Free pullouts and reader offers every day of the Goodwood Festival with your favourite racing paper

The Mirror is the only companion you need for the 2026 Qatar Goodwood Festival! With packed pullouts every day of the iconic event, plus amazing reader offers, you won’t want to miss your favourite racing paper from Tuesday August 28 until Saturday August 1, 2026! The event promises a fiercely competitive five‑day showcase from 28 July to 1 August, with the Sussex Downs preparing for one of the most talent‑stacked fields in recent memory.

Anticipation is already building around several standout contenders. In the Qatar Sussex Stakes, all eyes are on City of Troy, the mercurial colt seeking redemption after an uneven three‑year‑old campaign. His expected clash with the French star Metropolitan sets up a compelling cross‑Channel duel, while Irish hopes rest on Opera Singer, whose late‑season surge in 2025 marked her as a dangerous miler.

The Goodwood Cup could be the festival’s defining storyline. Veteran stayer Kyprios aims to reclaim dominance, but rising challenger Tower of London has shown the kind of relentless staying power that unsettles even the most seasoned rivals. On the riding front, Ryan Moore, Oisin Murphy, and Tom Marquand are poised to shape the narrative, each arriving with strong stables and festival‑tested instincts. Their tactical battles — especially on Goodwood’s undulating, momentum‑sensitive track — will be as riveting as the horses beneath them.

So don’t miss the chance to make this year’s Goodwood even more glorious! Pick up your Mirror from Tuesday July 28 until Saturday August 1, 2026 for great reader offers and packed pullouts every day of the festival.

An inquest has been unable to determine how a 33-year-old man came to be found dead in the Cardiff Bay barrage. Amanuel Kessete had been reported missing a week before his body was discovered on June 15 last year floating in the water.

Pontypridd coroners’ court heard Mr Kessete, originally from Eritrea in east Africa, had been living at the Etap hotel in Tyndall Street, central Cardiff, before his disappearance. He was last seen at 8.50am on June 8 at the budget hotel, wearing a black coat and hoodie.

Coroner Patricia Morgan said: “Amanuel Kessete had a history of mental health issues and psychosis and had been under the care of mental health services in recent years.

“Mr Kessete had been reported missing in the days leading up to his passing, having not been seen at his place of residence.”

After a passer-by discovered his body in the barrage, he was declared dead at the scene.

Read the full story here

Iain Robertson was convicted of five offences, including domestic abuse

A former soap actor has been jailed for nine years for raping a woman and assaulting two others. Iain Robertson, 45, who played Stevie O’Hara in the BBC’s Scottish soap River City, was convicted of five offences, including domestic abuse, against the women between 2004 and 2019.

Richardson was found guilty last month of a total of five offences against three women between 2004 and 2019.

He raped one of the women some time between 2018 and 2019, and also sexually assaulted her on a separate occasion, reports the Daily Record.

At Edinburgh High Court on Thursday judge Lady Drummond sentenced the 45-year-old to nine years in prison, plus an additional three-year supervision period.

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He was also added to the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, and made subject to indefinite non-harassment orders.

Robertson, who was attending via videolink from prison dressed in a blue top, showed no reaction as the sentence was handed down.

According to a new survey of 2,000 Brits, 83% stick rigidly to a morning routine, with 42% preferring a shower to start the day.

As part of Holiday Inn Express by IHG Hotels & Resorts’ The Great Wake-up Debate, comedian Rob Beckett is helping kick off a national discussion about how people start their mornings.

Mr Beckett said: “People will argue about absolutely anything, but morning routines are right up there with the best of them.

“You’ve got the annoyingly cheerful lot who are up, showered and chatting away before 7am — and then the rest of us, who need a bit of peace before we’re feeling properly human.

“What surprised me most is how seriously people take it — tea or coffee can divide a room faster than you can make either.”

Generational differences also surfaced, with 21% of Gen Z adults admitting they might re-wear less-than-fresh clothes if pressed for time, compared with 16% of Gen X and 14% of baby boomers.

Almost a third of respondents said breakfast is the best part of a hotel stay, and one in five said they would book a hotel room if they knew there was a comfortable bed waiting.

John Wright, VP Mainstream Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “The Great Wake Up Debate proves that everyone has their own morning habits and rituals.

“But what unites us is wanting to start the day feeling our best.

A poll of 2,000 Brits revealed some very set opinions on the best way to start the day (Image: Holiday Inn)

“That’s why we focus on the essentials that matter most to our guests — comfortable beds with a choice of pillows, blackout curtains, bedside charging, and our free hot breakfast.

“It’s all about making mornings feel a little easier and helping guests wake up refreshed, recharged, and ready for whatever the day brings.”

Other key findings reveal more of the nation’s early-hour habits.

34% of people get up as soon as the alarm rings, but 26% admit to hitting snooze once or twice before rising.

Coffee is the preferred morning drink for 36%, edging out tea at 32%.

For many Brits, tea etiquette remains a sticking point, with one in four saying it’s wrong to add milk before the tea bag.

Still, 9% confess to making their tea this way.

Nearly half (47%) check their phone within five minutes of waking up, while only 3% manage to resist altogether.

The age-old debate over dental hygiene timing remains divided, with 45% brushing before breakfast and another 45% brushing after.

Other quirks include 20% who spend several minutes sitting on the edge of the bed “processing reality” before getting up.

Rob Beckett said: “For me, it all comes down to a good night’s sleep and a good brekkie to start the day.

“I’m a two-soft-pillows kind of guy and, while I’m usually up with the first alarm at home, I’m firmly “team lie-in” when I’m away.

“Even better when there’s free breakfast waiting, like at Holiday Inn Express – you’ll find me parked by the bacon and eggs!”

When it comes to breakfast preferences, 18% have eaten eggs with ketchup, but 13% of respondents have tried eggs with salad cream.

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Baked beans sparked even more debate, with 32% finding the idea of beans with mayonnaise “controversial” and 33% saying the same about serving beans on a croissant.

More than a third (35%) consider pouring juice over cereal instead of milk a breakfast “crimes.”

A quarter of Brits insist milk should never go in the bowl before cereal, though 8% admit to doing just that.

And while 15% are put off by drinking leftover cereal milk, 26% say they’re happy to do so.

What’s in your morning routine? Let us know in the comments.

Jo Whiley broke down in tears as she detailed how she guided her younger sister Frances through grief following the death of their father Martin.

Frances, 53, lives with a rare genetic disorder called Cri du Chat, a condition which causes severe learning disabilities and developmental delays. She also lives with diabetes.

The radio and TV presenter, 61, shared the devastating news that her father died on Wednesday just weeks after sharing an update on his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. 

Only a day after announcing his passing, Jo appeared on her Dig It podcast with Zoe Ball and discussed how the family has been coping with their grief.

Explaining how she told Frances, Jo said: ‘Frances has been extraordinary and she completely understands what is going on, she knows that he’s not going to get better, she just keeps saying “Not going to die?” and instead of sugarcoating it you just have to say “Well, he is not going to come home”.

‘And she kind of pauses and she’s like “Okay, where is he going?” And my mum is a really, really devout Christian and she says “Well, he’s going to Jesus and that’s where we all go.”

Frances, 53, lives with a rare genetic disorder called Cri du Chat, a condition which causes severe learning disabilities and developmental delays (pictured together in 1998)

‘Frances is like “Okay, how old is he?” He’s 86 and she goes “87?” And we’re like “No, he is not going to be 87” and she thinks about it and she’s like “Okay”.

‘She’s just been so tender with him, it’s been beautiful to watch, I’ve talked about her accepting grief before and coming to terms with things.’

Jo added: ‘And then there was this really lovely moment when she was leaving the other day and it was when he was on the cusp of consciousness and she was going “Say my name, say my name!” And he actually said the word Frances.

‘Oh wow,’ Zoe said as she teared up.

Feeling mixed emotions, Jo added: ‘It was lovely, it was really good. She keeps saying “Daddy said my name!” It couldn’t have been better.’

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday to announce her father’s passing, Jo posted a series of happy snaps and clips of her dad throughout the years.

Alongside the post, she penned: ‘My lovely Dad died today. He was the kindest man, who lived solely to make others happy. He was supremely selfless and loved nothing more than caring for others and making people laugh.

‘I’ve had so many messages today saying that ‘Martin was a character’ and that sums him up completely. Everyone knew Martin Whiley – in the Pub, in his Village and at the school gates when he picked up my children (he was the BEST Manny EVER long before they became trendy).’

She went on to thank her dad for her love of music, saying he would walk around the building site where he worked as an electrician with a huge ghetto blaster.

The star called him the ‘OG DJ’ and applauded him for his passion for music.

Only a day after announcing his passing, Jo appeared on her Dig It podcast with Zoe Ball and discussed how the family has been coping with their grief

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The radio and TV presenter, 61, shared the devastating news that her father died on Wednesday just weeks after sharing an update on his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis 

She shared this alongside a gallery of images of her father 

Jo continued: ‘His childhood was as sad as it gets. When he was a boy he had TB and was sent alone to a sanitarium in London for 2 years which is why we’re all Spurs fans! From a young age he had no parents and was brought up by a family friend, his beloved Pap. 

‘Meeting my Mum meant that Dad got a family of his own and finally got to experience love. Knowing how it felt not to be cared for, he devoted his life to caring for others.

‘Being the father of someone with Learning Disabilities in the 70’s [Jo’s younger sister, Frances, has cri du chat syndrome, a genetic disorder], meant that life has had its challenges but Dad has been such a force for good in the LD world simply by embracing & loving everyone with a difference. 

‘So many great singalongs at the Rockin’ Roadrunner with Dad on the mic.

‘He may have had the saddest childhood but he triumphed by giving me, Frances, and his grandchildren the happiest childhoods anyone could have dreamt of. He was the greatest Dad and he was everybody’s favourite Grandad, but especially to India , Jude, Cass and Coco who adored him.

‘Ps. From Frances – thanks for the endless stories, night after night, all night long. We’re going to miss you so very much. You absolute legend xx.’

Jo’s post was also flooded with condolences from her celebrity pals.

Fearne Cotton wrote: ‘Love and strength to you today Jo. We are all here for you. Love you.’

Davina McCall said: ‘Oh Jo x sending you all love,’ while Denise Van Outen added: ‘Sorry for your loss.’ 

Taking to Instagram, Jo posted a series of happy snaps and clips of her dad throughout the years

His passing comes just days after Jo admitted she’s been ‘just trying to get through each day’ as she opened up about her family’s ongoing health struggles.

The BBC Radio 2 presenter continues to enjoy a hugely successful career, juggling her radio show alongside two popular podcasts.

But away from the spotlight, Jo has been dealing with difficult personal challenges as her family face a series of health issues.

In the September issue of Woman & Home, she revealed that ‘things have been hard on a personal level lately’, but are ‘better than they were’.

She explained: ‘My mum had a back operation over Christmas, and for a long time, all I was doing was going to the hospital and sitting with Mum and Dad. That became my whole world. Dad has Parkinson’s, and it was just about getting through each day and being there for them.’

Jo also shared an update on her father’s battle with Parkinson’s disease, saying that ‘everyday is like Groundhog Day’.

Speaking about her father’s condition on her Dig It podcast, she said that her father had recently been reluctant to take his medication.

‘I just don’t feel I need to take them.’ And a whole room full of us were going, ‘No, Dad, you really do. You’ve got Parkinson’s.’ You do. And then he went, ‘But doesn’t Parkinson’s just go away?’

She described it as a ‘heartbreaking moment’, as she told her father that the disease is incurable.

‘Every day it’s like Groundhog Day. You have the same conversations over and over again.’

Nuclear experts and former officials in Israel – the US’s top ally in the Middle East – have voiced concern that the plan could ultimately lead to Saudi Arabia being able to develop a nuclear weapon – though other experts say that path would likely take decades and spark pushback from the international community.

Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat said his country “can manage it” if Saudi Arabia had nuclear power for peaceful means.

Israel itself is widely believed to have nuclear weapons, but it neither confirms nor denies that this is the case.

Rosemary Kelanic, the director of the Middle East programme at the US-based Defense Priorities think tank, said it would be “quite shocking” if the US were to allow Saudi Arabia uranium enrichment facilities.

“The US has never done that before. We have never helped another country enrich on their own soil,” she said, adding that this was because “if you can produce your own nuclear fuel, you become a much bigger risk” for building nuclear weapons.

The agreement will now be sent to the US Congress for review.

Some lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle are expected to oppose the deal, though Trump’s Republican Party controls both the upper and lower chambers and opponents of the deal do not appear to have the votes needed to block it.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rebuffed concerns that it could advance Saudi Arabia’s ability to develop nuclear arms.

“The US is not going to reach any agreement with any country in the world that leads to the risk of proliferation,” Rubio told reporters.

Several Democrats opposed to the deal pointed out that, during his time as a senator, Rubio had endorsed a law – the “No Nuclear Weapons for Saudi Arabia Act” – which required Congressional approval of any nuclear deal.

Massachusetts Democratic Senator Edward Markey condemned Rubio and Trump as “allowing Saudi Arabia, a belligerent and authoritarian nation, to develop nuclear weapons technologies while starting a war with Iran under the guise of preventing an Iranian nuclear bomb”, adding that their “hypocrisy is matched only by their recklessness”.

From berry-inspired creations on the high street to TikTokers whisking up DIY versions of the green tea in their kitchens, it seems like everyone is all over matcha this summer.

But recently, concerns about the drink’s impacts on iron absorption have flooded social media.

With influencers expressing worries that the tea may lower the body’s ability to process iron, some have raised concerns over the potential health risks versus its benefits.

So The Independent asked specialist dietitian and author of How Not To Eat Ultra Processed, Nichola Ludlam-Raine, and nutritionist of 17 years Sonal Jenkins for the facts and the myths.

What is matcha and what are its benefits?

Thought to have first been consumed in 2700BC China, matcha is a powder made from finely ground, shade-grown green tea leaves.

Packed with powerful compounds called polyphenols – which are currently being studied for their cancer-fighting properties – matcha is recognised for a range of health benefits, including fighting oxidative stress and supporting heart health.

It is rich in antioxidants, particularly a group called catechins, which help protect cells from damage. The most potent catechin in matcha, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), has been studied for its potential role in reducing inflammation.

Because matcha powder is whisked directly into water or milk, rather than steeped and discarded like a regular teabag, drinkers consume the entire leaf, getting a much more concentrated dose of nutrients and antioxidants.

Does matcha reduce iron absorption?

So, does drinking matcha actually prevent iron absorption in the body? The short answer is yes, but whether this matters depends on the context.

According to Ms Ludlam-Raine, the concerns surrounding matcha stem from its rich profile of tannins, which are a group of bitter plant compounds also found in coffee, red wine, and dark chocolate.

“These tannins are what actually impact how iron is absorbed into the body,” Ms Ludlam-Raine explained.

When you drink matcha, tannins act like a magnet in your gut. They latch onto iron – specifically non-haem iron, which is found in plant foods like spinach, beans, and lentils – and bind it into a solid complex that your digestive tract cannot absorb.

Ms Ludlam-Raine said because matcha is made from whole tea leaves, its higher concentration of tannins means it can affect iron absorption much more than a standard tea or coffee.

But she said “for most people, the impacts of one matcha a day aren’t going to be that big”.

Who actually needs to worry?

Ms Jenkins explained for anyone eating a balanced diet, their daily total iron intake easily overcomes the binding effect of a daily matcha. However, two specific groups should pay more attention.

The first group are vegans and vegetarians. Because plant-based eaters rely entirely on non-haem iron sources, heavy matcha consumption can potentially deplete iron stores over time.

The second group are people with low iron. If you are already struggling with maintaining your iron levels, or have been diagnosed with anaemia via a blood test, being mindful of things which can impact your body’s ability to process iron is especially important.

How to enjoy matcha without affecting your iron

Even if you are part of these groups, you don’t need to give up your favourite green drink entirely. Ms Ludlam-Raine shared a few simple tips that can make all the difference, such as spacing out matcha from your meals.

“If you’re deficient in iron, or have lower ferritin levels, try and avoid drinking matcha directly before, or right after plant-heavy meals,” she said. “Wait around at least an hour or two before or after eating.”

By waiting, the body has time to absorb the iron before matcha can have any impact on the binding process.

“The best time to have your matcha is in the mid-morning or afternoon, rather than after an iron-rich meal,” she added.

Adding more vitamin C to your diet can also boost your non-haem iron absorption, explained Ms Jenkins, which can neutralise any effect matcha might have on your iron levels.

“Taking a supplement or eating a portion of food rich in vitamin C is an easy way to up your iron,” she added. “Bell peppers, goji berries, and citrus are all great sources of vitamin C, which can help if you’re struggling.”

Overall, it’s important to remember that matcha is not a “miracle drink”, Ms Ludlam-Raine said.

“It has some great benefits, and a few downsides, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid it either – just stick to one a day, and make sure you’re pairing it with a healthy, balanced lifestyle,” she concluded.

The thieves removed a fence panel to access the rear of the property and used patio furniture to block access.

Local neighbourhood officers are conducting extra patrols in the area in response to the incident.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Officers are actively patrolling the area, but your vigilance is a powerful tool in preventing further crime.”

They also provided a list of safety tips to help prevent further incidents.

Police have issued a warning after multiple motorbikes were stolen in Astley (Image: Stock)

This includes ensuring all entry points are locked, using motion-activated lights, and making sure home alarm or CCTV systems are working properly.

The force also advised residents to keep valuables out of sight and to report any unusual activity, such as suspicious individuals or vehicles circling the area.

Residents who own similar vehicles were advised to consider installing ground anchors, chains, and heavy-duty locks.

Police also reminded residents of the importance of quick reporting, as it helps them respond faster and keep the community safe.

Anyone with information about the burglary, or who notices any suspicious activity, is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan 2001-2021 documents the experiences, achievements, and sacrifices of the regiment and all units that served with 16 Air Assault Brigade during the 20-year conflict.

Lieutenant General Andrew Harrison, former head of the Parachute Regiment, said: “The war in Afghanistan is seared into the individual and collective memory of a generation of Paratroopers.

“Time and time again our soldiers faced down a tenacious and determined enemy.

“It was a war fought in some of the most dangerous and difficult circumstances imaginable.

“Risk manifested itself under the feet of patrolling troops; the insidious threat from Improvised Explosive Devices was only ever one footstep away.”

The regiment first deployed to Kabul in late 2001 and played a key role in the evacuation of the Afghan capital in 2021.

During their early operations, the paratroopers helped deliver security and stability in Kabul before being redeployed to Helmand province, where they faced intense combat in some of the most hostile conditions of the conflict.

Their entry into Helmand marked a ‘baptism of fire,’ with soldiers engaged in direct combat with Taliban forces.

In addition to the paratroopers, airborne medics, gunners, and engineers played a crucial role in supporting the regiment throughout its deployments.

They served alongside the paras at strategic locations including Sangin, Musa Qaleh, Kajaki, Now Zad, and Lashkar Gah.

The regiment later led a major operation in Kabul and managed the airlift of thousands of British nationals during the 2021 evacuation.

Paratroopers from the North East, a major recruiting area for the regiment, are prominently featured in the book.

Over the course of 20 years of operational duty in Afghanistan, two soldiers serving with the regiment were awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valour.

One of these was Corporal Bryan James Budd, who lived in Ripon, North Yorkshire.

The full-colour, A4-format book serves as a lasting tribute to all who served and includes a detailed tribute to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan 2001-2021 also pays tribute to the families and communities who supported the serving soldiers throughout the conflict.

It is designed as a ‘coffee table’ edition.

All proceeds from sales will be donated to charity.

Copies can be purchased from high street bookshops or through DRA Publishing’s social media channels.

The book’s ISBN is 978-0-9557813-4-6.

Europe is in the grip of a severe heatwave, with temperatures in Spain approaching the country’s all-time record and devastating wildfires spreading.

Spain’s meteorological agency AEMET has warned of “extraordinary danger” as it forecasts temperatures of up to 44C on Thursday, not far off the 47.6C record heat that hit the country five years ago.

Popular Spanish tourist spots, including the areas around Malaga, Valencia and Alicante, could see temperatures reach as high as 42C.

Italy and France have also been affected by the extreme weather, with wildfires in southwestern France forcing the evacuation of more than 10,000 people near Bordeaux.

Dramatic footage shared on social media shows huge blazes in popular destinations like Sicily and Sardinia, during the height of the summer holidays.

The latest surge in temperatures come after heatwaves in June led to a spike in deaths across Europe, with 14,000 more people dying than would normally have been expected at this time of year, according to the EuroMOMO mortality monitoring hub.

Spain plagued by dramatic wildfires amid intense heat

Spain has been plagued by wildfires during a period of dry weather and intense heat, with thousands evacuated.

In central Spain firefighters battled a wildfire on Wednesday that has burned over 32,000 hectares (79,000 acres) in one of the country’s largest blazes on record.

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The fire in rural Guadalajara comes less than two weeks after a deadly blaze devastated a small expat community in southern Spain.

That small but extremely virulent fire killed 13 people, including several foreigners, in one of the southern European country’s deadliest wildfires.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Wednesday visited the fire-ravaged area in Guadalajara, and called for a pact between political parties to fight climate change.

“Year after year we clearly see how climate change kills and destroys wealth in our communities,” Sánchez said in the village of Tamajón, located less than two hours by car northeast of Madrid.

“This isn’t politics. It is science, it’s about facts.”

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Some 34 villages have been evacuated in the area but there are no reported serious injuries or deaths.

Alex Croft23 July 2026 09:51

Mapped: Spain braces for heatwave as tourist hotspots warned over record-breaking weather

Spain is set to face its third brutal heatwave of an already record-breaking summer, with temperatures expected to hit highs of up to 44C.

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The country’s meteorological agency AEMET warned the heatwave is expected to last all week, with temperatures approaching Spain’s all-time record of 47.6C five years ago.

Areas most severely affected will include much of the southeastern interior of the country, pushing wildfire dangers to extreme levels.

Alex Croft23 July 2026 09:49