cheltenham team and _ month to entrain our thoughts are on the cheltenham team and getting - the cheltenhamam team and getting there in one — the cheltenham team and getting there in one piece _ the cheltenham team and getting there in one piece in— the cheltenham team and getting there in one piece in the - the cheltenham team and getting. there in one piece in the cheltenham team and _ there in one piece in the cheltenham team and getting _ there in one piece in the cheltenham team and getting there _ there in one piece in the cheltenham team and getting there in— there in one piece in the cheltenham team and getting there in one - there in one piece in the cheltenham team and getting there in one piecel team and getting there in one piece and define — team and getting there in one piece and define a — team and getting there in one piece and define a preparation. _ team and getting there in one piece and define a preparation.— and define a preparation. british 'ocke s and define a preparation. british jockeys have _ and define a preparation. british jockeys have had _ and define a prepara

, i came home from cheltenham that time thinking if i never have another horse to win at cheltenham, done it. and, you know, we were all very proud, the whole yard. we never dreamt of a day like this when we would have so many winners. it just shows how the whole game has grown. the numbers that trainers have in training, the number of horses in training. and it shows how fashionable the national hunt festival has become. cheltenham is special because all of the racing fraternities meet. the irish meet the english meet the welsh meet the scottish. it itjust brings everyone together. it is a sort of mini world cup. there is something about this place that is rather special. whether it is the lush pastures or the air in this beautiful part of ireland in carlow that has made it such a breeding ground for winners over the years, especially when it comes to cheltenham. there's a huge horse congregation around here. it is lovely grassland for breeding horses. it's a fantastic area. commentator: arkle | coming to the last now. it hasn't always been this way. it was rare for irish horses to

. , cheltenham festival? excitement must be buildinu. cheltenham festival?ar. the atmosphere is wonderful. brute the meeting. you mention the roar. the atmosphere is wonderful. we were talkin: the atmosphere is wonderful. we were talking about — the atmosphere is wonderful. we were talking about some _ the atmosphere is wonderful. we were talking about some of— the atmosphere is wonderful. we were talking about some of the _ the atmosphere is wonderful. we were talking about some of the changes. i talking about some of the changes. jockeys affected by that change and also different for racegoers. it will feel like a different festival. i think it will. we have altered the dress code in essence to bring it to what we have always had here. we never had a dress code at cheltenham and we always welcome everybody and want to be inclusive and that's what we want to do across all the courses. some people will continue to love dressing up and we will see fashionable people here, but for those who want to be casual, they will be welcome. brute those who want to be ca

what's been the reaction at cheltenham today? been the reaction at cheltenham toda ?at cheltenham toda ? ~ ., ., been the reaction at cheltenham toda ?~ ., ., ,., been the reaction at cheltenham toda? ., ., , today? welcome to what is a slightly 's so . today? welcome to what is a slightly 's soggy cheltenham. _ today? welcome to what is a slightly 's soggy cheltenham. the _ today? welcome to what is a slightly 's soggy cheltenham. the heavens . �*s soggy cheltenham. the heavens have opened in the last hour of or so. whatever performance it was, and all the chatter before festival was about this new wonder horse. could anyone get anywhere near him. he set off is the hottest favour in the history of the champion hurdle, and boy did he live up to his billing. he won at a canter and won by nine lengths. superb from nikko to boyne veil. trainer nikki henderson has seen a lot of horses and even he can't remember one really as special as constitution hill. it's only the sixth race of his life, but the source is going to extraordinary levels. so, for constitution hill, you h

wonders and cheltenham _ answered his call. wonders and cheltenham were _ answered his call.ltenham were brilliant - answered his call. wonders and cheltenham were brilliant but l answered his call. wonders and l cheltenham were brilliant but the gold cup — cheltenham were brilliant but the gold cup has a exercise about it. a little _ gold cup has a exercise about it. a little pressure coming of everyone talking _ little pressure coming of everyone talking. didn't go smoothly early. he dug _ talking. didn't go smoothly early. he dug very deep to win today. well it is bein: he dug very deep to win today. -ii it is being hailed as one of the best gold cups ever and yet a golden age for irish horseracing. newcastle are maintaining their push for a top fourfinish in the premier league, alexander isak scored twice as they came from behind to notingham forest 2—1 at the city ground. forest took the lead after emmanuel dennis capitalised on a poor backpass and came up with a lovely finish to beat the keeper and defenders. but newcastle struck backjust before half—time, isak with an

lizzie greenwood-hughes as the sunsets another cheltenham festival. | so, then, cheltenham provides anotherx nations' final weekend, ireland will have more to celebrate. they stand one victory away from a fourth grand slam and a first achieved in dublin. andy swiss looks ahead to tomorrow's match against england. st. patrick's day in dublin when a city turns into a street party but they'll be hoping the celebrations here i've onlyjust begun. tomorrow, or rugby could be more revelry. victory over england and a grand slam would be our to toast. how confident are you by the grand slam to marcus mark very confident. extremely. english are rubbish, man. we are very confident. we have been playing _ we are very confident. we have been playing impeccably. how we are very confident. we have been playing impeccably-— playing impeccably. how big is the buzz here in _ playing impeccably. how big is the buzz here in dublin _ playing impeccably. how big is the buzz here in dublin for _ playing impeccably. how big is the buzz here in dublin for tomorrow? | buzz here in dublin for tomorrow? it's going to

coming up, the favourite galopin des champs takes the gold cup at cheltenham.sacked by crystal palace. a run of 12 matches without a victory has left coming up on the bbc news channel... them just three points above the premier league relegation zone. giving babies between four and six months old tiny tastes of smooth peanut butter could dramatically cut peanut allergies, according to a new study. researchers say the current guidance on when to introduce solids to a baby's diet needs to change — and that avoiding foods that can trigger an allergy is the wrong approach. peanut allergies have been on the rise in the uk, with one in 50 children now believed to be affected. here's our medical editor fergus walsh. a spoonful of smooth peanut butter twice a week, mixed with breast milk if preferred. so he really seems to like the peanut butter. yeah. this is how doctors say babies can be safely introduced to peanuts. whole and chopped nuts should never be given, as they're a choking hazard. but when should parents start? one in 50 children in the uk is allergic to pe

andy swiss, bbc news, cheltenham. a cheltenham. reminder of our top story.re giving very different accounts of an american surveillance drone that plunged into the black sea. the us is two russian jets intercepted the drone, striking a propeller. that is all for now. thank you for your company. you can reach me on twitter — i'm @lmmisztak. hello. this week, we've got some very big swings in temperatures from one day to the next. yesterday, widely, we had temperatures double figures, whereas today, it's been about 9 celsius colder than that. for example, boulmer, 1a yesterday, just five this afternoon — now, that's a drop. temperatures has brought with it much colder air, and in turn, we've seen some snowfall over the staffordshire moors again here and here at low levels in the carlisle area. so, across parts of northern ireland, southern scotland, northern england, we have seen some snow getting down to quite low elevations, risk of a few showers pushing across the midlands, east anglia, south east england, but clearing later in the night with clear skies th

well, the cheltenham festival is often described as the olympics ofjump racing.e is under the spotlight. rules on how many times jockeys can use the whip have been tightened, and serious breaches could mean disqualification. ultimately we wanted the jockeys to think more carefully about how they use the whip. it's not a welfare issue, it's about engagement in the sport, it's about fairness. commentator: gyenyame, for. brendan powell and joe tizzard. .. but having had just weeks to adapt, some riders feel the timing is wrong. i thought it was a bit ridiculous, to be honest. in football, in golf, they wouldn't change... they wouldn't change a big rule like that midway through their season and approaching the biggest four days of our calendar. but the hope will be for a cheltenham free of controversy as for the next four days this quiet corner of the cotswolds becomes the centre of the racing world. in the next few minutes we should hear the famous cheltenham roar when the first race of the festival gets under way, the first race of the festival gets underway, but t

good morning from cheltenham on gold cup day— good morning from cheltenham on gold cur) day and _ goodning from cheltenham on gold cup day and this year, st patrick's day _ cup day and this year, st patrick's da . �* . , ~ ., , day. and after this week of irish dominance. _ day. and after this week of irish dominance, once _ day. and after this week of irish dominance, once again, - day. and after this week of irish dominance, once again, can - day. and after this week of irish i dominance, once again, can rachel blackmore do it for the second year running? i will have more of the 6:30am. and we'll catch up with gethinjones as he reaches the end of his 24—hour dance—a—thon for comic relief. plenty of showers in the forecast, heavy and pantry, but sunshine in the mix and very mild for this stage in march. more details throughout the programme. it's friday the 17th of march. killers with a history of coercive or controlling behaviour against their victims will face tougher sentences under new government plans. the pledge comes as an independent review finds that the current sentencing ru

yes, sophie, welcome to cheltenham.chilly conditions, there's been no shortage of drama. and they are off. the first race of the day to get through the turnstile as fans and of course horses descended on cheltenham. this quiet corner of the cotswold is once again the centre of the racing world. the cheltenham festival is often described as the olympics of jump often described as the olympics of jump racing and for the jockeys riding here it's always a challenge, but this year how they ride is under the spotlight. rules on the number of times jockeys could use the whip have been tightened, and serious breaches could mean disqualification. breaches could mean dis ualification. ., , disqualification. ultimately, we wanted the _ disqualification. ultimately, we wanted the jockeys _ disqualification. ultimately, we wanted the jockeys to - disqualification. ultimately, we wanted the jockeys to think i disqualification. ultimately, we l wanted the jockeys to think more carefully— wanted the jockeys to think more carefully abou

now cheltenham, a big furry hat. now you're to cheltenham today. will you're to cheltenham today.at are you going to do to protect yourself? it's cold in the wind. in the rain. oh, with some rain. trilby oh, with some feathers and you wear a pin feathers. and you wear a pin through that to keep it on your head. i do that. head. now i should do that. good. maybe i just won't go good. so maybe i just won't go outside the planet anyway. if you what would you stayed inside, what would you stayed inside, what would you forced to you do? you'd just be forced to dnnk you do? you'd just be forced to drink or nothing terrible for you, wouldn't it ? i won't study you, wouldn't it? i won't study , sir. study the floor . and i , sir. study the floor. and i will make drink cessation. all right. deputy editor the spectator, freddie grey, the political consultant here to get you the papers. but it's quick word from both of you on the budget front of the papers before move on. what did you before we move on. what did you think? i thought it was dull, which is what they wanted me to think i think

now to cheltenham, where there was a football link, too. day at the course — where we can join our correspondent andy swiss. andy, anotherfeature race, another big win. it's been a soggy old day here at cheltenham, but it was anything but a soggy performance from energumene as he won the race for the second yearin as he won the race for the second year in the running. there were questions about energumene and the build up because he didn't look too impressive in his last race where he finished third. but there was certainly no doubt he would win the race, it was an extra ordinary performance from him as he charged clear to win by some ten lengths. a brilliant performance from energumene — written by paul town and, trained by willie mullins. as you mentioned, owned by the owner of brighton hove albion, and brighton have a game tonight against crystal palace, so we'll be hoping for another win in palace, so we'll be hoping for anotherwin in a palace, so we'll be hoping for another win in a few hours' time. he'll have some travelling to do to

winners in cheltenham were brilliant but the gold cup has a exercise about it.t is being hailed as one of the best gold cups ever and yet a golden age for irish horseracing. newcastle are maintaining their push for a top fourfinish in the premier league, alexander isak scored twice as they came from behind to notingham forest 2—i at the city ground. forest took the lead after emmanuel dennis capitalised on a poor backpass and came up with a lovely finish to beat the keeper and defenders. but newcastle struck backjust before half—time, isak with an improvised finish off his shin, to make it 1—1. the winner came from the spot in injury time, that's after niakhate handled in the box and isak stepped up to give newcastle the points. they are now one point behind 4th placed tottenham with a game in hand. i thought we had a spell of ten or 15 minutes where we lost control and first half of the apart from that i thought we were the dominant team. didn't deserve to go behind, we hit the bar work to it three times in the first half. just delighted to win. it's a massive

as fa ns as fans and horses descended on cheltenham.ld. the cheltenham festival is often described as the olympics of jump described as the olympics of jump racing for the jockeys riding here it is always a challenge but this year, how they riders under the spotlight. rules on the number of times jockeys can use the web have been tightened and serious breaches could mean disqualification.— serious breaches could mean disqualification. ultimately we wanted the — disqualification. ultimately we wanted the jockeys _ disqualification. ultimately we wanted the jockeys to - disqualification. ultimately we wanted the jockeys to think i wanted the jockeys to think more carefully about how they use the web. it is not a welfare issue, it is about engagement in the sport, and fairness. ., , fairness. come the big race, thou:h, fairness. come the big race, though. the _ fairness. come the big race, though, the focus _ fairness. come the big race, though, the focus was i fairness. come the big race, though, the focus was on i fairness. come the big

day of the cheltenham festival. big race of the day. trainer gordon elliot was celebrating, but not about the horse everyone was expecting. and ireland receive a double fitness boost for their six nations grand slam showdown against england. thanks for your company. the england manager gareth southgate has defended the inclusion of ivan toney and kyle walker in his latest england squad, saying he has to be careful not to be the moraljudge on things. brentford striker toney has accepted breaking the fa's betting rules whilst man city defender walker is being investigated by cheshire police after a newspaper alleged he indecently exposed himself in a bar. our football reporter alex howell is at the team's training base, st george's park. the inclusion of ivan toney, the second highest scorer behind england captain harry kane, but the inclusion of ivan toney doesn't come without controversy. the striker has accepted that he has breached the fa's betting rules but southgate said that there has been no trial and nojudgme

the tallest jockey in the world aiming for cheltenham win . those aiming for cheltenham win. on the front pages pages . so on the front pages pages. so let's kick things with the big news of the day. lewis the let's start with the guardian's take. well they've got a picture of hunt here and he looks like a and that's that's the thing that i love about this country. i first came to this country the met the newspapers in america were very were very broad minded. they weren't one sided like this . oh, yeah. he was like this. oh, yeah. he was absolutely famously a nation knitted . yeah, but holding the knitted. yeah, but holding the centre back today we to ourselves we thought the new york times was like totally impartial. to be fair, the new york times to this day, i don't think carries big kind of photographs of politicians in order on the front order to exist on the front pages , they? always no pages, do they? it's always no cover newspapers . oh, no, cover in newspapers. oh, no, no, no. they've their pictures no. they've got their pictures now. going. so what you now. i'm go

the tallest jockey in the world aiming for cheltenham win . those aiming for cheltenham win. on the front pages pages . so on the front pages pages. so let's kick things with the big news of the day. lewis the let's start with the guardian's take. well they've got a picture of hunt here and he looks like a and that's that's the thing that i love about this country. i first came to this country the met the newspapers in america were very were very broad minded. they weren't one sided like this . oh, yeah. he was like this. oh, yeah. he was absolutely famously a nation knitted . yeah, but holding the knitted. yeah, but holding the centre back today we to ourselves we thought the new york times was like totally impartial. to be fair, the new york times to this day, i don't think carries big kind of photographs of politicians in order on the front order to exist on the front pages , they? always no pages, do they? it's always no cover newspapers . oh, no, cover in newspapers. oh, no, no, no. they've their pictures no. they've got their pictures now. going. so what you now. i'm go

andy swiss, bbc news, cheltenham.2024 olympic games. anticipation is building and so is demand for tickets. organisers say they sold 3.2 5 million ticket in phase one. they had set a goal of 3 million. —— 3.2 5 million. relatives of a world war i soldier have been re—united with his medal, after it was found in a farmer's field in northallerton. the medal belonged to fred brown of the 4th battalion yorkshire regiment. within 48 hours, the metal detectorist who found the lost piece of history, had traced the descendants. phil connell reports. it isa it is a military honour that was issued during the first world war. aim silver medallion found in this north yorkshire field last week by dave bircher, detector is from durham. i bircher, detector is from durham-— bircher, detector is from durham. ., ., durham. i got a really good sianal durham. i got a really good signal and _ durham. i got a really good signal and pinpointed, - durham. i got a really good signal and pinpointed, dug| durham. i got a really good - signal an

the cheltenham festival is often described as the olympics ofjump racing. ride is under the spotlight. rules on the number of times jockeys can use the whip have been tightened and serious breaches could mean disqualification. ultimately we wanted the jockeys to think more carefully about how they use the whip. it is not a welfare issue, it is about engagement in the sport, and it's about fairness. come the big race, though, the focus was on the sport's new wonder horse, constitution hill, the hot favourite for the champion hurdle and he lived up to his billing with the most emphatic of victories. but the days most special win was this. rachel blackmore on honeysuckle, the horse's last race before retiring and what a way to go out. for trainer henry du bromhead, whose sonjack died in a riding accident last year, it was a most poignant victory. it is massive. we know jack is always with us and i am sure he was there on rachel's shoulder and, you know, she has been a huge part of our life and hejust adored her. so, i think, she did it for him as much as all o

doing well at cheltenham.- doing well at cheltenham. i was lookint at doing well at cheltenham.today as you can _ likely to see some showers today as you can see — likely to see some showers today as you can see from the weather watchers _ you can see from the weather watchers picture from staffordshire, a cloudy, _ watchers picture from staffordshire, a cloudy, murky, damp start to the davison _ a cloudy, murky, damp start to the davison drizzle here and we have some _ davison drizzle here and we have some rain — davison drizzle here and we have some rain in perth. murky again around — some rain in perth. murky again around the _ some rain in perth. murky again around the rain bands, but as the rainand— around the rain bands, but as the rain and showers have come in its turned _ rain and showers have come in its turned a — rain and showers have come in its turned a lot— rain and showers have come in its turned a lot milder and to give you an example, the maximum temperatures yesterday— an example, the maximum temperatures yesterday afternoon were between six and nine _ yesterda

this this cheltenham gold this is this is cheltenham gold cup. as it in cup.it in this sport. is race this sport. this is the race everyone wants win. this is everyone wants to win. this is the sort of race. race, if you like, grand national a like, the grand national in a few it's the big few weeks time, it's the big pubuc few weeks time, it's the big public race. but everyone in racing, whether you're a groom, a or owner, a jockey a trainer or an owner, you gold cup. you want to win the gold cup. yeah, want know who's there yeah, i want know who's there is the you had the stall spotter you had princess was queen princess anne was queen camilla's been there . carol camilla's been there. carol vorderman was there , i think vorderman was there, i think matt hancock and hong kong . his matt hancock and hong kong. his girlfriend was there, it seemed it was a big place for stars this week . it always is. it this week. it always is. it always is. yesterday i was with johnnie baxter, the cricketer who tipped off a horse called good time, johnnie, the one at 10 to 1.

raw which greets the opening race, something that cheltenham is so famous for.ed it up those six winners, and followed it up last year, winning the gold cup for the very first time. the first female jockey to do so. she will be back here this year. it will be a fascinating festival all round. we have been hearing from thejockey club, who are ushering in some new changes around many races and festivals up and down the country. a more relaxed dress code comes to cheltenham this year, and it is something that ian renton from the jockey club has been talking about this morning, as they gear up for what is going to be a thrilling and fascinating four days of racing ahead. ., . , fascinating four days of racing ahead. ., ., , fascinating four days of racing ahead. ., , ., . , ahead. four day is fantastic “ump racin: ahead. four day is fantastic “ump racing ahead i ahead. four day is fantastic “ump racing ahead of i ahead. four day is fantastic “ump racing ahead of us, * ahead. four day is fantastic “ump racing ahead of us, and h ahead. four day is fantastic “ump racin

well, the cheltenham festival is often described as the olympics ofjump racing.se the whip have been tightened, and serious breaches could mean disqualification. ultimately, we wanted the jockeys to think more carefully about how they use the whip. it's not a welfare issue, it's about engagement in the sport, it's about fairness. the focus was on constitution hill, the focus who lived up to his billing with the most emphatic of victories. but the days most special when was this, the horses last race before retiring and what a way to go out. for trainer henry, who sonjack died in a riding accident last year, it was the most poignant of victories. it's massive. we knowjack is always— it's massive. we knowjack is always with _ it's massive. we knowjack is always with us _ it's massive. we knowjack is always with us and _ it's massive. we knowjack is always with us and i'm - it's massive. we knowjack is always with us and i'm sure i it's massive. we knowjack is. always with us and i'm sure he was _ always with us and i'm sure he was there _ always with us and i'm sur

good morning from cheltenham on gold cup day— good morning from cheltenham on gold cup day and _ good

a bit later today at cheltenham . and she's only five cheltenham.ly five foot seven inches. you've got a bit of a head on her. yes. she's. i've written against janey quite a bit and was just a bridget. no. be nice to . be bridget. no. be nice to. be lining up today. bridget. no. be nice to. be lining up today . okay. and lining up today. okay. and obviously you're i think , obviously you're i think, competing in the challenge amateur handicap chase you'll be up against some guys. but we want a photo more shorter for me. and i guess lighter as well. that's the key, isn't it? yeah, isuppose that's the key, isn't it? yeah, i suppose that's the aspect of being told is from a riding of view it's not a disadvantage, but it's the day to day struggle with your weight and obviously being shorter. you're not your weight is going to be. so that's main struggle. we've been told already . and also because i already. and also because i gather you've you've let slip when you've been talking in newspapers are partial to chocolate hobnob. well which might not help .

now to day two of the cheltenham festival, where energumene won the queen mother champion chase for then a rainy day at the course, where our sports correspondent andy swiss was watching. anything but a soggy performance from energumene, as he won the champion chase for the second year in the running. there had been questions about energumene in the build up because he didn't look too impressive in his last race, where he finished only third. but there was certainly no doubt he would win the race. it was an extraordinary performance from him, as he charged clear to win by some ten lengths. a brilliant performance from energumene — ridden by paul townend, trained by willie mullins. owned by the owner of brighton & hove albion, tony bloom. all eyes on flooring porter, who is going for a hat—trick of wins. he won in 2021 and �*22 — can he win in �*23? he's not been in the best form over the last 12 months, and he'll face plenty of high—quality opposition, including another former champion in paisley park. so while energumene took the headlines in the big race of the day, it was also a day

day one at cheltenham and 60,000 in to see it, but the eyes of the cotswolds were all set on the hillhave come to see him, constitution hill. constitution hill has icked constitution hill. constitution hill has picked up _ constitution hill. constitution hill has picked up fans _ constitution hill. constitution hill has picked up fans at _ constitution hill. constitution hill has picked up fans at speed. - constitution hill. constitution hill has picked up fans at speed. he i constitution hill. constitution hill. has picked up fans at speed. he had risked just five times but won each one by existence. the smallest winning margin so far was 12 lengths. now on the sport's greatest stage, he went in champion hurdle. nico de boinville had been on board for all five. now the gold cup winning jockey set out to stay unbeaten. constitution hill was awed to win, with two jumps to clear, he goes up a gear. as trainer nicky henderson says, it is like pushing a button. his second had won his lasix as well, but he cannot get close. constitution hill, winter by nine lengths. henderson's first win h

also coming up — ahead of the cheltenham festival, we will take a close look at that contentious newrule that could see winners disqualified. —— quip rule. we could see winners disqualified. -- uun- rule. ~ . i, ., quip rule. we want the 'ockeys to think more — quip rule. we want the 'ockeys to think more carefully _ quip rule. we want the jockeys to think more carefully about - quip rule. we want the jockeys to think more carefully about how. quip rule. we want the jockeys to i think more carefully about how they use the whip. it's about engagement in the sport. good evening and welcome alone. we're going to start with tennis in indy wells of the fit. andy murray and jack draper. i asked russell funeral —— rush role fuller about the relationship between the two. jack draper talks about the sta . es in two. jack draper talks about the stages in their _ two. jack draper talks about the stages in their relationship. - two. jack draper talks about the i stages in their relationship. murray won wimbledon for the first time. then the man he's got to know as a fellow professional. they sta

day one at cheltenham, with 60,000 in to see it, but the eyes of the cotswolds were all set on the hillle who have come to see him, constitution hill... constitution hill has picked up fans at speed. he'd raced just five times but won each one by a distance. his smallest winning margin so far was 12 lengths. now, on the sport's greatest stage, he went in the champion hurdle. and they're being called forward. constitution hill lining up front rank... nico de boinville had been on board for all five. now the gold cup—winning jockey set out to stay unbeaten. constitution hill was odds—on to win. with two jumps to clear, he goes up a gear. his trainer nicky henderson says it's like pushing a button. in second, stateman had won his last six as well, but he couldn't get close. constitution hill, winner by nine lengths. a class apart. won the champion hurdle in a canter! henderson's first win here was in 1985. it takes a special horse to make him this excited. that would bring tears to most eyes, when you see a horse that's quite like that, because i think it's pretty unique. one of these come

you can see, but more gathering out to the west and it is these showers that may be heading to cheltenhamsome thunder as well. it is mild though, out there, mild forfor all of us, well. it is mild though, out there, mild for for all of us, so as we go through the day, sunny spell, scattered shower, perhaps some heavy, perhaps some with the odd rumble of thunder. look at the the, 13-16 rumble of thunder. look at the the, 13—16 degrees perhaps, just that bit cooler in the far north of scotland. through the night tonight, it's a pretty messy story, the showers keep on coming, particularly those out to the west, drifting away north and east, a lot of cloud round, acting like a blanket. preventing temperatures falling far, so a mild night by as we go into tomorrow, we do it all given, low pressure never really too far away, and the isobars opening up so the winds will fall light. that means that any showers that we do get, could potentially linger for quite that we do get, could potentially lingerfor quite some time, that we do get, could potentially linger for quite some time, so let us look

cheltenham racing.is actually animal abuse. so so what i wanted to ask you on is this you trying stop horse racing altogether? is this the start of stopping horse racing altogether ? just a yes or no? is altogether? just a yes or no? is that yes , it is, without a doubt that yes, it is, without a doubt because of the poor treatment we've filmed horses that have ruled it that have gone into slaughterhouse . horses are being slaughterhouse. horses are being slaughtered . just months after slaughtered. just months after their last race . with that is their last race. with that is their last race. with that is the treatment that the racing industry is giving horses no respect slaughtering them after they're no longer any use . i've they're no longer any use. i've got two x race horses myself, one ridden by frankie dettori , one ridden by frankie dettori, who had nowhere be an example to win. that's we were saying it's not about the whip. it is stopping horse racing altogether. so we have to sort of end it t

now to day two of the cheltenham festival, where energumene won the queen mother champion chase for theing. anything but a soggy performance from energumene, as he romped clear to win the big race, the champion chase, for the second year running. there had been a few questions about energumene in the build up because he didn't look too impressive in his last race, where he finished only third. but there was certainly no doubt he would win the race. it was an extraordinary performance from him, as he charged clear to win by some ten lengths. a brilliant performance from energumene — ridden by paul townend, trained by willie mullins, owned by the owner of brighton & hove albion, tony bloom. the big highlight tomorrow is the stayers' hurdle, where all eyes will be on flooring porter, who is going for a hat—trick of wins in the race. he won it in 2021, won it in 2022 — can he win it in 2023? he's not been in the best of form over the last 12 months, and he'll face plenty of high—quality opposition, including another former champion in paisley park. so while energumene took the headlines in

the champion hurdle is the feature race of the cheltenham festival.entertaining. the champion hurdle is coming to a conclusion and i might waffle for a bit to see who is going to win. fascinating. constitution hill, 11—4 on favourite which was the talk of the first day at cheltenham because this was supposed to be the crowning sixth win out of six in his young career so far. constitution hill trained by nicky henderson has won the feature race of the first day at the cheltenham festival. the 11—4 on favourite, still unbeaten. the winner of the champion hurdle. we got there in the end. nice timing from the cheltenham festival organisers! studio: thanks for joining us. let's have a look now to the budget tomorrow at the total amount people can accumulate in their pension pot before paying extra tax is expected to be increased in the budget tomorrow. it is believed people could be told they can save up to £1.8 million over a lifetime which is up from the current figure of a million. the change is part of the government's plans to persuade people to stay

it's gold cup day, as horse racing's cheltenham festival reaches its final day.nd national. rachael blackmore, meanwhile, will be looking to make it back—to—back gold cup victories. let's get the latest from lizzie greenwood—hughes who's there for us now. lizzie. hello, ben, thank eu you, assle always _ lizzie. hello, ben, thank eu you, assle always there _ lizzie. hello, ben, thank eu you, assle always there are _ lizzie. hello, ben, thank eu you, assle always there are plenty - lizzie. hello, ben, thank eu you, assle always there are plenty of l assle always there are plenty of stories on gold cup day, the favourite is an irish trained horse called galopin des champs. his trainer will be hoping he will scamper up that hill first, because galopin des champs means field scamp and he has a very real chance, he is the favourite and it would be mullin's third gold cup victory, the best story of the week is a horse called hue wick, —— hewick. if he were to win it would make him the cheapest horse in recent history to win a gold cup but he will be hampered by the grou

there's a surprise in the big race of the day at cheltenham as 33 to one shot sire de berlais wins thers hurdle. good evening. after months of strike action by nhs staff in england, there's hope that a new pay offer will put an end to the dispute. the staff, who include nurses and ambulance workers, are being presented with a deal negotiated over the past two weeks by trade unions and government. doctors are not included as they are on a different contract. the government and the nhs staff council — representing nurses, ambulance staff and other nhs workers — have completed negotiations and reached a final offer, a government spokesman has said. the offer is in two parts. first, a one—off payment for this financial year, to be paid within weeks, starting with around £1600 for the lowest paid, rising to £3700 for senior managers. and second, a pay rise of 5% for the next financial year, starting in early april. some campaigers point out that the offer is significantly short of a rise above inflation, and in real—terms means a pay cut. but negotiators on both sides say it's the best deal

then at cheltenham the in recent cheltenham, the irish in recent years tend to kick us out of the wayuce some brilliant. they do, because had over the because what we've had over the years have been i mean, even if you're not a huge fan, there are names desert orchid that names like desert orchid that everybody knows that. yeah, there so many . that's the there are so many. that's the beauty it, that allows beauty of it, is that allows these horses to become household and lights and people have heard of desert orchid, they've heard of desert orchid, they've heard of hopefully then ty of red rum. hopefully then ty grove , you our national grove, you be our national champion and we've had horses this year. the one of which that hopefully become a household name country , certainly, name in this country, certainly, as is a horse called as in ireland, is a horse called honeysuckle mare and she honeysuckle she's a mare and she won the mares on the won the mares hurdle on the tuesday and a huge back story behind her trainer henry de bromhead unfortunate . he lost bromhead unfortunate. he lo

it was that the largest won at that the largest ever won at cheltenham that he earlier cheltenham thate week. so i hear, yes. so we heard think he walked away with. i'm probably not going to say it's well say the amount but it's well into figures that say into seven figures that we say an argument a real warrior in an argument is a real warrior in those conditions is one that champion chase no. two years running very similar running in very similar conditions years of course conditions years and of course brighton on to win against brighton then on to win against crystal like it was bitter on that day so it was a very good day for tony llewellyn. wet and slick. yeah i don't think you'll get many players even get many players for even over those winnings, given those winnings, of course, given the the in the the money is in the in the footie game last last i mean a couple of press reports that perhaps the numbers aren't quite big as they have been previously . maybe the cost of living is starting to. but what was your assessment of how the week has gone ? i think we're very happy, gone?

i will show you this one from cheltenham, we had john at the cheltenham, we had john at the cheltenhamhey have relaxed the dress code at cheltenham. you don't have to wear a tie if you are a man. but i don't think this is very relaxed, this is actually very formal. lots of ladies with their extravagant headgear. that is carol vorderman, and you can see in the main picture, and you can see in the main picture, and obviously a feathered hat is the thing, it is the trend. very country, traditional. and the ladies at the bottom wearing i imagine fake fur hats. 0bviously at the bottom wearing i imagine fake fur hats. obviously it is very, very cold there. you like it is. do you want to buy a dinosaur? you might not like the price tag. it will cost you up to £7 million, apparently, but there is a t rex for sale. someone will buy that. it is the first time a dinosaur of this size has ever, it says, gone under the hammer, hopefully not! that could cause a few splinters. but it is not just one dinosaur, it is an amalgamation of two or three different specimens. so it is a jumble sale dinosaur!

so look it's been a big week for cheltenham . spoke to week for cheltenham.it was, but i it would have paid for the train fare home had to there by any train any route and. yeah, but but you mentioned the horse early on. it was cool. police well was cool. police and your well i'm going bring i'm going was cool. police and your well i'nbringg bring i'm going was cool. police and your well i'nbring in bring i'm going was cool. police and your well i'nbring in a bring i'm going was cool. police and your well i'nbring in a gentleman] going was cool. police and your well i'nbring in a gentleman called to bring in a gentleman called mark racing pundit. mark mark francis racing pundit. mark thanks very much indeed for joining us at news. it's joining us here at gb news. it's fair say that it's been beset fair to say that it's been beset with a few problems this week cheltenham got cheltenham as they haven't got quite and glamour that it's quite the and glamour that it's had previous years . well on had in previous years. well on the field absolutely off of the racin

cheltenham of course with from. cheltenham of course with the meeting underway there.fter . 36,000 punters backed . an after. 36,000 punters backed. an accumulator bet . 2155 to 1 long accumulator bet. 2155 to 1 long shot. accumulator bet. 2155 to 1 long shot . paddy power say they shot. paddy power say they probably have to pay an incredible £100 million if the bet comes in they've just seen the bet come in it's dynamo not caelum murrays rock and risk bell all win on this first day of the festival gamblers placing the money after it was tipped an expert andy robson twitter they've done their indicating they've done their indicating the payoff might be rather so they've actually suspended bet that's just coming from cheltenham which is an interesting aside we'll update you on that but let's just talk now about the issue of submarines and the china vs threat because you remember yesterday the us, uk and australia announcing a multi—billion dollar deal to work together to supply australia with nuclear power submarines all this to counter the rise of china in the indo—pac

a cheltenham for not keeping those high standard dress once again.want to do what you say john rogers . ed race goes in say john rogers. ed race goes in france dress beautifully . brits france dress beautifully. brits are a mess by comparison at ascot. see that's harsh. keep those standards up. i agree . now those standards up. i agree. now the bbc licence fee payers face a £13 rise to their bill from next, meaning the costs will soar to £172 a year per household the scandal hit corporation has had a difficult couple of weeks after backing down in the gary lineker impartiality battle and recently announcing the axing of the bbc singers join us after this debate. this is rebecca ryan , debate. this is rebecca ryan, the campaign group defund the bbc , and roger bolton, a former bbc, and roger bolton, a former bbc, and roger bolton, a former bbc executive . rebecca, if we bbc executive. rebecca, if we can start with you, i mean, people say that, you know, the bbc is a national treasure , a bbc is a national treasure, a national institution is , national

we have been talking rugby and cheltenham. it is talking rugby and cheltenham. jockeys. it revolves around the use of the whip and jockeys and riders are having to change the way that they ride. and the timing and the introduction of these rule changes and the impact it could have on the festival, which will be one of the big talking points over the coming days. good morning. the eve of the start of cheltenham tomorrow, the biggest week injump racing one of the big talking points over the festival will centre around the jockeys and their use the whip, with new rules in place that could lead to disqualifcation and even a ban. maximum number of times they can use it is seven. with jockeys having to change their approach in the saddle. it could mean winners of prominent races could be disqualified. lots of racegoers feel it should have been implemented later in the season, not before one of the biggest weeks for the sport. in football, in golf, they wouldn't change... they wouldn't change a big rule like... like that midway through their season and approaching to t

racing's four to cheltenham festival in england starts tomorrow as new rules on the use of what's comesre expected at the meeting over the unbeaten constitution hill top the opening day. runners faces competition if jockeys seriously reach contentious new rules on use of the whip. ultimately, we wanted jockeys to think more carefully about how they use the whip. it is not a welfare issue, it is about engagement of the sport, it is about fairness. we roll from jump to flat to jump, and we from jump to flat tojump, and we have from jump to flat to jump, and we have our delayed implementation significant lease to significantly. at the indian wells masters in california, andy murray will take onjack draper in an all british affair in the early hours of the morning. the 35—year—old three—time grand slam champion has set up a first meeting with draper, 1a years hisjunior and ranked just one spot below him at 56, with the winner to face world number two carlos alcaraz or dutchman tallon griekspoor. more on that of course and everything else indian wells on the bbc sport website, but that is al

also a day to remember for one teenage jockey. 18—year—old john gleeson, on his first ever ride at cheltenhamvided the fairytale finish to day two — by winning the final race aboard the aptly named a dream to share! ireland's team have made the decision to change the colour of their shorts for this year's women's six nations tournament. they were white, but will now be blue to combat period anxiety. and other sides are considering following suit. the tournament kicks off march 25, with england once again favourites to win the title for what would be a fifth time in a row. our reporter sara orchard has been at the launch. we're in a very trendy corner of east london for this women's six nations launch, where the players and the captains — a lot of them — have been talking a lot to social media creators, having their photos done, of course mixing with journalists and reporters as well about how they'll all go in the championship this year. however, one of the big talking points is the fact that every country taking part — for the very first time — will have either professional or semi—professio

the final race of this year's cheltenham festival isjust under way.d cup, he was the pre—race favourite, heavily backed at 7—5, trained galopin des champs, claim the gold cup, he and jockey paul townend rode him clear of bravemansgame to win by seven lengths. it's the third time in five years that townend and mullins have won the gold cup. joy for the irish on st patrick's day ididn't i didn't realise how much pressure i put myself under until he came to the part and still had a bit to go and we were on the third or fourth position. it's when you cross the line, the really was absolutely there. it was, just, i couldn't get over it. i was amazed at how much pressure i put myself under and you got me out of trouble. lots more cheltenham reaction on the bbc sport website and al the details of those european draws didn't mention the europe conference league, west ham will face belgians gent and that's all the sport for now. our top story... the international criminal court has issued an arrest warrant for president vladimir putin — and the head of the rus

first live cheltenham. yes very good. been going since 1860. cheltenham festival.s year. awful i think what happened is that when you when i gave tips and it was disastrous and then when you came back, i think i did have some winners after that. did you think i turned out? pretty much, no. sorry it was all only your free day, love just didn't trust me after that. so hundreds of thousands of people descending on cheltenham four day festival, you know biggest racing you know, the biggest racing festival to the grand festival next to the grand national that got in the national that we've got in the country. the big one is country. and the big one is constitution hill is a horse which is such a hot favourite. yeah, it's one of these that's not even worth betting on because probably up because you'll probably end up as the go with the going affected. there's big talk that the top three would have is such an amazing horse . the thing is an amazing horse. the thing is we're looking about 3 to 1 on which basically means you're going to have to put three quid on to win a po

racing's four—day cheltenham festival in england starts in the coming hours as new rules on the use oftution hill tops the opening day bill in the champion hurdle. runners face disqualification ifjockeys seriously breach contentious new rules on use of the whip. people travel to paris from all over the world to experience the classic architecture, fine food and maybe even a bit of romance. but now, with a garbage collectors' strike entering its second week, they're saying their trip is lacking a little ooh la la. stephanie prentice reports. from the eiffel tower, to notre—dame, and the many winding shopping streets, charming restaurants and bars, paris is called the city of love for nothing. but its image as a romantic hotspot is currently being tested to its limits. tourists in the city have started taking photos of giant piles of rubbish instead of a morning macaroon or delicious glass of red. probably not one for the album. doesn't look as nice, you come to a city like this expecting it to look nice from what is on social media, or us, lots of garbage on each corner doesn't make it

sport now — and appropriately on st patrick's day, there was irish success at cheltenham this afternoonnd led the irish—trained horse to victory, pulling clear of bravemansgame and conflated after the final fence. and ireland's success is predicted to continue tomorrow as rugby union's six nations tournament concludes in dublin. the irish are firm favourites to beat england to complete the grand slam. our sport correspondent andy swiss reports from dublin. st patrick's day in dublin, when a city turns into a street party, but they will be hoping the celebrations here have onlyjust begun because tomorrow, rugby could mean more revelry and victory over england and a grand slam will be ireland's to toast. cheers! how confident are you about the grand slam tomorrow? very confident. extremely. england are rubbish, man! very confident. ireland will play impeccably. how big is the buzz in dublin for tomorrow? oh, my god, it's going to be a weekend to remember, a weekend to remember. i'll have the best weekend of my life, please god. and who can blame their belief? ireland have been untouchable