Horse Power: Onesmoothoperator can win the Northumberland Plate again at Newcastle
ONESMOOTHOPERATOR can secure victory in the Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race) (3.15pm) for a second successive year at Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.
The seven-year-old won the 'Pitmen's Derby' to give Newcastle-born trainer Brian Ellison a long-awaited first win in his 'home' race – the feature of the eight-race card at Gosforth Park. The last horse to win the Northumberland Plate twice was Tominator in 2011 and 2013 although in recent years very few horses have tried to win the prestigious two-mile handicap after their success with 2014 hero Angel Gabriel the most recent when he finished fourth, beaten less than two lengths, in 2015. And although Onesmoothoperator is 12lb higher than for his win in the North East 12 months ago and despite having scored just once more in eights starts since, he can triumph again.
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Ellison's seven-year-old, who also won the November Handicap over 1m4f at Doncaster in November 2023, has run well in several races around the globe since giving his trainer that special 'home' win. Onesmoothoperator won the Group Three Geelong Cup in Australia last October before running reasonably well to be 12th in the Melbourne Cup at Flemington the following month. He also finished seventh, third and fifth at Group Three and Group Two level in Meydan earlier this year. He was third to subsequent Ascot Gold Cup third Dubai Future in February and fifth in a Group Two contest over 1m4f the following month.
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He has clearly been aimed at a return to Gosforth Park, having been off the track since. This two-mile trip on the synthetic surface at Newcastle clearly brings the best out of Onesmoothoperator and despite carrying top weight he may be able to repeat his biggest career success of 12 months ago.
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Others in with a chance of victory include Irish raider, the Tony Martin-trained Zanndabad; James Owen's Chester Cup hero East India Dock; and Pappano – from the all-conquering Willie Mullins' stable.
SPYCATCHER can come out on top in a fascinating renewal of the Group Three Jenningsbet Chipchase Stakes (2.10pm). Liverpool FC fan Karl Burke's seven-year-old has been a solid performer at this level over recent seasons and won a similar contest, the Group Three Prix De Meautry Stakes at Deauville last August. He landed the Listed Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster on his seasonal return and wasn't too far behind Ten Bob Tony stepped up to seven furlongs in the Betfred John Of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock Park last month. The drop back to six furlongs and in a race in which he was a neck runner-up two years ago, Spycatcher can return to winning ways.
James Fanshawe's Kind Of Blue, the Owen Burrows-trained Alyanaabi and Ferrous – from the Jack Channon stable – all rate as dangers to Spycather's hopes of success.
Sir Mark Prescott's winning machine GODSEND can bring up a five-timer in the Jenningsbet Festival Northumberland Vase Handicap (Consolation Race For The Northumberland Plate) (GBB Race) (2.40pm). The four-year-old has won five of his last six starts and just missed the cut for the Northumberland Plate. But in this consolation, following another victory over two miles on his seasonal return at Nottingham last month, Godsend can score again.
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STRIKE RED can bounce back and land his customary summer success in and win the Jenningsbet 200 Shops Nationwide Handicap (1.40pm). Richard Fahey's six-year-old may not have won as much as he probably should, but invariably lands at least one big handicap a year. He scored at the Curragh in 2023 and at York last October. Strike Red has run well enough in three starts this season, including when fifth not beaten that far behind the aforementioned Ferrous over course and distance last month. Down to just 3lb higher than his last winning mark, he can go close to another victory.
Burke's NATIVE WARRIOR, second at Windsor on his most recent start, can go one better to win the Pertemps Network Handicap (3.45pm).
Others who can score at Gosforth Park are Andrew Balding's SANDS OF SPAIN in the Pertemps Education Network EBF Novice Stakes (GBB Race)) (4.25pm); the Ian Williams-trained HALIPHON in the Pertemps Education Network Handicap (Division One (5pm); and recent Redcar winner BILLY BATHGATE in the finale, the Pertemps Education Network Handicap (Division Two (5pm).
At York Liverpool FC fan and jockey William Buick could have a good day and he can partner Ed Bethell's recent Thirsk winner PABORUS to victory in the Group Three Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Criterion Stakes (2.25pm). Buick may have already had a winner on George Boughey's hat-trick-seeking CADARN in the opener, the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Mile Handicap (1.55pm).
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The Godolphin number one jockey may also triumph on Charlie Johnston's GRAVITAS in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Handicap (GBBPlus Race) (4.15pm) and the Charlie Appleby-trained COMMANDING OFFICER in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Novice Stakes (GBB Race) (3.40pm).
John and Sean Quinn's course and distance winner JM JUNGLE can score again in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dash Handicap (3pm). While others who can triumph on the Knavesmire are Richard Fahey's course and distance winner YES I'M MALI in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Sprint Handicap (5.25pm); and the David O'Meara-trained WESTERNESSE in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai For Feed Amateur Jockeys' Handicap (GBBPlus Race) (5.05pm).
At Chester Hugo Palmer's well-drawn course and distance winner FLAMING RIB – from the nearby Manor House Stables of former Liverpool FC and England striker Michael Owen – can return to action with victory the Manor Car Hire Handicap (3.05pm).
Others who can score on the Roodee are Johnston's GHAIYYA and CURRAN in the Horseradish Catering & Events Handicap (3.35pm) and the Going Is Good Handicap (4.45pm) respectively; the Charlie Fellowes-trained unbeaten hat-trick-seeking COSI BELLO in the John Smith's Handicap (4.10pm); and ANGEL OF ANFIELD, from the Tom Clover stable in the opener, the EBF Maiden Stakes (GBB Race) (2pm).
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Cheshire-based handler Palmer can also land the finale, the Next Up July Music Weekend EBF Fillies' Handicap (GBBPlus Race) (5.20pm) with PATAGONIA GIRL.
At Windsor Daniel and Claire Kubler's course and distance scorer ANDALEEP can go in again in the Michael Foster Memorial Handicap (GBBPlus Race) (3.25pm).
At the Curragh on Saturday, Aidan O'Brien's WHIRL can gain compensation for her narrow defeat to stable-mate Minnie Hauk in the Betfred Oaks at Epsom to get the better of chiefly the Andrew Balding's Kalpana – who was third in the Group One Tattesalls Stakes over course and distance last month – as she steps back down to 1m2f in the Group One Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes (Fillies & Mares) (3.30pm).
The Joseph O'Brien-trained course and distance winner TRUSTYOURINSTINCT can also land the Group Three Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai International Stakes (2.55pm).
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At the Curragh on Sunday, O'Brien's LAMBOURN can be the latest Betfred Derby winner at Epsom to double up and land another Classic in the Group One Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (No Geldings) (4.10pm).
Wright Ones
NEWCASTLE
1.40pm Strike Red
2.10pm Spycatcher
2.40pm Godsend
3.15pm Onesmoothoperator (NAP)
3.45pm Native Warrior
4.25pm Sands Of Spain
5pm Haliphon
5.30pm Billy Bathgate
YORK
1.55pm Cadarn
2.25pm Paborus
3pm Jm Jungle
3.40pm Commanding Officer
4.15pm Gravitas
4.50pm Yes I'm Mali
5.25pm Westernesse
CHESTER
1.55pm Angel Of Anfield
2.25pm Circios
3.05pm Flaming Rib
3.40pm Ghaiyya
4.10pm Cosi Bello
4.45pm Curran
5.20pm Patagonia Girl
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WINDSOR
1.35pm Clipsham Noble
2.15pm Amorim
2.50pm Antrim
3.25pm Andaleep
4pm The Flying Seagull
4.35pm Lesson Of Life
5.10pm Milliethemollie
LINGFIELD
5.35pm Pigeon House
6.10pm Voix De Bocelli
6.45pm Hot Dancer
7.15pm India Love
7.45pm The Coffee Pod
8.15pm On A Vespa
8.45pm Nelson Rose
DONCASTER
5.50pm Many A Star
6.25pm Shavkat
7pm Blue Seeker
7.30pm Kawthar
8pm Billyb
8.30pm Endless Whisper
9pm Obito
CURRAGH
1.45pm Beautify
2.55pm Trustyourinstinct
3.30pm Whirl
SUNDAY'S NAP: Gentleman Joe (Curragh 5.55pm)
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New York Times
4 minutes ago
- New York Times
Here's a stat for you...
Follow live reaction to the opening day at SW19 with fans unhappy as Fritz and Zverev clashes were paused after Carlos Alcaraz progressed in five sets Getty Images Day one at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships saw late controversy as Taylor Fritz's match was suspended due to the SW19 curfew, with Alexander Zverev (3) vs. Arthur Rinderknech also paused. American Fritz (5) fought back from two sets down to level vs. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard but play was called off, denying fans who stayed late a final-set decider, with Zverev one set all with Rinderknech. Earlier, two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz progressed in five sets against Fabio Fognini, 38, on a day when several seeds were shocked, including Rune (8), Medvedev (9), Cerúndolo (16), and Tsitsipas (24). In the women's singles, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka was among those to win on a scorching first day with temperatures reaching 90F (32C). Watch: BBC (UK), ESPN (U.S.); Get involved: live@ GO FURTHER Taylor Fritz frustrated as Wimbledon comeback is interrupted by curfew Getty Images Carlos Alcaraz has never lost a first-round match at a Grand Slam. He came as close as he has probably ever come today. Chapeau, Monsieur Fognini (yes, I know he's Italian). Getty Images Lots still due tonight, and that's on top of the matches which are currently on court! In the men's singles, third seed Alexander Zverev faces Arthur Rinderknech, while American Taylor Fritz (5) plays another Frenchman in Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. In the women's: Ashlyn Krueger (31) vs. 16-year-old Brit Mika Stojsavljevic vs. 16-year-old Brit Mika Stojsavljevic Elise Mertens (24) vs. Linda Fruhvirtova vs. Linda Fruhvirtova Zheng Qinwen (5) vs. Kateřina Siniaková Andrey Rublev (14) leads Serb Laslo Djere two sets to one, 1-1 in the fourth, with two Americans on court as well. On Court 14, Jenson Brooksby is a break up on Tallon Griekspoor (31). While on Court 9, Brandon Holt has just lost the first set 2-6 against Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Getty Images In the women's singles, American Amanda Anisimova (13) leads Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 3-0, with Naomi Osaka an early break down at 1-2 against Talia Gibson. Another American in McCartney Kessler (32) has been knocked out by Markéta Vondroušová, 6-1, 7-6(3), while Brit Katie Boulter has just started against ninth seed Paula Badosa in the next match on centre court. Ann Li of the U.S. is a set all against Viktorija Golubic, 0-0 in the third. Jasmine Paolini 2-6, 2-1 Anastasija Sevastova* There could be an upset on the way on No. 2 Court. Jasmine Paolini, last year's beaten finalist, has lost the opening set of her first round match against Anastasija Sevastova. The second set is on serve but Paolini has a lot of work to do against her veteran Latvian opponent, who has never been beyond the third round at Wimbledon but did reach the semi-final stage at Flushing Meadows back in 2018. Getty Images Emma Raducanu 6-3, 2-1* Mimi Xu On No.1 Court there's a battle of the British home hopefuls. Former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu took the first set against 17-year-old Mimi Xu and was an early break of serve up in the second — only for the teenager to immediately hit back. Raducanu, 22, is attempting to reach the second round of The Championships for the fourth time in her career. Carlos Alcaraz, speaking on Centre Court after his win, hailed his opponent's performance. 💬 He said: 'First of all, to be honest, I don't know why it's his last Wimbledon. His level is so high, he can play four more years! It was such a great match. 'He's a great player, his whole career, once again you guys saw it today. A little bit sad it's his last Wimbledon, but happy to share the court with him and we are going to enjoy it. 'Playing the first match at Centre Court is never easy, I've been practicing pretty well but Wimbledon is different. I just tried to play my best, but I can be better. I have to improve in the next round.' When discussing his next opponent, Brit Oliver Tarvet, 21, he added: 'It's not going to be personal! I saw his name when he qualified for the first time, he's playing in college right now. 'He plays great tennis on grass so I will have to be focused on that and put my best tennis into the match. Obviously let's keep enjoying being at Wimbledon.' Getty Images Fognini throws his trainers into the crowd to cheers. He gave the two-time defending champion and one of the tournament favorites a hell of a match. Really impressive from the unseeded veteran. Getty Images Very sporting from Carlos Alcaraz. He gives Fognini a long hug at the net to salute the Italian, who at 38 years old is playing in his final Wimbledon match. What a match to go out, eh? Alcaraz just stands and applauds as Centre Court rises to its collective feet to give Fognini a deserved ovation. Getty Images Carlos Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 Fabio Fognini Fabio Fognini nets and Carlos Alcaraz is through! They sportingly embrace at the net. Carlos Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 5-1* Fabio Fognini Booming serve, 15-0. A filthy drop shot, Fognini doesn't even run for it. Not sure he could have made the fourth bounce, such was the spin and trajectory of that knifing slice. 30-0. Fognini then sends a ripping forehand return down the line, gorgeous stroke, and he does a slight bow for the Centre Court crowd, smiling slightly. Fognini rushes to the net, forcing Alcaraz into the cross-court forehand, netted for 30-all. Fognini return long and that's match point Alcaraz... Getty Images Carlos Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, *5-1 Fabio Fognini Alcaraz nets, 15-0, lovely deft backhand volley from Fognini, Alcaraz gets there but his Hail Mary down the line past the net post misses. Fognini rubs his eyes repeatedly, perhaps a bit of sweat in them, maybe just contemplating how quickly this set, and this match, has got away from him. He swats a forehand wide, then it's 30-30. A clean winner for 40-30 and another for the hold. Fognini looks shattered though. The end is nigh, I reckon. Getty Images ...as he walks to his mark. Can he pull off an incredible comeback in the decider? Getty Images Carlos Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 5-0* Fabio Fognini Big ace for 15-0, another for 30-0. Ruthless. And another! 40-0! Alcaraz finally finds his serve. That is a joke, massive serve Fognini does well to even get a racket on, but it's net. Hold to love and suddenly Alcaraz is a game from the second round. Carlos Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, *4-0 Fabio Fognini Fognini races into a 40-0 lead with a big serve and a shanked Alcaraz backhand. But that's one point back, and another as a Fognini shot is called long. He doesn't like it, but the replay shows it's well out. Fognini sort of slips and can only net, deuce. He overshoots again and it's advantage and break point to Alcaraz, four points in a row... deuce again as Fognini disguises a forehand, wrong-footing the back-pedalling Spaniard. Fognini tries a deft drop shot but nets, then it comes off the wrong part of his racket and it sails well wide. Fognini frustrated. He's 4-0 down! Getty Images Paramedics have just taken the fan off for further treatment. Play is getting back underway shortly. Getty Images It is nearly 90°F/32°C on Centre Court, and the area where the fan was taken ill was bathed in direct sunshine, no shade to protect from the sun. Getty Images A spectator has been taken ill on Centre Court so play is temporarily suspended. Alcaraz was one of the first to notice and rushed over with water. Concerning scenes.
New York Times
18 minutes ago
- New York Times
Paolini pleased to progress
Follow live reaction to the opening day at SW19 with fans unhappy as Fritz and Zverev clashes were paused after Carlos Alcaraz progressed in five sets Getty Images Day one at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships saw late controversy as Taylor Fritz's match was suspended due to the SW19 curfew, with Alexander Zverev (3) vs. Arthur Rinderknech also paused. American Fritz (5) fought back from two sets down to level vs. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard but play was called off, denying fans who stayed late a final-set decider, with Zverev one set all with Rinderknech. Earlier, two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz progressed in five sets against Fabio Fognini, 38, on a day when several seeds were shocked, including Rune (8), Medvedev (9), Cerúndolo (16), and Tsitsipas (24). In the women's singles, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka was among those to win on a scorching first day with temperatures reaching 90F (32C). Watch: BBC (UK), ESPN (U.S.); Get involved: live@ GO FURTHER Taylor Fritz frustrated as Wimbledon comeback is interrupted by curfew Getty Images Let's check in on how the Americans are doing on court now. Taylor Fritz (5) is 4-4 with Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on No. 1 Court is 4-4 with Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on No. 1 Court Jenson Brooksby leads Tallon Griekspoor (31) 6-2, 6-5 6-2, 6-5 Brandon Holt is down 2-6, 4-6, 4-4 against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina And some results from earlier: Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime (25) got past James Duckworth 6-2, 3-6, 6-7(2), 6-4, 6-4 got past James Duckworth 6-2, 3-6, 6-7(2), 6-4, 6-4 American Ethan Quinn defeated Brit Henry Searle 4-6, 6-2, 7-6(11), 6-2 but Mackenzie McDonald of the U.S. was beaten by Karen Khachanov, 7-5, 6-4, 6-4 Brit Billy Harris beat Dusan Lajović 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 South African Lloyd Harris beat Zizou Bergs 7-6(7), 7-6(2), 6-7(5), 6-2, and Luciano Darderi beat Roman Safiullin 7-6(3), 1-6, 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-1 Cristian Garín got past Chris Rodesch 7-6(8), 6-4, 6-4 while Andrey Rublev (14) beat Laslo Djere 6-0, 7-6(5), 6-7(9), 7-6(6) beat Laslo Djere 6-0, 7-6(5), 6-7(9), 7-6(6) Finally, Jan-Lennard Struff beat Filip Misolic 6-2, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 Getty Images Some scores for you: Ashlyn Krueger (31) leads Mika Stojsavljevic 4-2 in the first set leads Mika Stojsavljevic 4-2 in the first set Paula Badosa (9) has just taken the second set against Brit Katie Boulter, 2-6, 6-3 has just taken the second set against Brit Katie Boulter, 2-6, 6-3 Naomi Osaka is a set up on Talia Gibson And the results from earlier today: Jasmine Paolini (4) has just beaten Anastasija Sevastova in a decider, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 has just beaten Anastasija Sevastova in a decider, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 Marie Bouzková got past Lulu Sun 6-4, 6-4; Kamilla Rakhimova beat Aoi Ito 5-7, 6-3, 6-2 Emma Raducanu defeated fellow brit Mimi Xu 6-3, 6-3; American Ann Li beat Viktorija Golubic 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 Renata Zarazúa thrashed Yanina Wickmayer 6-0, 6-3; Dalma Gálfi beat Brit Harriet Dart 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 Olga Danilović beat Zhang Shuai 6-2, 6-4, while Aliaksandra Sasnovich beat Varvara Gracheva 6-4, 6-7(5), 7-6(8) The American fifth seed has just begun against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on No. 1 Court. 1-0 to the Frenchman on serve. These two were peeking through the fence and bushes outside the All England Club earlier today. Clearly on the lookout for action. Here at The Athletic is your best place for second-screen (or even main-screen) ways to follow proceedings without having to squint through shrubbery. And a reminder: you can email us at: live@ with any questions, comments, observations, or otherwise! Look forward to hearing from you. Getty Images Carlos Alcaraz has never lost a first-round match at a Grand Slam. He came as close as he has probably ever come today. Chapeau, Monsieur Fognini (yes, I know he's Italian). Getty Images Lots still due tonight, and that's on top of the matches which are currently on court! In the men's singles, third seed Alexander Zverev faces Arthur Rinderknech, while American Taylor Fritz (5) plays another Frenchman in Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. In the women's: Ashlyn Krueger (31) vs. 16-year-old Brit Mika Stojsavljevic vs. 16-year-old Brit Mika Stojsavljevic Elise Mertens (24) vs. Linda Fruhvirtova vs. Linda Fruhvirtova Zheng Qinwen (5) vs. Kateřina Siniaková Andrey Rublev (14) leads Serb Laslo Djere two sets to one, 1-1 in the fourth, with two Americans on court as well. On Court 14, Jenson Brooksby is a break up on Tallon Griekspoor (31). While on Court 9, Brandon Holt has just lost the first set 2-6 against Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Getty Images In the women's singles, American Amanda Anisimova (13) leads Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 3-0, with Naomi Osaka an early break down at 1-2 against Talia Gibson. Another American in McCartney Kessler (32) has been knocked out by Markéta Vondroušová, 6-1, 7-6(3), while Brit Katie Boulter has just started against ninth seed Paula Badosa in the next match on centre court. Ann Li of the U.S. is a set all against Viktorija Golubic, 0-0 in the third. Jasmine Paolini 2-6, 2-1 Anastasija Sevastova* There could be an upset on the way on No. 2 Court. Jasmine Paolini, last year's beaten finalist, has lost the opening set of her first round match against Anastasija Sevastova. The second set is on serve but Paolini has a lot of work to do against her veteran Latvian opponent, who has never been beyond the third round at Wimbledon but did reach the semi-final stage at Flushing Meadows back in 2018. Getty Images Emma Raducanu 6-3, 2-1* Mimi Xu On No.1 Court there's a battle of the British home hopefuls. Former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu took the first set against 17-year-old Mimi Xu and was an early break of serve up in the second — only for the teenager to immediately hit back. Raducanu, 22, is attempting to reach the second round of The Championships for the fourth time in her career. Carlos Alcaraz, speaking on Centre Court after his win, hailed his opponent's performance. 💬 He said: 'First of all, to be honest, I don't know why it's his last Wimbledon. His level is so high, he can play four more years! It was such a great match. 'He's a great player, his whole career, once again you guys saw it today. A little bit sad it's his last Wimbledon, but happy to share the court with him and we are going to enjoy it. 'Playing the first match at Centre Court is never easy, I've been practicing pretty well but Wimbledon is different. I just tried to play my best, but I can be better. I have to improve in the next round.' When discussing his next opponent, Brit Oliver Tarvet, 21, he added: 'It's not going to be personal! I saw his name when he qualified for the first time, he's playing in college right now. 'He plays great tennis on grass so I will have to be focused on that and put my best tennis into the match. Obviously let's keep enjoying being at Wimbledon.' Getty Images Fognini throws his trainers into the crowd to cheers. He gave the two-time defending champion and one of the tournament favorites a hell of a match. Really impressive from the unseeded veteran. Getty Images Very sporting from Carlos Alcaraz. He gives Fognini a long hug at the net to salute the Italian, who at 38 years old is playing in his final Wimbledon match. What a match to go out, eh? Alcaraz just stands and applauds as Centre Court rises to its collective feet to give Fognini a deserved ovation. Getty Images Carlos Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 Fabio Fognini Fabio Fognini nets and Carlos Alcaraz is through! They sportingly embrace at the net. Carlos Alcaraz 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 5-1* Fabio Fognini Booming serve, 15-0. A filthy drop shot, Fognini doesn't even run for it. Not sure he could have made the fourth bounce, such was the spin and trajectory of that knifing slice. 30-0. Fognini then sends a ripping forehand return down the line, gorgeous stroke, and he does a slight bow for the Centre Court crowd, smiling slightly. Fognini rushes to the net, forcing Alcaraz into the cross-court forehand, netted for 30-all. Fognini return long and that's match point Alcaraz...
Car and Driver
an hour ago
- Car and Driver
Treasure Trove of 20 McLaren Road Cars s Is for Sale, Most of Them Orange
The personal road car collection of Mansour Ojjeh, longtime McLaren racing team sponsor, is up for auction. There are 20 cars, each of them the last of its line. The collection includes the last McLaren F1 ever built and could go for a record sum. There are car collections, and there are car collections, and the 20 cars currently coming up for auction at Tom Hartley Jnr is emphatically the latter. Let's start with the headliner: the last McLaren F1 ever made, showing just 1100 miles on its odometer. The F1 was McLaren's first road car, and the 20 supercars listed here are basically a snapshot of the brand's roadgoing legacy since, almost all of them finished in a deep metallic orange called Mansour Orange. Tom Hartley Jnr Tom Hartley Jnr You don't get your hands on the last ever F1 even if you're a longtime McLaren fan and owner, and this collection formerly belonged to a man central to the McLaren story. The late Mansour Ojjeh, part-owner of the TAG motorsports and aviation group, joined F1 as a sponsor of the Willams team in 1979. He later moved into ownership of McLaren during the mid-1980s, and he was there for the development of the TAG-Porsche racing engines, which brought early success to the team. Ojjeh was with McLaren for the next 40 years, including being part of the fateful moment, along with Ron Dennis and Gordon Murray, when the idea of the F1 was born. Tom Hartley Jnr Tom Hartley Jnr Ojjeh had other blue-chip cars in his collection at the time, specifically some of Ferrari's best, but as McLaren got going he started to create an all-McLaren lineup. This is that collection, featuring special editions and Le Mans series cars, including a Senna GTR, Speedtail, and Elva. All except for the P1 GTR and the F1 are completely undriven, each one the last chassis built of that particular model. Tom Hartley Jnr Tom Hartley Jnr Tom Hartley Jnr Tom Hartley Jnr It's an interesting way to create a collection, making sure you have the best and last variant made. Since all but two are basically brand new—and those two are museum quality—it's a fantastic opportunity for someone to acquire a collection dedicated to pure McLaren enthusiasm. With the team's F1 team doing so well in this year's championship, the timing is right too. Carefully curated by someone who was in the front seat for McLaren's transformation from racing team to full-scale supercar manufacturer, this collection is sure to fetch the tippiest-top dollar out there. They don't come any more significant than this. Brendan McAleer Contributing Editor Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. Read full bio
