ireland's kevin o'brien hit a six off the final ball of a t20 super—over to beat afghanistan in indiae three match series 2—1. the favourite epatante gave owner jp mcmanus a birthday to remember with victory in the champion hurdle on the opening day of the cheltenham festival. barry geraghty had the 2—1 shot, trained by nicky henderson, well—placed throughout in tuesday's showpiece race. and it was a ninth success in the race for mcmanus, who was celebrating his 69th birthday. we all know it is a year's effort from me. from the whole teams point of view, these are the days that count more than anything in the world. identity anyone is disputing that. —— world. identity anyone is disputing that. -- i world. identity anyone is disputing that. —— i don't think anyone is disputing that. i won't win the grand national anyway. this is where it counts. it has been a happy race for us. there was another grade 0ne victory for jockey rachael blackmore aboard honeysuckle in the mares' hurdle. blackmore started the week as third favourite to be the meetings leading jockey and demonstrated all her

ireland's kevin o'brien hit a six off the final ball of a t20 super—over to beat afghanistan in indiaree match series 2—1. new york look set to become the first american side to play in rugby league's challenge cup when theyjoin the competition next season. the games authorities say they are in advance talks with the club, who hope to join toronto and ottawa in joining the league the year after. new york announced their bid in liverpool today, which will become their uk base. adam wild was there. the port of liverpool has witnessed the start of many greatjourneys, plenty heading to new york was today, another launch, but this time, it seems, new york is coming here. negotiations are at an advanced stage for a new york rugby league to enter the game's oldest knockout competition in 2021. new york playing in the challenge cup, but dream is now closer than ever. but before that, they need a team and some fans. how do you go about building a rugby league club? in an area where there is no great rugby league interest? it's easy to say there is no interest, but i've been over to the states

speaker, it is my great honor to note that father kevin o'brien of the society of jesus, was our guest this morning to deliver this morning's opening prayer for this house. father o'brien joined our silicon valley community four years ago and just last year he was named president of santa clara university. as an alum of santa clara university's law school myself, i'm glad to see father o'brien focusing his presidency on college affordability and access, as well as fostering a culture of respect on campus. now a religious leader in silicon valley, father o'brien speaks of how disruption can lift people up instead of dividing people. father o'brien has dedicated to serving something larger than himself which is a trait we deeply admire and value as americans. i'm personally grateful to him for the leadership he has shown for standing up for dreamers and those who are vulnerable in our community and across america. it's my pleasure to welcome father o'brien to our nation's capital today and to thank him for his service to our community, our country, and the university of santa clara. i yi