Collin Maragh (R) shares a happy moment with his son Rajiv BY Howard CampbellWhen Rajiv Maragh takes the track astride Irish War Cry in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, he won’t be short of fans.Forty of his family and friends are making the trip to Louisville to cheer him in on in the Run For The Roses. Leading the pack will be his father Colin Maragh.Maragh senior, 55, believes his eldest son has an outstanding chance of winning his first derby in five attempts.“This one looks like the right one; he definitely has a good shot once he has a good draw an’ some luck,” he said.Irish War Cry is coming from the 17 draw which some pundits argue gives him an advantage as he will not be in the early jostle.Colin Maragh, a former jockey, expects the colt to come off the pace in the ten-furlong race.“He has a running style that suits this journey. He can either sit mid-pack or close in the stretch,” Maragh said.Now a trainer on the US East Coast, Colin Maragh has saddled winners in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Florida.Two of his three sons are jockeys. Shamir rode mainly on the New Jersey circuit but has been sidelined due to weight problems.Rajiv is one of the US’ top jocks with over 1,600 winners. His mounts have earned more than $87 million since he started riding in 2003.He had a life-threatening fall at Aqueduct in July 15, suffering extensive injuries that put him out of racing for sixteen months.“A lotta people never expected him to ride again, even he’s surprised that he’s back. It’s what he loves, it’s his passion,” said the elder Maragh, who lives in New Jersey.Like his son, Colin Maragh was born in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital. He started riding at Caymanas Park, the country’s only racetrack, in 1981 and rode over 165 winners in a 15-year career.
The Unveiling of a Masterpiece at Racket in Wynwood
A can’t miss classic collaboration! In honor of Miami’s Art Basel 2018, Cuban American artist Kiki Valdes and Haitian American Rapper HIJAK have partnered to create an abstract custom car wrap for Hijak’s 1965 Chevy Chevelle. The stunning customization will be unveiled at Rácket, 150 NW 24 Street, Wynwood Art District, on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 9PM.After the unveiling, HIJACK will open for platinum-selling rapper Trina onstage at Rácket Live. The artist will perform his new single featuring GRAMMY-winning artist Pitbull’s deejay of choice, DJ Chino.The custom wrap collaboration is based on one of Valdez’ original oversized abstract oil paintings.Standing at over ten feet tall, the canvas combines conceptual forms and figures with vibrant red and brown hues. A longtime fan of Valdes, HIJAK chose the piece to add a bold dose of personality to the conservatively styled, horsepower heavy, 1965 Chevy Chevelle. HIJAK will tour Art Basel in the vehicle next week making stops at premier exhibitions and events. Follow @hijakmusic and #kikiXhijak on Instagram for the full schedule.“One thing about me is that you can’t one-box me. Rappers like to be called rappers. I’m more of an artist,” says HIJAK.It has been a busy season for the singer / songwriter. HIJAK released new music “Vibes”, “New York” and “Hola Bonita” on ITunes, Spotify and Tidal. Born in the Bronx and of Haitian decent, HIJAK grew up listening to the rappers 50 cent and Fabolous. He’d spend hours writing lyrics to his friends’ beats and free-style rapping after school. He started making his own music when he was 18, and shortly thereafter, was discovered by Platinum Group Music Management.Kiki Valdes, born in 1981, is a Cuban American artist based and from Miami, FL. He studied painting, drawing, and poetry at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. He plays with elements of a sort of new Cubism and Fauvism with fragments of figuration combined with abstraction. Kiki Valdes has exhibited his work at the National Arts Club in NY, Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, 101 Exhibit, Miami-Dade Public Library System and his work is in various private and public collections in North and South America, and the Middle East.
Gramps Morgan, Lila Ike and Comedian Leighton Smith to Host the…
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Gramps Morgan who snagged 3 International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) in 2010 for Best Song, Best New Entertainer, and Best Crossover Song and other musical accolades2 Grammy Award Nominations and a Grammy Award Winning Producer will share in the hosting duties at the 38th International Reggae and World Music Awards on March 29th at the AC Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Jamaica.Reggae Singer Lila Ike and Comedian Leighton Smith will join him on stage. Both Ike and Smith are nominees vying for Best Female Vocalist and Best Comedian respectively.A host of celebrities will be grace the red carpet including Koffee, Busy Signal, Spice, Sanchez, Derrick Morgan, Elephant Man, Stranger Cole, Capleton, Masicka, 6ixx -Daddy One, Jah Villani, Chronic Law, Flourgon, Tarrus Riley, Dean Fraser, Judith Gayle, Dance Xpressionz, Live Wyaa, Ngozi Wright, Wayne J, D’Angel, Joseph Sax, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrika, Tabetashe aka Sparta Angel, Roga, Miss Nigeria, Lorna Bennett, Bounty Killa, Romain Virgo, Minister of MCGES – Hon. Olivia “Babsy Grange, Josef Bagdanovich, IRIE FM, Bigga plus more.Martin’s International is working to pull off a stellar event with guests arriving on the red carpet starting at 6:00 pm. The entire show will be broadcast live on Irie FM and Sportsmax. Tickets for the event can be purchased on www.touchstoneticketing.com and www.irawma.com.Mr. Ephraim Martin, president of Martin’s International said, in light of the coronavirus outbreak which has been making headlines around the world, and because IRAWMA is dedicated to Health Awareness, part proceeds from the event will be donated to Seaforth Health Center in St. Thomas, Jamaica.
AAA Offers Tips to Protect your Vehicle While it Sits Unused
TAMPA, Florida – Many Floridians’ cars will be parked in the driveway for at least another month. A statewide “stay-at-home” order goes into effect Friday, urging Floridians to remain home, unless they are making essential trips, as outlined by the executive order.State figures show that Floridians are already driving less, as residents attempt to flatten the curve. Compared to this time last year, gasoline demand is down as much as 50 percent in large metro areas, according to the Florida Petroleum and Marketers Association. AAA urges Floridians to follow the advice of state and local authorities, but don’t forget to check on your vehicle from time to time.“Leaving the car unused for an extended period of time could leave it vulnerable to problems with your battery, brakes, and tires,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “There are a few simple things you can do to make sure your vehicle is ready to roll when it’s time to hit the road again.”AAA offers these car care tips for longer-than-expected parked vehicles:Battery Boost. Start your vehicle every couple of days to keep the battery at a full state and prevent deterioration. Let the engine run for a few minutes to recharge, then turn it off. If you have one, consider using a Battery Tender or other maintenance-type battery charger. The Battery Tender would remain connected to the stored vehicle.Tire Pressure. Add 10 psi of pressure (more than usual) to each tire to prevent flat spots from forming on the tires. This occurs when the area of the tire touching the ground becomes rigid due to sitting in one position for an extended period. You can also move the vehicle periodically.Windshield Wiper Placement. Prop up the wiper arms so the blades are off the windshield and won’t get stuck to the glass.No Parking Brake. Don’t use the parking brake when storing the vehicle. The brake could become frozen, and the brake pads could rust to the rotors, or brake shoes could distort the drums. With an automatic transmission, simply place the vehicle in park. If the car has a manual transmission, put it in first or reverse gear and use wheel chocks to help hold the vehicle in place.Sun Shade. If your car is always outdoors and exposed to the sun, use a sun shade. This will help prevent the sun’s UV rays from deteriorating your dashboard and steering wheel.
Examining England’s Supposed “Zero Tolerance For Racism” Policy
Racism is a practice that is socially unjust, morally condemnable, dangerous and completely unjustifiable anywhere, in theory, or in practice.It happens in almost every sphere of life and in every other corner of the world. When racism started to become a big issue in Sports, football especially, football associations and confederations laid down policies and deterrents aimed at eradicating the demeaning act.England being one of the oldest homes of football and home to the most watched league in the world have come out multiple times to talk about a “zero tolerance for racism”.In 2012, Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore said “when it comes to racism, we have zero tolerance for it. There is no room for it”.The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) and the League Managers Association (LMA) said they have “a zero tolerance for all forms of discrimination”.They openly show support to “Kick-It-Out” – An organisation that fights against discrimination and promotes equality.They keep talking about zero tolerance but recent history suggests that “zero tolerance” has merely been a slogan and they make mockery of their statements with their irregular choices and decisions.Malky Mackay and his Cardiff City colleague, Ian Moody, shared racist, sexist, homophobic and anti-Semitic texts between themselves which eventually led to Cardiff City relieving both men of their duties.Everyone would expect the FA to do something right? Wrong, they FA came out to say that after a “thorough” 11-month investigation, they were not taking any disciplinary measures as regards the case.At the start of the extraordinary season which culminated in Leicester City winning the Premier League, Jamie Vardy casually dropped racial slurs directed at an Asian man on camera in a casino.This was just before he scored his 11th consecutive goal in the Premier League to set a new EPL record but in a normal working and living environment, Vardy should have actually been expelled or suspended at the very least.As much as a man can score goals and set records, the FA failed to live to their “zero tolerance” slogan and in the process condoning a socially unjust and dangerous behaviour just because the man can score a bunch of goals.Hateful language has over the years been connected to cases of violence and Jamie Vardy, then already a member of England’s “esteemed” National team, by slurring a man due to his ethnicity, demeaned him.Most Recently, Chelsea Ladies striker Eniola Aluko reported that she was racially abused by her manager Mark Sampson, to the FA.On two separate occasions, the man has been cleared of wrongdoing. This comes after Sampson had also been previously accused of jokingly asking a mixed-race England player how many times she had been arrested.Aluko has come out to say the independent inquiry set up by the FA was a farce as the investigators never questioned the said player for either allegations.The FA claimed to not know the identity of the player but Aluko confirmed that the identity of the player was in her official complaint, who at the time was even the only mixed-race player in the England set-up.Aluko’s 11-year career which saw her turn out 102 times for the National team was ended within a week of her reports and complaints. The FA also launched an investigation into her work as a sports lawyer for a Football agency. Coincidence? I doubt it.“I believe all these things are happening because it’s a conversation about race and this is a big problem in the world right now,” Aluko said. “Herman Ouseley [the chairman of Kick It Out] said it. On the pitch, there are clear punishments when it comes to issues involving race. Behind closed doors, we don’t know the FA processes.Aluko tweeted her disdain at the selfishness of the England players yesterday after the whole team obviously showed solidarity with, and ran towards, Mark Sampson in the 11th minute of their World Cup qualifier against Russia as Nikita Parris scored the opening goal.Much is left to be asked of the supposed “Zero Tolerance for Racism” in English football as being popularly brandished by the FA and the Premier League. Whether there will ever be answers is left to be seen.Related
AITEO Cup Men’s Semis: Tornadoes, Sunshine Secure 1st Leg Advantage
Niger Tornadoes and Sunshine Stars have secured first leg results from their respective semifinal clashes in the 2017 AITEO Cup.Tornadoes came back from two goals down to beat holders FC Ifeanyi Ubah 4-2. The likes of Sani Mohammed, Ibrahim Babawo and Peter Momoh were on the scoresheet for the home side.Sunshine Stars also took a major step towards the AITEO Cup final after they defeated 2015 winners Akwa United 1-0 at home. Ajibola Otegbeye got the only goal of the game for the Akure Gunners.The second leg matches will take place on the 4th of October with FC IfeanyiUbah and Akwa United playing their respective home legs.Related2017 AITEO Cup: Holders Booted Out Despite Tornadoes WinOctober 6, 2017In “Nigeria”AITEO Cup: Tornadoes Join Holders FC IfeanyiUbah, Sunshine In SemisSeptember 25, 2017In “Nigeria”Aiteo Cup Quarterfinal Round-Up: Plateau United, Sunshine Stars Suffer Surprise DefeatsSeptember 21, 2017In “Nigeria”
Fortuna Entertainment receives Fortbet takeover offer
Submit Share Share 10bet announce Drogba as brand ambassador September 13, 2019 SBC’s Year In Review: March 2019’s big betting news December 23, 2019 Related Articles StumbleUpon Fortuna completes Playtech IMS upgrade for Polish profile May 7, 2020 Fortuna Entertainment Group has announced that it has reached an agreement with Fortbet Holdings Limited, its majority shareholder, in relation to a takeover bid for the company.Fortbet, a subsidiary of the Central European investment group Penta Investments, currently owns a little under 80% of the firm, but is now bidding for full control after raising its stake from 68% last year.Fortuna details that an indicative offer of 170 Czech Koruna (CZK) was made at the beginning of December, which, following discussions, Fortbet agreed to raise.The current offer of CZK 182.50 would value Fortuna at CZK 9.49B ($447.83 million).In a statement Fortuna stated: “After careful consideration of the strategic rationale, the financial aspects and consequences of the offer, the Boards believe that Fortbet offers a fair price, and believes that acceptance of the offer is in the best interest of Fortuna, the success of its business and its stakeholders.”Adding: “The Boards fully support and recommend the offer for acceptance to the holders of the Shares, and also recommend voting in favour of Fortuna making the delisting application.”As part of the current offer, a delisting of shares from both the Prague Stock Exchange (PSE) and Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE) would have to take place, which it is believed would be beneficial for the company.In its statement Fortuna detailed five advantages which it believes will occur as a result of a delisting from the PSE and WSE as being:Release Fortuna from its public disclosure obligations, which are currently a significant disadvantage as Fortuna’s major competitors are private companies that are subject to less extensive and transparent reporting requirements, but are able to benefit from the information publicly shared by Fortuna and thus compete more effectively with Fortuna; Eliminate the regulatory and compliance aspects associated with a listing, which impose a significant financial and management burden on Fortuna which is not sufficiently compensated by benefits that are often associated with a listing (such as market profile or improved access to capital and investors); Enable Fortuna, as an unlisted company with no public disclosure requirements, to more easily take advantage of market opportunities and to adopt a more aggressive acquisition strategy; Allow an increased focus on long-term goals instead of the short-term goals often encouraged in a public markets context; Enable Fortuna to realise cost savings, given the costs associated with maintaining the dual listing.Marek Smrha, Investment Manager and Penta Investments, is set to speak at SBC’s upcoming Betting on Football conference, due to be held at Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea FC, on May 20-23. On Day 2 (Thursday 22 March) in the Drake Suite, Smrha is set to feature on the Investment Panel, titled “where is the attractive risk?” More information about the event can be found at this link.
SBC’s on the ball: Hartlepool United, Qatar 2022 and the English Football League
From sponsorship to the ever-expanding world of football media coverage, when it comes to the business of football, SBC has you covered. This edition looks at financial trouble for Hartlepool United as well as plans for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.____________________Iran could assist Qatar with 2022 World Cup hostingIt was always expected that when the 2022 World Cup takes place in Qatar, other nations in the region would support the country with resources. However, that support was thrown into jeopardy last June, when the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain all reacted angrily to Qatar’s continued support for Islamists and the country’s connection to Iran. It has fuelled widespread speculation that Iran could play a role in helping host the 2022 World Cup. A thought that raises further questions about the process that saw Qatar awarded the tournament in the first place. In spite of Qatar’s progress with regards to the building of stadia being underwhelming, with it now looking likely that only eight of the promised 12 stadiums will be ready for the tournament, the possibility of Iran, a nation that enforces a stadium ban on females, actually hosting a World Cup game seems highly unlikely. Nonetheless, much to the dismay of many European fans, Iran, a country that abides by Sharia Law may step in and provide accommodation for fans travelling to the tournament. Hartlepool on the brink as Stelling steps inThe future of North East outfit Hartlepool United remains in doubt, after the club admitted they need £200,000 by 25th January to stay afloat. The sum may seem paltry in comparison to the kind of wage packets Premier League players take home on a weekly basis, but at the other end of the English footballing spectrum, the situation couldn’t be more different.Nevertheless, the club and the town remain optimistic after a fundraising appeal surpassed the £50,000 mark, and Sky Sports Presenter Jeff Stelling – a lifelong Monkey Hangers fan – has made further calls for wealthy investors to contribute. “It is frustrating to have a system whereby the top clubs and players dine on lobster and caviar and everyone else is left scrabbling around for the crumbs under the table,“ said Stelling.“When people are on 450 grand at a Premier League club you do think: ‘Come on Alexis give us a few days of your salary’ But the reality is no Premier League star is going to put his hand in his pocket and give Hartlepool United 200 grand.”This Saturday’s home tie with Wrexham is already sold out, as the footballing world remains hopeful that the club can muster up the rest of the bill before Thursday’s deadline.Toon takeover collapses The proposed takeover of Newcastle United FC by Amanda Staveley has fallen through after current owner Mike Ashley revealed to Sky Sports News: “There is no deal on the table or even under discussion with Amanda Staveley and PCP.”Speculation was rife that a £250m bid had been made by Staveley via her company PCP, however this was much below Ashley’s reported £400m valuation of the club. Currently sitting in 15th position in the Premier League, with manager Rafa Benitez fighting to keep the club in the top flight, rumblings began of a potential Staveley takeover at St James Park, when they were initially put up for sale in October.Soccerex attendance report – English second tier setting the standards in attendance The Association of European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) has released the second edition if its study that breaks down attendances in all the European league’s that are run by the EPFL. The study, which goes into great detail about the evolution of fan attendance over the past seven years, revealed that when it comes to top flights, the German Bundesliga is leading the way in terms of the highest level of attendance. However, the English Premier League was revealed to have the highest level of stadium occupancy in Europe, which suggests the desire for the English game is still thriving. On the whole, attendance figures from throughout Europe were positive, with Ligue 1 and La Liga both being reported positively by the study, whereas in Serie A a slightly negative outlook will have been recuperated by positive figures at the start of this season, something that is likely to continue as a thrilling Scudetto title race reaches its conclusion. The study also revealed that The English Football League was streaks ahead in terms of attendance for divisions outside the top flight, with England boasting the highest attendances in the second third and fourth divisions respectively. A precarious political and financial climate hampered attendances in Greece, Romania, Ukraine and Turkey, countries that all saw attendances drop.Egyptian expansion leaves Arsenal top of the North African pyramid Partnering with Arsenal FC, Hyde Park Developments has agreed to become the Premier League’s first retail estate partner in Egypt. The agreement will affirm The Gunner’s position as one of the most sought after clubs in the region, with the club co-hosting training camps and coaching sessions in the region, as well as this Arsenal legends and first team players will visit Cairo and new premises the promote content and provide coaching sessions. Arsenal’s chief commercial officer, Vinai Venkatesham, commented: “We are pleased to announce this landmark partnership with Hyde Park Developments, our first in Egypt.“Arsenal has fantastic support in Egypt where we have our second largest Facebook following of more than 2.5 million. We look forward to working with Hyde Park Developments to help them fulfil their business goals and for us to engage further with our passionate supporters in Egypt.”Hyde Park Developments chief executive officer Amin Serag said: “Since football is by far the most loved sport in the country, it is only natural that one of Arsenal’s largest fan bases has developed over here. We are planning to directly reach out to those followers and engage in common activities for the benefit of both brands.“Partnering with Arsenal will allow us not only to enhance our brand perception through association with a globally recognised and respected brand, but also to cater to our living community lifestyles at Hyde Park, the New Cairo and Cairo overall.”_________________The Betting industry’s relationship with Football and its wider stakeholders will be discussed at the ‘Betting on Football 2018’ (#bofcon2018) conference. Click on the below banner for more information… Share Paddy Power: Maintaining brand identity with daring marketing campaigns July 27, 2020 Share StumbleUpon Related Articles Submit FavBet’s Alex Hleb deal: “When contract is just a piece of paper” June 19, 2020 Paddy Power guarantees Hector’s Arsenal tree pledge June 24, 2020
European Lotteries to talk sports betting at Betting on Football
Veikkaus calls for early introduction of Finnish age verification measures August 28, 2020 Share Related Articles SG ramps up digital expansion with Nederlandse Loterij deal August 24, 2020 Danske Spil calls for esports makeover with Pinnacle Solution August 25, 2020 StumbleUpon Submit Share The European Lotteries Association (EL) will host a meeting for members of its Sport Working Group in London on Tuesday 20 March, the registration and networking day for the Betting on Football Conference at Stamford Bridge (20-23 March).EL is the umbrella organisation of national lotteries operating games of chance for the public benefit, which brings together both state-owned and private operators, both profit and non-profit, who operate on behalf of the state.The Sport Working Group holds 17 members, who will each have the chance to discuss a wide range of key topics at this #bofcon2018 meeting, including sports integrity, sports policy and the planning and content for upcoming European Lotteries’ internal events, along with updates on the EL Sport Award.The group includes representatives from the likes of Veikkaus (Finland), Nederlandse Loterij (Holland), Norsk Tipping (Norway), SAZKA (Czech Republic), Lottomatica (Italy), LOTTO Bayern (Germany), Danske Spil (Denmark), Svenska Spel (Sweden), OPAP (Greece) and Sisal (Italy).Olli Sarekoski, Chair of EL Sports Committee, said: “We are pleased that our Sport Working Group has been planned around the Betting on Football Conference.“Embracing responsible innovation in sports betting is of great importance for the Lotteries; our Working Group members will have the chance to join more than 1,500 delegates at Stamford Bridge, interact with like-minded professionals and get up to date with the most interesting developments in the sports-betting sector.”The fifth edition of Betting on Football, featuring over 200 leading industry speakers, is expected to attract a record number of delegates, after 97.4% of those surveyed from last year’s event said they would recommend it to a colleague.In addition to EL’s Sport Working Group Meeting, #bofcon2018 is introducing another three specialist forums: SBC Sponsorship Forum for football clubs and gambling operators to discuss sponsorship opportunities, Affiliate Insider Bootcamp for affiliates to test their best practice business skills, and Esports Insider Super Forum for 300 esports delegates, including Ruud Gullit as the keynote speaker.Along with an unparalleled access to industry decision makers, delegates will also be treated to parties at Namco Funscape, a high-tech entertainment venue on London’s South Bank and Roman Abramovich’s personal nightclub Under the Bridge.
Black Type recruits trainer Ben Pauling as National Hunt ambassador
Black Type partners with Degree 53 to offer enhanced user experience April 10, 2019 Black Type COO, Stephen Davison: Maximising racing’s expansion January 18, 2019 Submit Share StumbleUpon FSB takes control of ‘in administration’ Black Type January 7, 2020 Share Related Articles Specialist racing bookmaker, Black Type has announced the appointment of Dual-Grade One winning trainer Ben Pauling as its official ambassador for the 2018/2019 National Hunt season.Confirming, Pauling as new ambassador, Black Type marketing details that it has secured one of UK racing’s most promising and talented trainers, who will be providing unique insights and in-depth content on UK National Hunt yards.Pauling began training at the start of the 2013 Season after 6 valuable years spent as the assistant to five-time Champion Trainer, Nicky Henderson. The trainer has his breakout season in 2017 when Willoughby Court won the Grade One Neptune Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.Stephen Davison, Head of Operations at Black Type said: “It’s fantastic to be able to welcome Ben Pauling to the Black Type team. He is a trainer that has achieved a huge amount in a short space of time, and with the quality of horses at his disposal, we can’t wait to see what the upcoming season holds.”Aiming for further success with Black Type, Pauling trains a number of UK Racing’s hottest prospects, including; A Hare Breath (winner of Listed handicap hurdle at Sandown), Kildisart (won Silver Plate Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham) and Global Citizen (winner of Grade 2 Dovecote novice hurdle at Kempton).Ben Pauling said: “I am delighted to be an ambassador for Black Type for the upcoming season. I will have an exclusive weekly column ahead of my weekend runner – we have plenty of exciting horses this season and the whole team is hoping we can build on last year.”
Recent Comments