Willie Mullins’ Storm Heart made an impressive Irish debut when running away with the Tote.ie 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown.

The gelding was a Flat winner in France before changing hands to join Mullins for Gigginstown House Stud.

Punchestown was his first run on Irish turf and, under Paul Townend, he was the 2-5 favourite in an 11-runner affair.

He travelled well throughout and was much the best, strolling easily clear to secure an unchallenged 22-length victory.

“It was a very good introduction, I didn’t expect that,” Mullins said.

“I was hoping he was all right, but he’s more than all right looking at that performance.

“Paul thought he was very brave too, as he got blinded at one or two hurdles. He lost his confidence for one or two but got it back. He took them on and he loves jumping.

“I would have said coming here there was huge improvement in him, and I hope there is.

“He’s probably good enough to go wherever we wanted.”

Henry de Bromhead’s Monty’s Star got off the mark over fences when winning the Download The New Tote App Beginners Chase.

The six-year-old was a Grade Three winner over hurdles and graduated to the larger obstacles this season, starting out in a competitive beginners chase at Fairyhouse, where he was third behind Corbetts Cross and Three Card Brag.

The latter horse was also entered at Punchestown and went off the 4-11 favourite, as Monty’s Star was a 9-4 chance under Rachael Blackmore.

Three Card Brag led for much of the race but did not always jump fluently, whereas Monty’s Star gained ground with every fence and eventually came out on top after a tussle in the home straight.

“Jumping is his biggest asset and even though it’s tough ground to jump out of, he did it well,” said Blackmore.

“He stayed on and galloped out well to the line. We didn’t go a mad gallop, but it was a good performance on tough ground. He’s improved from the last day.”

Clonmeen took the Tote, Never Beaten By SP Handicap Chase for rider Simon Torrens and trainer William Murphy.

The 4-1 chance was back in fine spirits after a spell under the weather since scoring at Down Royal seven weeks ago and prevailed by a head in the three-mile event.

Murphy said: “The horses were all sick for about six weeks and it’s great to see them back in form.

“That was tight for comfort, but it was a tough performance, and the main thing is he won.

“We might think about something like the National Trial back here.”

Chloe Kelly and Nikita Parris have backed their England team-mates to recover from the gut-wrenching disappointment of missing out on a chance of featuring at the Olympic Games in 2024.

The Lionesses lifted the Euro 2022 trophy and reached the final of the Women's World Cup a year later, but there was no fairytale ending to their Women's Nations League story.

Sarina Wiegman's European champions hammered Scotland 6-0 in their last fixture in Group A1 this month, but the Netherlands' 4-0 win over Belgium saw them top the standings.

Had Olympic qualification been determined by World Cup placings, Team GB would have qualified thanks to their nominated representative England making the final, losing 1-0 to Spain.

However, the new Nations League competition dictates who will travel to Paris next year and Germany, Spain and the Netherlands will now battle for two of three spots alongside hosts France.

Manchester City star Kelly, speaking at the launch of the first ever Panini Barclays Women's Super League sticker collection at the National Football Museum, said: "I think it is the way we bounce back from those losses, I think we can learn a lot from the whole duration of that Nations League.

"Being more consistent throughout the tournament because we left it to the last two games and we cut ourselves short.

"We are a great side and it is about getting some rest now, recovering and going again."

While there will be no Olympic dream for Wiegman and her England players, another European Championship campaign will follow in Switzerland in 2025.

Owing to the difficult task of qualifying for the Games, Parris echoed Kelly's message as she insisted the Lionesses will come back stronger.

Parris added: "It was a disappointment, fine margins, especially when in the Nations League, top teams are playing against each other.

"You do want that competition and it's such a hard route to go to the Olympics for the European sides, but for sure the girls will be super disappointed about the results and not going to the Olympics in 2024.

"The bounce back will be very quick, however. The focus will then go to the Euros and I'm sure everyone is raring and ready to go for the next games."

Former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis acknowledged the Lionesses' "failure" but assured Wiegman will use the experience as a learning curve.

Brown-Finnis said: "It's an unusual one, not qualifying for the Olympics, it comes off the back of a Covid-postponed European Championships.

"Obviously we went on and won that one on home soil, so it's a congested fixture period and I'm not making excuses for the failure because all those players desperately wanted to be at the Olympics.

"It's what every national team in women's football aspires to do, to play in their continental championships, the World Cup and the Olympics, one year off and repeat.

"So it's a failure, absolutely, but it didn't happen on the last day against Scotland, it happened in the previous games.

"They'll come back, they'll have the summer off, which I think will definitely be a benefit, and Sarina Weigman, she'll learn from it, she'll learn what her players need.

"She's only two years into her tenure and what a success… she has been unbelievable, so I hope she sticks around for a long time and brings more success to the Lionesses."

Luton captain Tom Lockyer has thanked the heroes that saved his life after suffering a cardiac arrest at Bournemouth earlier this month.

The 29-year-old collapsed in the 59th minute of the Premier League clash at Vitality Stadium, resulting in the December 16 fixture being abandoned.

Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest and was discharged from hospital five days later following a successful procedure to fit an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

The Welshman made his first comments since the incident via his Instagram account on New Year’s Eve, providing an update on his well-being and expressing gratitude to all those that helped.

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“I would just like to say that I am doing very well and feeling very much myself after the cardiac arrest I suffered in Bournemouth,” Lockyer said.

“The reason I’m doing so well is all down to the heroic actions of the players, staff, doctors and paramedics.

“I feel thankful that this happened to me surrounded by these heroes. They saved my life. I will never forget what you did for me.”

Concerns over Lockyer’s health had been heightened after he collapsed during May’s Championship play-off final victory over Coventry, leading him to undergo surgery to correct an atrial fibrillation.

The defender returned to action for the start of the new season and the Wales international highlighted 10 people for particular praise after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Lockyer named Phil Ballett, Abbey Clark, Dean Fernee and Adam Todhunter, along with Dr Craig Roberts, Dr Mufeed Ni’man and Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing.

Simon Parsell, Chris Phillips and Dr Amos Ogunkoya were other included on the front image of an Instagram post featuring a lengthy caption.

“While I’m sad not to be involved, I feel full of pride watching the boys carry on the battle without me,” Lockyer said, having seen Luton beat Newcastle and Sheffield United before losing 3-2 at home to Chelsea on Saturday.

“The fighting spirit I’ve seen in the last three games has given me a much needed lift.

“I will be doing whatever I can in whichever ways are possible to help the gaffer and the club. In what capacity that is remains to be decided as I’m due to meet with specialists in the new year.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is for as many people as possible to know CPR. It literally saves lives, like mine.

“Please check out the British Heart Foundation website for basics or get yourself on a course. You just never know when you might need it.

“I have been overwhelmed by the support that I have received and thank you all for your messages, letters, gifts and well wishes. Seeing the banners at the ground and hearing my name being sung really did mean a lot to me and my family.

“Finally I would like to thank Bournemouth, Gary Sweet, Rob Edwards and Luton Town for the support they’ve given my family during this time.

“I hope that everyone has a very Happy New Year and best wishes for 2024.”

Douglas Luiz says Aston Villa’s happy camp must keep going after the “important” win over Burnley that rounded off their impressive 2023.

The Brazilian midfielder secured the three points with an 89th-minute penalty as Unai Emery’s side beat the Clarets 3-2 in Saturday’s Premier League contest at Villa Park.

A return to winning ways after a draw against Sheffield United on December 22 and Boxing Day loss at Manchester United, it saw them move up to second, level on points with leaders Liverpool.

It was their 26th league win of 2023 and a club-record 32nd victory in all competitions across the calendar year, and Luiz said in quotes on Villa’s official website: “Everyone is so happy.

“We believe in the group, we believe in Unai and we know he has so much experience. Everyone is happy and we need to keep going and continue.”

Villa were ahead at half-time after Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby scored either side Zeki Amdouni’s equaliser.

Burnley were then reduced to 10 men by Sander Berge’s 52nd-minute dismissal, but it looked as if it might end up a frustrating afternoon for the hosts as they failed to make the most of a series of chances and Lyle Foster then made it 2-2 on 71 minutes.

Luiz subsequently had the final say via the late spot-kick awarded after a challenge on Jhon Duran by fellow substitute Aaron Ramsey, the former Villa player whose brother Jacob was in the home starting line-up.

Luiz added: “It was so important for us because we didn’t play so well in the last two games. If we can win at home it’s so important for the fans.

“The group is very tired and now we have a few days off to enjoy. There are so many important players who have injuries and it’s hard but you need to keep going.”

Villa are unbeaten in their last 17 home league games, which includes a club-record sequence of winning 15 in a row before the Sheffield United match.

Regarding the efforts of Vincent Kompany’s Burnley, who remained second-bottom, five points adrift of safety, midfielder Josh Brownhill told the club’s official website: “To put on a performance like that here, where they’re excellent and have been doing very well in the league is something that we can be proud about.

“It’s a little bit unlucky that we didn’t come away with anything. There are things we can improve on still, there’s goals that you look back on and there’s things that you could have done to stop them. But we took our chances, to come here and score two is not easy.”

Foster’s goal was his first since returning to action this month after an eight-game absence in which he had been receiving care for his mental health.

And Brownhill said: “Everything that he’s been through recently, I can tell that goal meant a lot to him and for us as players. Hopefully that form can continue for him because he put out a really good shift.”

A trip to the Dublin Racing Festival could be on the agenda for Triumph Hurdle favourite Burdett Road after missing out on an intended engagement at Chepstow over the Christmas period.

A Royal Ascot winner on the Flat when trained by Michael Bell, the three-year-old has made a smooth transition to hurdling and followed up a taking jumps debut at Huntingdon with a taking display at Cheltenham in November.

That saw the gelding installed as most bookmakers’ market leader for the juvenile showpiece on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival and he was due to continue his hurdling education in Chepstow’s Finale Juvenile Hurdle.

However, significant rainfall turned conditions severely testing at the South Wales track, with James Owen deciding to save his high-class operator for another day.

A return to Prestbury Park on Cheltenham Trials Day and a trip to Leopardstown’s Grade One Spring Juvenile Hurdle are top of the possible alternatives.

Owen said: “The horse comes first. It would have been nice to run, but there are plenty of other options. He’s in great order and I couldn’t be happier with him.

“He will either go to Cheltenham on Trials Day and he will also have an entry for Leopardstown in early February, the Spring Juvenile Hurdle.

“We will just pick the most suitable option. We would like to run him once more before the Triumph and timing wise these two races are really good.”

On the chance of Burdett Road being a rare Leopardstown raider from the UK, he added: “It’s an option and we’ve talked about it.

“It’s an early closer, it’s very good prize-money and he doesn’t get a penalty in it. It’s an option we want to have and we will decide nearer the time.

“It’s six weeks out from Cheltenham, so would give us plenty of time.”

A run at either Cheltenham or Leopardstown would give Burdett Road the chance to consolidate his position at the top of the Triumph Hurdle market after both Nicky Henderson’s Sir Gino and the Willie Mullins-trained Bunting laid down their claims over Christmas.

Chepstow’s Grade Two was won by Gary Moore’s Salver, who flourished in the gruelling conditions and Owen was more than happy to watch on from the side as Burdett Road skipped that contest.

“We were there and it’s a shame the ground went as it did and we just felt we didn’t need to run him on the testing ground,” said Owen.

“He doesn’t have a lot to prove, we know he’s a good horse and he just needs another run going into the race (Triumph) – and unfortunately that wasn’t the day for it.

“It’s a shame, as looking at the forecast it looked like we would get away with it and they were calling the ground good to soft. But they did get a deluge.”

Connections of Marie’s Rock are anticipating a blockbuster showdown with Bob Olinger when their star mare defends her Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle title at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day

Nicky Henderson’s Cheltenham Festival scorer has always shown a liking to the Prestbury Park undulations and won this contest in real style 12 months ago.

However, the Middleham Park Racing-owned Marie’s Rock will have to pass a stern test if she is to retain her crown, as a strong cast of four have assembled for the Group Two feature of Cheltenham’s opening meeting of 2024.

“It’s a bit of a different race this year and it’s a very good field,” said Middleham Park’s National Hunt racing manager Tom Palin.

“Olly (Murphy) has two in there and it’s a tried-and-tested route for Brewin’upastorm, while his other runner, Strong Leader, is an interesting edition.

“Bob Olinger though, he is a class horse over many years, and he is one I would be extremely respectful and worried about. He sets the standard really and on his going day this is very much is perfect race for him. But then again, Marie’s Rock is the defending queen, if you will.

“It will be a hell of a battle up that hill between ourselves and Bob Olinger. I’m extremely looking forward to watching that unfold – it should be a premier race for the first premier fixture and hopefully we are on the right side of it.”

Marie’s Rock was last seen failing to truly stay three miles for a second time on reappearance at Newbury.

She now returns to the distance her best performances have come at despite her team still harbouring staying ambitions for the future

“There is a bit of discussion about which trip is her optimum,” continued Palin.

“We know she is very good over two and a half at Cheltenham and as I’ve said before, this is very much to make sure she is absolute spot on fitness wise and built up as much fizz and freshness as we can before we go up to three miles with her again next time and that should answer the trip question once and for all.

“That isn’t to say this is some kind of three-mile prep race. She’s very much here with her best foot forward. It is Marie’s Rock playing at home and we would love to get the year off to a flying start the same way as we did last year.

“When you see four runners I was extremely worried about what could be a lack of pace. But I think Strong Leader will be the one that goes forward – they might switch it up and send Brewin’upastorm on – but we will just take a bit of a lead off whoever, get her switched off and into a rhythm.

“When she is relaxed and travelling she is electric over her hurdles. She is in her comfort zone then and a joy to watch.”

There will also be a change of jockey on Marie’s Rock with the sidelined Nico de Boinville replaced by Seven Barrows number two, the in-form James Bowen.

“Myself and Nicky both think James could be a good fit for her with the way he rides,” added Palin.

“He just drops his hands and lets them travel, so I think she could be a good horse for James to ride actually.

“I’m quite excited and it’s unfortunate what has happened to Nico, but it will be interesting to see James ride her and that could be a good fit and hopefully the pace will be strong enough for her to relax, get into a good rhythm, angle off that bend and away we go.”

Marie’s Rock’s Relkeel rival Bob Olinger needs no introduction, especially at Cheltenham, and Henry de Bromhead’s two-time Festival hero appeared back to near his imperious best when snatching the Lismullen Hurdle in November.

De Bromhead has swerved possible outings on home soil to stay at two and a half miles for this raiding mission and his regular pilot Rachael Blackmore foregoes the New Year’s Day meetings at Fairyhouse and Tramore to come over for steering duties.

She told Betfair: “I’m looking forward too to riding Bob Olinger. We were delighted to see him back at Navan the last day, he did really well, he battled on strongly to get the better of Zanahiyr and win the Lismullen Hurdle.

“He came out of the race really well, so hopefully he can build on that now. We know that he goes well at the track, and this extended two and a half miles is a good distance for him.

“It’s only a four-horse race, but it’s a competitive race, and we have to give 7lb to Marie’s Rock, who won the Mares’ Hurdle at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival and who won this race last year. But Bob is in great form, and I hope that he can go well.”

The select quartet is complete by Olly Murphy’s aforementioned duo Brewin’upastorm and Strong Leader, with the former a regular in this race and the latter a good second when upped in distance at Ascot last time.

Of Strong Leader, Murphy said: “He had a good run at Ascot, and I think the outer track at Cheltenham will suit him. He seems in good form, and he is still relatively unexposed. I’m hoping that he has a good each-way chance.

“He was still quite green at Ascot and appeared to appreciate the step up in trip, we thought we would do that after his run in the Welsh Champion Hurdle.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he wants further in time. I’d say we could probably look at going up in trip in the spring, but it would be nice to win a good pot over two and a half miles with him first.

“He was a good novice hurdler, and he was the first of the British-trained horses home in the Supreme last season.

“It was good to see him come out and run so well at Ascot. He is rated in the mid-140s now and hopefully with time he can improve on that mark.”

Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso is set to undergo surgery in a bid to resolve the back problems which have limited his appearances this season.

Alonso has started just four games in the current campaign and appeared three times as a substitute.

The 33-year-old has not featured since playing the first hour of a Champions League defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk on November 7.

Barcelona did not give an exact date for the operation but said in a short story on their official website that an update would be provided immediately after the surgery.

Alonso joined Barca for £23million from Chelsea in September 2022 following a hugely successful six-year spell in London, during which time he helped the Blues win the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.

Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr both admitted the Golden State Warriors are still searching for an identity after they were beaten by a Luka Doncic-inspired Dallas Mavericks team on Saturday.

The Warriors sit a disappointing 11th in the Western Conference with a 15-17 record after losing their third straight game, with Curry's 25-point haul not enough to prevent a 132-122 defeat.

Doncic was the catalyst for Dallas upon his return to the fold after sitting out Thursday's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves due to injury, finishing with 39 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds.

Golden State have seen their last two losses arrive at Chase Center, having also gone down to a Miami Heat team deprived of Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry and Caleb Martin two days earlier.

While injuries and suspensions – most notably for forward Draymond Green – have hampered the Warriors' attempts to find consistency this season, Curry knows they need to do so quickly.

"We've experimented a lot, some for forced reasons, sometimes just us searching for an identity," Curry said. "We haven't found it collectively. 

"It's frustrating, for sure, 32 games in. Any team that is a seriously competitive contender, a good team, can usually answer that question. We have to get to that point before it's too late."

Coach Kerr agreed with that assessment, saying: "We haven't found that grit that every good team needs, where you pull together and you just play for the group. We are not there yet, and that's a problem. 

"We have great guys, but until every team connects in a way that is solely dedicated to winning each game, then we are going to be stuck in this place."

The Warriors were the latest team to fail to contain Doncic, who has scored at least 39 points in his last four games, only failing to reach 30 once in 13 outings in December – when he managed 28 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

He is just the second player in NBA history to average at least 35 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists per game across a calendar month (minimum 10 games played), after Oscar Robertson did so for the Cincinnati Royals in December 1960.

While Kerr was disappointed with the Warriors' defensive efforts, he acknowledged they had simply failed to live with one of the foremost contenders for MVP honours.

"We tried to mix it up on him," Kerr said. "We single-covered him, we switched, we hit him. We tried a lot of different things, but he is a brilliant player and he had a phenomenal game. 

"We weren't communicating. We had some good stretches when we were getting stops, and then our communication broke down."

Stage Star will attempt to continue his Cheltenham love affair when he seeks further Prestbury Park riches in the Paddy Power New Year’s Day Handicap Chase.

Paul Nicholls’ talented chaser has thrived in the Cotswolds since being sent chasing at the beginning of last season.

Having landed a competitive handicap on Festival Trials Day in January, he returned to scoop Grade One honours in the Turners Novices’ Chase at the March showpiece.

He then recorded a third course triumph when surviving a final fence mishap in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, a performance which propelled the Ditcheat star towards the top of the Ryanair Chase market.

Connections had toyed with a trip to Leopardstown for the Savills Chase over the Christmas period, with Lingfield’s Fleur de Lys Chase also mooted as a possible destination for Stage Star’s Festival tune-up.

However, the decision has been made to return to the track he knows best, where he will shoulder the hefty burden of 12st in search of a £56,950 first prize.

“There weren’t too many options to be honest with you, so we thought we would have a look at this,” said Nicholls.

“It is only a small field for a £100,000 handicap, but he has got to go somewhere en route to the Ryanair Chase and this is the perfect race for him.

“I’m glad we didn’t go over to Ireland, as it looked like it was going to be a hell of a hot race. I thought let’s come here instead, as he likes it at Cheltenham and he has won around there before.

“He schooled well on Friday, and he worked yesterday morning (Saturday), but it has been pretty much routine stuff since the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

“He loves it around there. I’ve no idea why, although he does like going left-handed. We have to run somewhere, as he can’t stand in his box until the Cheltenham Festival, and this race works out well for him.”

Although Stage Star will have to give weight away to all of his rivals as he races off a career-high mark of 166, Nicholls believes he has the class to overcome the burden of being at the top of the handicap.

The champion trainer said: “He is possibly going to have to step up again off a mark of 166, but he is the class horse in the race.

“He is improving, and the form of his Paddy Power Gold Cup win has been franked with Fugitif, who was fourth that day, coming out and winning the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham, so I’d like to think he would be hard to beat.

“I do like to run good horses off big weights in handicaps. Phil Smith (former handicapper) used to say more often than not, the top weight in a handicap wins.

“It is something that we’ve done with lots of horses in the past and if it is the right race for them, then you do it.

“I don’t think it is the hottest race in the world, but it is competitive. His sole aim this season is the Ryanair Chase and this would be it for him until then.”

Stage Star will concede over a stone to chief market rival Richmond Lake, with Donald McCain’s charge arriving at Cheltenham on a real upwards curve and having won his last four appearances.

He was impressive in testing ground when a 14-length winner at Aintree on his most recent start and will have the assistance of champion jockey Brian Hughes for a rare assault on Cheltenham from this powerhouse northern team.

Meanwhile, Shakem Up’Arry finished fifth when sent off favourite for this contest 12 months ago before returning to be third over the track and trip at the Cheltenham Festival.

His petrol tank emptied late on when running a creditable race in the Coral Gold Cup on his reappearance and he now drops back in distance in search of a share of the £100,000 prize-fund.

“He ran a lovely race at Newbury in the Coral Gold Cup, he just did a little bit too much early doors,” said trainer Ben Pauling.

“I knew he would have needed that as well, because he had a very bad preparation. Hopefully, a drop back in trip on heavy ground at Cheltenham will suit him down to the ground.

“He seems to enjoy it (at Cheltenham) and if we can just hold on to him a bit longer and challenge a little later, we will see how we get on.”

Frero Banbou is another to bring course-and-distance form to the table, having finished third to Fugitif here in the December Gold Cup, and is representing the on-song Venetia Williams stable.

Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Torn And Frayed struck over the track and trip on Trials Day last season and knows his way around Cheltenham, despite failing to sparkle so far this term.

The select field of six is rounded off by Sam Thomas’ Al Dancer, who may turn 11 for this contest but has already shown this term he is not to be underestimated when winning at Chepstow before placing in Aintree’s Old Roan Chase.

Christian Eriksen says Manchester United must iron out their inconsistencies after a limp defeat at Nottingham Forest that was “hard to swallow” but “nothing new”.

Erik ten Hag’s side have seen forward momentum followed by setbacks on numerous occasions this season, with the conclusion to 2023 epitomising their ongoing issues.

Old Trafford was rocking on Boxing Day as United secured a brilliant 3-2 comeback against Aston Villa, but their performance regressed on the banks of the Trent on Saturday evening.

Morgan Gibbs-White’s late strike sealed Forest a memorable 2-1 triumph as United suffered a 21st defeat of the calendar year, and 14th in all competitions of a chastening campaign.

“Disappointed,” midfielder Eriksen said when summing up the dressing room mood. “I think we came out with the belief that we’re going to get the three points.

“I think in the biggest part of the game we were in a good position to get the three points.

“Obviously the goals were tough, the moments we conceded, but, in the end, we have zero points which is not good enough.”

United were dealing with a string of absentees at the City Ground, including Boxing Day matchwinner Rasmus Hojlund through illness.

That offers some mitigation but the overall performance was far too meek and loose, only increasing the pressure on under-fire Ten Hag and his players.

“We have to look forward, we have to work to get back,” Eriksen said.

“I mean, this season has been a lot of ups and downs, so it’s nothing new for us.

“This of course is hard to swallow, but we have to get back up and there’s no other way than focus on the next game.”

United return to action at Wigan in the FA Cup third round on January 8 and then host Tottenham in what is their only scheduled January fixture in the Premier League.

“(We must) be together as a team,” Eriksen told MUTV. “I mean, in all careers, all football clubs, there’ll be ups and downs and you have to go through them.

“I’ve personally found the best way forward is to work hard and really look ahead, and I think that’ll be the same for us as players that we have to put this behind us.

“First of all, of course, see what has gone wrong and change a few things, but in the end to work hard and try to get through to the next one.”

While United nurse their wounds, Forest head into 2024 buoyed by two impressive scalps in five days.

Chris Wood’s hat-trick secured a 3-1 win at Newcastle on Boxing Day and Saturday’s heroics at the City Ground wrapped up a first win against United since 1994.

Nuno Espirito Santo has overseen quite the change in fortunes since replacing popular  Steve Cooper on December 20 but the Forest manager knows there is much more to come from his players.

“They are working hard,” the Portuguese said. “They are believing in themselves.

“They are working as a team and helping each other, not only with the ball but without the ball.

“We have a lot of things to improve but the credit goes to them. It’s them, it’s them, they are reacting very well.

“We give them belief by telling them to try to find each other, try to play, because that’s the only way that you can evolve as a team.

“If you don’t try things, if you don’t make mistakes, the important thing is the reaction to the mistakes, so they are doing that.

“But there is a long way to go. We are here and all of us know this is just the beginning.”

Aberdeen manager Barry Robson has demanded a response from his players after their 3-0 cinch Premiership home defeat to St Mirren.

The Buddies weathered an early Aberdeen offensive before Mark O’Hara’s deflected strike gave them the lead.

The St Mirren captain would go on to miss a penalty, but Jonah Ayunga’s second-half effort and a successful spot-kick from Greg Kiltie sealed victory over the dismal Dons.

Aberdeen travel to Ross County on Tuesday and Robson said: “We need to win games. Whatever way you do it, you have to win games and, when you’re at Aberdeen, that’s the demand. I know that and the players know that.

“The pressure is always on me, but I’m not thinking about that. I’m thinking about getting these players performing the way they should be.

“They’ve not been playing like that recently, but (on Saturday) they looked a yard short all over the pitch and they need to be better.

“My concern, and why I’m so angry, is that we didn’t perform. After a performance like that, the players should be flying out the box in the next game – I’d expect that.”

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson saw his side end a winless away run stretching back to September and believes they are capable of giving Celtic a run for their money on Tuesday.

Robinson said: “We’re always looking up and it’ll be a big test for us again on Tuesday.

“It’s one that I think we can handle and, if our players are as disciplined as they were (on Saturday), then we can get a result.

“We have to defend as well as we did (on Saturday) and have the same work ethic. We could have scored more against an Aberdeen side with a lot of talent in it.

“It’s credit to the players who have responded to a sticky period with a performance like this.”

LeBron James fumed at the decision to rule his potential game-tying shot a two-pointer after the Los Angeles Lakers were beaten by the Minnesota Timberwolves on his 39th birthday, asking: "What do we have replay for?"

The NBA's all-time leading scorer had no cause to celebrate on Saturday despite finishing with 26 points and six assists as the Lakers slipped to 17-16 with a 108-106 road loss.

James thought he'd levelled things up when he sank a big shot with 3.3 seconds remaining, only for the league's replay centre to rule it a two-pointer rather than a three.

The four-time MVP got another chance with 1.4 seconds on the clock after Anthony Edwards only made one of two free throws at the other end, but he failed to get his shot off before the buzzer.

Speaking to reporters in the locker room after the Lakers' fifth defeat in eight games, Lebron's mind was drawn to his potential leveller.  

"It's obviously a three," James said. "My foot is behind the line. 

"You can see the space between the front of my foot and the three-point line. You can clearly see white, the wood on the floor is the space between the front of my foot and the three-point line.

"What the hell have we got replay for? What do we have replay for if even the replay gets it wrong? 

"It's just like, who is a part of the replay centre? Have we got robots in there making Teslas? What's going on?"

Reflecting on his later missed opportunity, James added: "I kind of misread that. 

"I've been in that situation before. I've just got to do a better job of knowing time. I could have caught it and shot right away."

After the game, crew chief Tony Brothers explained a lack of evidence left the replay team unable to overturn the two-point call, saying: "The play was ruled a two-point field goal on the floor during live play. 

"After video review, there wasn't clear and conclusive evidence to overturn it from a two to a three, and that's why it stood as a two-point field goal."

Lakers coach Darvin Ham disagreed, saying: "The view I had, I thought it was a clear-cut three. Our guys on the sideline replayed it. We thought it was a good three."

Anthony Davis saw his dominant 33-point, 17-rebound performance proved redundant as the Timberwolves improved to 24-7, with Edwards scoring 31 points for the Western Conference leaders.

We continue our look back at 2023, with City Of Troy advertising his star potential, Frankie Dettori continuing his epic winning run before his surprise about-turn on retirement plans and a Christmas miracle at Kempton courtesy of Hewick…

July

In early July Aidan O’Brien’s City Of Troy made his debut at the Curragh before going on to land the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket by six and a half lengths. Via Sistina’s success continued with a Pretty Polly win at the Curragh before Auguste Rodin added an Irish Derby victory to his Epsom title. In the Coral-Eclipse it was Paddington who prevailed, beating Emily Upjohn in a hard-fought finish at Sandown. On day one of the July meeting, Israr landed the Princess of Wales’s Stakes ahead of Adayar, with Nostrum also impressing in the Sir Henry Cecil Stakes. Nashwa was at her brilliant best to land the Falmouth and the following day it was the turn of the sprinters in the July Cup, which was won by the speed star of the season in Shaquille. Gold Cup winner Subjectivist was retired midway through the month, then at the Curragh, Art Power thrived to land the Sapphire Stakes for Tim Easterby. At the same meeting Savethelastdance took the Irish Oaks and Emily Dickinson the Curragh Cup, whereas on home soil it was Relief Rally who came out on top in the Super Sprint at Newbury. The month ended with a King George victory for Hukum, who defeated Westover by a head in the Group One at Ascot.

August

The month got under way at Goodwood, where Haatem took the Vintage Stakes, Kinross prevailed in the Lennox Stakes and Quickthorn ran away with the Goodwood Cup on the opening day. On day two, Big Evs’ brilliant run continued in the Molecomb Stakes before Paddington landed another Group One when taking the Sussex Stakes. Vandeek then burst onto the scene when taking the Richmond Stakes on only his second start, with Al Husn’s Nassau win another highlight of the day. Highfield Princess stormed home in the King George Qatar Stakes to maintain her status as the sprint queen, but the final day of the meeting was abandoned midway through due to heavy rain. At the Curragh, Bucanero Fuerte won the Phoenix Stakes and over in Deauville Inspiral was the winner of the Prix Jacques le Marois for the second year in a row. Ace Impact won the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville, another significant run on home turf. The Ebor meeting at York was the scene of defeat for Paddington in the Juddmonte International, a race ultimately won by Mostahdaf as Nashwa came home second. Relief Rally took the Lowther, Dragon Leader was a stunning winner of the sales race and Warm Heart landed the Yorkshire Oaks, after which there was a real underdog success in the Nunthorpe when Live In The Dream prevailed at odds of 28-1 for Epsom trainer Adam West. Kinross won the richly-endowed City of York on the last day, when Willie Mullins’ Absurde took the Ebor itself under a particularly inspired Frankie Dettori.

September

Tahiyra struck again at Leopardstown to land the Matron Stakes, as Diego Velazquez impressed in the Juvenile Stakes to get the Ballydoyle team off the mark before Auguste Rodin’s victory in the Irish Champion Stakes. At the Curragh, Henry Longfellow caught the eye when winning the National Stakes and over the sprint trip Moss Tucker took the Flying Five for Ken Condon. Eldar Eldarov then secured an Irish St Leger crown to go with his earlier English St Leger prize for the Roger Varian team. At Haydock, it was Ed Bethell’s Regional who scored in the Sprint Cup, a first Group One for the young trainer and a major milestone for the North Yorkshire yard. Eyes then turned to Doncaster for the St Leger meeting, where Darnation took the May Hill and Sumo Sam claimed the Park Hill on the opening day. Big Evs bounced back from Nunthorpe disappointment to land the Flying Childers and Trueshan took the Doncaster Cup on day two, with the Champagne Stakes going to Iberian on day three and the St Leger won by Continuous for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore. Paddy Twomey seemed to unearth some gems at the Curragh as Deepone took the Beresford and One Look ran away with the Goffs Million in a six-length win, after which the Irish Cesarewitch was won by 150-1 outsider Magellan Strait for Joseph O’Brien. Andrew Balding’s Array won the Mill Reef in a poignant success for the stable, after which France came into focus for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe meeting at ParisLongchamp. Trueshan landed the Prix du Cadran to get the British on the board, with Sea Silk Road then taking the Prix de Royallieu for William Haggas and Poker Face winning the Prix Daniel Wildenstein for Simon and Ed Crisford.

October

The big day of the Arc meeting fell on October 1, where Rosallion took the opening Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and Opera Singer won the Prix Marcel Boussac ahead of the main event. Ace Impact was the winner for Jean-Claude Rouget, with Westover a gallant second, beaten a length and three-quarters. Highfield Princess did connections proud once again when taking the Prix de l’Abbaye for John Quinn and his team. Then came the news that Frankie Dettori’s retirement would in fact be postponed as he revealed plans to head off to California instead. He still received a send-off on Champions Day at Ascot, however, where he won the Champion Stakes aboard King Of Steel – potentially his last ever ride in Britain. Other winners on the card included Art Power in the Champion Sprint, Poptronic in the Fillies & Mares Stakes, Big Rock in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and Trawlerman in the Long Distance Cup. City Of Troy demonstrated his huge potential once again at Newmarket with a straightforward Dewhurst success, while the Cesarewitch was won by The Shunter. Ancient Wisdom won the final Group One of the season, Doncaster’s Futurity Trophy in the style of a Derby horse. Attentions switched the National Hunt code, with news the Grand National field would be reduced to 34 along with other changes to improve the safety of the race.

November

The Breeders’ Cup took place at Santa Anita and Big Evs struck a huge blow for the raiding party when landing the Juvenile Turf Sprint for Mick Appleby before Adam West’s Live In The Dream was a gallant fourth in the Turf Sprint. Inspiral landed the Filly & Mare Turf and it was Auguste Rodin who took the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Gentlemansgame denied Bravemansgame in the Charlie Hall, a race that signals that the National Hunt term is well under way. Training great Henrietta Knight announced her return to the game as a licence holder. Gordon Elliott started the season in incredible form with a Down Royal six-timer, swiftly followed by a five-timer at the same track. Gerri Colombe was one of the successes, winning the Ladbrokes Champion Chase from Envoi Allen. In Bahrain, Sir Alex Ferguson enjoyed an international Group Two strike as the Richard Fahey-trained Spirit Dancer was a brilliant winner of the Bahrain International Trophy. Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon made light work of the Shloer Chase on his comeback, as Facile Vega kicked off in style over fences at Navan. Hayley Turner hit a significant career milestone of 1,000 winners on a Chelmsford evening, before Equinox swept to a four-length victory in Japan Cup, sealing his status as the world’s best racehorse. Both the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and runner-up were beaten in separate races as Royale Pagaille held Bravemansgame in the Betfair Chase and both Fastorslow and Appreciate It beat Galopin Des Champs in the John Durkan. Shishkin refused to start in the 1965 Chase at Ascot which was won by Pic D’Orhy in his absence. The industry was quick to rally around Graham Lee, who sustained serious injuries in a heavy fall at Newcastle early in the month and remains in hospital. A fundraiser organised by his daughter raised over £170,000 for the Injured Jockeys Fund.

December

Gavin Sheehan and Jamie Snowden teamed up to take the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury with Datsalrightgino, but the Fighting Fifth could not go ahead due to the weather, so Constitution Hill’s return to action was delayed. The rearranged race was held at Sandown and neither Constitution Hill nor stablemate Shishkin ran due to the ground, with Hughie Morrison’s Not So Sleepy the winner as the outsider in a field of four. Jonbon’s fine start to the season continued as he landed the Tingle Creek from Alan King’s Edwardstone, while at Aintree the Becher Chase was won by a female jockey for this first time as Lucy Turner steered Chambard to victory for Venetia Williams. Arkle winner El Fabiolo took the Hilly Way Chase at Cork by a decent margin to underline his Champion Chase claims after Jonbon’s success. Baroness Harding then became the first female senior steward of The Jockey Club. Constitution Hill did finally reappear, at Kempton in the Christmas Hurdle – winning as odds of 1-12 suggested he would. The King George VI Chase was far less predictable, and for much of the way anyone watching Hewick – a horse who cost a mere £800 – could have been forgiven for ripping up their ticket. But in an astonishing finish – which included Shishkin departing when slipping following the second-last, where he was going strongly in front – Shark Hanlon’s charge roared home under Gavin Sheehan. At Leopardstown’s big festive meeting, Galopin Des Champs impressed in the Savills Chase, State Man won the Matheson Hurdle and Marine Nationale oozed class on his fencing debut.