Victorian mare Splash Back eyes the Group One Tattersall’s Tiara next after stealing the show from leading sprinters to win the Victory Stakes at Eagle Farm in 2026.

The spring victor in the Stocks Stakes at Moonee Valley, Splash Back ($8.50) ran midfield to rival In Flight from the Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Randwick last time, but coped well with Saturday’s heavy track.

Michael Rodd kept the Grahame Begg six-year-old mare tight to the fence before she darted clear inside late to defeat Payline ($18), Warnie ($6.50) third, as Group 1 stars Transatlantic (fourth), Lady Of Camelot (fifth) and Private Harry (eighth) followed.

The jockey Rodd doubted his chances with Splash Back at the rear on the turn, stunned by the straight run that opened up.

“They went along at a decent clip, and I was out the back and wasn’t going anywhere straightening up,” Rodd said.

“I was struggling a bit and thought, I’m staying on the inside.”

“I couldn’t believe it was opening up in front of my eyes, and she will be even better when she gets out over a little bit further.”

Trainer Grahame Begg skipped Eagle Farm, with Jack Lake of the stable highlighting Rodd’s rail-hugging ride.

“Just to get up on the rail and save ground was crucial,” Lake said.

“She is spot-on for the Tatt’s Tiara.”

“She has beaten some good horses today and we always thought she was up to that class.”

Prior in the meeting, Brave Monarch under Chris and Corey Munce captured the Queensland Guineas (1600m), boosting prospects for a Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) tilt.

Bound for the Fred Best Classic (1400m) at Eagle Farm on May 30, a win there might qualify him for the Stradbroke, Munce noted.

“There is still a long way to go,” Munce said.

“His rating probably doesn’t get him there, and he will probably have to go around in the Fred Best and win to get in the Stradbroke. But it’s a possibility.”

Brave Monarch’s record stands at five wins from seven, including a second black-type hit via the Listed Daybreak Lover (1400m) before this.

Visit racing betting markets for Victory Stakes action.

Weekly, we track Minnesota Vikings-themed items that are false, outrageous, or just didn’t work out as the masses expected. We call them nopedy nopes.

Minnesota’s post-draft rumor cycle has produced a few theories that need quick cleanup.

This week’s edition covers leaguewide power rankings, a seismic trade, and the search for a new general manager.

Three Offseason Claims Need a Closer Look This Week

These are the post-draft nopedy nopes.

The Nopedy Nope: Your Minnesota Vikings are the fifth-worst team in the business, says NFL.com.

Eric Edholm ranked all teams after the draft, and he slapped the Vikings at No. 28 on his list.

Edholm explained the ranking:

After the surprise of the Caleb Banks pick wore off, the Vikings settled into a little groove with a few of their selections. Among the value picks I liked: LB Jake Golday, OT Caleb Tiernan, S Jakobe Thomas and CB Charles Demmings. Even a fullback in Round 5 didn’t offend me; if anything, it made me nostalgic.

I certainly understand Vikings fans could feel differently about it, given their personal investment in the team, but if Max Bredeson becomes the next C.J. Ham, it’s a good pick. This was not a year where fifth-round picks needed to be treated like military codes. Most of the same questions about Minnesota that existed last week still remain, although trading Jonathan Greenard both adds a worry and clears up cap space.

I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Vikes make a veteran addition or two in the coming months. They could use a center, a safety and maybe another receiver.

That’s brutal business for a team that had the NFL’s third-best defense last year, signed Kyler Murray in March, and has Justin Jefferson on the roster.

The Verdict: There’s just no way that Minnesota is the league’s fifth-worst team when it had the league’s third-best defense a season ago. Nopedy nope.

The Nopedy Nope: Jonathan Greenard would not be traded this offseason. Good teams don’t get rid of top-tier EDGE rushers.

Interim Vikings boss Rob Brzezinski pressed the button on the Greenard trade a week ago, and ESPN’s Kevin Seifert tweeted, “Brzezinski and Kevin O’Connell were somber tonight in talking about the Greenard trade.”

And Brzezinski personally said about the swap, “This is not something we’re jumping around excitedly about, but we do feel like we did the best thing for the organization moving forward. We have just spent so much money the last several years that it’s not sustainable for us to move forward. Our salary cap situation has been very, very challenging. The value ends up being what the market will pay, you know.”

“Obviously, JG is a great player, and I’m sure people have a lot of opinions as far as what the appropriate value should be for him. All I can say is, considering everything we thought it was in the best interest of all parties. Again, people can judge whether or not it was fair or reasonable for a player of that caliber, and we understand that. But it’s what the market would pay, and ultimately, we thought it was best for all parties, and that’s why we decided to do it.”

When the Greenard trade fodder kicked up, most scratched their heads, as serious playoff-contending teams hoard EDGE rushers. They don’t trade him. Ultimately, Greenard was too expensive at $100 million over four seasons, and Minnesota chose a deal that offered two 3rd-Rounders to replace him.

The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Greenard lasting longer than two seasons in the Twin Cities.

The Nopedy Nope: The Vikings will make public the names of their general manager candidates.

The Vikings said they would begin a general manager search after the draft, and they weren’t kidding. It’s just that the process will be hush-hush.

Minnesota’s main owners, Mark and Zygi Wilf, released the following statement on Wednesday:

With the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, our search for the next general manager of the Minnesota Vikings is underway. This will be a thorough and deliberate process led by ownership, with support from a small internal advisory committee of senior leaders.

We have also engaged respected firm TurnkeyZRG to assist in conducting a wide-ranging search that includes experienced football executives, emerging candidates and individuals with diverse professional backgrounds. Our focus is to identify a decisive leader with a clear vision for team building, strong communication skills and the ability to build alignment across an organization.

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Out of respect for all involved, we do not intend to publicly announce candidates and will provide further comment when the search is complete.

This is a new phenomenon for the Vikings. GM and coach searches are not usually conducted behind closed doors.

The Verdict: Nopedy nope on knowing Minnesota’s candidate pool for the next head boss.

The San Diego Padres are expected to come under new ownership soon.

On Saturday, the MLB franchise reached an agreement to sell a controlling interest in the team to an investor group led by Puerto Rican businessman José E. Feliciano and his wife, Kwanza Jones.

The family of late owner Peter Seidler, which makes up the Padres’ current ownership group, confirmed the deal. The decision to offload the team comes three years after Seidler’s death. John Seidler has served as the Padres’ chairman since his brother died.

The deal will not become official until it receives league approval. Last month, it was revealed that the Padres have a valuation of $3.9 billion. Although a sale price was not specified in the announcement, given the valuation, the transaction is expected to set a record for the highest price paid for an MLB franchise, surpassing Steve Cohen’s 2020 acquisition of the New York Mets for $2.42 billion.

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San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado, left, acknowledges the crowd after hitting a single, his 2000th career hit, during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Monday, July 7, 2025, in San Diego.  (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)

Other members of the investor group were not named. In a joint statement, Jones and Feliciano “a unifying force” in San Diego and committed to building on the franchise’s foundation.

HERE’S WHAT THE SAN DIEGO PADRES RECORD $3.9 BILLION SALE MEANS FOR MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

“The Padres are more than a baseball team; they are a unifying force in San Diego, rooted in community, connection and belonging. As life and business partners, and as a family, we are honored to lead this next chapter together. We have worked hard for everything we have achieved, and we have built it together. We see that same spirit in this team and its fans, and we know what it takes to win. We are committed to showing up, listening and earning the trust of this community while building on the strong foundation established by the Seidler family.”

The group added that its commitment encompasses both on-field success and meaningful community impact.

A general view of Petco Park during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the San Diego Padres on March 26, 2026, in San Diego, California. (Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

“This is about more than baseball — it’s about boosting the pride, energy, and connection that define the Padres, investing in community, deepening belonging and ensuring this team remains accessible and endures for generations. We are all in — with the goal of bringing a World Series championship to San Diego.”

Peter Seidler joined the Padres’ ownership group in 2012 when John Moores sold the team for $800 million to a group headed by Ron Fowler. Seidler took over and immediately endeared himself to San Diego’s fans with his aggressive financial backing of general manager A.J. Preller.

The Padres have been a hot ticket for several years as San Diego’s only team in the four biggest North American sports leagues, ranking second in the MLB in attendance last season.

San Diego Padres players stand for the national anthem before Opening Day against the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park in San Diego, California, on March 26, 2026. (Meg McLaughlin/The San Diego Union-Tribune)

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The Padres are off to a strong start, sitting second in the NL West at 19-13 entering Sunday afternoon’s finale of a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox. The team has made the playoffs in four of the past six seasons.

Feliciano is on track to become the second Latino owner in baseball, joining Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Ulster welcome Exeter Chiefs to the Kingspan Stadium on Saturday evening (5:30pm) with a place in the EPCR Challenge Cup final on the line—and the bookmakers have them slight favourites at -2.

It’s a tight spread for a knockout game, but the team news from Richie Murphy suggests Ulster are going all-in to get the job done on home soil.

Big Guns Return at the Right Time

There are 14 changes from last week’s URC outing, which tells you everything about where Ulster’s focus has been. This is close to full strength—and it shows.

Captain Iain Henderson returns to lead the side, partnering Cormac Izuchukwu in the second row. More importantly, the back row gets a serious lift with the return of Nick Timoney from injury, alongside David McCann and Juarno Augustus.

That trio gives Ulster real bite at the breakdown and ball-carrying power—something they’ve lacked at times this season.

Up front, Tom Stewart anchors the front row between Sam Crean and Tom O’Toole. It’s a solid unit, but it will need to stand up physically against a typically abrasive Exeter pack.

Midfield Power and Back Three Threat

Ulster’s strength arguably lies in their midfield. Stuart McCloskey is back pulling the strings at 12, bringing his usual mix of direct running and distribution. Alongside him, Jude Postlethwaite continues to grow into the role at 13.

Out wide, Jacob Stockdale returns on the left, with Zac Ward—Ulster’s leading try-scorer this season—on the right. Add in Michael Lowry at 15, and there’s plenty of attacking spark if Ulster can get quick ball.

The half-back pairing of Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy will be key. Doak’s control and kicking game, in particular, could decide whether Ulster play this in the right areas.

Bench Impact Could Be Decisive

Murphy has gone with a 5:3 split on the bench, signalling a clear intent to win the physical battle late on.

Eric O’Sullivan and Tom McAllister provide fresh legs in the front row, while Bryn Ward adds energy in the back row.

In the backs, Jake Flannery and Ethan McIlroy offer versatility and attacking threat if the game opens up.

In tight knockout matches, that depth often proves the difference—and Ulster look well covered.

The Betting Angle: Is -2 Too Low?

A -2 handicap is about as tight as it gets. It’s essentially asking one question: do Ulster win the match?

Given the return of key players, home advantage, and Exeter’s patchy away form, the line looks slightly on the conservative side.

That said, semi-finals are rarely straightforward. Exeter will bring physicality, set-piece pressure, and enough experience to keep this close if Ulster don’t start well.

The biggest risk for Ulster is discipline and game management. If they give Exeter territory or easy points, this turns into a dogfight quickly.

Verdict

Ulster have named a team capable of winning this—and more importantly, one built for knockout rugby.

With Henderson leading, Timoney back, and McCloskey carrying in midfield, they should have enough control and power to edge it.

It won’t be pretty, and it won’t be comfortable—but it doesn’t need to be.

Prediction: Ulster to cover -2
Suggested Score: Ulster 24–18 Exeter Chiefs

LiveScores Now Available at IrishScores.com

Joshua is set for the biggest payday of his career for the fight with Fury but the latter’s promoter, Frank Warren, has said the bout fight will not happen if Joshua loses to Prenga.

“There is a lot of pressure going into this fight but there’s also a lot of questions to be answered,” said Hearn. “Physically, mentally, fighting again at all and that’s why it’s needed.

“We want the best Anthony Joshua against Tyson Fury. We don’t want a guy that, ‘maybe he should’ve had a warm up fight – he wasn’t quite ready’.

“We want to be 100% ready for that fight and, if he is, he’ll beat him and he’ll knock him out.”

Joshua’s was beaten by Daniel Dubois in his last fight before beating Paul and his last win against a recognised opponent came against Otto Wallin in December 2023.

“100%, I think there is no doubt about that,” said Hearn when asked if Joshua’s fight against Fury would be off he lost to Prenga. “There’s no doubt, and that’s the risk that we take.

“Even before the incident in Nigeria, we were always having this fight. Now he has been through that, we probably need this fight even more, if I’m honest.

“Now don’t get me wrong, the risk of that versus the pot of gold at the end, it is a risky game, especially when you are fighting a guy that not many people know about, has had 20 knockouts in 21 wins and has got absolutely nothing to lose.

“We know it’s dangerous, but if you can’t beat that guy then you don’t really deserve to be in a ring with Tyson Fury.

“I think with AJ that is a fair assessment and he understands that as well.

“It’s not about trying to protect money here – ‘Oh we don’t want to take that fight because if we get beat we won’t get paid the money’.

“We have to look good in that fight because we want to beat Tyson Fury. We’ve got no interest in just turning up and taking the money.”

Nico O’Reilly expects the title race to go to the wire as Manchester City chase Arsenal.

City, trailing the Premier League leaders by six points but with two games in hand, need to win at Everton on Monday to keep the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side.

Three successive wins — including a crucial victory over Arsenal — have given City a momentum they are determined to maintain.

O’Reilly, who has excelled in left-back and midfield roles this term, said: “We’re confident in ourselves. There are still a few games to go and it could go down to the last game.

“We’re going to try and win every game and score as much as we can. We’re going into every game trying to put a good performance in and win.”

City moved top of the table on goals scored by beating Burnley last time out but FA Cup involvement and the league schedule have since allowed Arsenal to move back in front.

The Gunners now have the advantage of points on the board, but O’Reilly insists that has not affected City’s approach.

The 21-year-old said: “I’m feeling good and positive and ready for the last few weeks. Everyone is feeling good and we’re excited for the last few weeks of the season.”

O’Reilly has been one of the stars of City’s campaign, first establishing himself as a member of the back four before being handed opportunities in his more natural midfield position.

He is among the leading contenders for young player of the year awards, but O’Reilly is focusing only on the immediate task.

“It would be a great achievement but there are still a few games to go and we’ll see what happens,” said O’Reilly, whose form also looks set to earn him an England World Cup spot.

“I just need to knuckle down and keep working hard.

“With all the games and how intense it is, I don’t think there’s much time to reflect yet. I think that’s when we have time off.”