunshine Coast Guineas.

His Sunshine Coast Guineas triumph dates to May 2024, followed by sparse racing.

“I’ve been picking my mark when I gallop him,” Mathrick said.

“I’ll only gallop him on the grass and when we’ve had a bit of rain, but his action was faultless on Monday.

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The Goodwood in Adelaide, it might be a good race for him, so we’ll see how he is.”

Visit betting sites to find the best racing odds for Corniche’s run in the VOBIS Gold Sprint.

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Rolly Romero announces likely date and venue for Devin Haney unification fight

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A unification fight between Rolando Romero and Devin Haney appears to be on the verge of confirmation.

‘Rolly’ Romero is the reigning WBA welterweight champion, having won the Regular belt with a unanimous decision victory over Ryan Garcia at Times Square in New York last May before he was later upgraded to full champion.

He began his career at 135lbs, winning the WBA interim lightweight title, before moving up to super-lightweight and becoming WBA champion there, prior to his current campaign at 147lbs.

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Another fighter that has reigned in multiple divisions is Haney, who was undisputed lightweight champion and WBC super-lightweight champion over the years.

He moved to welterweight last year, dethroning Brian Norman Jr to become WBO welterweight champion, with a number of possible next opponents listed ever since.

Keyshawn Davis was mentioned, along with former foe and newly-crowned WBC champion Ryan Garcia, but it appears that Romero has won the race to be the next man standing opposite Haney.

Romero and Haney have gone back and forth on social media in recent weeks to publicise their potential fight, and now Romero has told Fight Hub TV the expected details surrounding the clash.

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“It’s looking like it might get done for May 30 here in Las Vegas. MGM [Grand].”

The victor of the bout would have his hands on two titles at 147, and would likely look to target the other world champions in the division, with the aforementioned Garcia holding the WBC belt, and Lewis Crocker the current IBF champion.

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Pakistan Thrash Bangladesh By 128 Runs In Rain-Hit Second ODI To Level Series

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Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 128 runs via the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method in the rain-affected second ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday. Maaz Sadaqat was the stand-out performer of the game, blasting a rapid 75 for Pakistan before picking up three wickets. Chasing a revised target of 243 in 32 overs after a two-hour rain and hailstorm delay, Bangladesh collapsed for 114 in 23.3 overs despite a brief counterattack from Litton Das. Bangladesh had already been in trouble before the weather halted play.

Tanzid Hasan fell early for one, caught at backward square leg off Shaheen Shah Afridi, while Saif Hassan departed for 12 after offering a catch to short mid-off off Mohammad Wasim Jr.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was bowled by Afridi for a duck, leaving the hosts reeling at 27 for 3 in 6.3 overs when a sudden thunderstorm accompanied by hail forced the players off the field.

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When play resumed, Litton attempted to revive the chase with a series of boundaries including two sixes. He was eventually trapped lbw for 41 by part-time spinner Maaz Sadaqat.

Tawhid Hridoy made 28 off 38 balls before falling lbw to Haris Rauf, while Afif Hossain added 14 before becoming Sadaqat’s second victim.

Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz managed just one run as Bangladesh’s innings folded quickly.

Rauf and Sadaqat claimed three wickets each to complete a dominant bowling performance for Pakistan.

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Earlier, Bangladesh had fought back with the ball to bowl Pakistan out for 274 in 47.3 overs after a blistering start by the visitors.

Pakistan raced to 103 for the opening wicket inside 13 overs through an aggressive partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and Sadaqat.

Sadaqat struck 75 off 46 balls with six fours and five sixes, while Farhan scored 31 before falling to Taskin Ahmed.

Salman Agha later top-scored with 64 from 62 balls and shared a 109-run stand with Mohammad Rizwan (44), though Agha’s innings ended in a dramatic run-out by Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the non-striker’s end that sparked animated reactions on the field.

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Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain finished as the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 56 as Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 274, a total that proved more than enough on a rain-shortened night in Mirpur.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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North Carolina football GM defends Bill Belichick against ‘fake rumors’

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After a legendary NFL coaching career that produced eight Super Bowl rings as both an assistant and head coach, Bill Belichick made the jump to the college ranks last year.

Belichick led North Carolina to a 4-8 record in his first season in Chapel Hill, but a string of off-field headlines largely overshadowed the program.

UNC general manager Michael Lombardi recently addressed the scrutiny and outside criticism that surrounded the program last season, defending the team’s response amid what he characterized as inaccurate accounts.

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Michael Lombardi talks with Bill Belichick

North Carolina football general manager Michael Lombardi (L) talks with head coach Bill Belichick prior to the game against the Richmond Spiders at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Lance King/Getty Images)

“All during those stormy times, all during when the boat was getting capsized, when people were attacking us with fake rumors and fake stories all over — nobody’s corrected them yet, but that’s OK, we understand — our players hung together,” Lombardi told the “Pat McAfee Show” last week.

Lombardi also suggested the program’s high profile made it a target but argued the scrutiny ultimately reinforced the team’s resolve, especially on the recruiting trail.

BILL BELICHICK, JORDON HUDSON HOT MIC MOMENT LEAKED AMID UNC DRAMA-FILLED SEASON

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“We did not lose one single recruit to another team. Now, they tried. A lot of that, to me, was the dedication of our recruiting class, and that’s what I think gives all of everybody in this program the lift that we need. Because those players have bought into our messaging, and they stood firm in a time of trouble.”

“Look, let’s face it. If you’re not worth a darn, they’re not going to attack you. Some programs are not worth attacking. They’re going to attack us. We expect it. It’s all good. We’ve been in the arena before. We don’t listen to the noise. We focus on what we have to focus on and we move forward.”

Michael Lombardi looks on

General manager Michael Lombardi of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on prior to the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Lance King/Getty Images)

During last year’s widely discussed “CBS News Sunday Morning” interview, Hudson faced accusations that she attempted to exert control during the former NFL coach’s sit-down. The interview was part of a promotional tour for Belichick’s new book, “The Art of Winning — Lessons from My Life in Football.”

The viral moment sparked questions about Hudson’s involvement in both his personal and professional life and whether it could affect football operations.

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However, in the months leading up to the start of Belichick’s debut season, multiple Tar Heels football players spoke out and insisted the coach’s personal life hadn’t disrupted the team in any way.

Wide receiver Jordan Shipp made it clear that any outside “noise” has not negatively affected the team. From Shipp’s point of view, Hudson has not been overly involved in Belichick’s coaching process.

“Social media can promote some narrative, but that was not a distraction to us at all,” Shipp said in July 2025. “There was never a problem, like people saying she was running practice. We’d never really see her in the building. That was never a problem.”

Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson

Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels and Jordon Hudson look on prior to the game against the Richmond Spiders at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Lance King/Getty Images)

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Then-UNC quarterback Gio Lopez also weighed in, saying Hudson was more visible online than at the team complex and describing Belichick as a “normal coach.”

“I log on my phone and see something about coach Belichick, so it is different, of course,” Lopez said. “But you’d never think that about him. He’s a normal guy, a normal coach. That’s how he carries himself. He’s very personable, not worried about the spotlight. He just does his job.” 

Lopez threw for 1,747 yards at UNC in 2025 before transferring to Wake Forest in January.

In October, Belichick addressed speculation that he and school officials had discussed a “potential exit strategy” during his tumultuous first season. “I’m fully committed to UNC football and the program we’re building here,” Belichick said in a statement at the time.

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Belichick dismissed the increased attention on his personal life. “Sometimes it’s noisy, and sometimes it isn’t,” he told ESPN last summer. “Sometimes with the Patriots it was noisy, too.”

UNC opens spring camp on March 24.

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NBA referee Sha’Rae Mitchell suffers head injury in Hawks-Nets game

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NBA official Sha’Rae Mitchell went down hard during Thursday night’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets after she ran into a camera operator and appeared to injure her head in the collision. 

Mitchell, who is in her first season as an NBA staff official, was jogging full speed along the court with just over eight minutes left in the game when she took a hard fall to the ground after running into a camera operator, who appeared to be filming the crowd courtside during play. 

Referee Sha'Rae Mitchell signals

Referee Sha’Rae Mitchell (98) signals during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 12, 2026. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

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The game was stopped as Mitchell appeared to grab the back of her head, bent over in obvious pain. 

She walked off the court and sat down, continuing to grab at her head. 

Referee Sha'Rae Mitchell holding her head after a collision during a basketball game at State Farm Arena

Referee Sha’Rae Mitchell holds her head after a collision during the fourth quarter of the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 12, 2026. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

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Mitchell reportedly returned to the game as Jalen Johnson recorded 21 points, nine rebounds and nine assists to help the Hawks extend the NBA’s longest current winning streak to eight games with a 108-97 victory over the Nets.

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The 40-year-old referee joined the league officially this season after previously officiating 11 regular-season games as a non-staff official during the 2022-23 NBA season and four games during the 2021-22 season. 

RFeferee Sha'Rae Mitchell falls to the floor following a collision

Rapper and entertainer Boosie Badazz reacts after watching referee Sha’Rae Mitchell (98) fall to the floor following a collision during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 12, 2026. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

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Mitchell was a standout women’s college basketball player at UC Santa Barbara before she served on coaching staffs at Stanford University, UCLA and Coastal Carolina University. She then moved to officiating college basketball for several years before making her debut at the pro level.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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College Basketball Best Bets: Conference Tournament Semifinal Picks

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Mar 12, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Houston Cougars guard Emanuel Sharp (21) rebounds during the second half against the BYU Cougars at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn ImagesMar 12, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Houston Cougars guard Emanuel Sharp (21) rebounds during the second half against the BYU Cougars at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

Championship Week rolls on Friday with several semifinal games on the schedule featuring some of the best teams in the country. It’s definitely more fun to make picks for semifinal games with the stakes elevated even higher.

Today’s NCAA Basketball Best Bets will feature three conference semifinal contests.

Let’s get started by talking about the Big Easy Tournament Semifinal featuring the Georgetown Hoyas and No. 6 Connecticut Huskies before moving on to ACC and Big 12 Semifinal games.

Big East Tournament – Semifinal: Georgetown vs. No. 6 UConn

Georgetown ended the regular season with a 14-17 record after going 1-7 down the stretch. They should have been an early out in the Big East Tournament, but instead, they upset Villanova to earn a spot in the semifinals. Cinderellas win all the time; could they do it again?

If the regular season is any indication, maybe. The Hoyas and Huskies played twice, UConn won both, but by a two-point margin in one (64-62) and a four-point margin in the other (79-75). But on paper, these games shouldn’t have even been close.

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My Pick: UConn -13.5 at -106

I’m a little nervous about this one because of the regular-season games being so close. But after watching the beatdown they gave Xavier, the dominant version of UConn appears to be back. The Huskies will cover this large spread.

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ACC Tournament – Semifinal: Clemson vs. No. 1 Duke

If the Clemson Tigers were wondering how to beat Duke, the Florida State Seminoles were kind enough to give them a blueprint Thursday night: hit 52% of your shots, including 10+ three-pointers, force turnovers, and generate points from those turnovers.

In Clemson’s regular-season matchup with Duke, they shot 35% from the floor, hit 6 of 24 three-pointers, and scored eight points off nine turnovers (Duke scored 13 off ten).

The Tigers are certainly competitive on the defensive end (No. 23 in the country, 66.2 points per game allowed). But not so much on the offensive end (No. 223, 77.4 points per game). They are a decent three-point shooting team (34%) and are capable of generating turnovers (11.59 per game).

My Pick: Duke -11.5

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Clemson’s defense will keep them from getting blown out, but their offense is going to struggle against the Duke defense (No. 2 in the country, 62.5 points per game allowed).

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Big 12 Tournament – Semifinal: No. 14 Kansas vs. No. 5 Houston

Kansas was the third loss in Houston’s three-game losing streak late in the season and essentially beat the Cougars at their own game: they played better defense. Houston shot a dreadful 32% in that game, while Kansas made one more shot (22 to 21) and took 16 fewer shots (50 to 66).

The Jayhawks also won the three-point line, going 7-17 while holding Houston to 5-24.

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The Cougars rebounded with three strong wins to close the regular season and had a solid outing against BYU in their tournament opener. Kansas came out on top of a battle with TCU in the quarterfinals Thursday night.

My Pick: Houston -5.5

Kansas deserved to win their first meeting with Houston, but the Cougars defense is too good not to have a better performance this time around. Houston’s balanced offense will get the job done this time against the Jayhawks defense.

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PAK vs BAN, 2nd ODI: Maaz Sadaqat’s heroics help Pakistan thump Bangladesh, level series 1-1 | Cricket News

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PAK vs BAN, 2nd ODI: Maaz Sadaqat's heroics help Pakistan thump Bangladesh, level series 1-1
Maaz Sadaqat (Agency Photo)

NEW DELHI: The Pakistan national cricket team beat the Bangladesh national cricket team by 128 runs via the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method in the rain-hit second ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday, levelling the three-match series 1-1 with a dominant performance.The star of the match was Maaz Sadaqat, who shone with both bat and ball. He first smashed a quick 75 off 46 balls and later returned to pick up three wickets to help Pakistan seal the victory.

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Pakistan were bowled out for 274 in 47.3 overs after strong contributions from several batters. Sadaqat and Sahibzada Farhan gave the visitors a flying start, putting together a 103-run opening partnership inside 13 overs. Farhan made 31, while Salman Agha later added 64 and shared a 109-run stand with Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 44.Chasing the target, Bangladesh’s innings got off to a poor start. Tanzid Hasan fell for 1, Saif Hassan scored 12, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was dismissed for a duck by Shaheen Shah Afridi, leaving the hosts at 27 for 3 in 6.3 overs. At that stage, a sudden thunderstorm with rain and hail forced the players off the field for about two hours.When play resumed, the target was revised to 243 in 32 overs under the DLS method. Litton Das tried to fight back with an attacking 41, hitting a few boundaries and two sixes, while Towhid Hridoy made 28.However, once Litton was dismissed lbw by Sadaqat, Bangladesh quickly collapsed. Haris Rauf and Sadaqat picked up three wickets each, bowling Bangladesh out for 114 in 23.3 overs and sealing a comprehensive win for Pakistan.

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Akwa United Coach Paul Offor Wins NNL Best Coach Award for Three Consecutive Months

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Akwa United Head Coach, Paul Offor, has been named the Nigeria National League (NNL) Best Coach for three consecutive months, winning the award for December 2025, January 2026 and February 2026.

The NNL announced the winners of the Prostar/Sportlight Hub Monthly Awards, which recognise outstanding performances by players, coaches, teams and referees across the league.

Under Offor’s leadership, Akwa United currently top NNL Conference B with 25 points from 13 matches, reflecting the team’s strong form this season.

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In December 2025, Offor was named Best Coach, while Daniel Gothom of Akwa United won Goal of the Month. Other winners included Ajibola Joel (Stormers FC) as Highest Goal Scorer, Emmanuel S. Daniel (Ranchers Bees FC) as Best Goalkeeper, Yaro Zakari (Yobe Desert Stars FC) as MVP, Akporogene Ajigeye (Delta State Referees Council) as Best Referee, and Kada Warriors FC as Best Behaved Team.

In January 2026, Offor retained the Best Coach award. Tony Ayang (Rovers FC) was Highest Goal Scorer, Aloysius Thankgod (Akwa United) won Best Goalkeeper, Victor Samuel (Sporting Lagos FC) was MVP, Babarinde Taofeek (Gateway FC) won Goal of the Month, Eke Henry N. (Imo Referees Council) was Best Referee, and Rovers FC were Best Behaved Team.

In February 2026, Offor completed the three-month run by winning Best Coach again. The other winners were Innocent Idi (City FC) as Highest Goal Scorer, Alo Chukwu Pascal (Abakaliki FC) as Best Goalkeeper, Obisesan Sodiq (Osun United FC) as MVP, Jaffar Ojo (Smart City FC) as Goal of the Month, Mudashir Shehu (Kaduna State Referee Council) as Best Referee, and Lobi Stars FC as Best Behaved Team.

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The awards ceremony will hold on March 30, 2026. 

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