REIGNING champion Johnny Murtagh kept his slim chance of retaining the jockeys’ title alive with a double on Imperial Rome and Herostatus at Dundalk last night, but still trails Pat Smullen by six, 86-92, following the former champion’s win on Hawa Bali in the finale.

THE Thomas O’Leary-trained Tawnies dug deep to land the Dromahane Chase at Cork last night.

OWNER Trevor Hemmings loves to have a winner at his local track and Coe can prove the apple of his eye with victory in Haydock’s feature race of the National Hunt season.

And they’re off — the clothes that is.

In 10 Things I Hate About You, Kat (Julia Stiles) and Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) are sisters who are different in just about every way. Bianca is good looking, popular and shallow.

It was an eventful morning for Britain’s golfers at the French Open with a disqualification and a withdrawal among the problems.

Simon Lewis For the second summer in succession, Pádraig Harrington is returning to the scene of a major championship triumph and just as he did at Birkdale 12 months ago, he will be sure to smell the roses as he makes his way around the famous links at Carnoustie.

IT MIGHT seem bit of paradox, but the best way to see Ireland’s raw, elemental natural beauty is to leave the place behind you, in your wake.

Blazing Tempo was the star of a stunning 16.5-1 four-timer for trainer Willie Mullins at Fairyhouse.

ALAIN CAWLEY, having a first ride back since dislocating his shoulder on August 19, powered Far Away So Close to victory in the Visit Tipperary Maiden Hurdle at Tipperary yesterday.

KYMANDJEN, a more than useful handicapper, landed the valuable Wilf Dooly Chase at Tramore yesterday to continue the good run of Paul Nolan and John Cullen.

Our picks of what to watch on TV.

Ireland’s David Higgins is in a great position after the first round of the BA-CA Austrian Open today after a four-under-par opening round of 67 left him just two shots off the lead.

Hard work paid off in stunning fashion for Rory McIlroy in Shanghai as a fourth-place finish at the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions thrust the Holywood ace firmly into contention for the Race to Dubai title.

TWO-TIME Major champion Sandy Lyle closed with a superb eagle for an opening round 66 to set the pace in the Handa Irish Senior Open presented by Fáilte Ireland, as he chases his maiden European Senior Tour title.