Weekend in pictures: Calcutta Cup, Leicester love, Leopardstown shocks
Published:
Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | February 7, 2016
Another action-packed weekend of sport saw top-class horse racing, cricket, rugby union and football, both American and soccer, were all on offer.
Favourites flop at Leopardstown
Some key Cheltenham Festival trials took place at Leopardstown on Saturday, but those fancied to lay down markers ahead of the Prestbury Park showpiece in March failed to live up to their billing.
Follow Footpad after Spring Juvenile success
Aidan O’Brien horse Ivanovich Gorbatov was well-backed to get the better of the Irish trainer’s domestic rival Willie Mullins, but it was the latter handler who had the last laugh with Footpad taking the Spring Juvenile Hurdle.
Bleu Et Rouge takes it to Tombstone and Bellshill
Mullins recorded a delightful double at Leopardstown with Bleu Et Rouge beating Gordon Elliott gelding Tombstone in the Deloitte Novices Hurdle, and two more from his own stable in favourite Bellshills and Petit Mouchoir.
Carlingford Lough comes good in Irish Gold Cup
Despite failing to trouble the judge in three previous outings, Mark Walsh mount Carlingford Lough stayed on strong to defeat firm race favourite Road To Riches and retain the Irish Gold Cup.
Bristol De Mai makes all in Scilly Isles at Sandown
A terrific run from Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Bristol De Mai saw him make all the running and romp to victory in the Scilly Isles Chase, finishing six lengths ahead of As De Mee ridden by son Sam.
Topley takes four-for, Hales falls short of ODI century
England took a 2-0 One Day International series lead over hosts South Africa with a five-wicket win at Port Elizabeth. Bowler Reece Topley’s figures of 4-50, coupled with a 99 innings from opening batsman Alex Hales, put the tourists on the cusp of victory.
Six Nations campaign opens
The 2016 Six Nations got underway this weekend, with the Northern Hemisphere nations still smarting from being beaten by those south of the Equator at last autumn’s Rugby World Cup.
Plisson kicks France to Azzurri victory
Les Bleus fly half Jules Plisson held his never to successfully kick a 51m penalty between the posts, as the French edged Italy 23-21 in the Stade de France.
Debutant Sebastien Brezy had failed to find his mark when given similar responsibilities, which piled pressure on new French coach Guy Noves.
Nowell try helps England claim Calcutta Cup
Jack Nowell’s second-half try helped Eddie Jones to a first victory as England coach against Auld Enemy opposition Scotland at Murrayfield, running out 15-9 winners.
Ireland held by Wales in Dublin
Honours ended even for the first time in 40 years between Celtic rivals Ireland and Wales, with a 16-16 draw at the Aviva Stadium. Here’s Man of the Match CJ Stander tackling Dragons winger George North.
Premier League action includes Manchester duo
With a huge match in the title race on Saturday between Man City and Leicester, plus Jose Mourinho’s potential clubs past and future with Man Utd meeting Chelsea, elite football also had plenty to offer.
Huth helps Foxes in title hunt
Ex-Germany defender Robert Huth bagged a decisive brace at the Etihad, where Leicester ran out 3-1 winners and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League. Can Claudio Ranieri’s men go all the way?
Lingard on target in Red Devils draw at Stamford Bridge
Jesse Lingard’s smart shot on the turn gave Man Utd a lead in west London, only for Diego Costa to rescue a point for the Blues. Will either get into the top four and Champions League places?
Denver Broncos overcome Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning holds the Vince Lombardi trophy high as he and his teammates celebrate a 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, America.
