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LOADED racehorse owners will end up winners even when they are losers – after being guaranteed £50,000 when their runner finishes last.

The massive payout for objective failure comes in a race legendary trainer Aidan O’Brien branded ‘ridiculous’ – but is one of the biggest in the world.

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Aidan O’Brien has previously branded the Melbourne Cup – which will now pay £50,000 to owners of the horse finishing last – and its vet protocols ‘ridiculous’[/caption]

Dubbed ‘the race that stops the nation’, the hefty windfall will line owners’ pockets in the Melbourne Cup.

Run over two miles on the first Tuesday in November, the Melbourne Cup attracts an international field and is the one race Willie Mullins is absolutely desperate to win.

But with the guaranteed cash up for grabs it’s unlikely owners will grumble too much even if it all goes wrong on the day.

The race is worth £4.8million in all, a boost of around £650,000 from last year when shock 90-1 winner Knight’s Choice landed a cheque for £2.4m.

Prize money was only paid up to 12th last year, when Brian Ellison’s 6-1 Onesmoothoperator took home £85,000.

Those finishing 13th-24th then would have got zilch.

But under the new rules every horse filling those spots will make £50,000 when this year’s race is run.

Racing Victoria said the cash injection is partly to reward owners who stump up hefty declaration fees along the way.

CEO Kylie Rogers said: “The Lexus Melbourne Cup is unrivalled for its history, status and reach and the VRC is proud to be able to now reward every local and international participant in the great race.

“It reflects the significant effort required to prepare and qualify for the Lexus Melbourne Cup and goes hand-in-hand with a decision to add additional qualifying opportunities through the Geelong Cup and Moonee Valley Gold Cup.”

Don’t expect to see O’Brien bothering for the cash, though.

He was left absolutely furious last year when ante-post fav and subsequent Group 1-winning monster Jan Brueghel was scratched due to the infamous vet protocols.

A CT scan, which all international runners must go through, revealed the horse was ‘at a heightened risk of injury’.

The Ballydoyle boss, whose own vets disputed the claim, said the whole process, an integral part of the Melbourne Cup, was ‘ridiculous’.

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• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
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Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

YOUR Ring doorbell may stop working as usual today as temperatures reach 31C in some parts of the UK.

Ring devices perform their best when at the ‘goldilocks’ temperature of around 25°C.

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The current warm spell may change the temperature of your device – particularly if it sits in direct sunlight[/caption]

While they typically operate normally between -20°C and 50°C, Ring devices can experience battery issues when subject to extreme hot or cold temperatures.

The current warm spell may change the temperature of your device – particularly if it sits in direct sunlight.

While the sunny weather might be taken as a good thing for those with a Ring Solar Charger, it may affect battery performance or cause the device to shut down entirely.

“Prolonged exposure to hot weather will negatively affect the overall lifetime of your battery,” according to Ring.

“If your device gets too hot, it will not charge and may completely shut down.”

Heat can permanently damage the batteries in electronic devices – even your iPhone or Android phone – by accelerating internal chemical reactions.

This can cause the battery to run through its lifespan faster, and even cause it to hold less charge over time.

High temperatures can also cause the electrolyte fluid inside batteries to evaporate, which could potentially damage internal components. 

In rare cases, heat can trigger a process called “thermal runaway” in lithium-ion batteries, which can cause a fire.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep your device working properly and protect it from rising temperatures.

Ring recommends installing the device in a shaded area, if possible.

You may also need to take it inside to cool down during the hottest parts of the day.

Keep an eye on the battery, Ring adds, especially in “extreme temperatures”.

A GLASTONNBURY star and chart-topping pop act has revealed that she’s banned from Sainsbury’s for life for shoplifting.

The star made the surprising confession, as she promoted her latest single, Illegal.

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A pop star has revealed she is banned from Sainsbury’s for shoplifting[/caption]

AFP

PinkPantheress made the surprising confession[/caption]

Shutterstock Editorial

The singer went down a storm recently at Glastonbury[/caption]

PinkPantheress – real name Victoria Beverley Walker – made the revelation in a new interview.

Speaking to GQ, she said: “My friend stole a Drumstick from Sainsbury’s, but that actually is illegal.

“But I remember thinking to myself like – and we got banned – and we really went through it. I got banned, but I didn’t steal anything.

“I remember thinking like given our age at the time, one Drumstick resulting in a ban, it’s a bit much.

“Because we were banned from all Sainsbury’s across the country.”

GLASTONBURY STAR

PinkPantheress is riding high after Glastonbury debut went down a storm.

The British singer performed at Woodsies on the first night of the festival.

Fans took to social media to praise her set, with one saying: “Pinkpantheress is brilliant. Don’t think you’ll see a crowd enjoy themselves more this weekend.”

Another added: “Genuinely never heard of PinkPantheress but wow she’s an unreal artist.”p

A third said: “Pinkpantheress’s stage presence has improved so much i love this for her.”

However, the singer was due to play an intimate set at the festival before it officially started the day before – but it was cancelled at the last minute.

Fans were left disappointed, but organisers revealed her popularity had put the set at risk.

A spokesman for Glastonbury said at the time: “This change was absolutely not as a result of overcrowding fears, the artist was simply no longer able to make this performance. But she is still playing her Woodsies set.”

PinkPantheress is at the top of her game right now.

The star has 2.7m followers on Instagram and found fame after breaking out from social media app TikTok.

She’s also had a top 10 in the UK singles and album charts, respectively, and been nominated for three Brit Awards.

CENTER PARCS is a firm favourite among British parents, thanks to its mix of nature, family-friendly activities and weather-proof offerings – but the price of a week-long break during school holidays has rocketed in recent years. 

As a result, many UK families are on the hunt for a break that recreates the forest feel, outdoor activities and pool paradise we all love, but without busting the holiday budget.

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Center Parcs is a massive hit with British parents – but there’s so many alternative holiday parks which will save you HUNDREDS[/caption]

I’ve checked out dupe destinations far and wide – with luxury lodges, amazing on-site swimming and traffic-free paths through nature. 

Swapping your staycation could slash your accommodation costs by half if you choose the right location and date, as well as bagging similar activities for a fraction of the price.

Here’s a few of my family favourites and how they compare to Center Parcs. 

I’ve priced up staying as a family of four for four nights at the end of August in the cheapest accommodation at each of the five Center Parcs locations in England, compared to lodges or the closest equivalent at their competitors. 

If you’re looking to save further, most of the rival sites also had cheaper rooms or caravans available.  

Bluestone 

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Bluestone National Park Resort in Wales[/caption]

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A family cycling at Bluestone National Park resort holiday vacation centre[/caption]

The closest we’ve come to finding something similar to Center Parcs in the UK was on our trip to Bluestone in Wales.

The boys loved swimming in the Blue Lagoon pool and taking on the Skywalk high ropes course in the open-sided Serendome. 

Meanwhile I loved relaxing in the upside-down lodge with a sunroom that converts into a balcony, for views over the rolling countryside.

We also loved whizzing around the site on a golf buggy. 

If a trip to Aqua Sana spa is a key part of any Center Parcs trip for you, you can find a thermal suite and treatments at the Well Spa at Bluestone.

Access to the spa is about £30 for two hours, compared to a twilight spa for four hours at Center Parcs from £79.

With so much to do at Bluestone, it’s no surprise that it’s not cheap in the school holidays, although still a saving compared to the closest Center Parcs site.

Longleat Center Parcs: £1599

Bluestone: £1300

Away Resorts 

Away resorts

Away Resorts Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire has an inflatable aqua park[/caption]

If lakeside lodges spread out beneath the trees float your boat, head to Away Resorts Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire.

The Lakeside Activity Centre offers kayaks, canoes and paddle boards for hire, with prices from £18 – similar to the starting point for watersports at Center Parcs.

There’s also an inflatable aqua park here that costs from £23 per participant.

To make the most of the lakeside location, there’s a wooden playground and outdoor stage overlooking the water outside the entertainment hub, as well as a large lido nearby. 

If you don’t like having to pay for all the added extras at Center Parcs, be aware that there’s a similar set-up here. 

You can swim free at the lido or the indoor pool and splashpad, but other activities like festive shows in the Spiegeltent and crafts for kiddies tend to have an additional cost.

Center Parcs Sherwood Forest: £1449

Tattershall Lakes lodge: £844

Butlin’s

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Butlins’s Bongor funfair-inspired pool will be a hit with the kids[/caption]

Butlin's

The holiday park even has a zipwire and lots more immersive activities[/caption]

If you’re not bothered about staying in the forest, but like swimming in the outdoor rapids and the new Entertainment Hive and Gamebox at Woburn Forest, give Butlin’s Bognor a go.

The funfair-inspired pool has rapids and slides galore, while the nearby Playxperience offers immersive activities similar to the digidarts, shuffleboard and indoor crazy golf on offer at the Entertainment Hive, but with more options to choose from.

Both golf activities cost around £8 per person, while shuffleboard is about £10 per person for 55 minutes at Center Parcs, but only £16 per board for up to eight people for an hour at Butlin’s.

If eating out is all part of your staycay vibe, you can swap Huck’s American Bar and Grill, Cafe Rouge, Bella Italia or Sports Cafe at Center Parcs for Papa John’s, Burger King and the Diner or the Beachcomber Inn at Butlin’s.

But if you’re looking for a laid-back stay in nature, then Butlin’s, with its many shows and entertainment venues included in the price, might not be for you. 

Center Parcs Woburn Forest: £1449

Butlin’s Bognor: £737

Haven

Haven

Haven’s only inland site – Wild Duck in Norfolk – has a serious Center Parcs vibe[/caption]

Haven

One big difference is the pool facilities – you can only swim for an hour at a time at Haven[/caption]

We were wowed when we headed to Haven’s only inland site – Wild Duck in Norfolk, as the accommodation spread through woodland. 

As a result, the entertainment hub, pool and eateries in the heart of the resort really gave us that Center Parcs vibe.

If you love to hire bikes to ride around under the trees, this could be the spot for you. 

An adult bike can be hired at Haven for £10 per half day, compared to about £20 for an adult bike for a day at Center Parcs.

You do need to be aware that the road system around Haven is not traffic-free, as cars are parked next to your accommodation, unlike at Center Parcs, when vehicles stay in a dedicated car park away from the lodges other than on changeover days. 

One big difference is the pool facilities – you can only swim for an hour at a time at Haven and the pools are generally much smaller, so it’s recommended to prebook a slot.

Wild Duck has a slide and a toddler splash area at its indoor pool, as well as a lido elsewhere on site, but water babies will prefer the Center Parcs offering. 

Center Parcs Elveden Forest: £1549

Wild Duck lodge: £1049

Center Parcs in Ireland and Europe

PA:Press Association

A little-known option that you might overlook is heading to the only Center Parcs in Ireland[/caption]

If you’ve got your heart set on a Center Parcs stay, it might be best to look further afield to see what suits your bank balance. 

We’ve saved hundreds when visiting Center Parcs in the Netherlands and Belgium, especially if the European school holidays don’t coincide with ours.

August isn’t a great time for the swap as most Europeans take a holiday then, so prices abroad aren’t much different from those here.

But a little-known option that you might overlook is heading to the only Center Parcs in Ireland. 

Longford Forest, an hour and a half west of Dublin, only opened in 2019 and boasts Ireland’s largest water park. 

As Irish schools have longer summer holidays than elsewhere, many families take a summer break at the start of July when it’s cheaper, so prices start to drop toward the end of August. 

If you’re looking for a Center Parcs stay with a difference, this could be an excellent option for exploring Ireland as it’s in the middle of the country.

Center Parcs Whinfell Forest: £1299

Center Parcs De Haan, Belgium: 1650€ (£1400)

Longford Forest 1299€ (£1100)

So whether it’s leafy locations, pedal power or sauna sessions that you’re looking for, trying something different this summer could be the key to saving cash while having family fun in the sun.

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Mark Villar has filed a comprehensive bill aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of Filipino commuters, declaring it one of his priority measures in the 20th Congress. The proposed Magna Carta of Commuters seeks to address the chronic issues faced by millions of Filipinos who rely daily on public transportation,

LOVE Island star Harry’s former fling has claimed the ‘sex rat’ had ‘multiple girls’ back to the home he shared with his ex Emma, while her stuff was still in the bedroom. 

The Sun exclusively revealed the full Casa Amor contingent of bombshells, which included his ex-girlfriend Emma Munro.

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Harry’s former fling shared shock details about his romance with Emma[/caption]

Eroteme

Eroteme

And since being in the villa, Emma has been sure to address her past relationship with Harry by calling him out for his behaviour. 

Emma made Harry Cooksley admit to several huge revelations that came up.

She claimed that he cheated when he brought girls into the home they previously shared together.

“The fact of the matter is, you’ve brought girls into our home, and I wouldn’t do that to you, because that was the rules, and you think the rules don’t apply to you.

“It’s my house, Harry. You think as soon as there’s a boundary in place, cross it?

“You think, ‘oh yes, let me just f*** this up’, like there’s just no need for any other woman to be in my house.”

Now, one of Harry’s former flings has shared her side of the story, and confirmed Emma’s claims – that he was bringing back girls to the home he shared with Emma. 

Sharing shocking new details, the girl, who opted to remain anonymous, told The Sun: “There were multiple girls who went back to the house  Harry shared with Emma around December time.

“The worst part of it all is that Emma had been in the house around that time too, and was posting pictures from it on social media, not knowing at the time that these girls had been in their bed that weekend.

“One girl used to go round every weekend, and she saw Emma’s clothes in the room and her belongings in the wardrobe. It’s awful. 

“Harry is pretending to be a reformed character on the show with this whole Helena storyline but I can see right through it.” 

ITV had no comment when contacted by The Sun.

In response to Emma’s bold claims about their romance on the show, Harry told her: “You don’t have very high thoughts of me, or you don’t think a lot of me, but I am here. I think I said that in the letter to you years ago.” 

To which she replied: “Years ago? You mean in February?”

Adding: “We make the choice not to be together because we know that you can’t give me what I need, and that’s why it’s not because we don’t love each other, we have to like, be strong enough to like, stand on that decision.”

Fans of the show took to social media in droves as they were left completely flabbergasted by the semi-pro footballers past behaviour.

Writing on X – formerly known as Twitter – one viewer fumed: “Bringing another woman into her HOUSE to cheat on her ?!?!”

A second angrily asked: “Do you know how mad it is to bring girls back to your missus’s house?!?”

“HARRY IS INSANE letters in Feb ?? Girls to Emma’s house???,” stated a third user.

As a fourth claimed: “Harry had to be TOLD not to bring girls into his GIRLFRIENDS house and he still did it.”

While someone else added: “Lmaooooooo Harry was sending letters to his ex in February???”

NO LOVE LOST 

When Harry first went on Love Island, he was accused of dumping a stunning girl he was dating, just days before the cast reveal – and telling her he was “off to Bali.” 

Right up until the moment the cast of the 2025 series was revealed, a girl has claimed that Harry was dating her. 

Heartbroken by the revelation that he’d be starring on Love Island she called him a “liar,” and explained that she thought he was flying out to Bali, not to the villa in Mallorca. 

She told The Sun: “I was dating Harry until the moment he sat on the flight going to Love Island. 

“He told me he was going to Bali and I genuinely thought we had a future together, but no. He is a huge manipulator and I’m not the only girl he’s done this too.”

She continued to explain that other girls had spoken to her, claiming they, too, were dating Harry. 

She added: “Turns out he was dating a few people at once.”

She continued: “He called me for three hours before he jetted off to Love Island, and told me he was going to Bali to build a life for our family. It’s so scary how he lied to me, and I feel so broken. I’ve been completely blindsided by him.” 

TikTok/@farnhamtownfc

Ome of Harry’s former flings has confirmed that he was bringing back girls to the home he shared with Emma[/caption]

ITV

Harry and Emma shared a kiss in Casa Amor during a game[/caption]

Shutterstock Editorial

The footballer was also getting to know Shakira[/caption]

PAUL O’Connell has given Connacht wing Shayne Bolton his first Ireland chance as he is set to start Saturday’s test with Portugal in Lisbon. 

Bolton, 25, gets his opportunity after an impressive season at the Sports Grounds, having previously been capped by Ireland A against England in February. 

The South African born star – who qualifies for Ireland through his grandmother – lit up Connacht last season where he and Mack Hansen proved a dangerous wing combination.

And he now gets his chance on Ireland’s left wing in a strong back like alongside Leinster duo Tommy O’Brien and Jimmy O’Brien. 

Stuart McCloskey and Jamie Osborne start in midfield with Craig Casey leading the team from scrumhalf alongside Munster outhalf Jack Crowley. 

The pack also sees a debutant as Alex Kendellan, who also featured against England A in February, in the back row alongside Ryan Baird and Cian Prendergast. 

Tom Ahern gets his first start at Lock having come off the bench in Saturday’s 34-5 win over Georgia alongside Darragh Murray with an all Leinster front row of Jack Boyle, Gus McCarthy and Thomas Clarkson. 

O’Connell has also named uncapped Connacht back Hugh Gavin on the bench.

The Ireland interim head coach said: “This Saturday presents another opportunity to go out and try to play our game. 

“Portugal are another impressive emerging side who look to play an exciting brand of rugby and we know that we’re in for another battle hopefully in front of another big crowd of travelling supporters.”

Ireland: J O’Brien, T O’Brien, J Osborne, S McCloskey, S Bolton, J Crowley, C Casey; J Boyle, G McCarthy, T Clarkson, T Ahern, D Murray, R Baird, A Kendellen, C Prendergast.

Replacements: T Stewart, M Milne, T O’Toole, C Izuchukwu, M Deegan, B Murphy, C Frawley, H Gavin.

According to an update regarding the MV Eternity C, some of its crew were reportedly kidnapped by the Houthi forces. MV ETERNITY C UPDATE – The Department of Migrant Workers is still verifying reports about the reported abduction of the sunken vessel’s crew. Houthi forces had attacked and sunk MV Eternity C off the coast ... Read more

The post MV Eternity C Update: Some Crew Reportedly Abducted By Houthi appeared first on PhilNews.

MET Eireann has issued an unprecedented 14-count high temperature warning ahead of scorching sunshine and sweltering heat.

And every county in Ireland will then be hit with a 18-hour nationwide warning – as temperatures climb to 29C.

A LOTTERY winner has bagged £10,000 a month for a year thanks to Set For Life and has now revealed the reason she and her husband decided to go public. 

While many would be reluctant to announce their win, Olivia Love and her hubby Kevin have been speaking out about the life-changing prize in more detail on TikTok.

Tiktok/@mrsolivialove

A couple have shared a close-up look at a day in their lavish life after winning £10,000 a month for a year[/caption]

Tiktok/@mrsolivialove

Olivia Love, 36, also revealed the real reason she and her husband Kevin decided to publicly announce their win[/caption]

ALAN PEEBLES PHOTOGRAPHY

The couple won the second-tier prize on The National Lottery’s Set For Life on May 15 after matching five main numbers[/caption]

ALAN PEEBLES PHOTOGRAPHY

Now they’ve got a cleaner and a gardener[/caption]

Olivia and Kevin, who are from Glasgow, scooped £10,000 a month for the next 12 months thanks to The National Lottery and have already bought a new car, spoiled their children and bagged new clothes. 

Olivia, 36, was also able to quit her job at a local supermarket and hopes to build her dream career in wedding content creation thanks to the massive tax-free prize. 

And it was a simple email from The National Lottery team at 12.33am on May 16 June that changed everything for this couple.

Before this, the mum-of-four was earning just £800 a month working in a supermarket’s customer service kiosk.

Not only this, but she was also on Universal Credit to subsidise her eye-watering £1,800-a-month childcare costs and “dreaded” her council tax bill.

But now, Olivia has candidly shared the real reason why she and Kevin decided to go public after being “ridiculously lucky.”

Posting on social media, Olivia responded to those who said they would “never tell a soul” and “never go public,” as she confirmed: “It’s not like a EuroMillions win! 

“I wanted to celebrate and remind people that literally anyone can win.”

Olivia and Kevin confirmed that they won the second-tier prize on The National Lottery’s Set For Life on May 15 after matching five main numbers.

The winning numbers in the draw were: 03, 27, 42, 45, 46, plus Life Ball 06.

Set For Life offers a top prize of £10,000 a month for 30 years when the five main numbers and the Life Ball are matched.

Players can also win £10,000 a month for a whole year by matching the five main numbers.

Showing off their new life just two weeks after winning, Olivia gave her followers a close-up look at a day in their life.

I wanted to celebrate and remind people that literally anyone can win

Olivia Love

After getting her hair and make-up done, Olivia was joined by Kevin to film for the publicity shoot to announce their win.

The mother, who previously had to “budget every penny,” explained: “We met the winners’ team photographer and videographer to discuss the plans for the day, and then it was time to pose with shopping bags and a really big cheque.

“Then we headed to the Blythswood Square Hotel for some champagne, more posing, and interviews.

“Then, it was over to the private Blythswood Square Gardens to spray some champagne.”

Following this, the couple did another interview whilst sipping more champagne and had a “lovely lunch” in the Blythswood Square Hotel, before heading home to relax and spend time with their children. 

Not only are this couple now living a life of luxury, and have been able to hire their own cleaner and a gardener, but since going public with her win, Olivia has hilariously joked about wiping away fake tears with £20 notes in response to cruel comments from trolls.

Social media users react

The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @mrsolivialove, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 232,200 views, 5,637 likes and 278 comments. 

But despite being impressed with the £120,000 total annual prize, social media users were stunned that the couple would publicly reveal their win. 

Can I borrow a tenner?

TikTok user

One person said: “I won’t even tell my husband.” 

Another added: “Definitely could never go public but well done.” 

A third commented: “I would say never go public but well done though. Nice amount of cash.” 

Meanwhile, someone else joked: “Can I borrow a tenner?” 

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