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Willie Mullins pulls four horses out of Cheltenham Festival including Gold Cup hope who’s a ‘natural’ over fences
WILLIE MULLINS has pulled four of his horses out of Cheltenham Festival – including a Gold Cup hope who’s a ‘natural’ over fences.
The Closutton boss trimmed down his squad for next month’s meeting at today’s latest scratching stage.
One of the big names to miss out on a trip to Prestbury Park is recent grade 3 winner Embassy Gardens.
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The nine-year-old gelding gave a five-length thrashing to the hugely respected Monty’s Star on his first run of the season at Tramore on New Year’s Day.
Victory in the hot contest won previously by Gold Cup heroes including Minella Indo and Al Boum Photo was followed with a sixth-place finish in last weekend’s Irish Gold Cup.
Embassy Gardens, who is owned by Sean and Bernardine Mulryan, only lost ten-and-a-half lengths to Galopin Des Champs.
But his place in the Gold Cup field – for which he had been as short as 25-1 – was scrapped by Mullins, as was his position in the Ryanair.
Mullins also pulled last year’s bet365 Gold Cup winner Minella Cocooner from his Gold Cup team.
A real stayer, the 3m2f of the Gold Cup trip might even prove too short for the 25-1 Grand National chance, who could on his way straight to Aintree off a mark of 154.
Mullins has the 1-2 Gold Cup favourite in the shape of the awesome Galopin Des Champs.
He was untouchable in winning a third straight Irish Gold Cup and looks like being the banker of the week at the Festival.
Elsewhere, Mullins also took two horses out of the Champion Chase.
Gentleman De Mee, the JP McManus-owned nine-year-old who finished a length runner-up in the race last year is out, as is Blue Lord.
Simon Munir and Isaac Souede’s ten-year-old last tasted success in the Grade 1 Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase right back in December 2022.
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Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
‘Like a third world country’ – Over 25k still without power as ESB confirm 150 schools in worst-hit areas are priority
OVER 25,000 homes, businesses and schools remain without power, 11 days on from Storm Eowyn.
ESB Networks have confirmed that approximately 25,000 homes, farms, schools and businesses are still without power, while around 400 premises have no water.
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group’s latest update said restoration works are continuing on the worst impacted areas.
This is being aided by crews from Austria, Finland, France, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Norway.
ESB’s Regional Manager Siobhán Wynne told RTE’s News at One that the number of schools without power should be smaller by tomorrow.
She said there are around 150 schools still impacted, with the figure “greatly reduced this morning”.
She said: “We are hopeful that as of tomorrow morning, it will only be a small number of schools that will be impacted.”
However, she noted that it is currently difficult to give an exact date as to when all customers will see a restoration.
She added that she expects this could be by the middle of the week.
She said: “In the coming days after that, we will restore power to the remaining customers by the end of this week.”
Sligo, Galway, Mayo, Leitrim, Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Longford and Roscommon have been confirmed to be the worst-hit areas in Ireland, all with areas without power.
And dozens of customers in the worst-hit areas of the country have been left furious by the lack of power as we approach day 12.
One said: “I still have no power and the trees that pulled down the ESB lines haven’t even been removed yet!
“A whole forest down behind me!! God knows when it’ll be sorted!”
Another said: “12 days after a storm and Kildare still has intermittent power cuts of three hours long and no reason given by ESB networks or any pre warning.
‘NOT GOOD ENOUGH’
“This is like a third world country as your customers, it’s not good enough at all!
A third said: “Day 11. No electricity. No phone reception. No Internet. And not a single ESB worker to be seen in the area in literally the entire 11 days.”
Another added: “We’re still out of power and water and the esb guys literally told us we aren’t priority so not to expect it back before Friday.”
In Northern Ireland, electricity supplier NIE Networks said there are now less than 1,000 people without power, most located in Co Fermanagh.
They said all power supply should be back tonight.
It is estimated that it could be the end of the week before power is fully restored to the outstanding affected customers in the 26 counties.
Exactly what happens hours, days, weeks and months after you stop drinking alcohol – and the immediate dangers
MOST people know that giving up alcohol will be good for their health.
But the benefits of going booze-free can surface far quicker than you might think.
Some positives occur in as little as 60 minutes, while others can take months but will last a lifetime.
From clear skin to weight loss and better quality sleep – it’s pretty much all good news for your mind and body.
Karen Tyrell, CEO at Drinkaware, tells Sun Health: “Every unit you reduce your alcohol intake by helps.
“You’ll no longer suffer hangovers, and you’ll likely sleep better as regular drinking disrupts your sleep cycle.
“It affects the quality of it, making you feel tired and sluggish during the day, so when you stop, you’ll have more energy across the week.
“It can also lead to improvements in how you look. Alcohol dehydrates the body, which can cause your skin and eyes to look dull, so when you cut down or quit altogether, you’ll start to look healthier.
“When looking at the longer-term benefits, your liver will thank you.
“It’s a resilient organ which can recover after damage, so giving it a break allows it a chance to repair.
“Importantly, the more you drink on a regular basis, the greater your risk of serious health problems, including weight gain, several cancers and heart and liver disease.”
Feeling inspired? If you’re cutting back this year – or you’ve decided to give up alcohol for good – here’s what you can expect over the coming hours, days, weeks and months…
1 hour
As the alcohol leaves your bloodstream (at a rate of about one unit per hour), you may see your speech and balance improve.
4 to 8 hours
Four to eight hours in, you’ll likely be wide awake, or tossing and turning in your sleep.
You may also notice your hands shaking a little, bouts of anxiety, and excessive sweating, according to the Priory Group.
12 hours
The 12-hour mark is when dehydration really kicks in.
Experts say drinking six glasses of wine means losing between 19 and 24 glasses of water, so it’s no wonder you’re extremely thirsty.
You may also have headaches, fatigue, nausea, low mood, increased blood pressure and a raised heart rate.
24 hours
While most of the booze will be out of your system by now, some will remain.
And these remnants will continue to mess with your digestive system – think stomach pain, diarrhoea and constipation.
This period can be dangerous for people reliant on alcohol, the Priory Group warns.
In severe cases, people can develop delirium tremens (DTs), which include seizures, hallucinations and significant increases in heart rate and blood pressure.
2 to 3 days
Now the toxins have cleared from your body completely, your kidneys and other organs should just about return to normal.
But you might feel a bit under the weather, as levels of dopamine (a mood-boosting chemical in the brain) remain low.
You may also notice you’re grumpier than normal – but it’s going to get better.
4 to 5 days
By this point, your bowel movements should be less irregular, your stomach pain should have subsided and the acid in your tummy should have reduced.
Overall, your symptoms should have started to clear.
“The nausea, headaches or tiredness you may have felt the mornings after drinking could be replaced with improved mood, as well as feelings or productivity,” Karen says.
“Because of the way alcohol interferes with your ‘fight or flight’ response, regular drinking can make you more vulnerable to anxiety disorders.
“Alcohol is also a depressant – it alters the delicate balance of chemicals in your brain – so drinking less can improve your overall mental health too.”
However, sleep problems are still common in this stage – so resist the temptation to reach for a drink to help you nod off.
Instead, try things like limiting screen time, having a warm bath or listening to soothing music before bed.
5 to 7 days
Feel-good chemicals should return to normal by day seven, providing a much-needed mood boost and improved slumber.
Hopefully, you’ll also no longer be getting up to pee in the middle of night.
But you may experience very vivid dreams around this time, according to Alcohol Change.
“This could be down to increased rapid eye movement (REM) sleep,” the charity says.
“REM is the stage of sleep during which we dream.
“When we drink, REM sleep is suppressed, which is why we’re still so tired the next day, even after an eight-hour slumber.”
2 weeks
Another major benefit is clearer and smoother skin, according to Drinkaware.
Alcohol dehydrates the body, including the skin and eyes, which can cause them to look dull, tired and wrinkled.
Avoiding alcohol means you’re far more hydrated, therefore you’re left with a happier and healthier complexion, Karen says.
Booze also worsens skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea, so giving up can bring major improvements.
This can happen within two weeks, as can weight loss due to consuming fewer calories and less frequent acid reflux.
Your liver will also start to repair itself, the Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics in Prague, Czech Republic says.
1 month
Research shows just one month without alcohol can reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, liver cirrhosis and obesity.
This is primarily down to blood sugar levels being regulated, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and weight loss.
Karen adds: “Regular drinking is a common cause of high blood pressure and, if left untreated, it can lead to mid-life strokes and heart attacks in the long term.
“Cutting back on the amount you drink each week is a good way to lower high blood pressure and improve your health.”
Your mind will likely also be clearer, resulting in better decision making, more creativity, and improved learning and problem solving.
If you exercise, you may also notice you’re performing better and have fewer headaches as you’re more hydrated, the Priory Group says.
And it’s at this stage that the brain begins to repair some of the damage and shrinkage.
One study by Stanford University in California showed that after six weeks of abstaining from alcohol, brain volume increased by an average of two per cent.
Alcohol guidelines
NO amount of alcohol is good for us.
But sticking with the NHS guidelines lowers your risk of harming your health.
The health service says adults should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread across three or more days.
That’s around six medium (175ml) glasses of wine, or six pints of four per cent beer.
You can use Alcohol Change UK’s unit calculator to work out how many units you drink.
And try Drinkaware’s Drinking Check to understand how your drinking is impacting your health.
“If you are drinking heavily and want to reduce or take a break, making this decision is the first step towards a healthier lifestyle,” the charity says.
“Every unit we reduce our alcohol intake by helps. Stopping drinking entirely isn’t always right for everyone – and cutting back is a reasonable choice and can be a lot more sustainable for some.”
Ready to get started? Set some goals, ask for support and recognise situations where you might normally drink and do something else instead.
You can also try apps like Drink Less or Try Dry to track your units, calories and money saved.
“With a bit of initial effort and focus, you will find that your new healthier habits become more ingrained and second nature,” Karen Tyrell, CEO at Drinkaware, says.
3 months
It just keeps getting better. As well as the previous benefits sticking around, you’ll also have far more energy, time and money.
“If you stop drinking completely, one of the first things you notice should be improved energy levels, better sleep and finding it easier to wake up in the morning,” Karen says.
“Cutting back can also lead to more quality family time, as you may choose to spend time with loved ones instead of when you might normally have a drink.
“Plus, you’ll be surprised by the savings you make financially.
“The average UK household spends £17.60 on alcohol every week – or nearly £1,000 a year – so reducing your drinking can leave you with extra money to spend on other things.”
6 months
Now the bedroom benefits begin.
“Over time, drinking alcohol regularly can cause long-term problems with your sex life and lead to impotence,” Karen says.
“If you’re a man, cutting down on the amount you drink each week can help prevent erectile dysfunction and low libido.
“Drinking may also prevent or delay orgasm.
“Like men, women may find it more difficult to have an orgasm, or find they have orgasms that are less intense after drinking alcohol, so you may see benefits in that area too.”
1 year
After 12 months without alcohol, most people will leave all cravings and withdrawal symptoms behind.
Studies show regularly heavy drinking interferes with chemicals in the brain that are vital for good mental health, so you should have a more positive mindset.
Your energy levels will likely be higher, your sleep better, and your skin, hair and teeth will almost certainly improve.
Another major win of quitting booze can be weight loss.
A pint of lager contains the same number of calories as a slice of pizza, and a large glass of wine the same as an ice cream sundae or a small bar of chocolate, according to Drinkaware.
Down three pints of four per cent lager, and you’ve consumed the same number of calories as two cheeseburgers, the organisation adds.
These ’empty’ calories, plus the food you eat once you’ve had a drink, can mean regular drinkers pile on the pounds.
“Stopping can therefore help get the number on the scales down – and keep it that way,” Karen says.
Stopping drinking could make your life feel brighter in all kinds of ways, as well as helping your long-term health
Karen Tyrell
Overall, quitting booze lowers your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, liver disease, sexual dysfunction, several types of cancer, and gut problems.
“Alcohol can cause seven types of cancer, including of the mouth, throat, liver, bowel and breast, and the more you drink on a regular basis, the greater your risk,” Karen says.
“Alcohol can also have a serious effect on your liver and can lead to chronic liver disease, so giving up reduces this risk in the long-term.
“Research has found that regular heavy alcohol consumption over a long period is associated with a decline in both the number of brain cells and their quality.
“Plus, long-term heavy drinking can damage your heart, arteries or other blood vessels throughout the body.
“This damage is called cardiovascular disease, which caused 175,000 deaths in the UK in 2022.
“It’s one of the most important reasons to not drink more than the UK’s guidelines.”
She adds: “Stopping drinking could make your life feel brighter in all kinds of ways, as well as helping your long-term health.”
When not to stop drinking suddenly
SO-CALLED “normal” drinkers can come off alcohol relatively safely.
But those who are clinically dependent on it can die if they suddenly stop drinking altogether.
If you experience fits, shaking hands, sweating, seeing things that are not real, depression, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping after a period of drinking and while sobering up, then you may be clinically alcohol dependent and should NOT suddenly, completely stop drinking.
But you can still take control of your drinking.
Talk to a GP or your local community alcohol service who will be able to get help for you to reduce your drinking safely.
You can also seek help from:
- Drinkline – Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm).
- Alcoholics Anonymous – free self-help group that offers a 12 week plan
- Al-Anon – A group for family members or friends struggling to help a loved one
- Adfam – a national charity working with families affected by drugs and alcohol
- National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa) – helpline for children who have parents who are alcohol dependent – call 0800 358 3456
Source: Alcohol Change
‘Everyone will go nuts’ – Emma Raducanu warned over major career decision after childhood coach was forced to step away
EMMA RADUCANU has been warned over appointing a new coach.
The tennis star is still on the hunt for a new coach after parting ways with Nick Cavaday after 14 months together.
Emma Raducanu is currently without a coach[/caption] Laura Robson has warned Raducanu over her next appointment[/caption]Cavaday stepped down from the role for his health and to spend more time at home.
Raducanu, 22, has been urged not to rush into a decision over a new trainer.
The warning has come from Laura Robson, who insisted that the British No.2 must get the “right person”.
She said: “I don’t think she’s going to rush into it.
“Just from an outsider’s point of view, I don’t think she would want to rush into it.
“It’s got to be the right person because I know if she goes for someone and then ends up changing them again quickly, everyone will go nuts.”
Raducanu is currently working with fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura and the temporary Roman Kelecic in Abu Dhabi.
Robson, 31, believes that Raducanu can take her time and rely on Nakamura for the time being.
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She added: “So I think it’s more important she finds the right thing for her.
“And she’s got Yutaka with her and he’s got huge experience out on tour.
“Also he can hit a bit of a ball as well. I mean, he can have a rally, you wouldn’t rely on that.
“If he tried to tell you something about your forehand you wouldn’t think ‘Right, what’s he talking about?’”
The world No.56 seems to be taking the approach suggested by Robson, as she has already insisted that she will be patient when making her decision.
Ahead of the Abu Dhabi Open, she said: “It’s a decision that I want to take my time with.
“I think that’s why I haven’t necessarily jumped into something straight away, because I want to make sure it’s a right fit.
“And I think this period where I don’t necessarily have someone is going to tell me a lot. It’s going to teach me a lot, what I want, what I don’t want to look for in the next person.
“So I think I’m using this time period to just figure out what I really value.
“I’m not too sure yet right now. I haven’t come to any plans or decisions.”