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TEMPLEGATE tackles Sunday’s racing confident of bashing the bookies.

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DESERT HEART (4.05 Ayr, nap).

He has been brought along slowly with promising fourth-placed efforts on each start. He enjoyed stepping up to this distance at Sandown last month and starts of handicapping from a very fair mark of 79. With just three runs under his belt there should be a lot more to come with the yard in excellent form too.

JACK N JONES (2.35 Market Rasen, nb)

Another at the start of her career with lots of improvement to come. She showed promise in a couple of bumpers and took really well to hurdling when second on debut at Newton Abbot. Trainer Jamie Snowden is going well and she doesn’t need a lot more to get off the mark.

MR PROFESSOR (3.30 Ayr, treble). 

He takes a fair drop in class here after a solid effort at Newcastle last time. He wasn’t helped by trouble in running before finishing strongly. He is best over this trip and has come down the weights.

Templegate’s tips

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JACK CATTERALL beat Harlem Eubank on a disappointing technical decision after an accidental head clash got the fight called off after just six rounds.

After a cat and mouse clash, the pair butted heads accidentally and both men were cut above their eyes.

But it was rapidly clear that 32-year-old Catterall’s wound was far worse and, despite the best work of his cutman, the bout was waved off – to a cacophony of boos – and went to the judges.

The officials scored it: 69-65, 69-66 and 69-66 to the home fighter.

Before the bout, Eubank faced an awkward encounter with bitter family enemy Conor Benn, who lost to his older cousin Chris earlier this year.

Each team can nominate a member to watch over the wrapping of the opponent’s hands and, in a snide move, Benn went in to represent Catterall.

It was the same trick Benn tried to use when he sent Billy Joe Saunders to watch Chris Eubank Jr’s wraps, before their April war at Tottenham.

Saunders was brilliantly shoved away by Eubank’s no-nonsense team.

But at the Manchester Arena, Benn was allowed to enter Harlem’s dressing room in the crucial few minutes before the bell.

The opener was tense and tight, the pair swapped textbook one-twos but the clearest scoring blows were a pair of left hands from the Chorley southpaw.

Eubank, 31, looked faster and brighter but Catterall exuded experience and an ice-cool head, from his awkward southpaw stance.

Counter-puncher Catterall snatched the second round two by going on the front foot and scoring when Eubank was still trying to work his opponent out.

There was a messy tangle of feet at the start of the third, Catterall tumbled but then dragged Eubank backwards, as they both folded into the canvas.

The rest of the session dragged on with a dismal amount of punches until a more exciting interval and ‘Sweet Caroline’ chorus.

The fourth was the first Eubank clearly claimed, with a long right hand and then a short left hook but both men were hesitating and waiting too long and the crowd – at 11:15pm – was growing sleepy.

At the start of the sixth, the pair did a simultaneous summersault into the ropes, as their clash of stances became almost circus-like.

But Harlem got serious with two stabbing jabs that rocked Catterall’s head back and were much more stick than slap.

But, after another grapple, both men ended with nasty cuts over their eyes and Catterall’s looked impossible to salvage.

Catterall cutman Kerry Kayes did a brilliant job in the extended break and the action was allowed to continue with Catterall’s approval to the doctor.

But the crowd feared it would not last long if the claret fountain sparked up again.

And, after a chat with a ringside official, the fight was called off, with the commentator stating that Eubank’s team were speaking to them.

STAR of iconic hit TV show Airline, Jane Boulton, has been left red-faced after making a huge blunder.

The TV personality, who found fame appearing on the ITV series, famously quipped to passengers it was “easy if you get here on time” but has now found herself missing her first ever flight over her own lateness.

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TV star Jane Boulton has revealed she missed her flight – years after scolding passengers for doing the same thing[/caption]

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She rose to fame on the ITV reality show – over 25 years ago[/caption]

Jane, whose episodes of Airline went viral last year and in 2023, took to her TikTok account to discuss how she had been unable to board her flight as planned after being too late to the airport to be checked in.

Revealing that she was due to head to Gatwick Airport after attending a podcast recording, Jane found herself stuck in traffic that prevented her from arriving on time.

Appearing that karma was out to get her, she said to the camera: “Came to for an interview with Lewis Nicholls yesterday and, guess what guys, for the first time in my life it was not easy because I did not get there on time.

“We got stuck in the most horrific traffic on the way to Gatwick, there was an accident and literally we came off the motorway to queue up for the Gatwick turn off and it took us probably an hour to get from there.”

In a bitter blow, Jane was just ONE minute late to the check-in desk.

And despite being Britain’s most well-known check-in lady, her celebrity status and previous credentials did not help her as she was still denied the chance to board the plane after asking very nicely.

Jane continued: “We missed the check-in by how long? One minute. And as nice as I was… but no, she wasn’t having any of it.

“So we missed our little flight with Eastern Airways and had to book on a train, so we should have arrived here at 10 yesterday morning and we got here at about four, three o’clock.

“So I know how people feel now, and I can honestly say a lot of people out there are probably thinking ‘karma’.”

Jane was based at Luton Airport working for EasyJet on their check-in desk and became a hit with reality TV fans thanks to her no-nonsense attitude.

She often clashed with unruly customers and was never afraid to put them in their place.

Her fans were quick to make light of the situation as they quoted many of Jane’s viral catchphrases that she often used on late passengers on the show, back to her.

One wrote on the post: “Well I’m sorry but a coffee shop does not look like departures (love you Jane).”

Another added: “Jane, it’s a plane not a bus, much love as always though.”

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TikTok/Janeboulton_airline

Her mishap left her fans in hysterics[/caption]

As a third said: “It is easy if you get here on time as Jane Boulton once told a customer.”

Jane ceased working in the airline industry in 2014 and shortly after began running her own business, Party Paradise UK.

She found herself thrust back into the spotlight when Airline found a new lease of life via TikTok with various clips and episodes going viral – 20 years after they were first aired.

It saw Jane make a return to mainstream fame in 2023 and she has since built up an impressive online following.

She has appeared on This Morning and various podcasts reflecting about her time on the show.

Jane has also become a favourite for brand partnerships and has raked in the cash working with a whole host of companies.

One full circle moment saw Jane collaborate with EasyJet as a brand ambassador for a series of viral video clips last year.

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She was known as the no-nonsense star on the show[/caption]

MAURA Higgins wore a sexy leather mini dress as she attended the British Grand Prix this week.

The reality star, 34, looked incredible in the pleated PVC one-piece with buckle detail.

Social Media Collect

Social Media Collect

The TV presenter showed off her sleek hairdo[/caption]

Social Media Collect

The Irish stunner wore a pair of knee-high leather boots to match her showstopping dress.

TV presenter Maura showcased her new chic updo with her brunette tresses in a bun and her wispy fringe to one side.

Maura was seen posing for a string of photos at the legendary home of the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Racecourse.

The Love Island alumni flashed her tanned legs in the mini outfit and a pair of Prada sunglasses.

Maura’s outing comes just a few weeks after she enjoyed a beach break for an add with huge fashion brand Guess.

The TV personality has been named as one of the stars of the upcoming series of The Traitors USA.

Maura will appear alongside Real Housewives legends Lisa Rinna, Porsha Williams, Dorinda Medley and Candiace Bassett.

Also in the line-up are Travis Kelce’s mum Donna Kelce, Big Brother stars Ian Terry and Tiffany Mitchell, and Survivor favourites Rob Cesternino and Yam Yam Arocho.

They’ll be joined by The Amazing Race winner Natalie Anderson, The Bachelor’s Colton Underwood, Dancing with the Stars pro Mark Ballas, RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Monét X Change, figure skater Johnny Weir, and singer Eric Nam.

A source told us last week: “Maura is becoming a huge star across the pond and her slot on The Traitors is just part of that. 

“The future is bright — and has stars and stripes.” 

Rumours swirled she had joined the US version of the TV mystery game — which always has a celeb cast — when she stepped aside from hosting Love Island USA’s sister show Aftersun. 

But in an announcement video this week, she told Aussie replacement Sophie Monk: “Don’t get too comfy, I’m coming back.”

Maura has just become a global ambassador for L’Oreal and is fresh from a posh brand trip with Space NK to Mykonos, where she posed in her bikini. 

She was joined by fellow Love Islander Amber Gill, looking red hot in a sparkly mini dress. 

The star was previously said to be “relieved” to have been offered work from L’Oreal, who have given her six-figures after impressing with her shoot for MAC cosmetics.

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Social Media Collect

AMANDA Holden serves up a cheeky match as she recreates the famous Tennis Girl poster.

The Britain’s Got Talent judge, 54, lifted her pink skirt under the sun in a Majorca photoshoot to promote skincare brand Revive Collagen.

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Martin Elliott

She was recreating the famous Tennis Girl poster[/caption]

She channelled the poster by art retailer Athena by posing in shades with a visor and racket.

Tennis Girl became a 1970s icon, with more than two million copies sold.

We recently revealed how Amanda hit back at Ofcom complaints over her daring Britain’s Got Talent wardrobe – insisting she “really loves” her sexy attire.

She insisted: “What you see on TV, I really love.

“I’m always asked about the Ofcom complaints, but every outfit on the show is checked before I leave my dressing room, so I’m never worried.”

She added to Closer Magazine: “I think people should have fun with fashion!”

The mum of two previously insisted BGT is “the perfect opportunity to take risks”.

She previously told The Sun her outfits are so famously controversial they’re now monitored before she steps on-stage.

“There’s now a whole body of people that knock on my door and come and stare at my chest before we go on air,” she explained.

“There’s a t*t committee. There are so many brilliant people, they come down, knock on the door and there’s the lady who’s the producer who said, ‘Mandy, it looks great’.”

ONE lucky Irish punter is celebrating tonight after bagging a bonus €1m in the Lotto.

In total, over 109,000 players won prizes in the Lotto and Lotto Plus draws tonight.

But one player was extra lucky, bagging the special Lotto Plus Raffle top-up prize of €1million.

Lotto bosses have revealed that the winning ticket was purchased in Tipperary.

It was sold in Elys Centra in Clerihan Village Centre in the county.

The winning raffle number in tonight’s draw was 9416.

There were 104 winners of the Raffle Prize, with each receiving €500.

In the main Lotto draw, the jackpot of a staggering €10,070,226 went unclaimed.

The winning numbers pulled were: 1, 17, 24, 30, 33 and 44.

The bonus number was 10.

There was no winner of the Lotto Plus One top prize either, which is a mouth-watering €1,000,000.

The winning numbers were: 3, 9, 10, 12, 17, 45 – and the bonus was 36.

But one player won €5,000 after matching five numbers with the bonus.

And the top prize of €250,000 in the Lotto Plus Two draw also went unclaimed tonight.

The numbers pulled in this draw were: 4, 20, 42, 43, 45 and 46.

The bonus number was 14.

One player did match five of the numbers along with the bonus to bag a cool €2,500.

Players in Tipperary are being urged to check their tickets to see if they were the lucky winner of the added bonus.

If you are holding a winning ticket you should sign the back of your ticket and keep it in a safe place.

Then, contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222.

Or you can email claims@lottery.ie to arrange the collection of your prize.

It comes days after bosses revealed where another winning ticket was sold, that bagged the player a six figure sum.

The Lotto player managed to scoop a whopping €103,318 – but narrowly missed out on the jackpot by a single number.

The winning ticket was purchased on Thursday, June 26, on the Lotto platform.

It was revealed that it was purchased by a Dubliner.

The lucky player won €103,318 by by matching five balls and the bonus number, but was one number short of securing the life-changing jackpot prize of €9,155,242.

The National Lottery has confirmed that a notification and an email has been sent to the Dublin online player.

Getty Images - Getty

THE Kinahan cartel is among several international crime ­organisations being probed over the failed attempt to smuggle €157million of cocaine to Europe on board MV Matthew.

The drugs operation, which originated in Venezuela, also involved the Iranian regime and militant group Hezbollah, who helped to finance the massive drugs shipment, along with the Irish mobsters and other transnational crime gangs.

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Copyright remains with handout provider

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Eight men were jailed on Friday for between 13.5 and 20 years for their part in trying to smuggle the 2.2tonnes — the largest cocaine seizure in Irish history.

The haul was seized following a joint Garda, Customs and Defence Forces op in September 2023, when the Army Rangers boarded the ship from a helicopter and apprehended the crew.

The court heard of the involvement of “a major Iranian nexus” in the funding and logistical planning of the operation, which saw the Panamanian registered cargo ship head for Ireland to unload the massive consignment.

These criminals are believed to have links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, which was led by General Hossein Salami, until he was killed by an Israeli airstrike during last month’s Israel-Iran war.

Two of those jailed on Friday were Iranians that Gardai believe have links to Hezbollah, led by ­Hassan Nasrallah before his assassination in Lebanon last September.

Today, the Gardai released a YouTube video about the operation and seizure of the ship, containing never-before-seen footage of the vessel.

The man who ran the operation from Dubai, Captain Noah, is heard on the video frantically telling the crew to burn the drugs, which had been loaded onto a life raft.

Speaking today from the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Co Cork, Assistant Garda Commissioner Angela Willis said: “Our investigations indicate a number of transglobal organised crime networks would be required for an operation as significant as this. Multiple entities are being examined.”

Asst Comm Willis said Gardai have also identified Irish-based criminals as part of further investigations following the seizure.

She said: “The next phase of the operation is to look at the peripheral involvement of other people here in Ireland and abroad, and that will also include looking at asset recovery of those people.”

RESILIENT CARTELS

She indicated the Kinahan gang, led by Daniel Kinahan, would form part of the investigation.

Interpol’s Dave Cantor said: “The cartels are resilient and looking for new ways to get their drugs to market. I think it’s changing as the threat of synthetic drugs is on the rise globally.”

He said deadly drugs like Pink Cocaine — a cocktail of synthetic drugs which has led to many deaths in the US — are “popping up in Europe”.

He stressed: “There’s a very strong commitment to fight organised crime.”

Revenue Commissioner Ruth Kennedy said they have a potential buyer for MV Matthew, which is berthed across from the town of Passage.

To watch the full story of the MV Matthew click here.

AFP

Reuters

A FIRM run by ­former EastEnders actor Cliff Parisi is being shut down owing the taxman £82,764.

The star, who played Minty Peterson in the soap for eight years, put Pleasant Productions into liquidation owing a total of £119,552 to creditors.

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A firm run by ­former EastEnders actor Cliff Parisi is being shut down owing the taxman thousands[/caption]

That includes £35,787 to Barclays Bank and £1,000 to an accountancy firm.

Liquidators investigating his firm found it had assets of just £7,200 — and have taken professional fees of £6,000.

With just £1,200 left for the taxman, bankers and accountants, the company is looking into whether it can recover more cash but said that is uncertain.

The report said: ‘It is dependent on the recoveries that we are able to make in respect of claims resulting from our investigation.”

Parisi, 65, a regular in Call The Midwife, also faced tax issues in 2019 — going on I’m A Celeb to help pay £31,000 owed.

Asked why he was taking part, he said: “The taxman.

“Yeah, I’ve got a bill I need to pay.”

He played Minty in the soap for eight years and has been a regular in Call the Midwife since 2012.

Cliff was born in London to parents George and Irene on May 24, 1960.

He began his career in entertainment in 1982, touring the UK as a stand-up comedian.

Cliff then became interested in becoming an actor, and after a series of bit-part roles he landed his first major character called Lunchbox in the TV series Chancer.

The much-loved TV star is married to BBC producer Tara Wyer and and has five children – two with Tara and three from previous relationships.

CELEBRITY Gogglebox fans have threatened to ‘switch off’ the show after a fan-favourite pairing disappeared from screens.

Fans of the Channel 4 show were left gutted that one of the beloved celeb friendships usually seen on the show was nowhere to be seen.

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Celebrity Gogglebox fans were not happy that Bez and Shaun were missing[/caption]

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The duo have been mainstays on the show since 2019[/caption]

Happy Mondays stars Shaun Ryder and Bez were one of the first celebrity pairings to sign up for the programme in 2019 and have appeared regularly ever since.

But during the latest episode they were not featured – a move that left fans furious.

As stars including Rylan and Roman Kemp sat down to tune into the best of this week’s TV, fans could not help but flock to X to have their say on the missing pair.

One wrote online: “@officialswr Why aren’t you and Bez on #CelebrityGogglebox tonight Shaun? It’s so boring without you two. I turned over after ten minutes.”

Another added:  “@C4Gogglebox @4Viewers. Where’s Bez and Shaun? Please don’t tell me that they’ve been sacrificed for Alison Hammond?

“#CelebrityGogglebox has only been on for eight minutes and already been monopolised by her. It’s unbearable. I’m switching over.”

Before a third chipped in to say: “Way to many people on #Celebritygogglebox now. It’s so ridiculous and means we don’t get enough Bez and Shaun.”

Although the pair were missing, fans were treated to This Morning legend Alison Hammond who made her series debut alongside her son, Aiden, and her sister, Saundra.

The trio watched clips from shows including Squid Game and Poop Cruise on Netflix.

Before the show aired, Alison said in a statement: “I’m so excited to be doing Celebrity Gogglebox with my son Aidan.

“We’ve always loved watching telly together, and now we get to do it on the sofa for the nation!

“It’s a real family affair too, because my fabulous sister Saundra is getting involved as well.

“Expect laughs, eye-rolls, and lots of commentary, classic Hammond style!”

Other celebrities on this series include Vernon Kay and Paddy McGuinness, Rylan Clark and his mum Linda, and Jennifer Saunders and her daughter Beattie.

The Sun previously told how stars including Luke Littler and Rag’n’Bone Man would be part of this year’s line-up.

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Alison Hammond made her show debut alongside her son and sister[/caption]

LOVEBIRDS Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz have only got eyes for each other on a recent romantic break.

The couple put rumours of a family rift behind them, cuddling up to watch the sunset on a US beach in North Carolina.

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Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz only have eyes for each other on a romantic break[/caption]

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The couple put rumours of a family rift behind them, cuddling up to watch the sunset on a beach in North Carolina[/caption]

Actress Nicola, 30, was dressed in a black halterneck bikini top and trousers while Brooklyn, 26, plugged his hot sauce business by sporting a Cloud23 T-shirt.

Brooklyn is reported to be estranged from his parents David and Victoria and publicly failed to acknowledge their 26th wedding anniversary on Friday.

Brooklyn and Nicola looked smitten in a new fashion campaign after the shoot fuelled rumours of a family feud.

The pair flew to London for the advertising campaign in May, days after snubbing his dad David’s 50th birthday celebrations.

It came after they missed David’s 50th party in Miami, his fishing trip with his sons Cruz and Romeo, an intimate dinner at their Cotswolds home and his star-studded birthay bash in London.

Sources said the snub was a “dagger to the heart” for his parents.

Two weeks later the couple, who live in Los Angeles, jetted to London for the Moncler shoot but failed to meet up with Brooklyn’s family.

The photos for the Italian fashion brand have finally been released and show Brooklyn snuggling into Nicola in a series of romantic moments.

The Sun revealed they landed the six figure deal with the designer firm and shot the photos minutes away from the Beckhams’ home in West London.

They were also up the road from where David was, attending the Chelsea Flower Show with King Charles and Queen Camilla.

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Nicola was dressed in a black halterneck bikini top and trousers[/caption]

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Brooklyn plugged his hot sauce business by sporting a Cloud23 T-shirt[/caption]