Unbeaten multiple Grade One-winning racehorse Sir Gino has died at a veterinary hospital following complications from severe deep-seated infections.
The six-year-old originally sustained a broken pelvis during the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham in January.
Despite hopes for a full recovery at the Seven Barrows yard, the subsequent ailments ultimately proved fatal.
Henderson pays tribute to unbeaten star
Former champion trainer Nicky Henderson confirmed the devastating news on Tuesday morning.
The veteran handler revealed that the talented jumper had previously overcome similar issues prior to a triumphant return in last year’s Christmas Hurdle.
“We have very sadly lost the battle to overcome Sir Gino’s ailment and he has had to be put to sleep at the veterinary hospital this morning,” Henderson stated.
“He has been fighting from severe deep-seated infections that he had overcome last year prior to his brilliant return in the Christmas Hurdle but this time it had spread too far, although his fractured pelvis was healing well.”
Cruel loss for Donnelly family
The tragic outcome leaves a significant void for owners Joe and Marie Donnelly.
“They have had some wonderful horses over the years and they both care so much for them so losing such a young star with his life in front of him is particularly cruel,” Henderson added.
The highly-rated horse leaves behind a flawless record on the track.
Before his untimely injury, the phenomenal jumper won all seven of his career starts.
Those victories included three top-tier successes over hurdles, claiming the Fighting Fifth Hurdle and Aintree’s four-year-old prize alongside his Christmas Hurdle triumph.
He also produced a spectacular display during his sole appearance over fences in a Grade Two chase.
“We would have to say that he was just at least as good as any of all the amazing horses we have been lucky enough to have trained. Unforgettable in every way.”
England batter Ben Duckett has withdrawn from the Indian Premier League in a bid to rescue his international career following a dismal winter across all formats.
The 31-year-old was due to play for the Delhi Capitals but has opted to return to Nottinghamshire ahead of the English summer.
He will work closely with head coach Peter Moores and England fitness expert Peter Sims to correct underlying technical flaws.
The left-handed opener managed just one score over fifty in 16 innings during a highly scrutinised touring schedule.
A winter of struggle and off-field controversy
A highest score of 42 during the recent Ashes series was compounded by an off-field incident during a mid-series break in Noosa.
The Nottinghamshire batter was filmed seemingly intoxicated, prompting widespread reports of an excessive drinking culture within the squad.
He subsequently remained an unused squad member during England’s recent T20 World Cup campaign across India and Sri Lanka.
“I’m desperate to play all three formats for England for as long as I can,” Duckett told the Daily Telegraph.
Sacrificing franchise cricket for Test redemption
By making himself unavailable after the auction, the top-order batter risks an IPL ban until 2029.
The decision also means he will forfeit a lucrative £200,000 contract for the franchise tournament starting this Saturday.
However, he hopes the financial sacrifice will pay dividends ahead of England’s first Test against New Zealand on 4 June.
“This is a decision I hope I will look back on in 10 years and see as a pivotal moment in my career, and the right decision. I will being doing everything I can to be ready for England.”
Rebuilding fitness and reputation
Reflecting on a turbulent year, Duckett admitted his regret over the Noosa controversy, which has since led to a strict midnight curfew for all England players.
“I am sorry for that… Not playing in the World Cup and being on the sidelines in India after such a tough Ashes series was a struggle for me.”
Despite a sharp decline in his stock over the past twelve months, the international star remains fiercely determined to fight for his place.
“It’s lit a massive fire in my belly moving forward. I don’t know where I stand, or what is to come.”
Undefeated British flyweight Muhammad Mokaev and former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos will fight on the undercard of Ronda Rousey’s comeback event in Los Angeles on 16 May.
The highly-anticipated card at the Intuit Dome is headlined by Rousey’s return to competition against American pioneer Gina Carano.
Mokaev will face former ONE Championship star Adriano Moraes in a high-profile mixed martial arts bout.
Meanwhile, Brazilian veteran Dos Santos is set to clash with Cuban heavyweight Robelis Despaigne.
Mokaev seeks to extend unbeaten run
The Manchester resident is widely regarded as the best unsigned flyweight prospect in world MMA.
Having moved to England as a child following the death of his mother, the KHK MMA Team representative built a formidable 23-0 amateur record.
The lightning-fast grappler successfully transitioned those skills to the professional ranks, remaining undefeated across multiple global promotions.
Seven of his most impressive professional victories were secured during his recent tenure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
“Respect to all involved, I can’t wait to put on a great performance,” Mokaev said.
Veteran pedigree added to California bill
His Brazilian opponent will present a stern test of those undefeated credentials.
Moraes made history as the first-ever flyweight champion in ONE Championship, capturing the world title on multiple occasions.
“I didn’t come from an easy life, but I chose to turn every struggle into strength,” the submission specialist explained.
“Every time I step into the cage, I carry my story, my faith, and the belief that hard work always pays off.”
Heavyweight firepower guaranteed
Further up the weight classes, the addition of Dos Santos brings elite heavyweight pedigree to the event.
The 42-year-old famously captured the UFC heavyweight crown in 2011 by knocking out Cain Velasquez in just 64 seconds.
Known for his blistering hand speed and knockout power, the Brazilian striker has previously shared the cage with legendary figures like Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou.
“I’m so excited to be fighting again,” Dos Santos said.
“Fighting is my greatest motivation, the type of challenge that feeds my soul.”
The family of 19-year-old boxer Isis Sio have defended her decision to return to the ring after she was placed in an induced coma following a first-round knockout by Jocelyn Camarillo on Saturday.
The teenager has now been taken off a ventilator and is responsive in an intensive care unit.
She faced criticism for accepting the bout less than two months after suffering another knockout defeat.
However, relatives released a statement clarifying her previous loss in January was caused by a body blow rather than head trauma.
Medical clearance and suspension
The young fighter had served a mandatory 45-day suspension prior to the weekend’s bout.
She was fully evaluated and medically cleared before stepping between the ropes to face Camarillo.
Addressing the 30 January defeat against Perla Bazaldua, her representatives explained the physiological impact of the deciding punch.
“The result was not due to a head-strike knockout. Instead, it was caused by a liver shot.”
The statement noted such strikes can trigger a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate, leading to temporary paralysis.
Recovery in intensive care
The promising athlete remains under close observation by three specialised medical divisions.
Her camp insists she is a disciplined competitor who carefully analyses every opportunity presented to her.
“Her decision to compete against Jocelyn Camarillo was not made lightly, but rather thoughtfully reviewed and analysed prior to acceptance.”
Loved ones are now awaiting further updates from her medical team as she continues her recovery.
“We sincerely appreciate the continued support, thoughts, and prayers during this time.”
Czech mixed martial arts fighter and influencer Dominika Elischerova has died aged 23 following a fatal scooter collision in Thailand.
The 23-year-old, known to her online audience as Mina, was travelling to a training session on the island of Koh Samui when her scooter was struck by a truck.
She was immediately rushed to a local hospital but ultimately succumbed to severe trauma after suffering multiple cardiac arrests.
Teammate Samir Margina witnessed the devastating incident and confirmed the Czech national had been placed into a medically induced coma prior to her passing.
Teammates and promoters pay tribute
Margina later shared a poignant photograph on social media holding his teammate’s hand during her final hours.
“You were the biggest fighter and always will be. Thank you for the beautiful experiences.”
The combat sports competitor had built a significant online presence, chronicling her martial arts journey in Southeast Asia to an audience of approximately 800,000 followers.
Clash of the Stars mourns loss
Prior to her relocation, the content creator was a featured participant in the Czech combat television programme Clash of the Stars.
The broadcasting organisation released a statement expressing profound grief over the loss of their former presenter and wrestler.
“Your laugh, positive energy and fight will never be forgotten. You were and always will be great.”
Fellow influencer Adelka Soukupova also offered her condolences online, describing the late athlete as an older sister figure whom she could always confide in.
A spokesperson for the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that emergency interventions were ultimately unsuccessful in saving the young star’s life.
Olympic champion Sifan Hassan has withdrawn from April’s London Marathon after sustaining an Achilles injury during a treadmill training session.
The Dutch athlete, who claimed gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics in a Games record time, suffered the setback six weeks ago.
Despite hoping to recover in time for the prestigious race, she has now accepted defeat in her fitness battle.
“To compete at that level, you need to be in perfect condition,” said Hassan, who won the women’s race at the 2023 London Marathon.
Focus turns to full recovery
The 33-year-old explained that her preparations simply could not meet the elite standards she expects of herself.
“After the incident, I hoped the injury would settle, but as training progressed it became clear that I wasn’t able to prepare at the level I expect from myself.”
“I have to listen to my body and focus on recovering properly.”
A decorated Olympic legacy
The Ethiopia-born runner remains one of the most celebrated long-distance competitors in the history of the sport.
She secured spectacular gold medals in both the 5,000m and 10,000m events at the delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Following her marathon triumph in Paris, the formidable track star became the first woman ever to win Olympic titles across all three long-distance disciplines.
The next edition of the London Marathon will take place on Sunday, 26 April.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed deep concern following the execution of 19-year-old Iranian wrestler Saleh Mohammadi by the nation’s regime.
Mohammadi was executed in the northern province of Qom alongside two other men, Mehdi Ghasemi and Saeed Davoudi.
State media reported the trio were accused of killing police officers during nationwide anti-government protests earlier this year.
However, human rights groups state the men confessed under torture and were subsequently denied a fair trial before the Supreme Court upheld their death sentences.
IOC highlights jurisdictional limitations
In a detailed statement addressing the tragedy, the Olympic governing body emphasised its inability to directly intervene in the political systems of sovereign nations.
The organisation noted it remains deeply troubled by the mistreatment of competitors globally but struggles to verify conflicting information during periods of severe civil unrest.
“The IOC, as a civil, non-governmental organisation, has neither the remit nor the ability to change the laws or political system of a sovereign country.”
The statement clarified that such interventions remain the legitimate role of respective governments and intergovernmental bodies.
“The IOC is a sports organisation whose remit and success is based on bringing the world together in peaceful competition.”
Despite these acknowledged limitations, the committee confirmed it will continue utilising quiet sports diplomacy to assist where possible.
A lost Olympic dream amid widespread protests
The teenage grappling prodigy had previously spoken publicly about his ultimate ambition to become an Olympic champion.
He showcased his significant potential on the international stage recently, securing a freestyle bronze medal at the Sayitiyev International Cup in Russia.
Tragically, his promising career has been cut short amid violent oppression by Iranian authorities responding to widespread civilian demonstrations.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, thousands of citizens, including hundreds of children, have lost their lives since the protests escalated.
The IOC has confirmed it remains in active contact with the domestic Olympic community as the volatile situation continues to unfold.
Alice Kinsella has become the first British artistic gymnast to return to elite competition after giving birth, finishing fourth on the beam at the British Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
The 25-year-old welcomed her son, Parker, last September and took just four weeks away from training.
Her remarkable comeback culminated in an unexpected appearance in Sunday’s apparatus final.
“I kind of expected just to do Saturday, but making the final was nice,” she admitted.
I am doing it for my little boy, so being able to finish and look up to him in the crowd is an amazing feeling.
A rare physiological challenge
Resuming top-level gymnastics after pregnancy is incredibly uncommon due to the severe demands placed on the body.
Pelvic floor and core strength are severely compromised during gestation, making the high-impact nature of the discipline physically daunting.
The athlete’s journey is so unique that it is currently the focus of a university research paper.
“It’s nice to be back out on the floor,” added the Tokyo 2020 team bronze medallist.
Building towards full fitness
The highly decorated competitor admitted feeling anxious before her initial qualification routine.
“I thought I was going to bomb it but Sunday wasn’t so bad,” she explained.
“I was excited, I wasn’t nervous at all, I just wanted to get on and off.”
She has been restricting her training load to three days a week to protect her recovering physique.
“It’s not enough to feel super confident but I’m starting somewhere,” she noted.
“After this, I’m upping it to four so we’ll just see how it goes.”
Medical guidance for postnatal return
Current National Health Service advice recommends that new mothers who experienced a straightforward delivery can begin gentle exercise immediately.
However, medical professionals generally advise waiting for a six-week postnatal check before resuming high-impact activities.
Elite competitors who maintained rigorous routines before giving birth are sometimes granted clearance to start earlier under expert supervision.