The “pain and hurt” of two women allegedly abused by Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is “still so visible”, a court has heard.

Closing speeches have begun in the sexual offences trial of the former DUP leader at Newry Crown Court.

Prosecution barrister Rosemary Walsh KC said the trial had been a “long and arduous” process for the two women who allege abuse.

Donaldson, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences.

The charges include one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency, and span a period between 1985 and 2008 involving two alleged victims.

Complainants A and B have both given evidence at the trial. Both women allege they were abused as children.

Jeffrey Donaldson spent two days in the witness box giving evidence in the trial last week.

Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 60, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending.

She is facing a trial of the facts on mental health grounds. The trial of the facts will test the evidence in the case, but cannot result in a criminal conviction.

Beginning her closing submssions to the jury of seven men and five women, Ms Walsh said the jury would have a “good understanding of what the evidence is in this case”.

She said it was human nature for people to sometimes “lock away” thoughts.

The barrister said Complainant A had spent years “shelving and avoiding dealing” with alleged abuse, while Complainant B “kept those memories locked away inside”.

But she said there had been “turning points” for both women which made them come forward and report the alleged abuse to police.

She said: “Issues which had been shelved and locked away surfaced, demanding to be seen and demanding to be dealt with.”

Turning to the issue of why A had not reported the alleged abuse before 2024, Ms Walsh said: “This is a woman who has really, properly considered whether she should put her head above the parapet.

“She knew this would not just be a normal case.

“It was a huge, huge decision to make and not one she made lightly.”

She said Complainant B had “blamed herself” for the alleged abuse.

Ms Walsh said both women had gone to police in 2024.

She said: “Yes, two voices are better than one… this process is difficut.”

She said it had been a “long and arduous process” which had culminated in several hours of questioning in court.

The barrister said: “Their pain and hurt is still so visible.”

She added: “This is not something they are doing for the fun of it.”

Ms Walsh said: “Today, you see two women at a time when they are ready for this… they have not always been that way.”

The barrister said neither woman has a “full or complete recollection” of the alleged abuse, stating some memories are “fragmentary”.

But she told the jury that is the way memory of childhood events can work.

She said both alleged victims remember “distinctive incidents”.

The barrister referred to a meeting Complainant B had with Donaldson while staying at a Christian centre in Armoy in Co Antrim in the 1990s.

Ms Walsh said it was clear “reconcilation at that stage was the purpose of the meeting”.

She said: “No-one asked this girl exactly what the abuse was she had referred to.

“The topic remained untouched, the hornet’s nest avoided.”

Referring to an incident in which Complainant A alleges Donaldson had used a light to look at her genitals, the barrister said Eleanor Donaldson had been told but that the incident was “brushed under the carpet”.

She said years later, Complainant A had told her husband about the alleged abuse to give him the “option of walking away” from the relationship if he chose to.

She said: “It underlines this is not something that has been fabricated on a whim.”

Ms Walsh told the jury they had watched police interviews with both of the alleged victims.

She said: “You are the people that have to assess if you are sure that they are telling the truth.”

Referring to an incident where Complainant B alleges she was raped by Donaldson, Ms Walsh said: “She recalls the breathing, laboured and panting and the hope he would stop and lose interest.”

Recounting an alleged incident where B claimed Donaldson lifted her top and played with her breasts, she said: “In the dark, he treats her like the object she is to him.”

Returning to the meeting at the Co Antrim Christian Centre between Complainant B and Donaldson in the 1990s, Ms Walsh said it was “clear there was very little discussion and very little conversation”.

She said: “This meeting had the potential to be explosive because everyone, including Mr Donaldson, knew it concerned a serious allegation.”

She added: “We say Jeffrey Donaldson shut that meeting down, he knew this was a problem that needed to be dealt with, he took control of that meeting.”

She said Donaldson “knew what the meeting was about and stopped questions”.

Ms Walsh said: “He was there to manage a problem and he did that very well indeed.”

The barrister said Donaldson had shown from his account of the meeting he was “willing to lie”.

Referring again to the light incident involving Complainant A, Ms Walsh said the alleged victim was “certain she knew he was looking at her private parts with a light”.

She said Donaldson had been “caught in the act”, adding “he knew he had no explanation”.

The barrister then turned to a letter written by Donaldson to Complainant A in 2020 where he referred to “being in a deep pit of sin” and of causing “deep wounds”.

Ms Walsh said it was a matter for the jury to decide whether the letter “refers to the hurt” of A.

She added that the prosecution say the reference to “deep wounds” in the letter is “highly significant”.

The case continues.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter .

Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento is a doubt for England’s World Cup campaign after suffering a muscular injury.

The full-back is understood to have been injured during training on Sunday and is being assessed by medical staff.

England begin their World Cup bid against Croatia on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old’s involvement in the tournament had already been in doubt after he missed the final five weeks of the season with a thigh injury.

Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, who is on England’s stand-by list, is a possible replacement for Livramento should the Newcastle defender be ruled out.

More to follow.

Do it wrong and it could cost you a fair bit after the holiday!

Holidaymakers are being urged to carry out a simple check ahead of their holiday. And with June and July being peak times for flying due to the summer holidays and kids being off school, it’s not one to skip.

Experts at Compare the Market not only urge people to take out travel insurance, but also insurance against gadgets. But it’s not as simple as taking out any policy. The comparison specialists explain that many travellers assume that their travel insurance covers mobile phones and other gadgets as standard.But this isn’t always the case, and a simple check of this could save you hundreds, and maybe thousands, in the long run.

It notes: “Not all travel insurance policies include gadget cover. And travel insurance payouts for valuables are often low – as little as £200 for one item or £500 in total.”

Warning that standard travel insurance often won’t cover expensive gadgets like smartphones or laptops adequately if they’re lost, stolen, or damaged, it advises that seperate gadget travel insurance is ideal as it can provide higher cover limits, typically ranging from £1,000 to £3,000 depending on the policy.

What types of gadget travel insurance are available?

Advertisement

Options include:

• Separate standalone travel insurance for gadgets
• Adding gadget travel insurance to your standard policy for an extra charge
• A dedicated gadget insurance policy – just make sure it covers you abroad
• Home contents insurance with cover for personal possessions abroad.

Gadget travel insurance can cover your:

• Smartphone
• Tablet/iPad
• Laptop
• Camera
• Games console
• e-reader
• Wearables, such as fitness trackers
• GPS sat nav
• Bluetooth headsets and earphones
• Accessories, such as chargers
• Drone

It notes that there may be a limit on the number of gadgets your policy covers. There may also be a limit on the total amount it will pay out.

What cover does gadget and mobile phone travel insurance provide?

Cover varies among insurance providers, but a good policy will usually include:

• Accidental damage, loss or theft
• Water damage
• Unauthorised web data use
• Unauthorised phone calls
• A high single item limit (the most your policy will pay out for one item)

What restrictions are there with gadget travel insurance?

You typically won’t be covered if:

• You don’t report a theft to the police within a specified period
• The damage results from wear and tear or misuse
• The damage doesn’t affect the functioning of your device
• You left your gadget unattended
• You’re claiming for more gadgets than your policy covers
• You bought your gadget outside the UK
• Your device is over (or under) a specified age limit
• You’ve made the maximum number of claims under your policy
• The fault lies with the manufacturer
• You were under the influence of alcohol or drugs when your device was lost or stolen

Don’t take out insurance…yet

Before taking out gadget travel insurance, it’s worth checking whether you’re already covered through home contents insurance, mobile phone insurance, or a bank account package before buying extra cover.

It warns: “You should also check the excess. This is the amount you’ll have to pay towards any claim.

“Some policies don’t include ‘new for old’ cover. If your gadget isn’t brand new, your insurance provider might only offer a refurbished replacement of a similar age.

“Always read your policy before buying gadget travel insurance, so you know exactly what’s covered, along with any excesses, limits and exclusions.”

Compare the Market urges travellers to leave it at home

Concluding its advice, the comparison experts advise holidaymakers to think carefully about which gadgets they really need to take away, and whether they could manage without their most expensive devices for a week or two.

Travellers are also urged to back up their phones and laptops to the cloud before departure and to continue saving photos during their trip to avoid losing memories if devices are lost or stolen. Security experts also recommend keeping gadgets locked in hotel safes when not in use, staying vigilant when using smartphones in public, and never leaving devices unattended in places like cars or on the beach, as insurers are unlikely to pay out in cases of negligence.

I have an issue with my insurance provider, what can I do?

Experts at Money Saving Expert (MSE), which is founded by Martin Lewis, suggest using a free complaints tool. It writes: “The insurance industry doesn’t have the best customer-service reputation and while a provider may be good for some, it can be hell for others.

“Common problems include claims either not being paid out on time or at all, unfair charges, or exclusions being hidden in small print. It’s always worth trying to call your provider first, but, if not, then you can use free complaints tool Resolver.

“The tool helps you manage your complaint, and if the company doesn’t play ball, it also helps you escalate your complaint to the free Financial Ombudsman Service.”

Exposure to this drives skin age faster than anything – and can be helped with one common product

People can spend as much as they want to on skincare, but something natural can cause skin to age ‘faster’ if they don’t protect themselves from it, an NHS GP claims. Dr Amir Khan discussed skincare and health on a recent instalment of his No Appointments Necessary podcast, highlighting the ‘biggest ageing enemy’ he says people encounter daily.

The ITV regular, known to daytime viewers of Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, encouraged people to use SPF every day, adding that he does the same. He suggests this will help stop skin from appearing older than its actual age due to sun damage.

He said: “The biggest ageing thing we have in this world is the sun. The skin changes that make us look older are more likely due to sun exposure than they are actually due to age.”

Collagen is the protein that holds our bodily structures together, providing skin with its suppleness. Without it, Dr Khan explains that “we start to sag and wrinkle”.

The sun degrades collagen through a process called photoageing, chiefly caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This not only harms existing collagen structures but also stops new ones from developing in their place, reports the Express.

Applying sunscreen helps protect against collagen depletion by reducing the damage the sun’s rays can inflict at a DNA-altering level. But as the NHS highlights, sunscreen alone is not enough.

People should always combine it with other sun safety practices, including seeking shade during peak UV hours. See more of these here.

How often should I be using SPF?

UV rays penetrate clouds and glass, meaning SPF protection is necessary throughout the entire year — not solely during the summer. As a general rule, anyone looking to safeguard their skin should apply a minimum of SPF 30 on a daily basis — though the precise amount will depend on your lifestyle.

For instance, a single morning application is typically sufficient for those who predominantly work indoors and only venture outside briefly for errands. However, individuals spending extended periods outdoors, whether for work or leisure, should reapply SPF every two hours to maintain adequate protection.

How to apply sunscreen

According to the NHS: “Most people do not apply enough sunscreen”. Experts claim that adults “should aim to apply around six to eight teaspoons of sunscreen” for their entire body.

The NHS says: “If sunscreen is applied too thinly, the amount of protection it gives is reduced. If you plan to be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, sunscreen needs to be applied twice – 30 minutes before going out and just before going out.”

Most Brits also make the mistake of missing exposed skin on the face, neck and ears, and head (if you have thinning or no hair). The NHS also stresses the rule of reapplying sunscreen every two hours because “the sun can dry it off your skin”.

Click here for more details from the NHS about limiting sun damage to skin.

There were also some shady Easter eggs in the ad, as Brooklyn is seen removing the £250,000 Patek Philippe Nautilus watch reportedly gifted to him by his father, while a stack of unopened letters sits on a nearby table — details some fans interpreted as symbolic nods to the ongoing estrangement.

Day one: Tuesday June 16

2.30 Queen Anne Stakes

The meeting opens with a bang and the first Group One race of the week over Ascot’s stiff straight mile. Occasionally you get a funny result and the winners of the main trial, the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury – last month it was won by this race’s favourite Notable Speech – only have a so-so record in the race. This year, you would think this race is Notable Speech’s to lose. Few milers have his turn of foot at the finish but Charlie Appleby’s horses are hardly coming into the meeting on fire. His strike rate is not bad but he has not been running many. His second string, Opera Ballo, put himself in line for a crack at this when beating Field of Gold by three lengths at Sandown in April. He won a Group One at Meydan in the winter, but this is a step up in class. No horse likes Ascot more than Docklands though. He won the Britannia, was second in this race in 2024 then won it last year. More Thunder should be closer to Notable Speech than he was at Newbury.
Charlie Brooks’s tip: Zeus Olympics
Marlborough’s tip: Opera Ballo

3.05 Coventry Stakes

Continuing with the theme that the best racing of the whole week is day one, this six-furlong Group Two race is the most prestigious two-year-old race of the week. Aidan O’Brien, who has won it 11 times, will have the likely favourite in either Great Barrier Reef – winner of both his starts including a Group Three last time – or Confucius – a good winner of his maiden last time – depending on which Ryan Moore selects. At a working man’s price I like Richard Hannon’s Cut A Dash, a good winner over five furlongs at York on debut in May, with the promise of more to come over a longer distance. As the father of two flame-haired daughters, I will put the family fiver will be on the 50-1 shot The Ginger Kid.
Charlie Brooks’s tip: Great Barrier Reef
Marlborough’s tip: Royal Heritage

3.40 King Charles III Stakes

Still known in many quarters as the King’s Stand Stakes but renamed in honour of the King, this five-furlong Group One sprint is for the quickest horses at Ascot. The received wisdom is that a medium Aussie sprinter is still better than anything Europe has to offer, so Overpass is likely to start favourite but it has been a while between drinks for him. Last year’s winner, Jim Goldie’s American Affair, did not run again in 2025, but his two runs this year, including a much-improved second in the Temple Stakes, will have put him spot on for a repeat. Others to look out for include Night Raider, who is much improved for the snip, and the flying French filly Rayevka.
Charlie Brooks’s tip: Overpass
Marlborough’s tip: Cover Up

4.20 St James’s Palace Stakes

The Group One mile for three-year-old colts, on the round course, has attracted the English and Irish Guineas winners and anything else which missed the boat on the early Classics. That it has done with, respectively, Bow Echo, Gstaad, and Talk of New York. In trying to turn the Newmarket tables on Bow Echo, Gstaad will have a pacemaker but George Boughey’s colt should still be too good and the small field should mean not too much traffic from his inside draw but Gstaad is in the same boat there.
Charlie Brooks’s tip: Bow Echo
Marlborough’s tip: Bow Echo

5.00 Ascot Stakes

While most Flat trainers go for a cup of tea at this stage, their jump counterparts get one of their moments of the week in the two and a half mile handicap which is nearly always won by a predominantly jump trainer. The King and Queen have Reaching High in this. He represents one of the best chances of a Royal winner this week. He has not run since finishing a close up ninth in this last year when he met bad traffic problems and runs off the same mark. The lack of run would normally be a worry but I think its safe to say Mullins will have him fit as a fiddle. All he needs is a bit of luck. 
Charlie Brooks’s tip: Small Fry
Marlborough’s tip: Tim Toe

5.35 Wolferton Stakes

A mile-and-a-quarter Listed race for horses which have not won a Group One or Two since last August. The King and Queen might have recent York winner Warrant Holder in this. It was won by Richard Hannon’s Haatem last year and he is back for another go in the Wathnan silks, which, in a short space of time, have made this meeting its raison d’être – if in doubt in any race this week go for one of theirs.
Charlie Brooks’s tip: Nahraan
Marlborough’s tip: Royal Rhyme

6.10 Copper Horse Stakes

Another long distance handicap for those with a touch of the slows but Valiancy, owned by Ascot specialist Wathnan, did not look short of toe at Hamilton on his first start of the season when quickening smartly after being hemmed in to win a bit smugly in the end. Really getting his act together now and stays the trip but with gears which should make him hard to beat here.
Charlie Brooks’s tip: Too Soon
Marlborough’s tip: Valiancy

Day two: Wednesday June 17

2.30 Queen Mary Stakes.

A Group Two for rattling quick juvenile fillies over five furlongs. This looks quite international and there are a few here who are not coming for the Ascot air. Morley is a name closely associated with British racing and Tom Morley, a Briton who forged his own way in New York, has a bit of what they call “black type” in his pedigree including uncle David who won the Gold Cup with Celleric and jump trainer Henry Daly. His More Champagne won on debut in the US by over six lengths from one of Wesley Ward’s so she must be fast. Drazinda, a first Aga Khan Studs two-year-old to run at Ascot in a long time, comes from France but from the home team I like Crystal Queen who travelled very well to win the Hilary Needler at Beverley and is clearly suited by a stiff five furlongs.
Charlie Brooks’s tip: Victorious
Marlborough’s tip: Crystal Queen

3.05 Queen’s Vase

A mile and three quarters for three-year-olds making it something of a St Leger trial. The King and Queen could go with Point of Law in this. It may come a little soon in his career and it would be quite a big step up in trip but that applies to quite a few of these including Causeway, Aidan O’Brien’s colt who is three from three this season. Limestone has won his last three for Joseph O’Brien and is sure to get the trip having already won over a mile and five but I liked the way Andrew Balding’s Galiyan won at Chester. The further he went the better he went.
Charlie Brooks’s tip: Limestone
Marlborough’s tip: Galiyan

3.40 Duke of Cambridge Stakes

A Group Two over a mile for four-year-old plus fillies. Fallen Angel is probably the best horse in this race having won at least one Group One every season of her career but she is yet to win at Ascot – third in this last year – and it may be worth taking a punt on Friendly Soul. She was still travelling well first time out at Haydock when she was the unlucky one to put her foot in a hole. That was probably not the ideal preparation but you can put a line through the fact that she was pulled up after that. 
Charlie Brooks’s tip: Blue Bolt
Marlborough’s tip: Friendly Soul

4.20 Prince of Wales’s Stakes

A Group One mile and a quarter race for four-year-olds plus and is, unquestionably, highlight of day two. This pits two of the best in the world, the Arc winner Daryz and Ombudsman, last year’s winner of this race, against each other with a strong supporting cast of Group One winners including Almaqam, who is finally realising his latent potential, and the fillies Kalpana, See The Fire and Minnie Hauk. Ironically before the Arc it was “would Daryz stay?” Now he has won it, the same people are asking “is he quick enough for 10 furlongs?” He has already added two Group One notches to his four-poster this season over nine and 10 furlongs. He’s quick enough alright.
Charlie Brooks’s tip: Almaquam
Marlborough’s tip: Daryz

5.00 Royal Hunt Cup

If day one’s handicaps are not up to much, this is one of the meeting’s marquee handicap events. It is over the straight mile. There are a few old friends in here and things to take into consideration like the market and the draw but Linwood makes appeal at this stage. He is young, improving, won well on his reappearance and it looks like there’s more to come from Richard Hannon’s four-year-old. Owner Jim Hay seldom leaves the meeting without a winner.
Charlie Brooks’s tip: Mister Winston
Marlborough’s tip: Linwood

5.30 Kensington Palace Handicap

A handicap for four-year-old plus fillies and mares over a mile. For a four-year-old the William Haggas trained Alobayyah is very lightly raced having only had four starts but they clearly think something of her. She ran an eye-catching third over a mile at Ascot in May staying on strongly off a slow pace. It would be a surprise if they went so slowly at a Festival where jockeys tend to get a bit more excitable.
Charlie Brooks’s tip: Rhapsody
Marlborough’s tip: Alobayyah

6.10 Windsor Castle Stakes

A six furlong Listed race for two-year-olds whose sire won over a distance in excess of six and a half furlongs at two or seven and a half furlongs at three. The King and Queen could go with King’s Prize in this and the way she won at Nottingham in debut, she might be one of their better chances this week. This looks a better race than the Queen Mary for Victorious (if Aidan needs any race planning advice, I’m available) because of the trip and it might be a bit easier. As always in these two-year-old races there are plenty of unknown quantities who have run and won just the once. King’s Prize, Moonrise and Sale Shark fit that bill but I like Controlla to get Amo racing on the scoresheet. She was just pipped by Victorious on her only start and can not only improve but reverse that form.
Charlie Brooks’s tip: Sergei Diaghilev
Marlborough’s tip: Controlla

Day three: Thursday June 18

2.30 Chesham Stakes

At seven furlongs this is the longest contest for two-year-olds at Ascot this week. Aix La Chapelle looks the Aidan O’Brien No 1 in this. He made up a good bit of ground late on and finished strongly to win a Curragh maiden earlier this month. I was quite impressed by Revels – no surprise at that name as he’s owned by the Mars family – on his debut at Redcar in may. He won by three lengths. With his big white face you won’t miss this chestnut colt coming up Ascot’s straight.

3.05 King George V Stakes

A mile-and-a-half handicap for three-year-olds rated up to 105. Lost Boys, trained by David Menuisier in Sussex, will be one of the favourites for this race on the back of his London Gold Cup win over a mile and a quarter at Newbury. He has subsequently been bought by Wathnan who has a pretty good strike rate for buying ready-made Ascot winners. He beat Sahara King by a head that day and as Wathnan own that horse you would imagine it knows what it is doing. The extra quarter of a mile should be fine for him.

3.40 Ribblesdale Stakes

A mile-and-a-half Group Two for fillies making it something of an Oaks consolation for those that needed a couple of extra weeks. The King and Queen could have a go with Golden Orbit in this, but she would need to take a bit big step forward on her first start of the season. If Legacy Link runs just 13 days after finishing second in the Oaks, a race in which she had no answers to Thundering On, she sets the standard. That’s not usually the Gosdens’ or Juddmonte’s modus operandi so she would have to be in cracking form to go. Earth Shot, who was just beaten at Goodwood last time over a mile and a quarter, might be the one stepping up in trip.

4.15 Gold Cup

A marathon trip of two-and-a-half miles first run in 1807, a year best known here for the abolition of slavery while in Europe Napoleon was smacking the Russians. Last year’s winner Trawlerman is back, but without a prep and an eye condition which makes him sensitive to light. However, if he’s on song he will be hard to beat. The obvious two young pretenders are last year’s St Leger first and second – Scandinavia and Rahiebb. At a better price is Carmers who is bidding to emulate the late Queen’s Estimate who took the Queen’s Vase here in 2013, before winning the Gold Cup a year later. Keeping them all honest will be Sweet William, who is always consistent in these races.

4.50 Britannia Stakes

A mile for three-year-old colts rated up to 105. We’re Goosers looks a good honest sort. He galloped his rivals into submission winning by a wide margin and finishing strong through the line at Newmarket last time. He gets a mile but seven furlongs may be his optimum. St Anton won over a mile at Carlisle so this mile might not be quite stiff enough for him, but he is in with a shout, while Laureate Crown is another from the same stable as We’re Goosers.

5.35 Hampton Court Stakes

A Group Three mile-and-a-quarter race for three-year-olds who have not won a Group One or Two. A few horses in here have had their sights lowered after so-so efforts in the Derby, but most of those would have had a hard enough race in the conditions so fresher legs may be the answer. William Haggas was very disappointed with Morshdi after the Dante at York last month. If he can put a line through that poor run so must we. Causeway is likely to start favourite, but for those who like a double-figure pride Mountain Cat could outrun his odds.

6.10 Buckingham Palace Stakes

A seven-furlong handicap to finish off Ladies’ Day. I’ll have to come back to you nearer the time for this race but Arctic Dawn, trained by Dan and Clare Kubler, looks progressive despite being a five-year-old and a win a for a smaller set up might not go amiss at this stage.

Day four: Friday June 19

2.30 Albany Stakes

Six furlong contest for fillies. Aidan O’Brien’s Sun Goddess is likely to be a warm order for this after a six lengths demolition of her opposition at The Curragh on her second start. It is hard to pick holes in that performance and it is hard to oppose her. That said there will be plenty of once run once won could be anythings in the race. Karl Burke’s Wild Blossom, a £300k breeze-up filly for Wathnan, won over five furlongs at Carlisle by 10 lengths. She has the Queen Mary option but Venetian Sun, who won that maiden for the stable last year, went on to win the Albany.

3.05 Commonwealth Cup

A six furlong Group One sprint for speedy three-year-olds. Ascot’s stiff six may be just what Albert Einstein needs but for me he has been a bit disappointing. If you fancy him you should also fancy Song of The Clyde who beat him at Newbury and will be three times the odds. Clive Cox also has the quick Coppul in this. Venetian Sun, last year’s Albany winner, will probably start favourite on the back of her Sandy Lane three length success but it might be worth taking a punt on Amo’s Wesley Ward trained Outfielder who has looked blisteringly quick on his first two starts in the US this year. Each-way 50-1 shot Spicy Marg will enjoy being back on the quick ground again.

3.40 Duke of Edinburgh Stakes

Mile and a half handicap for three-year-old plus. I suspect a few have been laid out for this race but Yabher looked much improved at four when he won on his reappearance for William Haggas at Goodwood by six lengths. Even winning so far I am not sure he laid all his cards on the table for the handicapper and despite a rise in the handicap he should go close here.

4.20 Coronation Stakes

A mile on the round course for three-year-old fillies, the St James’s Palace for the ladies as it were. After running down the field in the Guineas at Newmarket Precise looked rocket-propelled, reversing the form with stable companion True Love, in the Irish equivalent. Anything like a reproduction of that would make her hard to beat. Anything Wathnan buys should be given consideration at the fact that it has come in for The Prettiest Star is a bit of tip in itself. She had Precise behind her when fourth in the Guineas and the new owner has clearly seen something.

5.00 Sandringham Stakes

A mile handicap for three-year-old fillies. Symbol of Majesty had no sort of a run at Wolverhampton on her third start after winning on turf first time out this season but that probably did not do her handicap too much harm and this is an easier option than the Coronation for which she also had an entry. Glyfada from Ireland and Repel, a cosy winner last time, from France look interesting too.

5.35 King Edward VII Stakes

Mile and a half Group Two for three-year-old colts and geldings. A bit of a Derby consolation and a few of those who ran below expectation at Epsom may get out again today including the controversial Derby non-runner, Benventuto Cellini who got his hind leg stuck on a stall but still finished 10th. That is less than a fortnight ago and personally I would be looking elsewhere. It was all a bit too much of a rush to get Water To Wine to Epsom after his missed Chester with a temperature but he looks tailor-made for this. He is now two from two with an aggregate winning distance of 15 lengths having warmed up for this impressively on the all-weather.

6.10 Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes

A five furlong sprint for three-year-olds. It is a very different course to Epsom but Gemma Tutty’s Call Margot had all the doors shut in her face at a critical point in the Dash on Derby day and but for that would surely have won. At Ascot, at least, there should be less in the way of traffic problems. The trainer had a second here before. That said, could Gold Digger be the one to break Saffie Osborne’s duck at the meeting? She certainly thinks so. Sixth in the Albany last year, Richard Spencer’s filly was a cosy winner at Windsor on her first start since.

If you’ve not planned ahead we’ve got you covered:

Park & Ride facilities

Take That: Tuesday, June 16. The park & ride facility for this event will be at Cardiff City Stadium at Leckwith – CF11 8AZ and can be accessed from junction 33 off the M4, by taking the A4232 towards Cardiff/Barry. Exit the A4232 onto the B4267, signposted Cardiff City Stadium.

The drop off point will be at Fitzhammon Embankment.

Staff will arrive at the car park at 10am when the site opens, with the first bus leaving at 10.30am and the last bus departing (Fitzhammon Embankment) at midnight.

The cost is £15 for each car payable on the day.

Civic Centre Event Day Parking (Cars and Coaches)

Getting there: Exit Junction 32 of the M4, head south on the A470 towards the city centre and follow signage to the civic centre.

Cost: £20 payable on the day for cars and £30 for coaches – card payments are also now available.

Parking time: The car park will open at 8am and closes at 12 Midnight.

Event Day Parking at Sophia Gardens

Sophia Gardens (cars)

(Approximately, 0.5 mile walk to the Principality Stadium, Gate 2).

Sophia Gardens Event Day Parking

Getting there: Exit junction 32 off the M4

Cost: £20 for cars and £30 for coaches – card payments are now available.

Parking time: Car park opens at 8.00am and closes at 12 midnight.

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France (AP) — U.S. allies at the Group of Seven summit of major industrialized nations worked Tuesday to push the war in Ukraine back up the agenda of President Donald Trump after more than four years of fighting sparked by Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The Iran conflict has in recent weeks overshadowed the war in Ukraine that Russian President Vladimir Putin launched. Host President Emmanuel Macron of France said he’ll seek to persuade Trump to continue supporting Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia to help reach a peace agreement.

As the U.S. under Trump has cut back aid to Ukraine, France and its European allies are now the biggest providers of military and financial support to Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined G7 leaders for a morning working session but talks wrapped quickly, as leaders gathered for just 75 minutes, according to the French G7 presidency.

The Ukraine talks came on the heels of Trump’s announcement of an agreement to end the 3 1/2-month-old U.S. war against Iran. Trump said Tuesday he’ll be meeting one-on-one with Zelenskyy.

Trump said he wants to focus on Ukraine now, saying Iran will soon be “back in the rearview mirror.” He downplayed the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the U.S. but lamented the death toll.

“The whole thing is ridiculous,” Trump said. “So, yeah, I’m going to do whatever I can.”

Meanwhile, the U.K. announced a new set of sanctions targeting the “ shadow fleet ” Russia uses to ship oil and gas, and the finance networks used by Moscow to evade Western sanctions. The ships targeted include several vessels recently purchased by Russia to transport liquefied natural gas from its sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project.

Last weekend, U.K. troops seized a Russian shadow fleet vessel in the English Channel for the first time.

Trump has been frustrated by a lack of movement toward Ukraine-Russia resolution

Hours before the summit began, Russia fired hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at Ukraine’s biggest cities in a barrage that killed 11 people and set fire to a religious landmark.

The attacks on Ukraine’s biggest cities came after Zelenskyy and Putin spoke separately by phone with Trump on Sunday, the U.S. leader’s 80th birthday. The exchange suggests Washington hasn’t given up on its diplomatic efforts to stop the fighting that followed Moscow’s all-out invasion of its neighbor in 2022.

Ukraine on Monday officially started European Union membership negotiations, launching a process that will require its government to commit to years of political reforms even as it fights the Russian invasion.

Ukraine sees EU membership as a security guarantee for a stable future once the war ends. Its best guarantee would be membership in the NATO military alliance, but the Trump administration insists that cannot happen, and others are wary of it joining while the war continues.

Iran war has been a flashpoint between Trump and European leaders

The U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal is getting plenty of attention at Tuesday’s sessions. Trump held one-on-one talks with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and will meet with United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan later. The Gulf nations are not part of the G7, but Macron extended invitations to the leaders to take part in the summit at a fraught moment for the region.

Trump expressed frustration over Israel’s continued hostilities with the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah in Lebanon, telling reporters he’s “not happy with the way Israel has handled themselves with Lebanon and with Hezbollah.”

“They should have been able to deal with them faster,” Trump added about Israeli operations to target Hezbollah.“It just goes on forever. And when that happens, it throws a negative light on the big deal. And that’s the deal with Iran.”

G7 leaders also convened a working lunch to discuss the situation in the Middle East, with conversation expected to focus on the path ahead after the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement.

In recent months, Trump has had sharp disagreements with Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over his failure to consult them before the decision to go to war in Iran. Trump has threatened reprisals, including drawing down U.S. troops in all four countries, all NATO members, for their lack of support.

Despite those disagreements, U.S. allies seek rapid progress that could ease the economic impact of rising oil prices caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Macron said France and other Western partners are “ready to take action very quickly” to help reopen the strait peacefully. France and the U.K. have championed a mission to restore maritime security in the strait as soon as conditions allow.

The G7 comprises France, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. Other guest nations at this summit, including Brazil, India, Kenya and South Korea, were invited to participate in some discussions.

___

Madhani reported from Geneva. Jill Lawless and Samuel Petrequin in London contributed to this report.

The damage caused to a 900-year-old Norman Arch will cost more than £1,000 to remove and repair

The team at Peterborough Cathedral has been left “saddened and frustrated” after the historic cathedral was vandalised. Cambridgeshire Police received a report on Saturday, June 13, of criminal damage at the cathedral.

It is believed that vandals graffitied the arch that leads from Cathedral Square into the grounds of the cathedral between about 4.30pm and 5.15pm.

A spokesperson for Peterborough Cathedral said: “We are saddened and frustrated this morning to discover graffiti has been sprayed onto our historic Norman Arch. This isn’t just stonework – it is part of a remarkable building that has stood for more than 900 years, surviving wars, fires and the passage of time.

“Today, it has been damaged by a thoughtless act of vandalism.” Removing the graffiti and repairing the affected stone will cost more than £1,000, according to the spokesperson.

The statement added: “Money that would otherwise have been spent caring for the Cathedral and ensuring it remains open and welcoming for everyone. Historic stone cannot simply be cleaned like a modern wall; specialist conservation work is required to prevent further damage.

“It’s difficult to understand why anyone would choose to damage a place that belongs to the whole community. Peterborough Cathedral has stood at the heart of our city for centuries, and preserving it for future generations is a responsibility we all share.”

The crime has been reported and officers are awaiting CCTV footage to review. Anyone with information or footage is urged to report it through the force’s website quoting reference 35/44265/26. Alternatively, call 101.

The airline has shared essential advice for passengers with upcoming flights and holidays

The summer holiday countdown is on, with families across the country making last-minute preparations. For those with flights booked, June is often a busy time. From stocking up on sunscreen to booking transfers, there’s lots to do before it’s time to start relaxing.

Ahead of their holidays, passengers are also urged to complete two essential tasks to look after their safety while travelling. Sharing advice for customers online, easyJet offered advice on its website. On a webpage dedicated to ‘safety on your holiday’, the airline has set out two checks for all passengers to complete.

First, the airline urges all passengers to get comprehensive travel insurance. easyJet said: “We cannot stress enough how important it is take out comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking, to cover you in the event that something stops you going on holiday and of course while you’re away too.

“Before taking out the insurance, make sure you check that the policy covers the activities and sports that you may take part in. The cost of international healthcare can be significant, and insurance does more than pay for it, it can also provide the support to get the best care and get you home afterwards.”

easyJet added that people should take a copy of the policy with them and save the emergency assistance contact number in their mobile phone. Explaining why travel insurance is essential, the airline said: “Remember that a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) only entitles you to basic state medical care in participating countries; it doesn’t cover you for repatriation. You can apply for a GHIC on the NHS website.”

Secondly, easyJet told passengers to share their travel details with someone they trust. “Leave a copy of your travel details with your next of kin or an emergency contact,” the airline said.

The UK Global Health Insurance Card enables holidaymakers to access healthcare without paying more than a local resident would while travelling in the European Economic Area.

According to the NHS: “The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.

“The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it.”

The NHS adds: “You can apply for a UK GHIC if you’re a resident in the UK. You can also add your family members to your application when you apply.” It is free to apply.