Weekend in pictures: Nicholls keeps NH Trainers’ title, sensational FA Cup semis
Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | April 24, 2016
The thrilling climax of the jumps horse racing season and the FA Cup semi-finals from Wembley took centre stage this weekend. Relive the action with Coral through photos!
Horse Racing
First to Sandown and the conclusion of another compelling campaign, where a big prize was decided…
Nicholls holds off Mullins challenge to retain NH Trainers’ title
Paul Nicholls wrapped up a 10th British National Hunt Trainers’ title on the final day of the season, saddling second and fourth in the bet365 Gold Cup and a one-two in the Select Hurdle to thwart Irish rival Willie Mullins.
Sprinter Sacre sparks Celebration at Sandown
Queen Mother Champion Chase victor Sprinter Sacre took full advantage of a blunder by Un De Sceaux, to beat the Mullins trained horse again for handler Nicky Henderson in the Celebration Chase by 15 lengths.
The Young Master grabs Gold Cup
Neil Mulholland horse The Young Master under Sam Waley-Cohen nipped in to take the feature race at Sandown from Nicholls runner Just A Par by a short-head, but it still led to jubilant scenes as no Mullins entries finished in the places.
Football
Besides the FA Cup semis, bids for a top four finish, to stave off relegation and to win the Premier League title continued….
Iheanacho puts pay to Potters at the double
Manchester City strengthened their position among the Champions League places with a handsome home win over Stoke City. Nigerian teenage talent Kelechi Iheanacho bagged a second-half brace following Fernando Reges’ opener and Sergio Aguero converting a penalty before the break.
Magpies revival continues as Benitez’s boys pinch point at Anfield
Newcastle United’s unbeaten run under Rafael Benitez is now three matches after his charges came from 2-0 down at half-time away to the Spaniard’s former club Liverpool to rescue a draw. Papiss Cisse and Jack Colback were on target to cancel out goals from Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana.
The Toon Army know their team are now just one point from safety. Definitely two dropped for Jurgen Klopp, who is now set to be without Mamadou Sakho until next season because UEFA are investigating the France defender over a failed drugs test.
Martial prowess eliminates Everton, sends Man Utd into FA Cup final
Louis van Gaal will bring the Red Devils back to Wembley for the FA Cup final in May, as Manchester United beat Everton 2-1 thanks to a stoppage time winner from Anthony Martial in the first semi.
Toffees coaching counterpart Roberto Martinez now sees his future at Goodison Park in real doubt, after exiting both domestic cup competitions at the last four stage and another mid-table Premier League finish.
Black Cats out of bottom three with Gunners draw
Sunderland pulled their heads above relegation waters by holding top four hopefuls Arsenal at the Stadium of Light. Can Sam Allardyce pull off yet another great escape?
Palace through to first Wembley final for 26 years
Crystal Palace handled the occasion of playing on hallowed turf at Wembley better than Watford to join Man Utd in the FA Cup final. Yannick Bolasie and Connor Wickham scored the goals to set up that meeting in May, despite Troy Deeney’s header.
Foxes continue title tilt with Swans rout
No Jamie Vardy? No problem! Leonardo Ulloa scored twice for Premier League leaders Leicester City, with Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton also on target in a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Swansea City. Just five points will secure Claudio Ranieri’s men the title!
Boxing
Gonzalez outguns Arroyo to retain crown
Nicaragua’s Roman Gonzalez was taken the distance for the first time since 2012 by challenger McWilliams Arroyo, but WBC flyweight champion retained his strap by claiming a unanimous decision with scores 119-109, 119-109 and 120-108.
Golovkin smashes Wade inside two
Middleweight destroyer Gennady Golovkin successfully defended his WBA super and IBF titles by stopping mandatory contender Dominic Wade in the second round of their bout, having downed the American three times before clinching a 22nd consecutive knockout victory.
Related
You’ll find more weekend in pictures anthologies in Coral’s archives.
