In a notable turn of events at Rosehill, trainer Chris Waller and jockey James McDonald found themselves on opposing sides, a scenario Waller skillfully capitalised on.

With the Waller-trained mare Eagle Express ($4) carrying just 52kg in Saturday’s Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1200m), lightweight hoop Zac Lloyd was engaged. Lloyd shadowed McDonald, who was leading on the eventual fourth-placegetter Hawker Hall ($2.05 fav), and managed to surge through on the inside to secure the win.

“That was the plan today, to get into James’ slipstream and not expose her too early and just have a crack late,” Waller said. “She’s a talented filly turned mare now. We wanted to see her do that today to justify another year with us.”

Eagle Express, now a five-year-old, has had a relatively light racing career, with this being her fifth victory from 21 starts. She proved herself capable in black type company during the autumn, and Waller believes she can measure up to that grade again in the right circumstances.

“The race next week, the Toy Show Quality, is probably the right race for her. She won’t be running there, but that type of race. A handicap where we can hold her up,” he suggested.

Waller also expressed his strong approval of Lloyd’s ride, which marked his second win of the day, having previously secured a victory on protest aboard the Brad Widdup-trained Mind Ya Bizz.

The young jockey, who was McDonald’s closest rival for the Sydney premiership last season, is considered one of the sport’s ascending stars. Waller noted that Lloyd’s recent international riding experiences in South Africa and at Royal Ascot have been particularly beneficial.

While McDonald remains the benchmark, Waller suggested that the emergence of riders like Lloyd is a positive influence, pushing all elite jockeys to extend their capabilities.

“You don’t want the gap too big and there are a few chomping away,” Waller stated. “There’s some good, healthy competition. It’s great for James, and it’s good for jockeys when they do some international trips like Zac has done. Jason Collett is in Japan at the moment. We’re the winner, Sydney, when they come back.”

Lloyd is set to miss next Saturday’s Winx Stakes meeting due to his participation in the World All-Star Jockeys competition in Japan, continuing his recent international racing engagements.

Check out the online bookmakers for the latest racing odds on upcoming events.

The Minnesota Vikings preseason started with a 13-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. The preseason is less about results and more about individual players trying to impress and secure their position in the team’s plans going forward.

3 Vikings Who Impressed in the Vikings Preseason Opener

Kevin O’Connell sent his starters out to begin the game, but they quickly made way as the second- and third-string players filtered in. Three players made a statement, suggesting they can have important roles this season with their performance in the Vikings’ preseason opener.

Myles Price 

As an undrafted rookie in 2025, Myles Price carved out a role for himself in Minnesota as the team’s kick and punt returner. Price did jet on the field a handful of times with the Vikings offense but he never recorded a single target. Now trying to keep his place on the roster for a second season, Price put his name in the WR4 conversation by totally outperforming Tai Felton against the Giants. His 4 targets went for 4 catches for 51 yards and 1 touchdown.

It was a good day’s work for Price with two catches that would make any highlight reel. His superb one-handed touchdown catch took all the attention, but a contested catch along the sideline earlier in the drive was also impressive. There’s not a huge amount of room for even the Vikings WR4 to get opportunities (barring injuries) but Price is making his case to get some involvement when the regular season comes around.

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Jay Ward

Safety is a problem position in Minnesota right now and that was compounded when Jamal Adams went down injured on Saturday. On a brighter note Jay Ward was on every football platform there is after sacking Giants QB Jaxson Dart.

A safety in a Brian Flores defense needs to be able to get up at the line of scrimmage, use disguise, and be able to blitz. Ward showed his pass rushing prowess when he got to Dart and laid in a massive (and importantly, fair) hit on the Giants QB. As it stands Ward is a starter on the Vikings’ depth chart.

Max Bredeson

The retirement of CJ Ham left a big hole on the Vikings’ roster. This early in his career Max Bredeson won’t be expected to take on the leadership role Ham had but the fullback looks capable of taking on the playing role. Bredeson was a key factor in opening running lanes as Minnesota dominated on the ground to start the game and even got involved in the pass game early, bringing in the first catch of the Vikings preseason on a short pass from Kyler Murray.

Small detail, but watch @Showtyme_33 threaten going outside before cutting into the gap between Bredeson and Oliver. Forces No. 2 from the #Giants to get onto FB’s outside shoulder. Savvy, veteran running to help the young blocker. https://t.co/gzLIsGJxNd

— K. Joudry (@VikingsGazette) August 16, 2026

The nature of a fullback’s role means Bredeson’s impact won’t always show up on the stat sheet, but the man who played a ton of tight end is showing how his size and strength can be of value as both a run blocker, pass blocker, and as a receiver when required. The early signs suggest Bredeson should see plenty of the field during his rookie campaign.

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Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.

Lennox Lewis suffered defeat just twice in his legendary career, and while he may have avenged both of those losses, one of the two men to have trumped ‘The Lion’ is set to return to action next month.

Lewis first lost out to Oliver McCall on a shocking night at Wembley Stadium in 1994, surrending his WBC crown, but the London-born knockout artist got his revenge in their rematch two-and-a-half years later, halting ‘The Atomic Bull’ after five rounds of action.

Then, in 2001, Lewis got stopped once again, as Hasim Rahman pulled off the upset in South Africa, but in their second encounter, just seven months later, Lewis scored one of the most iconic knockouts in heavyweight history to reclaim his WBC, IBF and lineal heavyweight titles and tee up a major showdown against Mike Tyson.

Now, a quarter of a century on from his first reign as heavyweight world champion, a 53-year-old Hasim Rahman is set to end a 12-year run of inactivity, but his comeback will not take place as originally planned after his fight with Robert Simms, scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, was cancelled.

Instead, ‘The Rock’ will make his ring return against 40-year-old Phillip Triantafillo in a six-round bout for the USA Indiana State Heavyweight Title on Thursday, September 24, that will take place at the Hammond Sportsplex. 

Meanwhile, Rahman’s son Sharif Rahman is also continuing the family legacy, having recently signed with BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, switching to the ungloved scene despite boasting an undefeated nine-fight record in the professional ranks.

Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi says he is excited to begin a new chapter at Coventry City after completing his move from Nottingham Forest.

The newly promoted Premier League club signed the 29-year-old striker permanently from Forest in a deal reportedly worth around £9 million.

Speaking after completing the transfer, Awoniyi said he was happy to join Coventry and could not wait to get started.

“I’m very happy to complete my move to Coventry City,” Awoniyi said.

“I am very excited about this season, and I can’t wait to get started.”

The Super Eagles forward also praised Coventry’s achievement in securing promotion to the Premier League last season.

“I’m really looking forward to working with my new teammates,” he added.

“I have seen how amazing they have been last season, coming up from the Championship. They were incredible, and now I am just excited to join them and get started for the new season.”

Awoniyi will link up with fellow Nigerian international Frank Onyeka, who also joined Coventry permanently this summer.

The striker spent four seasons at Nottingham Forest, scoring 23 goals in 103 appearances across all competitions before making the move to Coventry.

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines returns a shot to Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania during day 5 of the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 15, 2026 in Mason, Ohio. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by MATTHEW STOCKMAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

It should be no surprise that Alex Eala understands how Manny Pacquiao’s impact on Filipinos goes beyond the oft-spectacular results of his high-profile bouts.

It is pretty much the same with her own.

“When he would have fights, everyone was so excited, and it was just a chance for people to come together,” Eala told a press conference after her 6-0, 3-0 (ret.) victory over Romanian Elena-Gabriela Ruse at the Cincinnati Open last Saturday (Manila time).

Like Pacquiao before, Eala has Filipino sports fans everywhere in the world spellbound and her impact goes beyond match-deep.

In fact, regardless of how her third-round duel against world No. 10 Amanda Anisimova in the third round on Monday turns out, her positive effect on tennis isn’t going to change much.

The 21-year-old ace has been the WTA’s “Big Ticket” over the last two years, drawing crowds to women’s tour events when she competes, largely due to diaspora-strengthened Filipino communities coming together to support her.

In fact, it was this sense of community that Eala mentioned—among others—when she was asked to sum up Filipino culture.

“Filipino culture and just every culture in general is very layered. It’s ever-evolving,” she said. “When I think of Filipino culture, what comes to mind is community, family, hospitality, love (and) kindness.”

“That being said, keep in mind that no culture can be summed up in just a couple of words.”

Pacquiao, the boxing icon whose exploits in the mid-2000s to 2010s turned him into an international headliner, is widely regarded as the greatest Filipino athlete of all time. Eala is still at the beginning of her career, but what a start it has been. And there is certainly no cap to her potential.

And even as she is well aware of her current place in the Filipino pantheon of sports heroes, she understands that her journey is as unique as the legend she is now being compared to.

“I think I’m still very, very far from the levels of Pacquiao,” the world No. 20 said. “He’s done a lot for us athletes, I think, to pave the way. I mean, it never really crossed my mind when I was watching his fights back home that one day I would be compared to him now.”

“I guess my journey has similar things or can give similar things like [what Pacquiao gave],” Eala added. “I mean, it’s very flattering to be compared to him. But at the same time, I think [we have] two unique journeys. I don’t think one takes away from the other. I think they’re beautiful [journeys] … they both have their own beautiful set of characteristics.”

There are similarities, too. Pacquiao’s fights often emptied streets as people remained glued to their televisions to watch him. Eala’s matches have kept a nation sleepless because of the time zones she competes in.

And both have followers who turn to their exploits for motivation.

“A couple of sentences from them is enough to see a glimpse into their stories or, you know, how tennis has impacted their lives or how being Filipino and their pride has affected them personally,” Eala said. “So I think it’s crazy how inspiration can affect other people to what depths.”

Perhaps because of this, Eala isn’t pinning her success on tournament results—for now.

“I think it’s just the level that I play [that matters],” she said. “Did I bring the level that I wanted to bring? So if I lose first round, but it’s a really good match, I wouldn’t say that it was a successful week, but it wasn’t a bad one.”

“And if I reached the final, then I’ll take that too.” INQ

Manchester United have made their stance clear on selling Bruno Fernandes during the summer transfer window as Galatasaray show interest in signing their captain

Bruno Fernandes and Manchester United are reportedly having contract talks after Galatasaray apparently made the Portugal international a £17million offer.

United will not consider any offers for their captain, who, it is said, wants to stay. Club sources claim that Fernandes is not available at any price.

His current contract is due to expire at the end of this season, though United have an option to extend it by an additional year. Fernandes last signed a new deal two years ago this month, which included a £56million release clause for overseas clubs, although that clause expired earlier in the summer.

The Athletic claims United insist no clubs have contacted them about their captain. Al-Hilal have previously approached Fernandes, who turned down the Saudi Pro League club last year.

He said late last year of that interest: “I could have left as many people do and said: ‘I want to leave, I don’t want to train, I just want to leave for €20million or €30million, so they pay me more on the other side’. But I never did that.

“I never felt in a position to do that, because I felt that the empathy and affection I had for the club were the same, but there comes a point where, for them, money is more important than anything. The club wanted me to go; I have that in my head.

“I told the directors this, but I think they didn’t have the courage to make that decision. I decided to stay, also because of family reasons, but because I genuinely like the club.

“The conversation with the manager also made me stay. But, from the club’s side, I felt a bit like, ‘If you leave, it’s not so bad for us’.

“It hurts me a lot. More than hurting, it makes me sad because I’m a player they have nothing to criticise about.

“I’m always available, and I always play – good or bad – I give my all. Then you see things around you, players who don’t value the club as much and don’t defend the club as much… that makes you sad.”

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

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Fernandes has since said earlier this summer: “Playing for Manchester United is always a special moment for everyone. At the same time, it brings a lot of responsibility with it.

“But I don’t think anyone comes to Manchester United thinking that we won’t have the responsibility to win again, to be at the top of Premier League, at the top of European football.

“Because the club’s history brings that responsibility. Regardless of the most recent years they were not at the level that the club was used to.

“I think everyone always believes that we can be the ones who are going to do this, the ones who are going to turn the page, the ones who are going to make it possible for United to fight on all fronts.

“And I think that has to be special for us players, to realise that we can be the main, let’s say, protagonists of this change of history for United to win again.”

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Mexico is home to some of the greatest fighters to have graced the sport of boxing, and now three-division world champion Marco Antonio Barrera has shared his list of the top five Mexican fighters of all time.

Barrera won his first 43 fights before a duo of defeats to Junior Jones cost him both his undefeated record and WBO super-bantamweight world title, causing him to temporarily retire from boxing.

‘The Baby-Faced Assassin’ then decided to return and scored iconic wins over the likes of Erik Morales and ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed to further his legacy, claiming world honours at both featherweight and super-featherweight.

Despite those achievements, Barrera refused to include himself in his list of Mexico’s top five fighters, telling Behind The Ropes Boxing who he has ahead of him in terms of greatness.

“Number one is [Julio Cesar] Chavez, two Salvador Sanchez, three Ricardo Lopez, four Juan Manuel Marquez, five Canelo.”

Canelo is one of five Mexicans to have ruled in four weight divisions and is looking to regain the super-middleweight throne when he takes on Christian Mbilli in October.

Meanwhile, Juan Manuel Marquez was the only other quadruple champion included on Barrera’s list, with Marquez having accelerated through the weight divisions after capturing his first world title in his 42nd pro bout.

Julio Cesar Chavez and Salvador Sánchez are almost universally accepted as Mexico’s top two, with Chavez having been unbeaten in his first 90 contests, whilst Sanchez is considered to be one of boxing’s greatest ‘what-if’s’, tragically passing away at the age of 23 whilst on course to become a superstar.

Lastly is the inclusion of Ricardo ‘Finito’ López, who retired undefeated after 52 fights, recognised by the masses as the best to have ever graced the minimumweight division, having defended the WBC world title on 21 consecutive occasions during the 1990’s.

Prolific sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga have been instrumental in transforming Malawi from no-hopers to giant killers to finalists at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Read moreChawinga sisters shine as Malawi reach Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final

The Malawian Scorchers scored 12 goals en route to the title decider against Cameroon on Sunday with Temwa from Kansas City Current claiming five and Tabitha from Lyon four.

Opposing them in Rabat will be Michaely Bihina, the outstanding goalkeeper at the tournament, who has played a key role as the Indomitable Lionesses reached the final.

The 22-year-old from famed Portuguese club Benfica saved four penalties in the semi-final victory over Morocco – one in extra time and three in the subsequent shootout.

It promises to be an intriguing showdown between Malawi, who have in three of their five matches thusfar scored three goals (Nigeria (3-2) Egypt (3-1) and Algeria (3-1)), and Cameroon, who have conceded only twice in five games.

Malawi are ranked 153rd in the world – 82 places below Cameroon – and it would be the greatest upset in the 28-year history of the WAFCON if they triumph.

“Qualifying for the final is an incredible achievement. Our victories mean a lot to the people of Malawi,” younger sister Temwa told reporters.

“Many of the headlines reflect the goals Tabitha and I have scored, but we are just part of a very talented group of footballers.”

Tabitha, at 30 three years older than Temwa, also emphasised the importance of teamwork in reaching the final.

‘The Chawinga sisters are special’

“Temwa and I will never succeed without our teammates. When everyone performs to the best of their ability we can succeed.”

Bihina told reporters she “watched recordings of several Malawi matches, but had never been to a stadium to watch the team”.

“The Chawinga sisters are special. I have been studying how they operate and, hopefully, it will assist me in the final.

“We raised our game in the knockout stage to eliminate Nigeria and Morocco. The stronger the opposition, the better we play.”

When the WAFCON kicked off in late July, neither Cameroon nor Malawi were considered likely finalists. Defending champions and record 10-time winners Nigeria were the team to beat.

Cameroon only got into the tournament via a side door having lost home and away to Algeria in the final qualifying round.

Later, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) increased the number of qualifiers from 12 to 16. The four losers with the highest rankings, including Cameroon, were added.

Congo Brazzaville, the first qualifying opponents of Malawi, withdrew. They then overcame Angola.

A blow for Malawi will be the absence of midfielder Rose Kadzere, who scored twice en route to the final. Sent off in the semi-final win over Algeria, she is serving an automatic suspension.

Apart from the glory of being crowned African champions for the first time, Cameroon and Malawi will compete for a record two million dollar first prize. The runners-up pocket $750,000.

On Saturday, Morocco face Algeria for third place in a repeat of a group match won 1-0 by the host nation.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)