Recently, the training venture run by Michael, John and Wayne Hawkes has experienced up-and-down results.

Their freshest win in Victoria was a Kilmore maiden from earlier this month, alongside Stakes-level achievement with Gangsta Granny in Sydney on March 7.

The stable often delivers powerful teams for the Melbourne and Sydney carnivals, including participants in three of five Group 1 races at Rosehill.

On Saturday, Caulfield hosts the William Reid Stakes (1200m), wrapping up Melbourne’s Group 1 schedule, where the Hawkes have Airman and Devil Night entered.

Airman remains winless approaching 18 months, penalized for his victory in the Group 2 Premiere Cup (1200m) at Randwick during October 2024.

Wayne Hawkes commented that Airman carries the class needed for Saturday’s event and has trialled sharply in readiness for his first outing post-November.

“He won the Premiere Stakes which is two weeks before The Everest and which is the best lead-up race to The Everest,” Hawkes said.

“You know he is up to that class of race, but he hasn’t won for 18 months, but I wouldn’t discard him.

“He’s going pretty well.”

Devil Night has secured one win across seven runs, highlighted by his conquest of the Blue Diamond Stakes, Melbourne’s leading juvenile race, on start two.

Spring brought mixed fortunes for the three-year-old, though Hawkes cited his fourth to Giga Kick in the Schillaci Stakes as a key performance.

Devil Night began autumn placed second behind Pallaton in Caulfield’s Zeditave Stakes (1200m) last month, with a recent quiet trial at Flemington.

“He’s going super and this is the race we’ve picked out for him,” Hawkes said.

“He was getting beaten in the spring behind Giga Kick, which isn’t bad for a three-year-old and Giga Kick is an Everest horse, and the bottom line is, there’s your form.

“Beau Mertens had a sit on him in his trial and I’m happy with the horse and how he’s going.”

Regarding which he prefers, Hawkes leaned marginally to Devil Night.

“He’s the fitter one,” Hawkes said.

Compare the betting sites for William Reid Stakes racing odds.

The WNBA’s milestone 30th season is scheduled to tip off in less than two months. On Wednesday, the marathon negotiations between the WNBA and Women’s National Basketball Players Association ended with an historic agreement on a collective bargaining agreement.

The two sides verbally agreed to a deal that would raise teams’ salary caps to $7 million, ESPN reported. Last season’s salary cap was $1.5 million. Players will be eligible for supermax deals starting at $1.4 million in 2026, up from $249,244 in 2025.

Every WNBA player will earn at least $300,000 under the new CBA, sources told ESPN.

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A detail of the WNBA logo on a basketball during warmups between the Seattle Storm and the Connecticut Sun at Climate Pledge Arena on June 20, 2023, in Seattle, Washington.  (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Diana Taurasi, an 11-time All-Star and three-time WNBA champion, reacted to the latest development. The former Phoenix Mercury guard said she believes the deal is a step in the right direction.

“The WNBA has gone through a long journey over the last 30 years,” she told The Spun. “There’s a lot of hard work, grit, perseverance and determination. This is just another milestone for women’s sports. It’s nice to see the WNBA in a better place than where you left it.”

WNBA STARS’ ALL-STAR GAME MESSAGE ON PAY INCREASE DRAWS SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION

The details of the term sheet are still being finalized. The next step is ratification by the players and the league’s board of governors.

Diana Taurasi speaks during a press conference at the Phoenix Mercury Practice Facility on March 13, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. Taurasi announced she was retiring after a 20-year career in the WNBA.  (Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Taurasi’s sentiments echoed WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s stance about what she described as a landmark deal.

“The progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step forward for players and the league,” Engelbert told reporters shortly after the deal was struck early Wednesday, “and it’s underscoring a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game.

“It’s [been] a process, but we’re very proud to be leading in women’s sports, and these players are amazing, and we’re going to have an amazing 30th season tipping off in May.”

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks during a news conference before the WNBA All-Star basketball game on July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Seattle Storm forward and WNBPA executive committee president Nneka Ogwumike, who participated in the prolonged bargaining sessions, commended the efforts that led to the new CBA.

“We’re just really grateful to be able to come to a deal,” Ogwumike said. “We’re proud of ourselves. And quite frankly, we always told you all we were going to stand on business, and that’s what this looks like.

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Once the new CBA is finalized, it will mark the sixth agreement in WNBA history, with the previous one reached in 2020. The full terms of the new deal are expected to reflect the league’s recent surge in growth, viewership and overall popularity.

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Last week at the PGA Tour headquarters, new Tour CEO Brian Rolapp unveiled six themes for where the league is headed. One of them was a splashy start date on the West Coast, a way for the Tour to get fans excited and kick-start the year in a big way.

“We want to open big with a marquee event at an iconic venue in the west, among other things,” Rolapp said, “allowing us to finish on network television in primetime on the East Coast.”

How might that look? It’ll likely be in late January or early February, and we already know the Tour’s time in Hawaii is probably limited. That leaves a couple of current tournaments as the likely options: the Farmers at Torrey Pines in San Diego, the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, or the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the Monterey Peninsula. The Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles could also be an option.

We might not get an answer soon — and the Tour might still be figuring it out as well — but you could make a case for most of these spots, just as GOLF’s Subpar duo thinks their local event, the WM Phoenix Open, would be the ideal kickoff.

“In my opinion this would go the week before the Super Bowl, in between the conference championships and Super Bowl, there’s that dead week,” said Subpar co-host Colt Knost, on the latest Subpar episode. “This is the week, let’s get the PGA Tour started, get everybody excited and then we take a week off for the Super Bowl — because there is no reason to go against that — and then we get going.

“Their goal long-term is to own the summer,” he continued. “They want golf to be must-see TV throughout the summer, going up against baseball, obviously some basketball. That is their big goal. But I love that we are going to open big.”

Co-host Drew Stoltz, who is also a member of the Thunderbirds, the organization that runs the WM Phoenix Open, agreed.

“I mean, what’s bigger?” he said. “There are some great venues, some great golf courses out west, but if you are going to make a big splash to open the season what would make more sense than that? I don’t have any insider information, not saying it’s a done deal, but if this is the way you are going, we will start basically when football ends, we will call it, even if it’s the week before the Super Bowl, this is the biggest you got.”

For more on the latest Subpar episode, where they break down Cam Young’s Players win and talk more about Rolapp’s six themes, you can listen here or watch on YouTube below.

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Many football watchers will tell you the home viewing experience is ideal for them, but there are still those that love to watch NFL games from the seats at the stadium – truly taking it the experience with their own eyes. 

However, as demand for the sport continues to grow, so have ticket prices just to enter a stadium on gameday. As a result, some fans are simply getting priced out from watching their favorite teams. 

But legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg, who has represented over 300 professional athletes, especially in football with a record eight No. 1 overall picks and 64 first-rounders under his belt, believes teams and owners should be more “forward-thinking” with their tickets. 

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Leigh Steinberg attends the 39th Annual Leigh Steinberg Super Bowl Party at Storek on Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California.  (Jesse Grant/Getty Images)

He has an idea. 

“I think that it would be prudent and forward-looking for them to reserve, like, 10,000 seats for every game for them to distribute to working families and younger people,” Steinberg told Fox News Digital on a recent phone call. “So, at least at the end of the year, you have a team planting the seeds for the future.”

Steinberg believes to “truly enjoy football” you either have played the game, or have seen it live. That, in his eyes, “totally sustains that interest level.”

BROADCASTER TIM BRADNO SUGGESTS SPORTS FANS GET CONFUSED WHERE TO WATCH GAMES AS STREAMING TAKES OVER

Yes, technological advancements have made it easier for fans of all demographics to catch their favorite teams, as well as the rest of the NFL schedule, from their living room. In fact, some may even tell you spending for the highest NFL package is better than going to games live at this rate. 

That’s because tickets are not the only thing to worry about when going to a game live. 

The Action Network did an analysis of the cost of a family of four to attend an NFL game in every stadium across the country. The study included ticket prices, which were primary and resale from Ticketmaster, food and drinks, and parking for said family. They even looked at the child admission policy to see what ages may be free to find out which stadiums were, somewhat, family friendly. 

Fans of the Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos support their teams during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on Dec. 14, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

At the highest was Lincoln Financial Field, the home of the Philadelphia Eagles, who were the reigning Super Bowl champions when the season began in 2025. At $2,133.44, with $2,058.44 of that the price of four tickets, the family could enjoy the Eagles. Ford Field (Detroit Lions), Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders), Soldier Field (Chicago Bears) and Highmark Stadium (Buffalo Bills) round out the top five most expensive stadiums for families. 

The New York Jets and MetLife Stadium were the lowest at $555.94, though the league-wide average was $1,339 for four tickets. 

At the same time, though, Steinberg understands supply and demand, and the latter is through the roof for the NFL. In turn, those with means to pay the expensive ticket prices do so, while others are priced out. 

EX-NFL STAR SHAWNE MERRIMAN ADVOCATING FOR PLAYERS TO GET PAID MORE WHEN TV RIGHTS DEALS EXPLODE

“Right now, you have so much excess demand that they can price those tickets [high],” Steinberg added. “I used to say, ‘Look, we need to think about the future. I’m telling you that players could take a little less money if it meant sustaining the sport long-term. That means ticket prices.’ An owner once put his arm around me and said, ‘Son, that’ll never happen.’”

Could it happen one day? Steinberg sure hopes so, but as long as the insatiable appetite for football diminishes, it’ll likely be harder for some to acquire tickets at the current price tag, let alone secondary market upcharges. 

‘Again, my suggestion would be teams plan and build for the future by having a section each week – they wouldn’t be the best tickets, but who cares if you’re a young kid? I used to go to Rams games in the Coliseum back in the ‘50s and you would’ve needed a telescope. But you still create an interest in football. That’s what I would do if I owned a team,” Steinberg said. 

STEINBERG’S COMEBACK

While talking all things football, Steinberg also discussed life and how his fight through adversity led to him writing “The Comeback: A Playbook for Turning Life’s Setbacks into Victories.”

Leigh Steinberg speaks onstage during the 39th Annual Leigh Steinberg Super Bowl Party at Storek on Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California.  (Jesse Grant/Getty Images)

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Steinberg had built an empire by representing the best athletes in the world, but he also dealt with alcoholism and financial struggles, ultimately bringing him to rock bottom. But he rebuilt himself through those hard times, and with this book, he’s hoping to help others do the same. 

Also, sharing stories of athletes dealing with similar adversities, Steinberg believes all readers should come away with this lesson learned. 

“Internal introspection,” he said. “A realistic understanding of your own values and priorities, whether it’s short-term economic gain, long-term economic security, spiritual values, family. It’s to have clarity internally in terms of what really constitutes a fulfilling life. Then, coming up with a plan to get back to that.”

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Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has reportedly regained full fitness and will start his side’s La Liga home match against city rivals Atletico Madrid on Sunday (March 22).

Mbappe, 27, returned to first-team action from his knee problem in Los Blancos‘ 2-1 UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg win over Manchester City this Tuesday (March 17). He completed 13 of his 13 passes and registered one shot in his 21-minute second half cameo.

Now, according to AS (h/t Madrid Universal), Mbappe will start in the upcoming La Liga game against Atletico Madrid at Estadio Bernabeu. He has recently trained at 100 per cent and is believed to replace Brahim Diaz in his club’s starting lineup on Sunday, hoping to continue his form.

Mbappe, who missed five matches in all competitions due to his recent knee injury, has undoubtedly been Real Madrid‘s best player this season. He has produced 38 goals and six assists in just 34 total appearances for his club in the ongoing 2025-26 campaign, scoring two hat-tricks.

On the other hand, Los Blancos are also reportedly set to welcome summer arrival Alvaro Carreras, who was out with a minor calf problem. They are also expected to have Jude Bellingham, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy back at their disposal this weekend, according to AS.

Real Madrid icon hails Alvaro Arbeloa

Real Madrid icon Guti has lauded Los Blancos head coach Alvaro Arbeloa for aptly handling the high-pressure environment at the club this year. He stated (h/t Madrid Universal):

“When you join a team mid-season, with difficulties and injuries, it’s always a poisoned chalice. But he’s steering it in the right direction for now, and that’s what all Madrid fans hope for: that Madrid win titles and that Arbeloa can stay.”

Arbeloa’s outfit are second in the 2025-26 La Liga standings with 66 points from 28 games, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points.

Opining on Real Madrid’s Champions League chances after defeating Manchester City 5-1 in the round of 16, Guti responded:

“This sounds familiar… Madrid is going to win the Champions League. It’s not just the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich. After that, we could face a very tough semi-final against Liverpool or PSG. It’s a demanding Champions League.”

Los Merengues will take on Bayern Munich in the last four stage of the Champions League, with the two legs set to be held on April 7 and April 15.