#Middle East

In what will go down as the most surreal week in sports since 9/11, racing got a double spoonful of distasteful medicine. As the sports world - and the real world - come to grips with the spreading coronavirus, the horse world must also sort out the impact of the criminal bombshell that dropped Monday. Rival trainers Jason Servis and Jorge Navarro,…

Largent, shown winning the 2020 Fort Lauderdale Stakes, returns from an 11-month layoff to contest Saturday's Tropical Turf at Gulfstream Park and could be considered for the Grade 1 Pegasus Turf with a good effort. Photo by Ryan Thompson, courtesy of Gulfstream Park Jan. 7 (UPI) -- A potential prep for the Pegasus World Cup Turf in Florida, a…

Neither Real Madrid nor Barcelona looked exceptionally brilliant in the semifinals, but both still managed to edge past tough opposition to reach the final of the Supercopa de Espana and set up an El Clasico showdown in Saudi Arabia. Real Madrid failed to score from open play against Valencia in their semifinal, seeing a Karim Benzema penalty…

Paul Odera and his technical bench at the Kenya Simbas (national fifteens rugby team) have summoned a provisional squad of 81 players for the Rugby World Cup 2023 campaign. Preparations will kick off with a training session on Thursday morning at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, Kenya, mainly focusing on strength and conditioning. "Some players from…

Every multibillion-dollar industry started as an idea. Whether it was Facebook, Microsoft or Amazon, it all began with one idea from one person or a group of individuals. Considering the huge market that has emerged to take over the pop culture landscape as sports betting has, it is important to note down the history of the gambling market and what…

Spanish football heads to the Middle East this week for the 2022/23 Supercopa de Espana, which sees Barcelona, Real Madrid, Real Betis and Valencia battling it out for the annual trophy - now in its fourth season as a four-team knockout mini-tournament. To qualify for the semi-finals, Real Madrid and Real Betis are in as La Liga and Copa del Rey…

When a horse is purchased for $1.1 million, expectations are high. Baffert trains Shaaz, who has won two of four career starts but finished third going a mile against Grade 3 rivals last time out. His victory at Santa Anita in April was impressive. Cutting back to one turn may help Shaaz. That said, he is facing some veteran horses who know a thing…

2pts Thomas Detry top European at 7/1 (bet365) 1pt Detry top overall scorer at 16/1 (BoyleSports) 1pt Richard Mansell top GB & Ireland at 16/1 (Sky Bet) 1pt Mansell top overall scorer at 33/1 (Sky Bet, William Hill) The Hero Cup is a new team event on the DP World Tour. It takes place for the first time in 2023 after Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald…

CRISTIANO RONALDO is set to DOUBLE his £175million annual salary by promoting Saudi Arabia's 2030 World Cup bid -taking his earnings to nearly £1m a day. The veteran Portuguese forward signed for Al-Nassr last month after being axed by Manchester United. Ronaldo, 37, penned an astonishing two-year, £175m-a-season contract with the Saudi Pro League…

The Red Bull Off-Road Junior Team USA had Monday "off" - spreading Dakar Rally American gospel at breakneck speed instead of scorching Saudi Arabian sand at 135 mph. "Rest day is press day," Mitch Guthrie Jr. told NBC Sports during one of countless interviews Monday with teammates A.J. Jones and Seth Quintero. "There are a lot of cameras and things…

Speed Boat Beach winning the Cecil B. DeMille Dec. 4, 2022 at Del Mar. (Benoit Photo) Stable Notes By Victor Ryan ARCADIA, CALIF.- Speed Boat Beach, a two-time stakes winner on turf, was scratched from today's Grade III Sham Stakes going a mile on dirt by trainer Bob Baffert. Speed Boat Beach was the 5-2 co-second choice on the morning line Baffert…

This Wednesday sees a full programme of Ligue 1 matches, and it's bad news for bottom club Angers, who travel to the Parc des Princes to face a Paris Saint-Germain side boosted by the return of Lionel Messi. Despite the riches at Christophe Galtier's disposal, the 35-year-old is still integral, with the capital club's loss at second-placed Lens on…

Now we are talking Kentucky Derby preps. This time we mean it. Life Is Good can race across, up and down or diagonally through the San Felipe. Greatest Honour can close on pedestrian fractions in the Fountain of Youth. Concert Tour can be anointed prince of the Bob Baffert Invi … er … Rebel Stakes. Essential Quality can be forgotten with his…

With the World Cup being held in the Middle East for the first time, it seems an ideal time to look at the history of teams from the region competing in this year's tournament as well as others from the far east. With the World Cup being held in the Middle East for the first time, it seems an ideal time to look at the history of teams from the…

Tonight in Unpacks: 2022's list of the top 100 telecasts shows just how valuable sports programming is as networks struggle to attract viewers to scripted fare, with the NFL dominating the slate. Other headlines: NFL approves playoff scenarios as NFLPA execs chime in Hamlin crisis brought back difficult memories for veteran producers Winter Classic…

California Chrome Set to Conquer Dubai World Cup 2016: Former Horse of the Year California Chrome will make his final Middle East appearance on Saturday, when he competes in the $10 million Dubai World Cup (GI) at Meydan Racecourse. The 5-year-old horse looks set to give a top performance in front of a worldwide audience and merits all attention…

Thursday is another great day of football across Europe and Asia. The holiday period has been fantastic for football fans and Thursday will provide another set of great games. Our football writers have picked out five matches for a five-fold acca. This five-fold acca will feature games from the Premier League, Portugal, Turkey, and the Middle East.…

In the aftermath of Liverpool's fifth Premier League defeat of the season, the midfield options that manager Jurgen Klopp has at his disposal have once again come under serious scrutiny. An own goal from Reds defender Ibrahima Konate was followed by strikes from Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, despite Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain halving the deficit with…

CRISTIANO RONALDO has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr to become the highest-paid sportsperson EVER. The Portuguese superstar - who has been a free agent since his Manchester United contract was ripped up last month - will earn £173MILLION a year in the Middle East. The full deal is believed to run over seven years…

The biggest news in world football recently, with the obvious exception of the spectacular World Cup ending, was Cristiano Ronaldo going to play for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Right after the World Cup in Qatar ended, it seems that football in the Middle East managed to scrape another win by bringing in one of the biggest names in the history of the…

The latest instalment of the UEFA Champions League group stage kicks-off this evening with 32 sides competing across eight groups. Given the staging of the 2022 Qatar World Cup which commences on 20 November, the group stage games will be condensed into a two month window with matches coming thick and fast. Despite 32 aspiring sides, the economics…

Steve Palmer's golf betting predictions and analysis for the 2023 DP World Tour Rankings. It has become obvious with every passing DP World Tour season that what players do in the regulation events counts for little when it comes to determining who will end up atop the DP World Tour Rankings. Performance in Majors and World Golf Championships will…

3pts USA to win the tournament at 7/2 (General) 1pt e.w. France to win the tournament at 16/1 (1/3, 1-2 Betfred) 2pts France to win Group F at 13/10 (Coral, Ladbrokes) 1pt Brazil to win Group E at 5/1 (Coral, Ladbrokes) Sydney, Brisbane & Perth (outdoor/indoor hard) Welcome to the 2023 tennis season. It all begins on Thursday at 0100 GMT with the…

For many people (myself included), Argentina is the likely winner of this World Cup -- and they begin their 2022 campaign against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. The Argentinians are on an incredible 36-match unbeaten run and will equal Italy's World record 37 in this fixture. They are a confident selection to achieve that record and break it against…

Zandon, shown winning the Grade I Blue Grass Stakes, runs in Saturday's Grade I Cigar Mile at Aqueduct. Photo courtesy of Keeneland Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Triple Crown contenders from the past three seasons will battle it out in a field of seven for one of this weekend's top races, the Grade I Cigar Mile at Aqueduct, where 2023 Kentucky Derby hopefuls…

The tropical swing on the PGA Tour continues with a trip to Mexico. A top-heavy field takes on El Camaleon GC for the 2022 World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba. As always, here is your early deep-dive on the 2022 World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba and a preview of how to bet. In addition, listen below to the Golf Gambling…

Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Trainer Bob Baffert celebrated Christmas a day late with five winners on Santa Anita's Opening Day program Monday, likely boosting one of those horses to an Eclipse Award and perhaps setting up another for a repeat raid on the rich races in the Middle East. It was a star-studded day in front of a big crowd at Santa Anita, as Juan…

Morocco have inspired millions with their historic run, but all the feel-good in the World might not help them against invigorated Portugal, who are a far superior squad. See why our World Cup picks have the magical run coming to an end Saturday. Someone's dream will come to an end on Saturday when Morocco and Portugal do battle in the World…

JAMES MADDISON enjoyed some festive fun at Ally Pally to watch the World Darts Championships last night - but refused to bow to the pressure and down a pint! The 26-year-old Leicester City star has just returned to his club after being part of England's World Cup squad. Unfortunately for the Foxes ace he did not get any minutes for the Three Lions…

CHELSEA are on the verge of signing striker David Datro Fofana from Molde. The Ivorian is having a medical today and will sign for the Blues for £10.5million. World Cup winner Lionel Messi has reportedly extended his contract with PSG in France. The generational talent lifted the World Cup with Argentina just days ago, with reports now stating that…

MANCHESTER UNITED have been told that they must cough up Diogo Costa's £65million release clause if they want to sign the Porto keeper. United are on the hunt for a new shot-stopper with David De Gea seemingly heading for the exit. Meanwhile, the Red Devils have taken a blow in their pursuit of signing England wonderkid Jude Bellingham SunSport can…

Saudi Arabia's remarkable upset of Argentina at the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup was the latest, and one of the greatest, examples of a smaller nation completing a huge shock on the global stage. World Cup history is full of memorable David vs. Goliath wins, dramatic comebacks and defending champions suffering embarrassing defeats, as…

channel to stay up to date on the latest in marketing While Bahrain sports betting isn't legal, football fans can still bet on the 2022 World Cup Final at the best offshore sportsbooks. The 2022 World Cup marks history that a country from the Middle East has hosted the tournament and proud football fans from Bahrain can get in on the action for…

When a jubilant Frankie Dettori and his mount Stradivarius were saluted by a 70000 crowd at Royal Ascot a year ago, life was very different. Covid-19 and social distancing were unheard of. Now flat racing's biggest meeting is set to take place behind closed doors with jockeys wearing face masks. On Tuesday, there will be no Queen, Royal procession…

HARRY MAGUIRE and James Maddison have been pictured at a controversial Dubai zoo. The England stars enjoyed a short holiday in the Middle East before returning to their respective clubs. Following the Three Lions' heroic quarter-final exit from the Qatar World Cup, the duo spent time unwinding in nearby Dubai. While out there they visited Fame…

Manchester City return to competitive action against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup next week, with Pep Guardiola's side desperate to secure a victory over their Premier League rivals. The Blues suffered a surprise defeat to Brentford in their final match before the break in the domestic season, with Bees frontman Ivan Toney scoring a winner for the…

LONDON, UK-There has been an awful lot of water under the bridge since Goffs UK last convened its London Sale in the royal parks, but somehow the bloodstock market has meanwhile stayed buoyantly afloat. In this country, demand for horses in training has remained a priceless lifeline, and the additional kudos of a Royal Ascot entry for the majority…

ARSENAL are set to benefit from their rivals' players being worn out by the World Cup. The Premier League season paused in the middle of November to make way for an unprecedented winter World Cup in Qatar. After 14 matches, Arsenal built up a five-point advantage over defending champions Manchester City. It was a breathtaking start to the campaign…

Emma Raducanu is set to announce Sebastian Sachs as her new coach. The former German tennis player will be the British tennis star's fifth coach since her debut at Wimbledon in 2021 and the third this year. The German had a brief career as a player on the Futures tour, but has enjoyed plenty of success as a coach. The 30-year-old has worked with…

The 2022 World Cup has proven to be less than forgiving for the managers of underperforming nations with the likes of Roberto Martinez and Luis Enrique now on the lookout for new employment. Although some exits were pre-planned and some others made by mutual decision, there are several top managers now on the market - who could just end up in…

Who will be victorious as the season comes to an end on this side of the Atlantic? Oddschecker's Tom Jacobs has three players he expects to contend in Dubai Is the DP World Tour season really coming to an end? It feels like just yesterday we were watching Collin Morikawa lift those two Race to Dubai trophies into the desert sky.

Down On Da Bayou blitzes her rivals in Thursday's UAE Oaks at Meydan, and now is headed for the Saudi Derby. Photo by Erika Rasmussen, courtesy of Dubai Racing Club Feb. 21 (UPI) Weekend horse racing features a dash of Kentucky Derby, Saudi Derby, Hong Kong Derby, Qatar Derby and even the Winter Derby with action from the Far East to the Middle…

Good Morning Bloodstock is Martin Stevens' daily morning email and presented here online as a sample. Here he looks at the history of the Guineas winner's breeding and All you need do is click on the link above, sign up and then read at your leisure each weekday morning from 7am. In my book, one of the biggest fallacies in the bloodstock industry…

MANCHESTER CITY will earn the most of any Premier League club from their players' World Cup performances. Fifa have a payment scheme called the Club Benefits Programme that means clubs earn £8100 for each day one of their players has been in the tournament. It also accounts for the week-long preparation period before the games got underway in…

Following the completion of the World Cup, attention naturally turns to the upcoming international rugby league calendar. Unfortunately, despite years of promises, a regular calendar still hasn't come to fruition meaning that when Australia defeated Samoa in last month's men's final, we still didn't know when the next elite level games would…

LIVERPOOL have reportedly won the transfer chase to sign Benfica's Argentinean star Enzo Fernandez. And the Reds have allegedly already "agreed" a deal to sign the midfielder in June 2023. The 21-year-old came through the ranks in his homeland at River Plate but moved to Portugal last summer. Now his stay at Benfica looks like it will be…

Lys Gracieux cruises to victory in Sunday's Grade 1 Arima Kinen in Japan. Photo courtesy of Kasumi Saito Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Lys Gracieux roared to victory over a loaded field in the Arima Kinen in Japan in the marquee event of weekend horse racing while Diamond Oops upset the apple cart in a key Florida sprint with international implications. Firenze…

Amongst the final eight are the four pre-tournament favourites - Brazil, Argentina, France and England. That has set things up nicely for a cracking finale in the Middle East, and things are certainly starting to heat up now we are at the quarter-final stage of the competition - especially as we have an unexpected twist, with the Atlas Lions…

The 2022 Masters Tournament is officially in the books and players now turn their attention to the PGA Championship this week. The year's second major championship is set to take place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at Southern Hills Country Club as it will look to follow up not only the Masters, but last year's dramatic finish at the Ocean Course at Kiawah…

ARSENAL have been handed £50million to spend in the January transfer window, according to reports. This comes after Gabriel Jesus suffered a knee injury in Brazil's final group game defeat to Cameroon. However, the Gunners will not target a replacement for the Brazilian in the transfer window. They have instead been linked with Ecuadorian star…