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Storm Leopard targets 2026 ATC Australian Derby following Tulloch Stakes success

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Leading rider Tommy Berry stepped up to offer payment of the $44,000 late entry charge to lock in Storm Leopard’s place in the ATC Australian Derby after the gelding’s impressive staying performance in Saturday’s Group 2 $300,000 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens.

“I’ll offer to pay the late entry if they want,” Berry said.

“He’s so clean winded, he’s a real stayer. The team has done a great job with him, bringing him here in such great order.

“I only got on for the first time today so thanks to the Hayes boys for the opportunity and looking forward to hopefully riding him in the Derby.”

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According to trainer Ben Hayes, Storm Leopard featured in the early nominations for next Saturday’s Group 1 $2 million ATC Australian Derby (2400m) at Royal Randwick, but they skipped the primary acceptance fee in the gelding’s prep.

“We took him out of the ‘noms’ and were looking at the South Australian Derby but we changed plans (again) because he started to go so well,” Hayes said.”It will be a discussion we need about next week but if he pulls up well, it’s definitely something that will be considered. It is a good problem to have.”

Storm Leopard ($4.20) took full advantage of the quick early speed, powering to the front mid-straight and winning by almost two lengths in decisive fashion.

Eureka Rebel at $81 shaped nicely as a Derby prospect, rallying late for second, with $5 elect Shangri La Boy third after dictating early.

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The race was soured by favourite Arcora ($2.40) suffering a devastating near-foreleg injury mid-race.

Racing NSW officials quizzed jockey Nash Rawiller and trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young on Arcora before the colt was humanely put down.

Rawiller praised the colt’s stride which “felt amazing” prior to the incident, showing excellent control in withdrawing him.

“He got into a lovely rhythm during the race – this came out of nowhere,” Rawiller said.

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Busuttin assured stewards Arcora was the “soundest horse you could ever find” entering the Tulloch Stakes.

Ben Hayes led with empathy in his immediate post-win interview.

“I feel for the connections of Arcora,” was Hayes’s first comment. “You never want to see that happen.”

Berry revealed his initial thoughts turned to Rawiller and Arcora amid the breakdown.

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“My mind was on Nash (Rawiller – on retired runner Arcora) to make sure he was alright,” Berry said.”But then you’ve got to make sure you focus up again.”

Berry highlighted how Storm Leopard triumphed with a “lot of authority” notwithstanding some straight drifting.

“Storm Leopard got to the leader very quickly and was left in front a long way from home,” Berry said.

“I would’ve loved to have something challenge him halfway down the straight because he felt like he was floating where he was.

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“I had enough looks to make it as soft as I could late just in case he had to back up. He’s trained by a bunch of gentlemen that send their horses to Sydney in such great order so if they decided to go that way it wouldn’t be an issue.”

Storm Leopard could now become the 10th to land the Tulloch Stakes-ATC Australian Derby double, matching Quick Thinker (2020), Angel Of Truth (2019), Levendi (2018), Jon Snow (2017), Starcraft (2004), Ivory’s Irish (1995), Mahogany (1994), Durbridge (1991) and Prolific (1984).

Without prior nomination, Storm Leopard was absent from TAB Fixed Odds Derby betting pre-Tulloch, but they quoted him at $4.50 afterwards, behind $3.50 joint faves Observer and Green Spaces.

Owner-trainer Matthew Smith was thrilled by Eureka Rebel’s second and Dezignation’s fifth as Derby trials. “Both horses are strong, young stayers and as long as they pull up well, I would like them to back up in the Derby,” Smith said.

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Eureka Rebel’s jockey Kerrin McEvoy expects no trouble at the Derby distance next week.

“He ran really well,” McEvoy said. “I didn’t jump like we thought but he got a nice trip around and he goes to Randwick to enjoy the 2400m,” McEvoy said.

Third-place finisher Shangri La Boy improved per rider Adam Hyeronimus, but requires refinement.

“That is not the best version of him,” Hyeronimus said. “The best version of him is jump and relax in front then show his sharp turn of foot.”

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For the best prices on the ATC Australian Derby, visit trusted racing betting markets.

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Boston Marathon LIVE: Latest updates as Sharon Lokedi and John Korir chase more success

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John Korir looking strong

Benson Kipruto (Kenya) and Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu have formed a chasing couplet in behind the runaway leader, yet John Korir’s gap is widening, rather than closing. 36km down; six and a bit to go.

Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 16:22

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Boston Marathon

That lead is 22 seconds at the 21-mile mark for the defending men’s champion. It’s looking good for John Korir.

You can still throw a blanket (admittedly, a broad one) over the women’s field. Nip and tuck entering the crucial miles, though the scarlet-haired Annie Frisbie is showing strongly as the American looks to improve on an eighth-placed finish 12 months ago.

Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 16:20

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And just like that…

John Korir might be gone. There’s still a long way to go, of course, and time enough for a similar move, but there are 10 kilometres of open road ahead of a 29-year-old improving with age. Can he go quicker than last year and, perhaps, challenge Geoffrey Mutai’s course record (2:03:02) from 2011?

Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 16:14

Here comes John Korir!

Watch your back, Milikesa – here comes John Korir! With renewed energy, the defending champion accelerates past the leader and keeps striding on, engine whirring smoothly as he goes. Scary closing speed from the Kenyan, now at the head of the race as Mengesha attempts to cling to his coattails.

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Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 16:11

Milikesa Mengesha leads by 12 seconds

It’s a 12-second advantage for Milikesa Mengesha, with John Korir among a trailing quintet looking to make up that gap in the last 12 kilometres. Mengesha is a long way ahead of the course record as things stand, though this gruelling course will sap the legs.

Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 16:06

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Halfway mark for women

Through the halfway mark for the women in a smidge over 1min 11sec. Sharon Lokedi, the defending champion, looks rock solid, nestled in the pack.

Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 16:00

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Boston Marathon – elite men

Mengesha set his PB in that Berlin run, and was also a winner in Shanghai last year. He’s the sort of calibre of athlete who can get away from even a strong field.

He drifts away from the rest of the runners for a bit, choosing a different path nearer a large fence. A bit more shelter from the wind? It’s tough to say but Mengesha looks strong.

No such obvious movement in the women’s event, seven kilometres back down the road.

Milkesa Mengesha leads the Boston Marathon
Milkesa Mengesha leads the Boston Marathon (Getty)

Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 15:57

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Boston Marathon – elite men

And here is another insurgent: Milkesa Mengesha took out a marathon major in Berlin a couple of years ago and is making his presence known.

Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 15:52

It’s hotting up

Back to the men, who are nearing the 25km mark, and a sight to worry the field. Defending champion John Korir moves up alongside Lemi Berhanu with effortless ease. Zouhair Talbi, born in Morocco but American-based, is right up there, too, though few are yet out of the running.

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Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 15:50

Eden Rainbow-Cooper on her Boston Marathon triumph

“It took a lot. But having great weather, having the crowds, there is no better time to give it all, right?

“For me, it’s all in. I know once I get to the top of the hill, I have a bit of a rest, and the quicker I get to the top, the quicker it is over.

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“It was tough after my first Boston win and it has taken a lot to get back here. To take it from the front again, and run a very similar race to 2024, I’m so happy. To prove to myself I can do it again is such a big confidence boost.”

Switzerland’s Catherine Debrunner comes home for a distant silver, with home hope Tatyana McFadden in for bronze.

Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 15:47

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Asterix hits top gear in 2026 JRA Plate conquest

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Asterix’s success diverged from Waller’s typical victors by being rather unforeseen, as the ascending eight-year-old gelding jumped at $16.

Four years on from his New Zealand Derby conquest, Asterix struggled initially but recaptured form last summer, securing The Beauford and vice in the Christmas Cup.

Heading into the JRA Plate for his fresh start, Waller held reservations about Asterix’s showing, only to be overjoyed by the stayers’ swift finish that secured the prize, bolstered by Jason Collett’s astute handling.

“It’s taken a while for him to find his legs in Australia, but he’s certainly racing honestly now. That was a good win,.” Waller said.

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“That’s exactly what we wanted to see and I think there’s a Gosford Cup in about three weeks to consider.

“We’ll have a look at that first, it’s good prizemoney here in Sydney and then probably up to Queensland.”

Asterix ($16) charged through the bunch ridden by Collett to pip You Wahng ($9) by a long head on the wire, with favourite Travolta ($3.80) half a length adrift in third spot.

Collett commented that the race “played out really well” for Asterix.

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“His trials were really good coming into it, he had some freshness in his legs but starting off over 2000m may have been a question mark,” Collett said.”Chris said ‘be kind to him’ and we got a very kind run. Off a moderate tempo, we only had to get out late and sprint and he did that.

“I was pretty happy with that win, I think he’ll be in for a pretty good winter campaign.”

You Wahng, successful in last year’s Queensland Oaks, pointed towards impending triumphs via her solid second placing.

“She’s run very well so we will look at Brisbane again with her,” trainer Kris Lees.

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“It was encouraging to see her run so well and if we get some rain-affected tracks, then that won’t worry her, either.”

Following his run of misfortune yet rapid close for third, Waller pointed Travolta towards a likely Gosford Gold Cup entry on May 9.

“It wasn’t a pretty sight, was it? Just didn’t have any luck at the top of the straight,” Waller said.”By the time he got out, it was sort of too late, but I think it showed he’s much more effective over these shorter distances, so he’d probably go there too.”

For the best racing betting markets on the JRA Plate, visit leading sites now.

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Female star hints at her return amid WWE signing rumors, Buddy Matthews takes a shot at Jade Cargill, Wardlow issues a statement

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Welcome along to the latest rendition of Sportskeeda Wrestling’s AEW News & Rumor Roundup. Today, we are looking at stories involving top pro-wrestling stars, including Buddy Matthews, Jade Cargill, and Wardlow, among others.

A popular female star has hinted at a return to the squared circle amid rampant WWE rumors. Meanwhile, Buddy Matthews took a subtle jab at Jade Cargill after a WWE Women’s Championship loss to Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 42, and Wardlow has issued a statement amid his absence from the Jacksonville-based promotion. This and more as we delve into the latest All Elite Wrestling news today. Let’s get this roundup started.

#5. Anna Jay hints at in-ring return amid WWE signing rumors

One of All Elite Wrestling’s longtime female competitors, Anna Jay, has seemingly teased her impending return to the squared circle amid swirling rumors of a potential jump to WWE. Jay first appeared for AEW at All Out 2019 and officially signed in April 2020, going on to face top names like Hikaru Shida, Britt Baker, Willow Nightingale, Kris Statlander, Julia Hart, Toni Storm, Mercedes Mone, and Megan Bayne. The Queen Slayer has been notably absent from television programming since November 2025, when she and her tag team partner, Tay Melo, were eliminated from the AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship tournament by the MegaProblems (Megan Bayne and Marina Shafir). During this extended hiatus, reports emerged that Jay’s contract with Tony Khan’s promotion might be set to expire in the spring of 2026, fueling widespread speculation that she might jump ship to the sports entertainment juggernaut. That said, her latest social media activity suggests she is ready to return to wrestling, potentially in Tony Khan’s promotion.

During a recent live stream on Twitch, fans asked Anna Jay about her favorite ring gear, prompting her to drop a major hint about her eventual comeback. While she could not pick a favorite outfit, she revealed that she has brand-new gear ready whenever she returns, noting that it features a red color palette.

#4. Jade Cargill uses Kenny Omega’s One-Winged Angel finisher at WrestleMania 42

Jade Cargill suffered a major setback during her WWE Women’s Championship defense at Night 2 of WrestleMania 42. The former AEW TBS champion had originally captured the title by defeating Tiffany Stratton at Saturday Night’s Main Event 41 in October, and she went on to defend it against Michin, B-Fab, and Jordynne Grace. During her highly anticipated clash against 2026 Elimination Chamber winner Rhea Ripley at the Shows of Shows, Cargill utilized outside help from her henchwomen, Michin and B-Fab, to try and retain the gold.

In a shocking moment during the match, Cargill even pulled from the playbook of a popular AEW superstar, hitting Ripley with her own version of Kenny Omega’s devastating One-Winged Angel finishing maneuver. However, executing the Best Bout Machine’s near-unbeatable move was not enough to secure the pinfall. Iyo Sky eventually interfered to neutralize Cargill’s allies, allowing Ripley to plant the champion with the Riptide and officially capture the WWE Women’s Title.

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#3. Buddy Matthews takes a subtle dig at Jade Cargill following Rhea Ripley’s Win At WWE WrestleMania 42

Following Rhea Ripley’s monumental victory over Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42, AEW star Buddy Matthews took to social media to celebrate his wife’s championship win. Matthews, who was in attendance at The Showcase of the Immortals to support the Eradicator, posted a photo on his Instagram story reacting to the title change. Seemingly taking a direct shot at the defeated Jade Cargill, Matthews captioned the image with:

“We having the last laugh!! 😂😂”.

While Matthews is currently celebrating his wife’s success, his own in-ring future remains uncertain following an unfortunate injury. The 37-year-old Australian native has not competed since February 2025, when he injured his foot during his entrance at the Grand Slam Australia event and lost to Kazuchika Okada.

#2. Wardlow issues statement following non wrestling TV return

Wardlow has been a dominant force in AEW, but his momentum has repeatedly been halted by injuries, preventing him from receiving a sustained main-event push. After missing over a year of action in 2024, Mr. Mayhem made a shocking return at the Forbidden Door pay-per-view in August 2025, attacking Swerve Strickland, only to be sidelined again by a torn pectoral muscle. While his professional wrestling career remains on pause, the former AEW TNT Champion has made his television return outside the ring, starring as the character Fang on the rebooted American Gladiators series on Prime Video.

Following the show’s premiere last week, Wardlow took to Instagram to share behind-the-scenes photos and celebrate the show’s success. He noted that American Gladiators was trending at number eight on the top 10 shows and encouraged fans to help push it to the number one spot, thanking everyone for the love and support.

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“Well closing the weekend with #AmericanGladiators trending at #8 on top 10 shows! Let’s get it to that #1 spot! Thank you to everyone that watched and for all the love I’ve been receiving. Means the world. What did yall think of the first three episodes!? More coming next Friday on @primevideo 🐺💪🏽🇺🇸 Here’s a little bts from one of my favorite photo shoots ever!” he wrote.

Check out his Instagram post here.

#1. AEW began promoting All In: London tickets right after WrestleMania 42 ended

The professional wrestling world was focused on Las Vegas this weekend for WWE’s WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium, an event that drew both praise and criticism online for its production and match quality. Immediately after Night 2 of The Showcase of the Immortals concluded, All Elite Wrestling seized the moment to take a massive dig at their competition by launching a promotional push for their upcoming stadium show. AEW took to social media to aggressively promote All In: London, scheduled for August 30 at Wembley Stadium, highlighting that their lowest available tickets start at just £31.70, significantly cheaper than WWE’s stadium tickets.

This promotional strategy comes as Tony Khan’s company prepares to expand its pay-per-view schedule following the major successes of Revolution and Dynasty earlier in 2026. According to the latest reports, the Jacksonville-based promotion has officially filed a trademark for “AEW Redemption,” which will debut as a new pay-per-view event later in 2026.