Daily Archives: October 26, 2020

Hanging up the hoofs: A look at Enable’s biggest victories as the iconic horse is retired

October 26, 2020 By in Lifestyle Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

*Collaborative post.

Following a poor showing at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe earlier this month, it has been announced that Enable, who was one of the front-runners in the horse racing betting to win the historic Paris race for the third time, will be retired. The wet ground ruined her chances at Longchamp, and legendary flat jockey Frankie Dettori, who built a close relationship with Enable over the years, admitted that he cried when he found out the news.

“I did cry last night. It was a bit of an emotional moment because we were thinking about rolling the dice one more time. So it was a blow” Dettori told the Guardian.

“Now that I know that she’s safe and she’s gone, I’m able to slowly be touched by emotions and just look at the wider picture. She’s done so brilliantly for all of us and I love her.

“I’m never going to forget her. I went to see her this morning. We had a tremendous journey for three-and-a-half, four years. She was the horse that most touched my heart.”

Enable won 15 of her 19 races – 11 of which were at the top Group One level – including two Arcs, the Yorkshire and Epsom Oaks, and King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes. With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few of Enable’s biggest victories. Read on to find out more!

2017 – Epsom Oaks (Group One)

The 2017 Epsom Oaks was met with thunder, lightning, and torrential rain, but it wasn’t enough to stop Enable from winning her first Group One race, and Dettori from landing his 17th English Classic. The John Gosden-trained horse entered the race at 6/1 but emerged as the front-runner at the two-furlong marker. Although odds-on favourite Rhododendron put up a late challenge, Enable stayed on strongly and won by five lengths.

Horse racing image

2017 – King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (Group One)

Following on from her dual Oaks wins at Epsom and Curragh, Enable overshadowed her opposition again at Royal Ascot, in King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes. Gosden’s filly proved why she was the 5/4 favourite as she stormed into the lead two furlongs out, going on to win, with a healthy four-and-a-half length victory over Ulysses.

2017 – Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Group 1)

Enable and Dettori rounded off their amazing 2017 season, which also included a five-length victory in the Yorkshire Oaks, with a win in Europe’s richest horse race, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. With Longchamp closed for refurbishment, the historic race was instead being held nearby, at Chantilly. Enable shot into the lead 300 metres out and stayed on strong to win by two-and-a-half lengths over Cloth Of Stars.

2018 – Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Group 1)

Enable was the favourite to win the Arc again, as it returned to Longchamp, in 2018, and, she did just that. Similar to the previous year, she emerged as the favourite with 300 metres to go. However, after racing lengths ahead, she started to run out of steam, and it looked as though 6/1 shot Sea Of Class was going to catch her before the line. But, in dramatic fashion, Enable held on to win by a short neck.

2019 – Coral-Eclipse (Group One)

After beating Magical by three-quarters-of-a-length to win the Grade One Breeders’ Cup in November 2018, Enable kicked off her 2019 season with a win in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown – beating her old foe Magical by the same distance. In doing so, she became just the third of her sex to win the British Champions Series race, alongside Pebbles (1985) and Kooyonga (1992).

2019 – Yorkshire Oaks (Group One)

Following on from a second victory in Ascot’s King George, Enable added a second Yorkshire Oaks to her lengthy list of victories. Just four horses lined up for the 2019 edition of the race, and, somewhat unsurprisingly, Enable and Dettori set-off as the 1/4 favourites. Ryan Moore and Magical were unable to stop Enable again, as she went on to win by almost three lengths.

2020 – King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (Group One)

Little did we know it, but Enable’s third King George victory at Royal Ascot would be her last Group One win. Just three horses started the race on the day, and it came as no surprise when Dettori and Enable stormed over the line well clear of Sovereign and Japan.

Great Christmas Gift Ideas for Her

October 26, 2020 By in Fashion, Lifestyle Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

*Collaborative post

I know it may not feel like Christmas is around the corner for many of us, but the truth is that it is. October ends this week and once Halloween is over. All everyone starts to think about and talk about is Christmas. I have started seriously thinking of what Christmas gifts I would be getting my loved ones. There are a few items on my list already and I will be grabbing them in the next few days so I have plenty of time to wrap and post them without panicking.

I recently came across this fantastic website – Cocorose London. I read their latest blog post on the Perfect Christmas Gifts for Her and I found the post very timely and it gave me loads of gift ideas.

Great Christmas Gift Ideas for Her

If you are wondering what to get for the special women in your life, here are a few Christmas gift ideas you may find inspiring-

Hoxton – White with Red Stars Leather Trainers

Christmas gift ideas for her image

I love the look of the leather trainers here. The red stars paired with white is a stylish design. I am very into trainers now. I find myself wearing them a lot these days. They are quick to wear, easy to style, and very comfy. This stylish pair would make a lovely Christmas gift. It looks amazing.

Piccadilly – Quilted Black Ballerinas

Great Christmas gift ideas for her image

I am forever wearing flats! They are super comfortable and easy to wear. I wear them all year long. You can pair flats with warm tights on cold days and you can wear them with a summery dress on warm days. They are so versatile, which is why a woman can never have too many flats. They are great gift ideas for women like me who love their flats. The stunning quilted black flats here would work great as a Christmas gift.

Silk Face Mask with Filter Pocket and Matching Pouch – Blush

Face masks image

It looks like we will be wearing face masks for some time. This pink silk face mask by Cocorose London comes with a filter pocket and matching pouch. It would work great as a stocking filler or a little Christmas gift. I like the pink colour and the fact that it is made from 100% premium quality, high-grade mulberry silk.

Carnaby – Grey Leopard Print Foldable Shoes
Foldable shoes image

Foldable shoes are so handy to have on you especially on days when you have high shoes you may need to take off after some time. I love that brands now design foldable shoes just for this purpose. Back in the day, it used to be me popping my old flats in my handbag for when I need it but now I can just pop a foldable pair in my bag and it fits in nicely. This would make a great gift.

Fashion Blogs image

 

 

Before the fame: from Bingo callers to celebrity status

October 26, 2020 By in Lifestyle Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

*Collaborative post.

Lifestyle Blog image

When was the last time you saw your local Bingo caller up on the big screen? Or traipsing the cobbles of your favourite evening soap? Although it’s a somewhat unlikely career progression, there are actually a lot of current celebrities who started out on the stage at their local Bingo hall, calling out the numbers. That’s right, you’re not the only one who enjoys playing online Bingo and fun filled nights down at your local brick-and-mortar location!

Read on to find out more.

Gary Barlow

Before the days of playing huge venues and penning songs for other famous singers, Gary Barlow actually began his career as a Bingo caller. It seems that he was always a big fan of the game, and still is, as the Take That star continues to host his own regular Bingo nights, as well as organising a few for the crew when he goes on tour, aptly dubbing it “Barlow’s Bingo”. Not only that, for his 10th wedding anniversary Barlow got all his family and friends together for a big game of Bingo, reminiscing about his past life on the stage at his local Bingo hall. Let’s just hope that they liked the classic game nearly half as much as he does!

Speaking on his life before he found his fame, Barlow confessed: “I used to be a Bingo caller when I was first starting out. I used to love reading out the numbers. We have bingo nights backstage on the Take That tour to help everyone relax”.

Russell Crowe

Another unexpected ex-Bingo caller and world-famous actor, Russell Crowe’s first-ever job was actually in a Bingo hall back in Australia, calling out the numbers. Bingo is far cry from his current career, with Crowe bagging an Oscar for his starring role in the film Gladiator, however, it gave him his first taste of being on stage and entertaining a large audience. The star has also mentioned his passion for the game in several interviews, not shying away from discussing his early career move. Despite his affinity for the game, Crowe was sacked from his job at the Bingo hall for coming up with, and frequently using, his own rude versions of traditional calls. Oh, what a naughty boy!

Shane Richie

Shane Richie is best known for his time on Albert Square as EastEnders favourite Alfie Moon, with his character facing several trials and tribulations throughout his time on the show. The character is famous for his cheeky remarks and cockney slang dialect, so it’s quite easy to see how these traits would lend themselves to Richie’s time as a Bingo caller. Following his Bingo career, Richie also did a stint as a classic bluecoat at the go-to family-holiday destination, Pontins. Wherever Richie goes, and whatever he does, it’s clear to see he’s a born entertainer!

Anthony Cotton

Another soap star who’s found his place in the Bingo community is Coronation Street’s Anthony Cotton – who plays Sean Tully on the show. However, this time, Bingo calling came after he’d found fame. Cotton even called the numbers in an episode of the show, getting the chance to demonstrate his passion for the game.

Speaking on his side job, Cotton said: “I love bingo. My character was a caller for a while, so I’ve done my fair share of visits to bingo halls. An audience is an audience – it doesn’t matter if it’s in a theatre or a bingo hall.”

 

error: Content is protected !!