Ciaron Maher’s stable anticipates much from the overseas recruit Zahrann in his maiden Australian voyage at Bendigo.

The Irish-bred galloper tackles the Listed Golden Mile (1600m) on Saturday, his seventh overall start carrying strong prior performances.

Famed as the ‘Nursery of Champions’ at Bendigo, it hosted early successes for the likes of Better Loosen Up, Hyperno and Salamander, suiting imports well for their local debuts.

Robert Hickmott-prepared Observational, owned by Lloyd and Nick Williams, captured the 2015 Golden Mile upon arriving in Australia.

Zahrann’s sole run under 2000m came as a second placing in a 1609m Navan maiden during his debut last April.

Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer at Ciaron Maher Racing, remains guarded on prospects after the stallion’s pair of jump-outs leading into Saturday.

“I won’t say it will be too short, but in a perfect world he’s going to want a bit further,” Turnbull said.

“He takes a lot riding. He’s a very complacent animal, but when he puts his mind to it, he can really have a crack.

“He’s really exciting for the spring and that was why he was purchased, ideally for a race like the Caulfield Cup and you go through his form in Europe, it’s pretty exciting.

“If we can capture a bit of that on Saturday and build off that, that would be great, and our plan is to get to the spring.”

Saturday’s performance will guide the stable’s strategy, per Turnbull.

Paths could lead north to Brisbane or a quieter build to spring.

“The spring comes around very quick,” Turnbull said.

“I wouldn’t say he will spell between now and spring, it’s just where he ticks over, in what location.”

Zahrann’s path to the races slowed post-arrival last year due to foot troubles, as Turnbull detailed.

“When we started with him, we trained him barefoot for a while, took him back to basics, and had our farrier team get on top of him,” Turnbull said.

“He had a few small hiccups, but looking back, we’re well on top of that now.

“He’s a very attractive stallion and being Bendigo, a lovely galloping track, a lovely surface, it should be ideal.

“He’ll be asked to step away, hold a spot somewhere, hopefully that’s midfield, or thereabouts and then have one run at them to be finishing off, and if that is good enough, then that’s great, otherwise we build and look for something a little longer.”

Holymanz represents the Maher team too on Saturday, entering in excellent fettle according to Turnbull.

Fifth on soft going at Flemington previously, he trialed sharply at Cranbourne lately.

“As I always say, you would love to own him,” Turnbull said.

“He’s so well. He’s had a little jump-out since his last run. He’s fresh, so consistent and the mile is his trip.

“If he runs to his level and gets a smooth run, I’m sure he’s good enough.”

Leading betting sites offer strong markets for the Bendigo Golden Mile.

A video of Sunrisers Hyderabad overseas star Heinrich Klaasen allegedly warning a fan for recording him as well as his family without their permission has gone viral on social media. In the video that has been shared multiple times on social media, Klaasen was seen threatening someone and asking them to stop recording. Although the face of the player was not visible in the video, the internet was convinced that it was the wicket-keeper batter from South Africa. He said that the person recording on his phone will be on the floor if he did not stop.

“Don’t do it, sorry. Listen to me very carefully, don’t do it, okay,” he said.

“I said to you no. Please leave,” Klaasen was heard saying in the video.

POV: meeting a foreign cricketer in India…. Dude just give him and his family some privacy for gods sake.

What a man Klaasy cinema lo hero villain ki warning ela isthado ala ichadu good man#SRH #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/imwBT2c8wi

— Varun Velamakanti (@CricVarunSRH) April 30, 2026

When the fan continued to film and said that SRH played well, the cricketer responded – “Thank you very much, but don’t take a photo. If I turn around and you take a photo of me and my family, I promise you will be on the floor, okay.”

Earlier, former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn heaped praise on Sunrisers Hyderabad’s middle-order batter Heinrich Klaasen for his scintillating knock against Mumbai Indians and pointed out that the batter is “still right up there as an Orange Cap contender” despite coming out to bat in the middle order.

After openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head added 129 runs for the frist wicket, Klaasen thrashed an unbeaten 65 off 30, while Salil Arora smoked 30 not out off ten balls to hand SRH the fourth-highest successful chase in the IPL and their fifth straight win of the season.

Steyn pointed out that Klaasen’s numbers are even more impressive considering he does not open the batting and often comes in after the top order has already faced a significant portion of the innings.

“The numbers are just insane because he’s competing with the guys at the top of the order, the opening batters. If you look at the opening batters from Sunrisers Hyderabad in particular, they get off to incredible starts and do the bulk of the run-scoring. He comes out later and yet; he’s still right up there as an Orange Cap contender. It’s an exceptional effort by him,” Steyn told JioStar.

“Every time he comes out, he looks in total control. He looks steady, hits the ball down the ground nicely, and gets himself in. When he wants to pull the trigger, he’s able to hit the ball anywhere. That six where he went reverse off the spinner, how? He just pulls it out in the middle of a game. Incredible hand-eye coordination, skill, and then obviously, the mental side to back his ability to do it under pressure,” he added.

(With IANS inputs)

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IPL 2026 News | RCB Outplay CSK For 2nd Win On Trot, Ruturaj Gaikwad & Co Suffer 3rd Loss

While Exeter – under hugely experienced director of rugby Rob Baxter – have transformed their fortunes, Richie Murphy’s Ulster project has taken shape in recent months.

After a miserable 2024-25 that ended with Ulster finishing third-from-bottom in the United Rugby Championship, they are fighting for domestic and European honours at the business end of the season.

Thanks to attack coach Mark Sexton’s impact, Ulster have scored 210 points in their six Challenge Cup games compared to Exeter’s 204 (although 28 of the Irish province’s total came after their pool fixture against the Cheetahs was cancelled).

“There are lots of boys in there putting their hands up and probably just enjoying the style of rugby they’re playing.

“It’s infectious. They play with a lot of tempo and speed. It’s a 15-man game, which has been very exciting and from a fan’s point of view that’s what you want to come and watch.

“They’re staying true to themselves even whenever it might not feel like the right thing to do.”

Ulster have not won a trophy in 20 years while the Chiefs’ Champions Cup success came in a behind-closed-doors final, meaning a Bilbao final on 22 May against Montpellier or the Dragons is a huge incentive for both sides.

“The Chiefs haven’t won this competition before,” said Steenson.

“The way they’ll look at it as possibly completing a clean sweep of every competition, which would be an awesome feat.

“From an Ulster point of view, they haven’t won for a long, long time. It’s the chance to get the supporters buzzing around a European final.

“Who would it mean more to? Would it mean more to the Ulster supporters to get the opportunity to go and do that? Potentially, but I know how fanatical the Chiefs supporters will be.”

For months, rumours have continued to follow Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen across Europe.

From Arsenal to FC Barcelona and even Real Madrid, several top clubs have reportedly shown interest in signing the Nigerian forward.

But while many expect another big transfer move in his career, Osimhen appears happy exactly where he is — at Galatasaray.

The Nigerian striker has become one of the most feared forwards in world football in recent years. After his successful spell at SSC Napoli, he first joined Galatasaray on loan before completing a permanent €75 million move to the Turkish giants last summer.

Since arriving in Istanbul, Osimhen has continued to shine in front of goal, scoring 57 goals and providing 15 assists in 72 appearances.

His brilliant form has naturally attracted interest from Europe’s biggest clubs again, with reports suggesting some teams could make offers during the summer transfer window.

However, despite the growing speculation, the 27-year-old has now spoken warmly about life in Turkey and why Galatasaray feels special to him.

Speaking with journalist Onah Kosisochukwu, Osimhen reflected on his journey and the support he has received since moving to Istanbul.

“God has put me on that path to prepare me for the greatness I’m in right now,” Osimhen said.

“It’s what shaped me into the kind of man I am today, and I’ve enjoyed so much in my career so far.”

The striker then opened up on the connection he feels with Galatasaray, its fans and the city itself.

“But I think I’ve found a home here where I am comfortable, as are my family and a few close friends,” he added.

“This club—I’m trying to find the right word to justify it—is family. It’s love, unity, and utmost respect, not just for the player but for everyone associated with them.”

From the moment he arrived in Istanbul, Galatasaray supporters welcomed Osimhen with massive love and admiration. Fans filled the airport to receive him, while special tributes and displays were organised in his honour.

Those experiences appear to have left a deep impression on the Nigerian international.

Osimhen is also currently one of the highest-paid players in Turkish football, reportedly earning around €21 million net per season.

With his strong bond with the club, impressive form, and huge salary package, convincing the former African Footballer of the Year to leave Galatasaray this summer may prove difficult for Europe’s top clubs.

Ishant Sharma and Virat Kohli (Image credit: X)

NEW DELHI: The friendship between India batting star Virat Kohli and pacer Ishant Sharma is well known. Having played together since their childhood days in Delhi and later for India, the duo share a long-standing bond. Every time they meet, it brings back fond memories. During the IPL 2026 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans, the two were seen catching up, sharing a warm hug, cracking jokes and enjoying a light-hearted moment.In a video that has gone viral on social media, Ishant, wearing a bib over his Gujarat Titans jersey, can be seen standing alongside Kohli near the boundary ropes. The two were engaged in a cheerful conversation, laughing and joking around.Ishant is part of the Gujarat Titans setup, while Kohli continues to represent RCB in IPL 2026.However, the match also witnessed a dramatic and controversial moment with Kohli at the centre of it. He was seen questioning the fourth umpire after a contentious catch by Jason Holder led to the dismissal of RCB captain Rajat Patidar.The incident occurred at a crucial stage of the first innings when RCB were looking to build a solid platform.In the eighth over, Patidar, batting on 19, attempted a pull shot to accelerate the scoring. Holder reacted quickly, diving forward to complete a low catch, while Kagiso Rabada also closed in, nearly resulting in a collision between the two fielders.Replays appeared inconclusive on whether the ball had touched the ground. Despite the uncertainty, the third umpire upheld the decision after review, and Patidar was given out.The call left Kohli and the RCB camp visibly unhappy at a key moment in the match.Gujarat Titans eventually sealed a tense four-wicket win over defending champions RCB.GT bowled RCB out for 155 in 19.2 overs before chasing down the target in 15.5 overs. Shubman Gill (43 off 18), Jos Buttler (39 off 19) and Rahul Tewatia (27* off 17) led the charge with the bat.Despite the loss, RCB remained second on the points table with 12 points, while Gujarat Titans stayed fifth but moved to 10 points with the win.

Terence Crawford has been given a lucrative offer in an attempt to bring him out of retirement.

Crawford hung up the gloves back in December following a stellar career, winning all 42 of his fights and becoming a five-weight world champion, along with earning undisputed honours in three of those divisions.

He defeated big names such as Errol Spence and Shawn Porter, but his most impressive win of all came in his last outing, when he stepped up to 168lbs and dethroned super-middleweight king Canelo Alvarez.

While Crawford has continued to insist that he has no desire to return to the ring, Saudi chief Turki Alalshikh is hoping he may be able to tempt ‘Bud’ into having one fight in particular.

Posting on social media, Alalshikh revealed he wants to make the rematch between Crawford and Canelo, suggesting that the American should attempt to add to his status of three-time undisputed champion.

“We want the rematch with Canelo maybe it is a chance to be 4.”

We want the rematch with Canelo 😎 maybe it is a chance to be 4😇🦁🥊 https://t.co/B00zVouZ9W

— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) April 30, 2026

Canelo has been keen to secure the rematch with Crawford ever since suffering his unanimous decision defeat in September, but it remains to be seen whether the offer from Alalshikh could make ‘Bud’ change his mind and end his retirement.

For another undisputed battle to even take place, Canelo would have to try and regain the world titles at 168lbs, with his first step into potentially doing that likely to come in September when he is expected to return to action straight into a world title opportunity.