A standout three-year-old in Ciaron Maher’s stable, Unit Five, is scheduled to return to competitive racing this Saturday at Sandown.

Following a challenging tenth-place finish in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) in February, the 2026 Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) champion has benefited from an extended break and two successful trial runs, preparing him to elevate his profile further this spring.

The ultimate objective is a start in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes over the same distance, slated for the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

“We’ll give him the opportunity,” stated Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher.

“He had three months out to prepare for this time of the year and I think that time has done him the world of good.

“He’s strengthened but he hasn’t grown tall. He is a bit bigger but he’s a magnificent looking animal and he looks fast and athletic.

Unit Five is among the nominations for the 1000m three-year-old handicap, having completed two trials at Cranbourne.

“I was stoked with his trials,” Turnbull commented.

“He had one on the grass and one on the poly. We kept him on the bit on the poly being an artificial surface, but he is very sharp and he looks good and he’s in a good place.

Turnbull confirmed that the Sandown appearance would be followed by a test down the Flemington straight in the Group 3 Poseidon Stakes (1100m) on September 12.

“He just a racehorse and we saw that when he won on debut at Caulfield Heath,” Turnbull said, referring to the colt’s debut win on December 20.

“He’s one of our top tier three-year-olds and it is good to have him back.”

Irrespective of future results, Unit Five has already proven to be an excellent acquisition for Ciaron Maher Bloodstock, having secured nearly $1.9 million in prize money after being purchased for $80,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in 2025.

The Sandown race presents a great opportunity to assess the colt’s current form with the latest racing odds available on Australian betting sites.

Shakur Stevenson has been urged to face a “bigger and stronger” version of William Zepeda, who arguably gave the slick southpaw his toughest fight in July 2025.

Still, Stevenson emerged with a unanimous decision victory but, sure enough, was made to work tremendously hard in each of their 12 rounds.

This year, the unbeaten American moved up to 140lbs and became a four-division world champion, dethroning Teofimo Lopez with a near whitewash in January.

But despite holding the WBO super-lightweight title, Stevenson has expressed an openness to face opponents in either his current division or back down at 135lbs.

Either way, the 29-year-old is expected to make his Zuffa Boxing debut before long, having signed a multi-fight deal with Dana White’s promotional outfit.

In terms of potential opponents, top trainer Robert Garcia has suggested Raymond Muratalla, who defended his IBF lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Robson Conceicao earlier this month.

With the 29-year-old now looking to campaign at 140lbs, though, Garcia has told FightHype that, besides Devin Haney, he believes his unbeaten charge represents the most obvious option for Stevenson.

“If [the Haney fight] doesn’t happen, what other fight is there [for Stevenson]? I think Raymond is the perfect [opponent] – great [clash of] styles.

“I think Raymond is much bigger and much stronger than Zepeda. If Shakur gets the Haney fight, we can’t argue. We can’t say he’s ducking [Muratalla].

“But if he’s saying [the Muratalla fight] has to be at 135[lbs], then he’s ducking a little bit.”

While there has been loose talk of a clash between Stevenson and Haney, it would seem that the WBO welterweight champion is currently targeting a unification match with Liam Paro.

Trainer Tony Gollan is reuniting a winning combination at Randwick for the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes this Saturday, with James McDonald scheduled to ride Pembrey.

The dominant Brisbane trainer has no hesitation in expecting a strong showing from the three-year-old filly as she begins her spring campaign, moving straight up to the 1200-metre distance first-up.

“She’s improved and we’d like to see her show her worth and pick up from where she left off,” Gollan said.

McDonald was aboard the filly when she won the Group 3 Magic Night Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill in February. However, he chose a different mount for the Golden Slipper, resulting in Tim Clark partnering Pembrey for a difficult run that saw her finish near the back in the Group 1 feature.

“We got to give her a really nice break off the Slipper and we’ve had plenty of time to bring her up,” Gollan stated.

“She has had jumped out and trialled well both times. She has been at Randwick for a week now.”

Gollan lamented Pembrey’s widest barrier draw in the Golden Slipper and the subsequent interference she experienced during the race.

“She did a lot of work and worked the whole way,” Gollan recalled.

“She got tightened up over the last furlong but it was also the end of a first racing prep.”

The trainer already held a high opinion of the filly before her debut victory, a view that was confirmed during her initial race at Eagle Farm.

Pembrey achieved a Racing and Sports rating of 105 in her two-year-old Magic Night Stakes win. Current trends indicate a general improvement in the Silver Shadow winning rating for horses after they turn a year older.

The 2022 winner, Zougotcha, improved by 15 ratings points, while the 2023 and 2025 victors, Autumn Ballet and Savvy Hallie, maintained their marks of 106.

The Silver Shadow Stakes is shaping up to be a competitive affair, and the betting markets for the race are expected to be active.

Frenchman Kevin Lamour has left his role as FIFA‘s chief operating officer after criticising president Gianni Infantino‘s scrapped private investor plan, world football’s governing body confirmed Monday.

Lamour was the third highest-ranking FIFA official.

“FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA’s chief operating officer has ended on August 17, 2026,” a FIFA spokesperson told AFP, confirming a report in The Athletic.

“FIFA thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future.”

A former employee of European governing body UEFA, Lamour had served as FIFA COO since November 2024.

He was one of the highest-ranking FIFA figures to speak out against Infantino’s proposal to sell stakes in competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors.

Lamour described the plan as “the project of one person”.

Read moreInfantino’s future at FIFA should be decided by election, African football chief says

“The time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions,” he said in a statement sent to the Associated Press (AP) and published on July 31.

“If that means I lose my job, then so be it,” he added. “I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight.”

Secretary general Mattias Grafstrom, considered Infantino’s number two, and chief of global football development Arsene Wenger both later welcomed the decision to ditch the proposal.

Former Arsenal manager Wenger said it was “absolutely necessary” to scrap it.

The controversy has left Infantino’s position under threat for the first time since he was first elected in 2016.

European football’s governing body UEFA, North and Central America’s CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation released a joint letter earlier this month declaring “football belongs to no individual”.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Manchester United are just a few days away from their Premier League opener but Michael Carrick’s side continue to be shrouded in transfer speculation

Manchester United are still active in the transfer market with their opening Premier League match against Hull City on the horizon. But two of Michael Carrick’s first-team players have become subject to shock speculation.

Having supplanted Ruben Amorim in January, Carrick performed miracles at United’s helm last term, guiding them to a third-place finish and Champions League football. Pre-season ended, though, with a 4-2 defeat to Amorim and his AC Milan side, suggesting there is still work to be done in the market.

Only three senior signings have been completed this summer, with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arriving to bolster the midfield and Karl Darlow signing as a backup goalkeeper. Youngster Tynan Thompson has also joined from Tottenham for £4m.

Yet the majority of the rumours surrounding United concern outgoings, with Marcus Rashford reportedly offered a surprise transfer lifeline and an audacious approach for Bruno Fernandes in the works. The Manchester Evening News brings you all the latest transfer updates from Old Trafford.

Bruno Fernandes bid

In a surprising development, Galatasaray are trying to lure club captain Fernandes to Turkey. Reports suggest they are prepared to double his wages and table an offer of £43m.

However, it is understood that United will promptly reject any such approach, viewing their skipper as completely off limits. His £55.6m release clause for overseas clubs expired in July.

Club sources have gone so far as to say that Fernandes is not available at any price this summer and that offers will simply not be considered. Fernandes’ current deal runs until 2027, with the option of a one-year extension.

Thousands of Man United fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.

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Marcus Rashford U-turn

Rashford’s future has also remained a constant talking point throughout this summer’s transfer window, following the English forward’s return to United after a loan stint at Barcelona.

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The 28-year-old impressed in La Liga, but the Catalan club chose against making his temporary move permanent for £26m, opting instead to recruit Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for £70m and Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund. Rashford was left in an uncertain position, with suggestions he could be fully reintegrated at Old Trafford ahead of the new campaign.

However, fresh reports indicate that Barcelona have not yet given up the chase. TEAMtalk claims Barcelona remain in dialogue with Rashford’s representatives and, despite completing a string of attacking signings, continue to weigh up their options and could yet attempt to engineer a dramatic return.

Rashford rejoined United’s training setup on August 9 following an impressive stint with England at the World Cup, and featured in their 4-2 defeat to AC Milan.

Hamzah Sheeraz has been called out for a “huge” British stadium showdown, but only if he retains his WBO title by the time next summer rolls around.

The 27-year-old became a world champion in May, scoring a second-round finish against overmatched challenger Alem Begic for the vacant super-middleweight belt.

Since then, Sheeraz has successfully defended his WBO strap – via points victory over Simon Zachenhuber last month – and is now set to face mandatory challenger Janibek Alimkhanuly.

The pair have been ordered to collide in due course, with former unified champion Alimkhanuly moving up to 168lbs after testing positive for banned substance Meldonium in December.

It is therefore uncertain that Sheeraz will retain his title but, if he does, a domestic dustup with Callum Simpson could suddenly become realistic.

The Barnsley man exacted his revenge over Troy Williamson last Saturday, unanimously outpointing his man after suffering a 10th-round stoppage defeat in their first encounter.

But while pleased to reclaim his British and Commonwealth belts, Simpson is now targeting a world title shot and a return to Barnsley’s Oakwell Stadium.

Speaking with talkSPORT, the 29-year-old explained that Sheeraz represents his most desirable opponent for the summer of 2027.

“It might be Hamzah Sheeraz at Oakwell – he’s the one that’s got the [WBO] title. If we do Oakwell, it would have to be in the summer. That would be a huge fight.”

While the Simpson fight could materialise, Sheeraz will likely be targeting a unification match – possibly against the winner of Christian Mbilli vs Canelo Alvarez – if he proves successful against Alimkhanuly.

Australia have made one change to their squad for the second and final ICC World Test Championship match against Bangladesh in Mackay.Opener Jake Weatherald has been left out of the 13-player squad, with left-hander Matthew Renshaw coming in as his replacement.

Renshaw gets Test recall

If selected, Renshaw will make his first Test appearance for Australia in more than three years.The 30-year-old last played a Test in Delhi against India in 2023, when he came in as a concussion substitute for regular opener David Warner.Renshaw has since represented Australia in both ODI and T20I cricket. He now returns to the Test squad after Australia’s top order struggled in the first Test against Bangladesh.Australia were bowled out for just 198 in their first innings, while Weatherald managed scores of only 23 and zero in the match.

Labuschagne under pressure

Regular No.3 Marnus Labuschagne has retained his place in the squad. However, Australia coach Andrew McDonald admitted that the batter needs to score more runs to secure his place in the team.“I think it was 31 he got in the second innings, and up until the point he got out, you’d sit there and say he was looking good,” McDonald said of Labuschagne.“He was moving well, he’s clipping off his pads, he was getting back through the ball down the ground. So it’s easy for me to sit here and try to defend that, but ultimately it’s 31. It’s not a big score. He’s lacked runs. He feels that. We feel that. We’re working incredibly hard as a coaching group.”

Inglis, Boland retain places

Back-up wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis and reserve bowler Scott Boland have also retained their places in the squad.Both players could come into contention for the second Test, which begins on Saturday.

Australia squad vs Bangladesh

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.

Filip Hrgovic is set to face off with Moses Itauma in a clash for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title next weekend – and the Croatian already knows who he wants to take on in his first fight as champion.

‘El Animal’ could have become a heavyweight world champion back in 2024, but lost to Daniel Dubois in a battle for the IBF Interim title, with Dubois being elevated to full world champion soon afterwards.

Hrgovic has responded well to a first career loss, stringing together three consecutive victories over British heavyweights in Joe Joyce, David Adeleye and Dave Allen, before agreeing to collide with a fifth straight Briton in Itauma.

Despite the fact that Hrgovic will step through the ropes as a major underdog come fight night, the 34-year-old told DAZN Boxing of his intentions to rematch Dubois and avenge his solitary defeat, after he puts an end to the hype surrounding Itauma.

“I am going to stop Moses and stop that hype. Then, I will fight Dubois for [WBO] world title and kill him.”

Whilst Hrgovic may wish to take on Dubois if he upsets Itauma, Cuba’s Frank Sanchez is likely to be the next opponent for the victor of next weekend’s duel, as Sanchez agreed to a step-aside deal in order to allow the IBF title to be added to the bout.

Meanwhile, Dubois is poised to rematch Fabio Wardley in an attempted first defence of the WBO heavyweight world title, with Saturday, October 17, being the rumoured date for a second showdown at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.

With an eye on declaration, Cheteshwar Pujara has urged India to be a bit more aggressive and brave on Day. 

“India will have to make their intentions very clear. Not a lot of time is left in the Test match. Also, you have to keep an eye on the forecast. You can’t ignore it. To qualify for the WTC final, they will have to win both the Test matches. To do that, they will have to be a little brave and a little more aggressive,” Pujara said on Cricinfo.

“India will have to be brave with their declaration. They will have to give enough time to the bowlers. Maybe try and look at a minimum of 90-100 overs. To do that, India will have to declare at somewhere between 350-375. In worst case scenario, if Sri Lanka get to 350-375, give credit to Sri Lanka, but India will have to be brave,” he added.

Red Sox Fans Want Franklin Arias, but They’re Forgetting One Thing originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

If the Boston Red Sox ultimately decide to call up youngster Franklin Arias, there are going to be some decisions that have to be made with the remainder of their roster. 

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The one promising thing for Boston is that Sept. 1 allows teams to call up two extra players, as rosters expand from 26 to 28. 

With the hope that Arias will make his debut, many fans think that will probably be the time Boston decides to call him up. 

However, it feels like some fans are forgetting something: the Red Sox active roster doesn’t have Trevor Story on it. 

Story, Roman Anthony, and Garrett Crochet will all have to be activated when and if they return. That means the Red Sox already have to move on from a guy when rosters expand to 28, and that’s without factoring in Arias.

“His talent is hard to ignore. But Monasterio is hitting .333 with a .946 OPS since July 1 and plays passable defense. The Sox also hope to have Trevor Story back on the roster before the season ends. Rosters expand from 26 to 28 on Sept. 1, and one addition must be a pitcher,” Peter Abraham wrote.

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There are definitely players on the active roster the Red Sox could move on from if they feel, at the time, that Arias can be the guy they need. 

It’s also possible Boston just wants to call him up to get some at-bats in September and have him travel with the team in October, even if he doesn’t get much playing time. 

That postseason experience can be valuable, and with the right moves the front office has made recently, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them go in that direction.

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