The Henry De Bromhead-trained Envoi Allen won the Champion Chase at Down Royal three times

Down Royal racecourse and BetVictor have announced plans to honour the legendary chaser Envoi Allen at their Festival of Racing next month.

The Henry De Bromhead-trained chasing superstar captured the BetVictor Champion Chase three times at the Lisburn venue (2022, 2024, and 2025) and was a real course favourite.

He tragically died just moments after completing his final race in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March but gave his owners Cheveley Park and regular rider Rachael Blackmore some memorable moments at Down Royal and elsewhere.

Down Royal and title sponsor BetVictor have now revealed that the feature race of the November Festival will be renamed The BetVictor Remembering Envoi Allen Champion Chase.

The race is the first Grade 1 of the Irish jumping season and promises to be another fascinating contest with some of the best chasers in Ireland and Britain likely to line-up.

Envoi Allen ran seven times in total at Down Royal and his win in the race last year was the last of his eleven Grade One wins, that also included three wins at the Cheltenham Festival.

Emma Meehan, Chief Executive at Down Royal Racecourse said: “Envoi Allen held a truly unique place in the hearts of everyone at Down Royal. From his early days through to his historic third Champion Chase victory last November, he delivered some of the most memorable moments ever witnessed at our track.

“Renaming our Grade 1 flagship race in his memory ensures his legacy remains permanently woven into the fabric of our BetVictor Festival of Racing.”

“We’re delighted to once again welcome BetVictor as title sponsor to our The BetVictor Festival of Racing – from iconic horses on the track to the style and spectacle of Ladies Day – we look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for racegoers this October.”

Sam Boswell, Head of Sponsorship & Media for BetVictor, said: “BetVictor is proud to continue as primary sponsor of the Northern Ireland Festival of Racing for 2026.

“Envoi Allen was a true titan of National Hunt racing, and his extraordinary performances in this very race brought immense joy to racing fans. Partnering with Down Royal to name this race ‘The BetVictor Remembering Envoi Allen Champion Chase’ is a fitting tribute to a horse who gave so much to the sport.”

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Envoi Allen added: “Down Royal was always a very special place for Envoi Allen, and he produced some of his absolute best performances on that track.

“To see the Grade 1 Champion Chase named in his memory is a wonderful touch. He brought our yard, Cheveley Park Stud, and racing fans so much happiness over the years, and it means a great deal to see him remembered in this way.”

Tickets are currently available for purchase at www.downroyal.com . General admission is priced at £20 for Friday 30th October and £25 for Saturday 31st October and children under 14 can enter free of charge.

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Officers attended St Peter’s School on Thursday (September 24) after reports that a “threat was made to children who had struck up a conversation with a woman believed to be camping or living rough near to the school grounds”, police confirmed.

As a precautionary safety measure, all pupils were kept inside the school while police carried out enquiries.

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A police spokesperson said: “An extensive search was carried out however the woman was no longer in the immediate area and officers were satisfied that the precautionary safety measures could be lifted.

“Enquiries remain ongoing to trace the person involved.  

“Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference NYP-24092026-0238.”

Scott McTominay is closing in on a comeback after undergoing a heart procedure

Napoli have confirmed that midfielder Scott McTominay has returned to individual training just two weeks after undergoing planned heart surgery. The Scotland international had a procedure for mild benign arrhythmia.

The NHS says that the condition causes an unsteady heartbeat, or for the heart to beat either too quickly or too slowly. McTominay is not the first footballer to undergo the procedure, with former Liverpool man Adam Lallana suffering from the affliction when he was younger.

McTominay has now missed the last four games in all competitions due to the operation. But his recovery seems to be going as planned, with a comeback to first-team action not too far away.

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In a statement on their official website, Napoli confirmed: “The Azzurri continued training during the international window.

“The team took part in a morning training session, with exercises in the gym and change-of-direction drills on the pitch. Scott McTominay returned to the SSC Napoli Training Centre and trained separately in the gym.”

They also published a photograph of the midfielder working on an exercise bike. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that he is targeting a return for the fixture against Frosinone following the international break.

The most recent update aligns with the anticipated recovery timeline outlined by Napoli director Giovanni Manna prior to the surgery. “It will take 28 days for sporting fitness because he will take anticoagulant drugs,” he said.

“For two weeks, the player will rest and then resume competitive activity without contact.”

While he will be absent for Scotland’s Nations League fixtures against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia during the international break, McTominay could return for the following competitive match. Napoli are currently ninth in Serie A and have secured victory in only one of the games that McTominay has been unavailable for.

He swiftly became a vital player for the Italian outfit following his £25.7million switch from United in the summer of 2024. Since his arrival, he has turned out 82 times for the club, netting 27 goals and registering 10 assists.

McTominay progressed through the academy ranks at Old Trafford, breaking into the first team towards the end of the 2016/17 campaign. He went on to feature 255 times, finding the net 29 times and laying on eight assists.

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Temperatures could reach the high 20s in south-east England on Friday before falling closer to average over the weekend, with wet and windy weather possible next week

The Met Office has forecast temperatures could climb as high as 28C in parts of the UK on Friday.

Conditions are set to warm up – but perhaps don’t get those summer beach towels out from storage just yet because forecasters suggest that wet and windy weather could be on the way next week.

Thursday has been largely dry for most parts of Wales and the UK with temperatures reaching the low-20s in most places. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter.

On Friday temperatures are anticipated to peak at between 27C and 28C across the south-east of England. The Met Office has characterised these conditions as “exceptionally warm” for this time of year.

According to the Met Office Wales will see something of a mixed bag of weather on Friday with Cardiff enjoying some dry and sunny temperatures of around 21C. As a whole, however, Wales will see a “cloudy and at times damp day with showery rain”.

Meanwhile, across the weekend, the outlook for Wales is: “Bright and breezy on Saturday with sunny spells and the odd shower. Turning windier on Sunday with heavy rain arriving, clearing later. Sunny periods on Monday. Temperatures remaining above average.”

As for England temperature anomaly maps for Friday show southern and eastern parts of England shaded in orange, further indicating that the mercury will climb well above the seasonal norm, reports the Mirror.

Met Office deputy chief forecaster Dan Holley said: “Once early fog patches clear in the south, Friday will be exceptionally warm for late September, especially in the southeast closest to an area of high pressure over the nearby continent.

“A weakening cold front will drift gradually south-eastwards overnight and into Saturday, with temperatures falling back closer to average over the weekend.

“This sets up a mixed weekend of weather, much of Saturday will be fine and dry before an increasing chance of rain or showers on Sunday, especially in more western parts.”

The Met Office forecast for next states that “a period of wet and windy weather” is expected to arrive on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.

Mr Holley added: “While details are naturally uncertain at this range, a particularly deep area of low pressure could pass close to the UK during the first half of next week.

“This may bring some wet and windy weather for some, which coupled with high spring tides could bring impacts to some coastal areas in the west.”

Just down the road from East Dulwich and not too far from Crystal Palace, you’ll find Forest Hill: a leafy suburb of Lewisham, known for its independent shops, artsy vibe, and strong community feel.

While it might not be as popular as trendy South London stalwarts, like Brixton or Clapham, if you know, you know.

In 2024, The Sunday Times named it in their Best Places to Live list, calling it ‘charming’, and praising the ‘creative corner’ of London for its ‘jaw-dropping city panoramas’.

While it might not have a Tube station, there’s plenty to be found in Forest Hill, including cheaper rent.

According to statistics from renting site SpareRoom, the average cost of a room is £913, meanwhile in neighbouring East Dulwich, the going rate is £969, while Herne Hill costs £984 and Brixton £986.

And, of course, bougie Clapham is even more expensive, at £1,093.

Property prices in Forest Hill

Forest Hill is more affordable than the rest of London, but you’ll still need to be prepared to dig deep into your pockets to buy here.

According to statistics from Rightmove, the average home in the area has gone for £625,204 over the last year. Flats have come in at £411,341, while terraced homes tend to be more expensive, at £793,861 on average.

However, the going rate for London as a whole has been £664,962, which works out to be almost £40,000 (£39,758) more expensive.

Things to do in Forest Hill

Perhaps the most famous Forest Hill landmark is the Horniman Museum, known for its collection of taxidermied animals, musical instruments, and other random curiosities, including a Walrus that dates back to the Victorian era.

Once you’ve explored everything the museum has to offer though, there’s a market in the grounds, where you’ll find food stalls, ceramics, vinyl, jewelry, and grocers selling off fresh local produce.

With stunning views of the entire city, this is the perfect spot to perch and eat your lunch, people-watching the visitors stroll from one stand to the next.

And on certain weekends throughout the year, the bandstand is also where the museum hosts events and celebrations.

The Kusuma Nature Play Area, in the museum gardens, also doesn’t require any booking and has a climbing web, den building frame, timber balance beams, and log steps.

For green space, Forest Hill is sorted.

Dulwich Park isn’t far away, which runs a Parkrun every Saturday morning, and has a little boating lake, where pedalos are available for hire.

There’s also Sydenham Hill Wood, Blythe Hill Fields, and Dacres Wood, which has been a designated nature reserve since 2005.

As leisure centres go, Forest Hill Pools makes for a delightful swim. There are a few different pools, separated into lanes. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and very clean, so you can get your 40 lengths done in peace.

There are independent businesses everywhere, too, including Better Things, known locally for its selection of homeware and for hosting workshops, like a Paint Your Own Charm offering.

Krust opened in June, and dishes out coffee and sweet treats like the pistachio and chocolate croissant, as well as a chocolatine (the Bordeaux/Toulouse word for a pain au chocolat, so you’re in good hands).

Transport links in Forest Hill

Now, plenty of snobs turn their noses up at South London for its distinct lack of Tube stations, but if you’re open to an alternative commute, one which is mainly comprised of buses and trains, then Forest Hill might be for you.

It’s conveniently located along the Windrush Line, which runs from Crystal Palace to Highbury and Islington. It’s just 26 minutes from Hoxton.

There’s also the Southern rail service, which goes directly to London Bridge in 14 minutes, and passes through Honour Oak, Brockley, and New Cross Gate along the way.

Plus, heaps of buses constantly pile through, including the 185 to Victoria, the 176 to Tottenham Court Road, and the 197 to Peckham.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk

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Del Somerville, 42, was the first to be arrested and sentenced for violent disorder following the violence which erupted after the arrival of a small boat in Portsmouth on September 6

A father-of-two has become the first demonstrator to be imprisoned after hurling a plastic bottle at a police cordon and verbally abusing officers during an anti-migrant demonstration in Portsmouth.

Del Somerville, from Paulsgrove, received a two-year jail term at Portsmouth Crown Court after admitting to violent disorder.

The 42-year-old was the first person arrested and sentenced in connection with the disturbances that broke out following a small boat’s arrival in the Hampshire city on September 6.

Judge Daniel Sawyer stated his sentence would serve as a warning to others amid further demonstrations in the locality.

Branding him a “thug”, the judge told the defendant: “Police officers dedicate their lives to the protection of the public regardless of their own views, the very least they can expect is that those who engage in protests treat them with respect and the courts punish those who assault them.”

Prosecutor Edward Warren explained: “This case arises out of the violence that occurred on the night of September 6 following the arrival into the country of 114 illegal migrants who had crossed the Channel from France and were diverted to Eastney marina, escorted by the Coastguard and the RNLI.”

Mr Warren added: “Following an initial peaceful and lawful gathering from local residents, a large number of people gathered on Ferry Road near the marina.

“That protest apparently initially appeared spontaneous before it seemed organised elements with online encouragement from public figures having shared information on social media and elsewhere led to a much wider group and a large number of people attending.

“Public awareness spread online and a larger number of people began to congregate in Eastney.

“Protests began popping up in other parts of the area, including Hayling Island and ferry terminals.

“Hampshire Constabulary declared a major incident during the evening and a significant police presence was deployed, and significant resources were required to maintain public order and to ensure those who had arrived in the country were moved to a secure location.

“During the evening there were seven recorded assaults on police officers and damaged caused to police vehicles.

“Other forces were deployed from outside Hampshire to assist and approximately 50 officers from Hampshire and a further 100 supporting officers to assist.”

The court was informed that local residents had provided statements expressing fear within their own homes, while demonstrators were witnessed urinating in gardens, with property damage in the vicinity running into thousands of pounds.

Mr Warren stated that bricks, stones and bottles had been hurled at police, and community wardens found themselves confined to their vehicles for five hours throughout the disorder. The prosecution outlined how at approximately 11.20pm, Somerville, dressed in a khaki hooded top with the hood raised, first gestured to a fellow demonstrator to “back off” from the police cordon.

The court heard the accused subsequently “turned to face the police and was seen to throw a small bottle and he has shouted at officers to ‘f*** off’.

“He remains at the front of the group talking to protesters a short distance from the police line.”

It was further stated that at 1am, body-worn camera evidence captured Somerville “aggressively pushing” through the police barrier and “shouting verbal abuse at police officers” as well “pointing aggressively” at them.

Mr Warren explained that Somerville, who resides on a vessel at the marina, was located at his van by officers on September 11 and allegedly assaulted a constable during his arrest.

The defendant has denied this charge, with the matter now set to be heard at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court.

During questioning, Mr Warren revealed Somerville “said the police were the ones responsible for the violence and he suggests he was struck by a baton multiple times and sprayed with CS gas”.

Helen Easterbrook, defending, told the court that Somerville had been aboard his boat at the marina that evening and ventured out to investigate the commotion.

She explained: “Unlike so many of those involved in disorders where people are transporting themselves across the country, he was caught up in it.

“He was one of the people affected by this, his original involvement was when he came out of the marina to see what was going on. This does not excuse the behaviour he began to undertake.”

She further stated: “He asked police to go back to his place of safety on his boat but he was refused.”

Ms Easterbook revealed that Somerville had initially tried to defuse the situation, but had thrown a “light plastic bottle” with no intention of causing harm.

She went on to say: “He has suffered a number of mental health issues, rebuilding his life multiple times.”

The judge addressed Somerville directly, stating: “You didn’t simply find yourself caught up in this disorder, this maybe how it started but you made a decision to engage in this behaviour.”

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Households in Britain could face a 25% surge in their energy bills by January, This is Money’s Simon Lambert has told the Daily Mail’s Deep Dive podcast.

The leading financial journalist joined Defence Editor Mark Nicol to speculate on whether the world is heading for its worst energy shock since the 1970s.

It comes after a dramatic few weeks for global energy markets. At the weekend, Ukraine brought Moscow‘s main oil refinery to a standstill in its biggest drone assault on the capital yet, defying Donald Trump‘s demand that Kyiv stop hitting Russian fuel supplies.

Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have tightened their grip on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This vital waterway is one of the last remaining escape routes for Saudi Arabian oil to global markets, with Iran keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed.

Lambert told podcast host Chris Pleasance that he fears politicians and billpayers alike have ‘lulled themselves into a false sense of security’ over the scale of the problem.

He said: ‘There’s a sense that people have been thinking: “Oh, it’s not that bad. We’re surviving this.”

‘But we may have lulled ourselves into a false sense of security here. I know that’s not what anyone wants to hear about their bills.

‘The energy price cap has not risen by that much. In April though, there was an instance where actually some of the costs were taken out, which artificially lowered bills.

‘There are warnings now that the energy price cap could go up by 25% in January. That’s a big hike.

‘Natural gas prices have also reached a three year high. Storage levels are markedly lower than they usually are at this time of the year. That spells bad news for the winter.

‘I think we failed to learn the lesson from the last time round [Russia’s invasion of Ukraine] when there was a scramble to fill gas storage.

‘A lot of gas comes out of the Middle East. Also, liquefied natural gas is unable to come out of the region in the same volume as it was. We don’t buy much of that in this country, but Asia buys a lot of it.

‘Asia will have to go elsewhere to try and buy gas, which will push up prices for us.’

Defence Editor Nicol warned there was little sign of relief on the horizon, with Washington no closer to an exit strategy from its war with Iran.

Nor is there an end in sight in Eastern Europe, he said, with Putin and Trump both acting as ‘laws unto themselves’.

He added: ‘Putin and Trump are wedded to the outcomes of these conflicts.

‘Putin’s trying to avoid his head on a stick. While it’s not a life or death matter for Trump, this is about legacy.

Defence Editor Nicol warned there was little sign of relief on the horizon, with Washington no closer to an exit strategy from its war with Iran. Nor is there an end in sight in Eastern Europe, he said, with Putin and Trump both acting as ‘laws unto themselves’

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For the UK, Lambert said the crisis could tempt Andy Burnham to gamble on a snap general election

There is a strong economic case for going to the polls before energy bills soar, Lambert explained, with Labour’s manifesto pledges on tax leaving the Government without the tools to cope with the fallout

‘At the moment, his second term will only be remembered for this catastrophic political mistake in Iran.’

For the UK, Lambert said the crisis could tempt Andy Burnham to gamble on a snap general election.

There is a strong economic case for going to the polls before energy bills soar, he explained, with Labour’s manifesto pledges on tax leaving the Government without the tools to cope with the fallout.

Burnham has publicly ruled out an early election, but speculation in Westminster has refused to die down.

‘Better do it now before everyone’s bills go up 25%,’ Lambert said.

‘Labour made this promise not to raise income tax, National Insurance, VAT or corporation tax in 2024. That’s partially responsible for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer being out of the door.

‘They have continued the same mistake as the Tories. Instead of being honest enough to raise the main taxes, they tinker around the edges with smaller taxes. This attack on wealth talk, for example, is really unpopular.

‘The rise in employers’ National Insurance has been held responsible for killing off a load of jobs, at the worst possible time.

‘If they stand on a new manifesto and they don’t put “we won’t raise income tax, National Insurance or VAT” in there, then they can pull one of those big levers.

‘They can also leave out a promise to stick by the triple lock, which Labour promised to do, and that is something that’s really hanging over the UK economy. So, it could get them out of a hole.’

Listen to the full episode by searching for Deep Dive wherever you get your podcasts.

Ms Dorrian said in the last three months she has “been in the vicinity of Lisa’s suspect on three occasions”.

Families of two murdered women whose remains have never been found have called for tougher initial sentences in “no-body” murder cases.

Lisa Dorrian was 25 when she was last seen alive in February 2005 and is believed to have been murdered while Charlotte Murray was 34 when she was killed by her former fiancé, John Miller, who was later convicted of her murder.

Neither woman’s remains have ever been recovered despite extensive searches.

Members of the Dorrian and Murray family joined to give evidence to the Justice Committee about the Sentencing Bill currently being scrutinised by MLAs.

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The wide-ranging reforms aim to strengthen the existing framework for sentencing for crimes, including bringing in Charlotte’s Law, which aims to reduce the trauma experienced by families of murder victims in no-body cases.

It would create a statutory aggravator for failure to disclose the location of victims’ remains and new sentence reductions for post-sentence disclosures.

Lisa Dorrian’s sister Joanne Dorrian outlined that the Sentencing Bill in its current form would require courts to increase an offender’s sentence by at least 30% in applicable “no-body” cases where they are believed to have information about where a victim’s remains are, or how they were disposed of, but have failed to disclose it.

If they later do disclose where a body was disposed of, a formula would decide how much their sentence would then be reduced by.

Ms Dorrian called for the original sentence increase to be strengthened, saying such a move “works as a deterrent”.

“People will then know when they commit a murder and are in the position where they’re deciding whether to give up a body or to hide a body, with case law going forward, that there is a significant number of years added to their sentence,” she told the committee.

“So, we would ask for you to consider strengthening that even to 40% just in order to increase the additional tariff, which would then obviously be reduced using the formula.”

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The reduction is currently proposed at 50%, which Ms Dorrian also asked to be increased.

“I think if we were to look at something at around 70% – we’re giving them a bigger reduction on the sentence in order to incentivise that disclosure at the earliest point, and just to be in the strongest position to do that,” she said.

“It’s not an easy thing for any of us to sit here today and say that we want to be able to reduce the sentence of any murderer, and in an ideal world we would never want that.

“But when you’re in these really niche circumstances that we’re in, every one of us sitting here today, and I’m sure other families in this position without a conviction, would tell you we would do anything to get our loved ones back.

“We would not forego justice, but we’re trying to use the justice system to get what we need, and what we need is the return of the body of our loved ones.”

John Dorrian, Lisa’s father, referred to Helen’s law in place in England and Wales which puts a statutory duty on the Parole Board to take an offender’s failure to disclose the location of a victim’s remains into account when deciding whether they are safe to release.

Asked by Justice Committee chairman MLA Paul Frew if there “should be conditions placed on the perpetrator, even when they get out”, Mr Dorrian said: “I would think so, personally, it’s Northern Ireland, you know, it’s a small community.”

Ms Dorrian said in the last three months she has “been in the vicinity of Lisa’s suspect on three occasions”.

“That has been very difficult for me,” she said.

“He’s not aware of that, but I’m aware of seeing him in my locality three times in the last three months.”

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