Simone Biles defied a kidney stone to become the first female gymnast to win four all-around world titles, on this day in 2018.
Such was the American’s dominance of her sport, she could afford a series of uncharacteristic mistakes in Doha without feeling unduly threatened by her rivals, with Japan’s Mai Murakami taking silver more than one and a half points behind.
Victory gave Biles her 12th world gold medal and her second of the championships. She went on to collect six in total – four golds, one silver and one bronze.
However, after claiming the all-around title, she insisted: “I’m definitely more upset with myself than happy. It’s not who I am go out and bomb a meet like that.
“Even though I still won, I wish it had been something different. It kind of sucks that I did so bad and still won. You have to earn it and I don’t think I earned it tonight.”
Biles’ success was all the more remarkable given her admission to hospital the night before the qualifying round, but she refused to use her continuing discomfort as any kind of excuse.
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“If it had been a challenge for me, I wouldn’t have competed at all, rather than blame it on the kidney stone,” Biles added.
“I think finals will definitely cheer me up because I get to redeem myself and show people who I really am.”
Biles took a two-year break from competition following the Tokyo Olympics, during which time she announced she would be working on her mental health and also gave evidence to Congress over the abuse she suffered at the hands of disgraced doctor Larry Nassar.
The Las Vegas Raiders fired head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler on Tuesday night, the team announced.
“After much thought about what the Raiders need to move forward, I have decided to part ways with Josh and Dave,” owner Mark Davis said in a statement. “I want to thank them both for their hard work and wish them and their families nothing but the best.”
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Raiders plan to name linebackers coach Antonio Pierce as their interim head coach.
The Raiders dropped to 3-5 with Monday night’s 26-14 loss to the Detroit Lions and are tied for last place in the AFC West.
McDaniels was in his second season as coach of the Raiders after signing a six-year contract in January 2022. He concluded his Raiders tenure with a 9-16 record and no playoff appearances.
Ziegler also joined the Raiders in 2022 when he replaced Mike Mayock.
pic.twitter.com/8P5s2sKxwl
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) November 1, 2023Keldon Johnson scored on a contested layup after a steal with 1.2 seconds remaining to give the Spurs their only lead of the game and San Antonio rallied for a stunning 115-114 win over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.
The Suns led by as many as 13 in the fourth quarter, but the Spurs closed to within 114-113 after Victor Wembanyama scored four straight points.
Johnson then stole the ball from Kevin Durant and put in a layup to put San Antonio on top.
Durant missed a fadeaway as the buzzer sounded to give the Spurs their first win against the Suns in the past 10 meetings.
Johnson finished with 27 points and Devin Vassell and Wembanyama each added 18 for San Antonio, which outscored Phoenix 33-19 in the fourth quarter.
Durant scored 26 points and Eric Gordon had 20 for a Phoenix team that was again without the injured starting backcourt of Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
Knicks handle undermanned Cavaliers
The New York Knicks got 19 points and 10 rebounds from Julius Randle and never trailed over the final three quarters in a 109-91 win over the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jalen Brunson scored 19 points and Immanuel Quickley added 18 off the bench to help the Knicks win the first half of a home-and-home series.
Donovan Mitchell had 26 points in 29 minutes for the Cavaliers, who lost their third straight and fell to 0-3 at home.
Cleveland was without point guard Darius Garland (left hamstring strain), center Jarrett Allen (left ankle bone bruise), top reserve Caris LeVert (left hamstring soreness) and backup guard Ty Jerome (right ankle sprain).
The Texas Rangers are just one win away from their first World Series crown after a dominant 11-7 game four win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Marcus Semien hit a two-run triple and a three-run home run for the Rangers, who opened a 10-0 lead after just three innings.
The Rangers now lead the Diamondbacks 3-1 in the seven-game series having stretched their unbeaten away record in the postseason to 10 games.
They became the first team in World Series history to have consecutive five-run innings with all-star pairing Corey Seager and Semien continuing their hot form, both players batting in six runs apiece during the series.
Saeger hit his third two-run home run of the series while Jonah Heim got in on the action in the eighth inning with a home run to stretch the lead further.
After scoring one run in the fourth, the Diamondbacks fought back with six more across the final two innings, but the gap was too big to bridge.
Arizona’s second baseman Ketal Marte recorded two more hits, sending his record postseason hitting streak to 20 games.
Texas can clinch their first MLB crown on Wednesday night in Arizona, but they will have to do it without veteran pitcher Max Scherzer and star outfielder Adolis Garcia who were injured in game three.
The last team to come back from a 3-1 deficit in the World Series were the Chicago Cubs in 2016, but 42 of the last 49 teams up 3-1 have gone on to win.
Jessica Pegula produced an impressive display in the WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico, as she beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets.
Pegula broke her losing streak against the Belarusian having lost their last five meetings and the American has now won her last five games against top 10 players.
Sabalenka made 33 unforced errors, but it still took Pegula seven match points before clinching a 6-4 6-3 win and a place in the semi-finals.
After the match, Pegula said her improvement comes from feeling “more comfortable” playing top players this year.
Sabalenka will now play Elena Rybakina on Thursday night to determine the second qualifier from the group after Rybakina defeated Maria Sakkari 6-0 6-7 (4) 7-6 (2).
Rybakina started with a fury with a dominant first set but Sakkari fought her way back, winning the second set in a tiebreak.
Sakkari had two break point chances in the final set at 4-4, but Rybakina fought back and finished the tiebreak in a dominant fashion, skipping out to a 6-0 lead.
A number of players, including Sabalenka, Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova and Iga Swiatek criticised the conditions of the courts in Cancun.
For the third year in a row, the host of the prestigious tournament – which features the top eight players of the season – was decided less than two months prior to the event.
Marcus Semien hit a three-run homer and drove in five runs as the Texas Rangers moved within one win of their first World Series title on Tuesday with an 11-7 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Corey Seager added a two-run home run and the Rangers won their 10th straight postseason road game, extending their MLB record.
Texas scored five runs in the second and third innings, becoming the first team in World Series history with consecutive five-run innings.
Texas can wrap up the World Series in Game 3 on Wednesday.
Only seven of the last 49 teams to take a 3-1 lead in the World Series failed to win. The most recent team to overcome a 3-1 deficit was the Chicago Cubs against Cleveland in 2016.
Seager’s third two-run homer of the Series capped the five-run second and Semien’s blast punctuated the third.
The Rangers learned before the game that slugger Adolis Garcia and pitcher Max Scherzer will miss the rest of the World Series.
Garcia, the ALCS MVP, has a moderate strain of his left oblique and Scherzer, who was in line to pitch a possible Game 7, has a muscle spasm on the right side of his back.
Garcia hit .323 with eight homers and a major league-record 22 RBIs in these playoffs.
Travis Jankowski took Garcia’s spot in right field and had two hits and two RBIs in his first Series at-bats.
The Diamondbacks were held in check by Andrew Heaney and the Rangers’ bullpen before scoring four runs in the eighth, three on Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s home run off Chris Stratton.
Heaney allowed one run and four hits in five innings.
Gabriel Moreno added a two-run single in the ninth to draw Arizona closer, but Jose Leclerc retired Christian Walker for the final out.
Arizona’s Ketel Marte extended his postseason-record hitting streak to 20 games with a first-inning single.
The day-two leaders in the four categories of the 56th Jamaica Open Golf Championship are from four different countries, making it truly an international tournament. The open is being played at the Tryall Golf Club which is just a short distance from the Grand Palladium Hotel in Hanover, the official hotel and sponsor of the championship.
American pro golfer Andrew Arft maintained his leading position after scoring an even par 72 for a two-day score of six under par 138. His lead was however cut to two from six on the first day by countryman Ryan Sullivan, who posted the lowest score on the second day.
Sullivan scored a six under par 66 for a combined score of 140.
Jamaica's Oshae Haye took over the lead for the amateur section from Sean Morris. His two-day total of 157 came on the back of 75 and 82, on day one and two respectively. Morris was four strokes back on 153.
Trinidad and Tobago's Chris Richards took his day one lead into day two, for a combined total of 146, after posting two under par 70 on the first day, and four over par 76 on the second day, in the Senior Professional category. Canada's Kent Fukushima was in second place on 152.
The final section, for Senior Amateurs showed Canada's Robert Sterling in the lead. His two-day total of 161 came on the back of 12 over par 84 on day one and five over par 77 on day two. Jamaica's Dr. Mark Newnham was in second place on 164 (88 and 76).
The last group of the day all birdied hole number 18 to the delight of the gallery who appreciated the display. The group members were Andrew Arft, Josh Anderson and Chris Richards.
World number two Carlos Alcaraz crashed out of the Paris Masters at the first hurdle.
The Spaniard had designs on ending his year on the regular tour with victory in the French capital but they were quickly extinguished by world number 45 Roman Safiullin.
The Russian, who came through qualifying, posted a career-best victory, winning 6-3 6-4 in under two hours.
Footage of Alcaraz giving rival Novak Djokovic the run around in practice had gone viral in the last couple of days, but there will be no meeting between the two heavyweights on the main show court in the final Masters event of the season.
A routine night for Alcaraz looked on the cards when he broke Safiullin in just the third game of the night, but he was immediately broken back and the Russian then went on to take control, breaking again at 4-3 and then serving the first set out.
Alcaraz made another early move in the second set leading 3-1, but Safiullin again responded and won five of the next six games to cause a big shock by the Seine.
He said on Amazon Prime Video: “It was tough, since qualies I was not playing at this level but against Carlos you have to lift up the level.
“Carlos’ was not the best performance but I’m still happy I could win because he is number two in the world, former world number one and has two grand slams, it is tough to beat him even if he is not in the best shape.
“Everything against these guys, tactical, physical, mental is very important, to set focused form the beginning.”
Paul Nicholls has confirmed that Bravemansgame will be aimed at Saturday’s bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, rather than waiting for Haydock’s Betfair Chase on November 25.
The eight-year-old gave Nicholls his fifth success in the West Yorkshire feature 12 months ago at the start of a successful second season over fences.
He went on to claim King George glory at Kempton before finishing second to Galopin Des Champs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Nicholls also has Aintree Grade One winner Pic D’Orhy among eight entries for the Charlie Hall, but the plan is to now keep him back for Ascot towards the end of November.
The Ditcheat handler posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “After this evening discussing the weekend with Bryan Drew and Johhny de la Hay and with the prospect of soft ground and an uncertain forecast up to @haydockraces in 3 weeks we have decided to run Bravemansgame saturday @WetherbyRaces and leave Pic D’Orhy for @Ascot on 25th.”
Lucinda Russell’s Ahoy Senor disappointed as a hot favourite for last year’s renewal, trailing home last of five runners behind Bravemansgame, but is on course for a rematch.
The eight-year-old showed his true colours in the second half of the season – winning the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January before rounding off his campaign with a runner-up finish behind Shishkin in the Aintree Bowl.
Ahoy Senor is entered in both the Charlie Hall and the bet365 Hurdle this weekend, but Russell’s partner and assistant Peter Scudamore said: “I’m almost certain that Ahoy Senor will go for the chase. He seems OK, we’re happy enough with him.”
Dashel Drasher also holds a Charlie Hall engagement, but his trainer Jeremy Scott is leaning towards running over the smaller obstacles at this stage.
He said: “We’ve just been discussing it; are we better over fences or over hurdles? It’s an interesting question really.
“I think we’ll bide our time and see what everybody else is doing and try to work it out, but I think in principle the most likely race, I would imagine, would be the hurdle.”
The next time Chase Young takes the field it will be for the San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers acquired the defensive end from the Washington Commanders on Tuesday in exchange for a 2024 third-round draft pick.
Young, the second overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft, was considered one of the top players on the market ahead of Tuesday's deadline.
In seven games this season, Young has five sacks, nine quarterback hits and six tackles for loss.
He missed the season opener with a neck injury and appeared in only 12 games over the last two seasons after tearing his ACL and rupturing his patellar tendon in 2021.
Concerns over his overall health played into Washington's decision to trade him, but when healthy, he's been one of the better pass rushers in the NFL.
He earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honours and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2020 after registering 7 1/2 sacks and 12 quarterback hits.
The trade to San Francisco will reunite Young with fellow edge rusher Nick Bosa. The two played opposite one another on the defensive line collegiately at Ohio State in 2017 and 2018.
Bosa, the second overall pick of the 2019 draft, has three sacks and 19 QB hits in eight games this season.
Bosa reportedly championed the trade and the hope is their existing relationship will help facilitate a long-term deal for Young in San Francisco.
The 49ers (5-3) have a bye this week, so Young has more time to train with his new teammates before their next game on November 12 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Young became the second pass rusher traded by Washington (3-5) ahead of the deadline after the team shipped Montez Sweat to the Chicago Bears earlier in the day.
The Minnesota Vikings need a quarterback, and the Arizona Cardinals have one available.
The Vikings acquired Joshua Dobbs from the Cardinals on Tuesday in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick. Arizona also sent a seventh-round pick to Minnesota to complete the trade.
The deal was done prior to Tuesday's trade deadline, a day after the Vikings confirmed Kirk Cousins tore his right Achilles tendon and would be lost for the season.
Also on Monday, the Cardinals revealed Dobbs was being benched with the imminent return of Kyler Murray from the physically unable to perform list.
Dobbs had started the first eight games of the season for the one-win Cardinals after being acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Browns just before the start of the season. He's completed 62.8 per cent of his passes for 1,569 yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions and has also run for three TDs.
Among 32 qualifying quarterbacks, Dobbs ranks 25th in passer rating (81.2) and 29th in yards per attempt (5.90).
Although his passing stats aren't that impressive, he would be an upgrade at quarterback for the Vikings following Cousins' injury.
With backup QB Nick Mullens on injured reserve with a back injury, rookie Jaren Hall was the only healthy quarterback on the Vikings' roster.
Hall made his NFL debut upon replacing Cousins in Sunday's 24-10 win over the Green Bay Packers and completed three of four passes for 23 yards.
Minnesota visits the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, and it's uncertain how much time Dobbs will need until he's ready to take over the offence.
The Vikings have moved into the play-off picture by winning their last three games to improve to 4-4.
Mercedes have parted company with technical chief Mike Elliott following the team’s failure to win a single race this season.
James Allison returned as Mercedes’ technical director just three races into the new season – with Elliott moving into the chief technical officer role.
Although Mercedes said the job swap was Elliott’s decision, the announcement arrived after Lewis Hamilton and team principal Toto Wolff criticised the design philosophy of this year’s car on the eve of the curtain raiser in Bahrain on March 5.
The Silver Arrows, who claimed a record eight consecutive constructors’ championships and carried Hamilton to six world titles, have won only one race in the past two years.
And ahead of this weekend’s round in Brazil – with only races in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi to follow this year – Mercedes said Elliott is departing the team.
“Mike has been one of the pillars of the team’s achievements over the past decade,” said Wolff. “It’s with truly mixed feelings that we say goodbye to him today.
“Mike is a fiercely intelligent technical brain and a great team player. He has made a strong contribution not just to winning racing cars but also to building the culture of our team.
“But on the other side, it’s clear that he’s ready for new adventures beyond Mercedes – so I know this is the right step for him to take, too.
“He leaves the team today with our thanks for the effort, commitment and expertise he has brought to the team over the past 11 years and our very best wishes for the future.”
Hamilton finished a distant runner-up to Verstappen in Mexico last weekend, with the Dutchman winning a record 16 of the 19 races so far in his all-conquering Red Bull machine.
It is nearly two years since Hamilton, who will remain alongside George Russell at Mercedes until at least the end of 2025, won a race.
Elliott, who is now set for a period of gardening leave, said: “Although the last two seasons have not seen us winning races in the manner we aspire to, they have tested us in many other ways – and forced us to question our fundamental assumptions about how we deliver performance.
“During the past six months, I have enjoyed developing the technical strategy that we hope can provide the foundations of the team’s next cycle of success.
“I have decided that now is the right time to make my next step beyond Mercedes – first to pause and take stock, after 23 years of working flat-out in this sport, and then to find my next challenge.”
Nicky Henderson has identified the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase as the primary objective for Shishkin, with the Betfair Chase at Haydock a potential port of call en-route to Kempton.
The former star two miler successfully stepped up to an extended three miles in the Aintree Bowl in the spring and looks set to be campaigned over staying trips this season.
Following a pleasing racecourse gallop at Windsor last week, Henderson feels the nine-year-old is right where he wants him ahead of a potential comeback at Haydock on November 25.
“The whole objective for Shishkin is one day after Christmas and that is the King George,” said the Seven Barrows handler.
“After that race, we will decide where we go from there. He has had a racecourse gallop and the plan is to go to the Betfair Chase first, then onto the King George. He was super in the racecourse gallop and I was thrilled with him. Nico (de Boinville) rode him and he was great.
“He is most definitely a stayer. We started last season at two miles, then we went up to two miles five furlongs at Ascot and he looked good.
“You would have to say we were a little bit disappointed at Cheltenham in the Ryanair Chase, but then we upped him to three miles one furlong at Aintree and that was a good, solid, staying jumping performance.
“His win at Aintree showed that he stays three miles, but now we have got to confirm that. The ground at Haydock does frighten you a little bit, but we have got to go there, as he is not entered in the Charlie Hall and you have either that or the Betfair Chase before the King George.”
Shishkin is one of 15 possible contenders for the Betfair Chase, with last year’s winner Protektorat and the 2021 victor and former Gold Cup hero A Plus Tard also in the mix.
Bravemansgame, Gerri Colombe and L’Homme Presse are other notable names among the hopefuls for the Merseyside feature.
A Plus Tard aside, all of the above are also on a list of 19 initial entries for the King George, along with the likes of Allaho, last season’s Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs and The Real Whacker.
The police inquiry into the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson during a match watched by thousands of fans “will take some time”, the investigating force has said.
The 29-year-old American was playing for Nottingham Panthers at rivals Sheffield Steelers on Saturday when he was reportedly hit in the throat by an opponent’s skate, causing a fatal injury.
About 8,000 fans watched in horror as attempts were made to save Johnson’s life as he lay on the ice, shielded by fellow players.
His team said it was a “freak accident” on Sunday when they confirmed that the popular Minnesota-born player had died.
Since then, South Yorkshire Police have carried out inquiries at the arena, studied footage of the collision and spoken to experts, aided by Sheffield City Council’s health and safety team.
The force said the investigation would be lengthy.
In a statement they said: “Since Saturday, detectives have been carrying out a range of inquiries including reviewing footage, talking to witnesses and seeking the advice and support of highly specialised experts to seek to understand the circumstances surrounding what happened.
“We have also been working closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our investigation.
“As with all unexpected and sudden deaths, it is standard practice for police to investigate the circumstances fully and feed back our findings to HM coroner.
“Our officers have now left the scene, however due to the complex nature of this tragic and unprecedented incident, it is likely the wider investigation will take some time.
“We continue to encourage the public to avoid speculation, including on social media, while we continue our inquiries and will provide updates when appropriate.
“Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of all those affected.”
The Chicago Bears acquired pass rusher Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders on Tuesday in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
Sweat is in the final year of his rookie contract, and by acquiring the 27-year-old before the end of the season, the Bears control his rights and can sign him to a contract extension.
Sweat has 6 1/2 sacks - tied for eighth most in the NFL - and joins a Chicago team that has a league-low 10 sacks through eight games.
He also has 23 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and 32 total tackles with 10 going for loss. Only Minnesota Vikings linebacker Danielle Hunter has more tackles for loss with 12.
Since being drafted 26th overall by Washington in 2019, Sweat has 120 total tackles and 35 1/2 sacks. He had a career-best nine sacks in 2020, and a personal-high 14 tackles for loss last season.
Though the Commanders (3-5) have a better record than the Bears (2-6), Washington was expected to be a seller at the trade deadline, while Chicago has plenty of salary cap space in 2024 and can afford to be buyers.
Sweat immediately bolsters a defense that has five fewer sacks than any other team in the league.
John Gosden was pleased to be able to get Inspiral and Mostahdaf out on to the Santa Anita track on Tuesday.
Two of the best turf horses in Europe will represent Gosden and his son Thady in the Filly & Mare Turf and the 12-furlong Turf respectively.
Inspiral has won her last two outings in Group One company, while Mostahdaf has been rerouted after the ground turned testing at Ascot on Champions Day.
His victories in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes and Juddmonte International were unquestionably two of the best displays of the season by any horse.
“The horses have been in a dark room with no natural light since they arrived and both Inspiral and Mostahdaf were very pleased to be out,” said Gosden.
“Mostahdaf fancied his pony and thought it was good fun, he will love being a stallion next year.
“He has a good turn of foot and is a good-looking son of Frankel.”
Mostahdaf will be reunited with Jim Crowley due to his retainer with owners Shadwell but Frankie Dettori stepped in for him at York while he was banned. Dettori will be on Inspiral, however.
The Italian recently announced his career will be extending much longer than first anticipated but Gosden is fully behind the switch in plans and raised the idea of the pair teaming up at the Dubai Carnival.
“Frankie learned a lot from the US jockeys in the 1980s when he was here for two or three winters. He was very keen and hungry to learn,” said Gosden.
“I think he’s doing it exactly right. He can ride here four days a week but he will ride for me again, for sure. In fact, I’m getting Lord North ready for Dubai, where he has won three Dubai Turfs. Why not a fourth?”
Leigh Halfpenny expects a “pretty special” Wales send-off on Saturday while hoping to continue playing for another two seasons.
Halfpenny announced his decision to retire from international duty following Wales’ exit from the recent Rugby World Cup and will make his final appearance in the red jersey against the Barbarians in Cardiff.
But the 34-year-old is set to prolong his career, with Japan considered to be the most likely destination ahead of an official announcement next week.
“It’s all done,” Halfpenny said ahead of his Millennium Stadium farewell.
“I’ve got a contract for another season and then we’ll see what happens after that. I’m looking for that to be announced next week.”
Halfpenny won 101 caps for Wales – the Barbarians game, which is being staged to pay tribute to the country’s record cap holder Alun Wyn Jones, is uncapped – and scored 801 points after making his debut at the age of 19 against South Africa in November 2008.
He made four Test appearances for the Lions across the 2013 and 2017 tours, although he was also selected in 2009 before injury cut short his involvement.
Halfpenny was named player of the series in 2013, helping the Lions to a 2-1 series victory in Australia.
He said: “I’m just grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to wear the jersey over the last 15 years.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to put on the Welsh shirt and I’m really excited for Saturday.
“I’ve got a few friends and family coming along, and I’m looking forward to going out one last time.
“To run out alongside guys like Alun and Justin Tipuric, albeit they’ll be on the opposite side, and share the field with those two greats of the game and Welsh legends again will be pretty special.”
Halfpenny is third on the all-time list of men’s points scorers for Wales, behind Neil Jenkins (1,049) and Stephen Jones (917).
He says he grew up in the Swansea suburb of Gorseinon determined to emulate outside-half Jenkins, hero of the Lions’ 1997 series victory in South Africa.
Halfpenny said: “Jenks was an idol for me, watching him play and kick for Wales. He made me want to be like him kicking for Wales.
“I just went down the field and put the practice in. That was my dream, to play and kick for Wales.
“I’ve got to be honest, I was pretty star-struck when I met up with him at St Helen’s (the home ground of Swansea RFC) at the age of 16, and he’s been incredible for me.
“I’ve learned so much from him; not just goal-kicking but the work you need to put in. He’s supported me throughout and been huge in what I’ve been able to achieve.”
Halfpenny also wants to follow Jenkins into coaching, adding: “It’s something that I would like to do once I hang up the boots.
“I will be having a chat with him and picking up any tips I can. He’s one of the best in the world and to learn from him has been pretty special.”
Saffie Osborne will be out of action for the rest of the year as she bids to fully recover from a knee injury suffered in a fall earlier this month.
Osborne has enjoyed a memorable campaign, riding 70 winners in 2023, including Metier’s Chester Cup win in May and victory aboard the Ed Walker-trained Random Harvest in the Group Three Valiant Stakes at Ascot in July.
She was also crowned the top rider in the Racing League for the second year in succession.
The 21-year-old tore ligaments in her knee at the beginning of October and while she continued to ride afterwards, most recently travelling to France for a Listed race on Monday, she has now decided to give herself an extended break to ensure she is back at full fitness for early next year.
“It’s obviously hugely frustrating to miss any time in the saddle but my knee has been causing me some pain,” said Osborne.
“I am hoping to be back riding in January. I’m hugely grateful to all the owners and trainers who have supported me this year and I can’t wait to be back riding in 2024.”
Ante-post favourite Arcangelo will miss Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Classic after suffering a setback.
Jena Antonucci’s charge landed the Belmont Stakes in June before doubling his Grade One tally in the Travers at Saratoga two months later.
He has since been kept fresh or this weekend’s showpiece event in California, with connections having hoped he would emulate his sire, Arrogate, who won the Classic in 2016.
However, Arcangelo pulled off a shoe a few days ago and while Antonucci had initially hoped he would recover in time, she has now made the difficult decision to withdraw her stable star.
She told TVG: “He’s honestly doing great, he’s bouncing and thriving and happy in his stall.
“Like we’ve talked about all week, the left-hind shoe he pulled off, he’s not fully resolving and we’re running out of time.
“As we’ve talked about from day one, it will be always be horse first no matter what. Sure, there’s big racing coming up, but spreadsheets and timeframes they don’t really care about.
“We have so many amazing options here for being able to diagnose and figure things out. We’re going to take advantage of that and to be able to do so, we’ve run out of time because obviously you have to sedate horses and do those kind of things.
“We need to do right by him and missing a race is what it’s going to be this time.”
Antonucci added: “It’s not about me, I’ve said that from day one. I’m not going to get emotional, it’s about him and it’s his journey.
“He’s tearing the barn down right now, but I’m not comfortable and if I’m not comfortable then it’s a ‘no’.”
The Classic field had already had two significant withdrawals over the weekend, with Geaux Rocket Ride suffering a serious leg injury while working at Santa Anita on Saturday and Kentucky Derby winner Mage ruled out due to a fever.
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