Sports
Horse Racing Stars Champ and Paisley Park Met Again Before Cheltenham Festival
The Cheltenham Festival is right around the corner. In the middle of March, one of England’s (and the World’s) most iconic, popular, and important horse racing events will kick off its latest iteration. The world is waiting with baited breath for the Champions’ Hurdle, the Queen Mother Champion Chase, and possible the biggest event of the tournament, the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
For those who haven’t experienced the festival, it is our recommendation that you do so, if you are at all interested in horse racing. Cheltenham’s Festival has been noted for its vibrant and rambunctious atmosphere, often referred to as the Cheltenham roar.
Not to mention, Cheltenham is an excellent opportunity for punters to win it big. Already, betting sites have begun to create odds and focus on favorites. The expectations for Cheltenham 2023 betting are that it will exceed previous years by quite a margin, as many more people around the globe are becoming interested in horse racing.
Champ and Paisley Park Clash
But it seems that for two horses and their handlers, Cheltenham was way too long a wait. Two of the biggest stars in horse racing today, Champ and Paisley Park met for the 2022 Kempton Hurdle. The two beasts have clashed in numerous races throughout the past couple of years, with varying degrees of success against each other.
Champ
Champ is an Irish-bred horse, quickly closing on his 11th year. While most horses retire by the time they reach that age, Champ has continued running, to great success, it should be said. During the course of his career, he has won over 40 races, certainly a remarkable feat. On many occasions, the Champ has faced against Paisley Park, with the two developing a rivalry for the history books.
Paisley Park
Another 10-year-old, the Irish-bred and British-trained Paisley Park is one of the most notable horses of his generation. His track record as a hurdle horse is well established, and he has won plenty of Britain’s most notable races, including Cheltenham’s Stayers’ Hurdle. His rivalry with Champ is somewhat notorious, with the two having met in quite a few heated races throughout the years.
The Kempton Race
The most recent example of the two’s rivalry was seen on 26 December, when the horses met at the Kempton Ladbrokes Long Walk Hurdle. For most of the race, Champ maintained a steady distance, keeping Goshen, another star in the current world of horse racing, and Paisley Park behind him. For the longest time, Paisley Park was in third place, and many of his fans began to lose hope.
However, the 10-year-old veteran reclaimed his fans’ faith and trust, when a sudden burst of speed and energy took him to the front of the race. And though both Goshen and Champ did their best, Paisley Park crossed that finish line first, becoming 2022’s Long Walk winner at the Kempton event.
Many fans of the horse were ecstatic, but not surprised. After all, Paisley Park is a legend of his time. And while Champ fans may be disappointed, they ought not worry too long. In just two short months, the two horses will meet once more at one of England’s premier horse racing events, Cheltenham.
The 2023 Cheltenham Festival
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most notable horse racing events in the world. The four-day event takes place in the middle of March, and as the name suggests, in the English city of Cheltenham. The Festival hosts quite a few of the most popular races in the country, most notably the Gold Cup race.
In 2023, the festival will begin on 14 March, and will go until 17 March. Four absolutely spectacular days of racing, with some of the greatest horses in the world. Paisley Park and Champ will of course be there. While these two aren’t as known as the stars from other sports, especially football, they are legends among the horse racing faithful, and may just go down in history as this era’s Sea Biscuit and War Admiral.
But it will not just be them two. Legendary horse, Honeysuckle will also be competing at Cheltenham, though her trainers may just decide to pull her from the really important races. Constitution Hill is another horse to look out for, as he is by far the favorite to win the Champions’ Hurdle.
Final Thoughts
Champ and Paisley Park are two of the best horses of their generation. Their career has been mainly ups, with very few roadblocks along the way. If you are in any way a fan of these two horses, or racing in general, you owe it to yourself not to miss their showings at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been drawn in Group C with Egypt, Zambia and Malawi for the defence of their Women’s’ Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in March, which will be hosted again in Morocco.
Last year, the Nigerian team won the record 10th tournament after defeating the host nation, Morocco, 3-2 in a spectacular final after going down 2-0.
The 2026 edition will be played in Morocco from March 17-April 3, eight months after the last tournament.
The last edition slated for 2024 was postponed by a year for logistical reasons as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) could not get interested hosts.
The next edition which will be the 14th edition and Nigeria will be hoping to win the women’s tournament for the 11th time.
Nigeria’s dominance is only rivalled by Equatorial Guinea which won as hosts of the 2008 and 2012 editions. South Africa won the 2022 edition to become the third African nation to ever win the tournament.
The next edition carries added importance because it serves as qualifying for next year’s Women’s World Cup, with the top four finishers taking up Africa’s slots in the global tournament to be hosted by Brazil.
GROUPS
Group A (Rabat Moulay Hassan Stadium): Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya,
Group B (Rabat Al Madina Stadium): South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
Group C (Casablanca): Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D (Fes): Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Chairman of BUA Group, Mr Abdul Samad Rabiu, has reaffirmed his commitment to reward the Super Eagles with the promised $500,000 despite losing the semi-final match against Morocco in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday night.
The Nigerian senior national football team lost the tie against Morocco 4-2 on penalties after both sides failed to break the deadlock after 120 minutes.
In a post on his official Instagram on Thursday, the billionaire industrialist commended the football team for their determination and unity throughout the competition.
Mr Rabiu said the players displayed admirable grit and commitment on the field, adding that although the trophy eluded them, their performance inspired pride and admiration among Nigerians at home and abroad.
“To our brave Super Eagles, You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud.
“Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion, and unity you displayed are what truly matter. You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration.
“As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, I am still going ahead to fulfill the pledge of $500,000. This is in recognition of your hard work, dedication, and the joy you have brought to our nation.
“Keep your heads high, Super Eagles – the experience, lessons, and spirit will fuel even greater success next time. Nigeria will always be proud of you, and we believe in your future victories!” the statement read.
Nigeria failed to advance to the final of the 2025 AFCON yesterday after losing to Morocco’s Atlas Lions in a tense penalty shootout, a result that sent the North African side through to the final.
Moroccan goalkeeper, Yacine Bounou saved kicks from both Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria will play Egypt in the bronze medal match on Sunday, January 18 while Morocco will face 2021 winners, Senegal for the chance to win the trophy for the first time in 50 years.
Midweek football delivers decisive moments across three competitions as the Carabao Cup reaches the semi-final in England, Serie A’s title contenders play their games in hand, and the Africa Cup of Nations narrows down to its final two. Fans can follow every fixture live on SuperSport across DStv and GOtv.
Carabao Cup: Semi-Final Second Legs Decide Wembley Places
The Carabao Cup semi-finals conclude with two heavyweight fixtures as clubs push for a place in the final at Wembley.
On Tuesday at 9:00 p.m., Newcastle host Man City at St James’ Park. Newcastle enter the second leg as defending Carabao Cup champions and come into the tie in strong domestic form, having recorded three straight league wins and progressed in the FA Cup after a penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth.
City arrive after a heavy FA Cup win against Exeter City but are still searching for consistency in the league following a run of draws. Both sides have navigated the competition efficiently so far, setting up a finely balanced contest.
Wednesday’s second semi-final sees Chelsea host Arsenal at 9:00 p.m. Chelsea begin the second leg under new manager Liam Rosenior after a convincing FA Cup victory over Charlton, though league form has been less consistent following a recent defeat to Fulham.
Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive as Premier League leaders and remain active in all major competitions this season. Their FA Cup win over Portsmouth maintained momentum as they look to secure a return to Wembley.
Both Carabao Cup semi-final matches air live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).
Serie A: Games in Hand Shape the Title Race
Serie A’s midweek programme features three fixtures involving clubs playing their game in hand, with implications at both ends of the table.
On Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., Napoli host Parma. Napoli were held to a draw by Inter Milan in their previous outing and sit fourth, level on points with Juventus. With other contenders also in action, a win could lift them further up the standings. Parma arrive after a narrow victory over Lecce and continue to look upward from mid-table.
Later on Wednesday at 8:45 p.m., leaders Inter Milan face Lecce at the San Siro. Inter saw their winning run halted by Napoli but remain three points clear at the top. Lecce arrive having suffered consecutive defeats and will be aiming to secure a positive result in a difficult away fixture.
Thursday’s action concludes at 8:45 p.m. as AC Milan travel to face Como. Milan sit second but have been held to back-to-back draws and will be seeking a return to winning form. Como, coached by Cesc Fàbregas, have impressed this season and sit sixth, boasting one of the league’s strongest defensive records.
All Serie A fixtures are broadcast live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208).
AFCON 2025: Semi-Finals Decide Finalists
The Africa Cup of Nations reaches its penultimate stage with two semi-final clashes scheduled for Wednesday.
Senegal face Egypt at 6:00 p.m. in Tangier in a renewal of a recent AFCON rivalry. Senegal, winners of the 2021 edition, have progressed with control and balance, while Egypt have relied on resilience and decisive moments in the knockout rounds. The matchup once again brings together key figures from both sides as a place in the final is at stake.
Later at 9:00 p.m., Nigeria meet hosts Morocco in Rabat. Nigeria advanced after a disciplined quarter-final performance, while Morocco continue to combine defensive organisation with efficiency in attack. With home support behind them, Morocco face a Nigerian side that has shown attacking consistency throughout the tournament.
Both AFCON semi-finals air live on SS AFCON (GOtv Ch. 59, DStv Ch. 202).
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