British record holder Dina Asher-Smith and Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred are set to feature in the sprint programme at this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

With 100 days to go until the Games begin on 23 July, England’s Asher-Smith will be hoping to add a first individual Commonwealth gold to her extensive medal collection at Scotstoun Stadium.

The 30-year-old, who holds the British records for the women’s 60m, 100m and 200m, could continue her rivalry with Saint Lucia’s Alfred, who claimed 100m gold and 200m silver at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Asher-Smith, a 200m world champion in 2019 and multiple European champion, said: “I’m really excited and I’m definitely aiming to compete at both the Europeans and the Commonwealth Games, mainly because it’s going to be so much fun.

“You are going to see a lot of talented athletes come out and perform, from all across the world. From the Caribbean nations to the African nations and all across the Commonwealth, I think there are going to be some incredible performances.

“I think we’re also going to have a lot of Scottish newcomers as well, so you should definitely come and support.”

Alfred, who will be looking to go one better than the 100m silver she claimed in Birmingham in 2022, added: “The Commonwealth title is very much one I would like to add as I try to build a legacy so that when I do one day step away from the track, people will say I accomplished everything I possibly could.”

In the other second-leg quarter-final taking place on Tuesday, Atletico Madrid host Barcelona, who lost the first leg (2–0). The Catalan side will be without Raphinha through injury and Cubarsí through suspension, while Diego Simeone has underlined that his team’s aim is “a clear objective: qualification”. Lamine Yamal, meanwhile, stressed the need to play without losing their identity.

On the international stage, France‘s women’s team face the Netherlands in a two-legged tie on Tuesday and Saturday for World Cup qualification, with Mbock and Bacha returning to Laurent Bonadei’s squad.

Finally, in the NBA, Detroit finished top of the Eastern Conference ahead of Boston and New York, while Oklahoma City lead the Western Conference ahead of San Antonio and Denver. The play-in tournament begins this Tuesday for teams ranked from seventh to tenth.

Unified WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk takes on kickboxing sensation Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza next month. On that card, a future opponent for the Ukrainian could be determined.

Usyk will defend the WBC belt when he takes on Verhoeven in Egypt. On the undercard, Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic compete for the vacant WBO super-middleweight world title, whilst Jack Catterall and Shakhram Giyasov clash in a bout to crown a WBA Regular welterweight champion.

In terms of the heavyweight picture, Cuba’s Frank Sanchez and the United States’ Richard Torrez Jr have a chance to impess on a big stage, with both men looking to earn a shot at the heavyweight throne.

Sanchez-Torrez is a long-awaited IBF final eliminator, meaning that the victor will be installed as Usyk’s mandatory challenger and thus be ordered for a fight with the Ukrainian, who could face being stripped of his IBF world title if he does not agree to defend his belt against the winner. The unified champion has not mentioned either man in his three-fight plan before retirement.

Unlike the WBC, neither the IBF or the WBA have confirmed that they will allow Usyk to defend their belts against 1-0 boxer Verhoeven, meaning he could be stripped of the titles regardless. Should that be the case, the winner of Sanchez-Torrez may well be elevated to full IBF world champion, just as Daniel Dubois was back in 2024 shortly after defeating Filip Hrgovic in a final eliminator.

Usyk-Verhoeven will take place on Saturday, May 23, with a total of four world title contests on offer, as well as the intriguing showdown between Sanchez and Torrez Jr.

Norwood Oval will play host to Sunday’s
Round 5 AFL game between Geelong Cats and
West Coast Eagles. The game kicks off at 12:30 pm with Geelong Cats heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Geelong Cats vs.
West Coast Eagles
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Sunday April 12, 2026 at 12:30 pm

Where: Norwood Oval

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Geelong Cats vs West Coast Eagles Odds

Geelong Cats vs West Coast Eagles Preview

Geelong returns to more familiar territory after a narrow loss to Hawthorn, with Bailey Smith continuing his strong form and Ollie Henry providing a reliable scoring option. The Cats now face a West Coast side that struggled badly against Sydney, particularly with ball movement out of defence. The Eagles’ inability to handle pressure was exposed, and that shapes as a major concern against Geelong’s well-drilled system. With a strong record at home and superior structure, the Cats are well positioned to bounce back emphatically.

Coolmore Stud and master trainer Aidan O’Brien have once again demonstrated why they remain the gold standard in global horse racing — not just in breeding and training, but in branding.

The latest batch of two-year-olds to be named showcases a blend of elite pedigree, clever storytelling, and marketable identity. In a sport where first impressions matter, these names are doing serious early work.

Powerful Pedigrees, Even Stronger Names

Among the standout names is Abraham Lincoln, a son of Wootton Bassett out of a Group-winning daughter of Invincible Spirit. Purchased for €2.3 million, the name carries immediate authority and presence — exactly what you’d expect from a top-tier prospect.

Book of Kells is another striking entry. By Dubawi and out of a Galileo mare, this colt is a half-brother to multiple Group 1 winner Auguste Rodin. The name cleverly ties Irish heritage with class and legacy — a perfect fit for a horse with serious expectations.

Then there’s Capability Brown, linking art and prestige with racing excellence. As a half-brother to Saxon Warrior, the name reinforces a sense of refinement and stature.

Raging Bull brings a different energy — aggressive, memorable, and built for headlines. Meanwhile, Shakespeare and Opera continue the cultural theme, both reflecting depth, class, and timeless appeal.

Why Naming Matters in Horse Racing

In modern racing, a name is more than a label — it’s a brand. Before a horse ever sets foot on the track, its name shapes perception among punters, media, and owners.

• Memorability: Names like “Raging Bull” stick instantly
• Heritage: “Book of Kells” connects to Irish identity
• Prestige: “Shakespeare” and “Opera” signal class
• Marketability: Strong names drive media coverage and betting interest

Coolmore understand this better than anyone. They consistently produce names that feel like future Group 1 winners — and more often than not, they are.

The Coolmore Formula

The naming strategy aligns perfectly with their overall model:

Elite Pedigree + World-Class Training + Strong Branding = Commercial Dominance

With Aidan O’Brien preparing these horses for Ballydoyle, the expectation is clear — many of these names will soon be seen in Group races across Europe.

What Comes Next?

As the flat season unfolds, all eyes will be on these two-year-olds when they debut. History suggests that when Coolmore name a horse this well, it’s rarely by accident.

Don’t be surprised if Abraham Lincoln, Book of Kells, or Opera are making headlines before long.

Final Word

In an era where branding matters more than ever, Coolmore and Aidan O’Brien continue to set the standard. These aren’t just racehorses — they’re future stars with names to match.