Blogs

AN ‘extraordinary’ Royal Ascot row has broken out – after a jockey slated his own jockey over a ‘terrible’ ride.

French handler Jerome Reynier was absolutely furious with US-based jockey Flavien Prat’s effort on Facteur Cheval in Wednesday’s Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

AP

The six-year-old gelding, who has won almost £4million in his brilliant career, was sent off 25-1 for the 1m2f contest.

But his trainer believed those odds were nowhere near a true reflection of his ability.

And he clearly thought that the horse had a chance if Prat followed his instructions.

However, that all appeared to go out the window early when Facteur Cheval chased breakneck 100-1 pace-setter Continuous.

Facteur Cheval was later dropped back but unsurprisingly ran out of gas and finished a limp sixth of eight behind superstar winner Ombudsman.

Reynier, still seething when speaking to the media days later, hit out at Prat’s tactics – which, despite the disastrous effort, still netted the horse’s owners £14,000.

He said: “He (the horse) has come out of the race well, despite his jockey doing absolutely nothing to help him.

“I think it was perhaps the worst ride given to one of my horses since I became a trainer.

“In a race with loads of pace, he elected to lead the chase [of the pacemaker].

“He was the first to commit on the turn for home and launched his attack three wide with no cover and too far out.

“He thought he was at Santa Anita or Del Mar where they have short straights and the tracks are flat.

“And I don’t think it was a judicious move to use a jockey who rides in that style.

“It was just a terrible ride.”

French-bron Prat is one of America’s top jockeys and had amassed prize money earnings there of more than £11m this calendar year alone.

Over the course of his career in the States, Prat has recorded 1,995 wins and earned more than £150m in winnings.

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GARDAI are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing teenager who was last seen on Monday. 

Jake Cunningham Burke, 16, was reported missing from Mountmellick, Co. Laois.

Garda Info

Cops said the teen is five foot with a slim build, black hair and green eyes.

It’s believed that Jake may have travelled to the Carlow area.

Gardai are appealing to anyone with any information on Jake’s whereabouts.

A garda spokesperson said: “Gardai are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 16-year-old Jake Cunningham Burke who is reported missing in Mountmellick, Co. Laois since Friday, 16th June 2025.

“Jake is described as being approximately 5 foot in height, with a slim build, black hair and green eyes.

“He is believed to have travelled to the Carlow area.

“Anyone with any information on Jake’s whereabouts is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda station on 057 867 4100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”

Separately, an urgent search has been launched to find a missing schoolboy, 10, who disappeared nearly 24hours ago.

Police Scotland are appealing to find Haiden Crawford, who vanished in Edinburgh at around midday on Friday.

The youngster was last seen in the Glenalmond Place area and cops say he may have travelled in the city by bus.

Officers say “concerns are growing” for the 10-year-old schoolboy and have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Haiden is described as being 4ft 10ins, of average build, with short orange coloured hair.

A force spokesperson said: “Officers are asking for the help of the public to trace a 10-year-old boy reported missing in Edinburgh.

“Haiden Crawford was last seen around midday on Friday, 20 June, in the Glenalmond Place area.

“He is described as around 4ft 10ins, of average build with short orange coloured hair.”

Inspector Quentin Russell added: “Concerns are growing for Haiden’s welfare and it is vital that we find him to make sure he is safe and well.

“He may have taken a bus and travelled around the city.

“We are asking anyone who has seen Haiden or knows where he might be to get in touch with us immediately.”

A MAN accused of killing an elderly couple at a nudist resort confessed to murdering them over a hot dog, a court heard.

Michael Royce Sparks, 62, is accused of beating to death Stephanie Mernard, 73, and her husband Daniel Menard, 79, with garden tools back in August.

Facebook/Dan Menard

Daniel and Stephanie Menard went missing from their home in a nudist resort[/caption]

AP

Michael Royce Sparks has allegedly confessed to killing the pair[/caption]

ABC 7

A SWAT team Thursday swarmed Sparks’ home and found the bodies in a bag[/caption]

The couple went missing from their home at RV park and nudist resort Olive Dell Ranch, Redlands, California.

Their remains were discovered by cops a week later stuffed in bags in a concrete bunker beneath Sparks’ home.

This week, a detective told court that Sparks had admitted to multiple people that he killed the couple.

He allegedly said the final straw was an argument over a hot dog.

Testifying, Redlands detective Thomas Williams said Sparks told another inmate that Daniel had given him a hot dog, which he interpreted as an insult.

The cop said: “He said Mr Sparks felt that the hot dog was a jab at him, making him feel like he was worth only a dollar hot dog, and that’s what set him off that day.”

Williams told the court Sparks had also confessed the crime to somebody outside the prison through texts and letters.

He allegedly wrote: “Chopped up my neighbors. Didn’t know I had it in me. SNAPPED.”

Sparks is accused of beating the couple to death with a rake, a hoe and a hammer.

He also allegedly admitted drown their dog, Cuddles, in a sink.

Another neighbor told KABC that there was a long history of tension between Sparks and the Menards – which all began over a trimmed tree.

The resident said the Menards pruned the tree after Sparks refused to – kicking off a bitter, years-long row.

The neighbor Tammie Wilkerson said: “I didn’t think he’d ever be able to do something like this.

“I know he didn’t like them, and he didn’t have a problem telling people that, but I never thought he’d do this.”

When a former co-worker reached out to Sparks during the investigation, he reportedly acknowledged he was the prime suspect and revealed he had planned to kill himself – but the gun jammed.

The initial search for the couple lasted five days.

At the time, cops said they searched Sparks’ house because a neighbor reported that he had confessed to killing the pair.

SWAT teams stormed his home and found him hiding beneath it in a bunker.

Police had used a hydraulic battering ram, K9 teams, drones, and a helicopter to look for the couple.

Facebook/@redlandspolicedepartment

ABC News

Sparks first fell out with the couple over the trimming of tree[/caption]

THE best second-hand caravans to buy for under £5,000 have been revealed – as Brit travellers look for UK getaways this summer.

Caravan specialists told The Sun the best brands to look for when RV hunting on a budget, as well as key tips for second-hand buyers across the UK.

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Caravaning can be a great way to holiday on a budget[/caption]

Experts weighed in on which campers have the best value for money at the low £5,000 price point.

A handful of brands were mentioned by multiple sources, with each specialist detailing which caravans had the best quality at their estimated price.

Caravans For Sale told The Sun that shoppers should target “mid to late 2000s models“.

And they gave tips on what to look for before buying used caravans, including reports and battery checks.

Bailey Senator

The Bailey Senator is made by Bailey of Bristol, one of the UK’s most trusted and long-established caravan manufacturers.

Caravans For Sale spokesperson Linzi Oliver said it used to be in the “higher-spec range at the time [it was released]”.

Auto Trader

The Bailey Senator is made by Bailey of Bristol, one of the UK’s most trusted and long-established caravan manufacturers[/caption]

Once a flagship model, it is still known for its luxury touches, solid build quality, and spacious layouts.

She explained: “You’ll find older Series 5 or Arizona models just scraping under £5k if well-used, and they still offer great quality for long-term touring.”

Older models from 2001 can even be snatched up second hand for just over £2,500.

But they still boast decent sized rooms and extra premium features that aren’t found in entry-level campers.

The line was discontinued in 2010, but lives on as a top choice for used caravan buyers in 2025.

Elddis Odyssey

The Elddis Odyssey is a well-built, mid-to-high-range touring caravan made by Elddis, a trusted British brand based in County Durham.

Auto Trader

The Elddis Odyssey is a well-built, mid-to-high-range touring caravan[/caption]

The Odyssey range was a popular step up from Elddis’s entry-level caravans, offering more space and cosier interiors — without the sky-high prices of high-end models.

“This range has a strong reputation for being robust,” Oliver said.

“And with larger 4 berth options, they’re great for families.”

The expert added: “2005–2008 Odyssey models can often be found for £4,000–£5,000, usually in good condition with full service history.”

Though the line was discontinued in the early 2010s, it remains a favourite on the used market.

The Odyssey is ideal for summer staycations, festivals or long weekends on the coast.

Lunar Ariva

Oliver said: “The Ariva is celebrated for being lightweight, often around 970kg MTPLM, which makes it ideal for smaller tow vehicles.

“Older Arivas (2005–2009) are commonly available for £3,500–£4,800.”

Auto Trader

The two-birth caravan may be small, but it still has a well-equipped interior[/caption]

The two-birth caravan may be small, but it still has a well-equipped interior, including a kitchen, living area and a bathroom.

It’s a great choice for couples looking for an easy to handle caravan for short weekend trips away.

Swift Charisma

The Swift Charisma 565 is a great family-friendly caravan, with a 2003 model selling for between £4500 and £5000.

It features a washroom, a side kitchen and a dinette, with an L shaped lounge.

Auto Trader

The Swift Charisma 565 is a great family-friendly caravan[/caption]

“The seating is generally comfortable and the L shaped
lounge is a very sociable area and makes into a large double bed”, said caravan expert Andrew Jenkinson.

This layout is ideal for four or makes a great 3 berth, plus it comes with a mover and an awning – not a bad buy at all.”

This caravan is perfect for taking kids away to the beach on school holidays.

Compass Corona

The Compass Corona 505 is a five-berth caravan with 2003 models of the vehicle selling for around £4,750.

It’s a lightweight family model with two double dinettes, giving it a spacious feel.

Auto Trader

The Compass Corona 505 is a five-berth caravan with 2003 models of the vehicle selling for around £4,750[/caption]

“The caravan has a large front layout, side kitchen with a wardrobe and a washroom opposite with a dinette at the rear which comes with a bunk bed too.

“This layout is ideal for families and with a spec that includes an oven ,heating, a fridge and a shower it’s a great buy and it’s also relatively light in weight too.

“This is ideal for a family of first timers.”

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LEGENDARY actor Jack Betts, known for his roles in Friends and Spider-Man, has died aged 96.

The Hollywood star died in his sleep at his home in Los Osos, California, on Thursday.

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Actress Doris Roberts and Jack Betts arrive at the party celebrating the 200th Episode of “Everybody Loves Raymond”[/caption]

Betts befriended Everybody Loves Raymond star Doris Roberts and shared a home with her.

Born in Miami, Florida, in 1929, the legend first began his career on Broadway, in an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Richard III.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

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LOVE Island fans poked fun at Ben after an intense conversation he had with Sabrina in the Spanish villa during Friday’s episode.

The model from Gloucester was paired with Mancunian beauty, but their relationship was rocky from the outset as Sabrina constantly questioned their chemistry.

Eroteme

Eroteme

Earlier this week, she was accused of leading Ben on in the ITV reality series, but during the latest installment, dumped him outright.

Sabrina gave a range of reasons for her decision, including telling Ben that he “dulled my sparkle.”

“We don’t speak of anything of note,” she told him as the pair argued.

Fans watching at home noticed that Ben looked devastated during the chat, but then thought it was bizarre that he outwardly agreed with Sabrina’s reasoning.

“Nah Ben looked like he was abt to cry when Shakira said he dulled her sparkle,” one Love Island fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Another added with a meme of a someone wearing multiple masks: “Ben telling Shakira he’s on the same page as her.”

And a third wrote alongside a skull emoji: “Ben pretending he felt the same way as Shakira.”

A fourth person commented: “Talk about different pages… not sure Shakira and Ben are even in the same book.”

Even though she’s now flying solo in the Love Island casa, Shakira may be rekindling her fling with Harry after the pair had a conversation about their future.

“I wanted to see how you were feeling, I think initially you were number one and I f****d it,” Harry told her.

They also discussed his romantic indecision as he is paired up with Helena, but also seems interested in Yasmin as well.

Sabrina told Harry: “It was you, and still is you. But it’s your behaviour for me that I can’t tolerate.”

And Harry pressed her for the potential for a second chance: “If that could possibly be arranged?”

He also told Sabrina: “You’re the one,” despite his moves on Yasmin and Helena.

But the pair seem like they’re definitely going to get close again as a teaser clip for Sunday’s episode shows them snogging.

The preview showed the Islanders playing a messy game of ‘spin the bottle’ on Sunday.

In the teaser clip’s edit, it seemed as though the Islanders were asked to snog who they’d most like to be coupled up with.

It then cut to Shakira smooching Harry as Helena and Ben looked at their current love interests with disgust.

Eroteme

MADE In Chelsea star Nicola Hughes has revealed she’s given birth to a baby boy and shared his very unusual name.

The 35-year-old took to Instagram to announce her happy news – sharing a snap of her newest addition wearing cute knitted booties.

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Nicola has revealed she’s given birth to a baby boy[/caption]

Instagram

She shared a sweet snap and revealed his unusual name[/caption]

Nicola said: “Welcome to the world Seve.”

She and husband Charlie Tupper are already parents to daughter Penelope, who was born in October 2022.

LAYING out her picnic blanket after enjoying a walk in her local woodland, Estelle Keeber, 42, basks in the dappled shade of the trees and feels thankful she’s escaped this weekend’s scotching UK sun.

The only difference between the mum-of-two and the millions of other Brits heading outdoors as temperatures skyrocket around the country is Estelle is completely starkers.

Estelle Keeber

Estelle Keeber

“My first foray with nudism began when I started sunbathing topless in the garden at age 33,” she explains.

“I wasn’t initially happy with my post-baby body, but after taking my top off in the garden I changed my mind and realised ‘Yes, this is great’.

“Our garden is overlooked by houses. I found a spot where people couldn’t see me if I was topless. That was the first step to embracing the nudist life.”

Now Estelle loves sunbathing, hiking, picnicking, glamping and even BBQing naked and doesn’t care who sees.

“I fully stripped off for the first time on a nudist beach at age 40,” says the body confident mum, who has two sons aged 16 and 14.

“It was to mark my landmark birthday and now I am obsessed.

 

Estelle Keeber

Estelle went to her first nudist beach at 40 and fell in love with how freeing it was[/caption]

Estelle Keeber

She even loves to picnic and BBQ in the buff[/caption]

“I found myself at a crossroads as I laid on that sand in Spain. I was a mum to two teenagers, and I decided to make a conscious effort to overhaul my life and improve my confidence.

“I’d broken up with my children’s dad in 2015 and trying to make ends meet as a wedding photographer. I knew things had to change.

“But as a mum, learning how to handle my body image was a real struggle.

“I had preconceived ideas about naturist or nude beaches including pervy people, but I was wrong.

“I put down my towel and no one looked or cared. There were people of all different shapes and sizes enjoying the sun like me.”

While Estelle, who lives in Leicester, loves getting her kit off, she does have some limitations. 

“Of course, I’m always careful not to enjoy my naturist challenges around my sons,” she explains.

“They roll their eyes at my antics,” she says.

“But, I knew I couldn’t encourage other women to be body confident if I didn’t walk the naturist walk.

“Now, I love lying in the sun feeling the warmth on my body and getting the maximum dose of vitamin D I can. It’s one of the best things I have ever done. I get my kit off as soon as the sun pops its head out.”

Estelle Keeber

She explains how being naked makes her feel empowered and given her so much confidence as she gets older[/caption]

In January 2024 Estelle started a year-long naked challenge sharing her experiences especially during the summer months on her @nakedadventureswithme account on Instagram .

One of her favourite naked days was a nude spa break in Birmingham.

Estelle enjoyed a nude all over body massage, sunbathing, using the jacuzzi, hot tub and even dined in the buff for an evening meal.

“The spa offered naked dining,” she says. “That was the most challenging thing for me, walking into a dining room and seeing people eating in the nude,” she says.

“I did not know where to put my napkin or how to deal with food sploshing on my bits.”

But after her naked spa experience, Estelle admits her body confidence grew.

“I realised I was worrying too much about what everyone else thought about me,” she adds.

“I should simply do what makes me feel good or challenged. Every time I did that, my self esteem improved.

“Once I had embraced naturist beaches and a naturist spa, nothing stopped me.”

I was shaking when I first took off my clothes looking around thinking I’d be told off by people.

Estelle Keeber42

Estelle has enjoyed another five naked spa visits in Britain in the past nine months.

Last Christmas she even attended her first naked Christmas party at a naturist spa.

“It was a bit weird topping up your lipstick and walking into a Christmas event au naturel, but it was amazing.”

And her 12 month challenge was so enjoyable, she’s continued it into 2025.

“I’ve attended naked BBQ’s and this year I’ve been a nude life model for art groups and I will be enjoying a spot of naked glamping in the summer.

“It sounds bonkers, but to accept my body I needed to stop hiding and do things which took me well out of my comfort zone,” she says. 

“I know some people will troll me for my naked challenges. I simply don’t care. The overwhelming positive response I get from women is amazing. 

“I love sunbathing in the nude. Hiking in the buff is just the same.

“This weekend is International Naked Hiking Day and there’s no way I’m missing out. In this weather, to indulge in some revealing rambling wearing just boots, a hat, and some sunscreen is perfect for anyone wanting to try.

“I am proud to be celebrating summer with over forty confidences like this. 

“It’s empowering. I am not doing it to be perved at. I am doing it for me.

“Taking a walk in the sunshine in just a pair of boots is exhilarating. It’s not something which should be trolled.

“The first time I went naked rambling was in September 2021.

“I was 41 and went for a two-mile commando wander through forest and bushland.

“I was searching for a naturist beach and took the wrong path. 

“The naked ramble was an impulsive decision. I was alone with just my bag and towel.”

Estelle Keeber

Estelle is out to enjoy International Naked Hiking Day today.[/caption]

According to Estelle if she’d planned ahead, she might have talked herself out of the buff wander.

“My ‘in the moment’ decision showed I wasn’t naked hiking to get clicks on social media; I was doing it to improve how I felt about my body,” she explains

“I was shaking when I first took off my clothes looking around thinking I’d be told off by people.

“But within a few minutes the anxiety and worry were replaced. There was no one else around and no one was judging me, 

“The breeze on my body, the extra Vitamin D and the sheer freedom of baring all was invigorating, transformative and yes, just a little bit naughty,” she says.

“It’s something every woman should try even once. “

With soaring summer temperatures expected this weekend, Estelle believes it’s a great time to try to indulge in some topless or even naked rambling. 

International Naked Hiking Day is held on the summer solstice, this year the 21st of June, and Estelle is keen to encourage people to embrace a naked hike as a cheeky and fun way to celebrate the day with the most daylight hours. 

The event began in the US in 1999 and is now celebrated globally.

In the UK, British Naturism has walks and outdoor gatherings planned in Hertfordshire, Northwest, the Southeast of the country and in London with naked swim events.

if someone sees my boobs or bum, I really couldn’t give a fig.”

Estelle Keeber42

An Ipsos survey found 6.75 million or 14% of British adults describe themselves as naturist.

This includes an estimated 2 million women or 30% of naturists who are stripping off using the summer weather as a vehicle for improved body confidence, self-esteem, and mental well-being.

Women-only naturist events are now so popular they are sold out months in advance.

Estelle says: “Mums like me and women of all shapes and sizes are learning to love their bodies on their terms. 

“We’re celebrating it by challenging ourselves to try everything from topless sunbathing to naked hiking, gardening and swimming especially in summer.” 

“Marking International Naked Hiking Day is not just another challenge but a chance to enjoy the great British outdoors when the weather’s amazing,” she says.

“I’m not doing it simply to add to a ‘click list.’ I do this because I enjoy how it makes me feel.

“I love encouraging other people, especially women and mums like me to have a go.

“It’s natural to be natural. “

Estelle does warn that naked hiking, especially in potential heatwave conditions, is not without its risks.

“Sunscreen is critical – cover yourself with as much as possible, 

“Watch out for bugs. There is nothing worse than a bit on your bits and always have a towel to sit down on. You don’t want dirt and sand in unseemly places.”

In Britain, people are within their rights to be topless in public.

There’s no law against it but if you disturb or annoy anyone then you risk “outraging public decency.”

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, public nakedness must be done in a way that is not intended to cause “distress, alarm or outrage.”

During the summer of 2023 one UK police force went as far as to suggest that if you’re doing it in your own garden, you should let your neighbours know your plans.

“If I am in my garden, I make sure I sunbathe in a space where people can’t see me doing it,” Estelle says.

X @metoffice

This weekend is going to be a hot one, with the capital baking in 31C highs[/caption]

If you’re planning on some naked sunbathing or swimming at a local beach that is possible too.

British Naturism, the UK’s top naturist organisation, has 81 naturist locations, encompassing beaches, resorts, lakesides, and parks where people can enjoy naked hiking, sunbathing, camping, and swimming.

“Check their website or local online maps for the best places to enjoy some safe naked sunbathing, swimming, or hiking,” Estelle says.

“Get out there, enjoy a revealing ramble and have some fun in this lovely summer sun,” says Estelle.

“Challenge yourself to have a go. Blaze a trail in the buff and enjoy a burst of body confidence.”

Estelle Keeber

Estelle is encouraging other women to embrace their bodies and get naked.[/caption]

BBC Breakfast hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt were forced to swiftly intervene and cut a live interview after a “dead dog” appeared to be shown on-screen.

The experienced broadcasters interjected during a report from Stonehenge, where revellers had been marking the Summer Solstice.

BBC

BBC Breakfast hosts were forced to cut a live broadcast after a ‘dead dog’ appeared to be shown on-screen[/caption]

BBC

BBC show anchors Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt were swift to intervene[/caption]

BBC

It came during reporter Peter Ruddock’s live chat from Stonehenge[/caption]

Reporter Peter Ruddock had been live on the scene since 2am in preparation for the sunset, along with thousands of others for the sunrise around 4.51am.

As he gave a tour of the magnificent Stonehenge and it’s Heel Stone and Stone Circle, he explained the significance of the historical event.

The report then panned to pre-recorded interviews of those in attendance, before Peter was seen back on-screen in the field.

The camera had paused on a black dog who was lying flat out on the grass in the heatwave.

He was wrapped in a white cloth and facing a fence, with some suspecting it had sadly passed away.

As the camera panned to the reporter, he seemed oblivious the worrying scenes were being shown.

He said: “Special indeed, I’ve been asking everyone what are you going to do with that extra bit of sunshine?

“As Naga said today is the day …” before the live segment cut off completely.

BBC Breakfast viewers saw the screen freeze before the hosts appeared back on-air to explain what was going on, after one fan remarked on X: “BBC Breakfast just had to cut off because they showed a sleeping looking ‘dead dog’ after the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge.

“Peak Partridge.”

Charlie was then seen back in the studio and told BBC viewers: “OK, we should perhaps explain.

“Problems with the line there.

“The dog that Peter was looking at there is all well and good just a little tired, because we saw it breathing earlier on.

“It was wrapped up to keep warm, that’s all,” before Naga interjected: “In case people are worried.”

She then rounded off the episode before the closing credits rolled.