AS Liverpool prepare to say farewell to their annus horribilis, there was scant evidence from their 36th and final Premier League game of a miserable year that things are likely to improve anytime soon.

THERE is something about Christmas that brings out the best in us, and the worst.

IT is a case of two down and one to go after Imperial Commander put up a solid display to land the Betfair Chase at Haydock on his seasonal bow on Saturday.

NICOLAS ANELKA maintains Chelsea’s season is very much still alive despite falling further behind in the Barclays Premier League title race.

TOTTENHAM captain Ledley King has warned their under-achieving squad must improve — or “we will go down”.

DESSIE Hughes believes a drop in distance should not inconvenience Vic Venturi in the Leopardstown Handicap Chase at the Dublin track on Sunday.

AND then there were three: or ‘four’ if you seriously consider that Aston Villa have a chance of winning the league title this season. I don’t.

HENRIETTA KNIGHT has confirmed that Racing Demon is on target to return to fences in the Commercial First Ascot Chase on February 17.

SHANE WARNE was carried off the field on the shoulders of his team-mates yesterday after the incomparable star helped Australia inflict another soul-destroying Ashes defeat on England.

RUBY WALSH admitted to feeling “a bit sore” after nursing an ankle injury but is raring to go as Kauto Star prepares to defend his William Hill – Tingle Creek Trophy crown at Sandown today.

RUBY WALSH insists Kauto Star has the right profile to play a leading role in the King George VI Chase.