RINGING in the New Year with a couple of ugly sisters and a mean old stepmother might not be everyone’s idea of a good time, but when you throw a fairy godmother into the mix, it is a dream come true for one woman.

EUROPEAN companies that import, manufacturer or use chemicals will have to ensure they are safe.

DANGEROUS chemicals in everyday products must be replaced — when available — with safer alternatives, MEPs decided yesterday.

MARTIN DWYER believes Phoenix Reach can overcome a 13-month absence to run a “big race” at Arlington Park on Saturday.

Eleven horses – four of whom have travelled from England, Ireland, France and Germany – will take their chance in the Grade One Arlington Million on Saturday.

The business and employers group IBEC has said that proposed laws which aim to regulate the use of chemicals in Europe, are a prime example of good intentions producing an utterly impractical solution.

A record 33 international contenders have been entered for Sandown’s Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown on July 2.

Phoenix Reach has the world as his oyster as he booked his place on a global tour with victory in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Nad Al Sheba today.

THE world’s top scientists appealed yesterday for new regulations on everyday chemicals which they say are making 15% of European couples infertile.

Phoenix Reach gave his trainer Andrew Balding something to cheer about towards the end of an indifferent season with a battling success in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin.

BRIL (Business Reporting Ireland Limited), the company formed to promote the use of extensible Business Reporting Language in Ireland has recruited three new member organisations to its fold.

Phoenix Reach will miss the beginning of the flat season after suffering a minor injury in training.

REVOLUTIONARY new methods of testing chemicals for their safety will dramatically reduce the use of animals and cut the cost of Europe’s new chemicals plan.

A COCKTAIL of highly toxic man-made chemicals has been found in every person tested in a Britain-wide blood survey.

A RADICAL reform of Europe’s chemicals regulations was in danger of making the industry less competitive than in the US and Japan, Tánaiste Mary Harney said yesterday.

Ante-post favourite Brian Boru heads a total of 15 horses left in the Seabiscuit St Leger at today’s confirmation stage ahead of the final Classic of the season at Doncaster on Saturday.

LESS than 1% of Europe’s most-used chemicals are tested to see if they are safe for humans and for the environment.

Alvaro Recoba returned with a vengeance from a year of torment and goes to the World Cup living up to his status as the world’s best-paid footballer.