THE old people are the best and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

On a day where youth took center stage, it was once again the veterans who stole the show.

3

What about these vintage cars? They don't even pull at the heartstrings.

And Paisley Park may have fallen agonizingly short in his bid to win a fourth Cleeve Hurdle, but the biggest cheer of the day was reserved for him.

Of course you have to compliment the winner Noble Yeats, who gave Sam Waley-Cohen a famous victory in the Grand National in 2022.

The nine-year-old has found his way back to form over the past 12 months and clever trainer Emmet Mullins has clearly worked his magic again.

But the crowd was never louder than when it looked like Paisley Park would rise in the shadow of the post for one last victory.

No matter how much they wanted him home, he could never quite get there, a courageous defeat instead of a glorious victory.

Still, it wasn't a bad performance for a horse that turned 12 this month and has more miles on the odometer than a second-hand black cab.

They stood twenty or thirty yards deep on the rails to welcome him back in, and the horse stood proud with pointed ears and accepted the applause.

He thinks he's won, and let's keep it that way.

However, the check goes home with Mullins and he confirmed the horse would hold up over the smaller hurdles in the Stayers' Hurdle in March, for which he now has a 10-1 shot (from 16s).

Whether or not Harry Cobden will be on board in six weeks' time remains to be seen, but the top jock, who is now just fifteen winners behind Sean Bowen in the standings, gave the 3-1 odds.

He threw the knight in last place and it was a sink job during the run-in as he completed a big double that day, following up on Ginny's Destiny earlier on the card.

Frankly, Willie's cousin, Mullins, was thrilled.

He grinned: “It was a great race. They were two tough, real horses running to the line.

“It was a bit nerve-wracking and I would say most other people enjoyed it more than me.

“We had to come and do that and stake our claim in the Stayers' Hurdle, and you'd say he'd come in with a good shout now.

“I think a lot of people were surprised when we didn't give him a Gold Cup entry, but last year we had our crack at that and we were put in our place.

“Harry was great against him. The Stayers have been the plan all season and then he will return to Aintree again for the National.”

Poor Emma Lavelle, meanwhile, was put through the wringer again after seeing Paisley Park finish a close second for the third time this winter.

She said: “It's not half stressful following this horse.

“They just went too steady for him, I'd say, and he just hit a flat spot when they accelerated him to the bottom of the hill.

“He's a great horse, there were people in tears after the race and it made me quite emotional.

“He could have started a few steps earlier, but he has made us proud again.”

Elixir Du Nutz upsets Jonbon, while Freddie Gingell wins the first Grade 1

IF you had told Freddie Gingell at the start of the year that he would win a Grade 1, he would have thought you were Nutz.

But the teenage jockey's thrill only went downhill, lowering the colors of the mighty Jonbon in the Clarence House Chase on the gallant Elixir De Nutz.

By all accounts, it was hard to see this outcome coming, but we didn't take into account that Freddie had a little help from above.

As he passed by after this 22-1 stunner trained by his uncle, Joe Tizzard, he looked skyward and blew a kiss to his late mother, Kim.

Four years ago, when Freddie was just 14 years old, she was cruelly struck by cancer.

And he had no doubt about it: she helped him and his horse up the hill as they chased Jonbon by the neck.

He said: “I could feel the will of the crowd, but I felt it more than ever, its influence. I could tell she was there with me.

“This is the most emotional success I've ever had and my mother was up there looking down on me.”

3

He already knows what he's going to do with his share of the prize money, after having a prank in the car he's only had for two months.

Freddie grinned: “The gearbox blew up on Thursday night! Fortunately, I can now afford to repair it.”

Mind you, he was also helped by the sloppy jumping of the 1-4 jolly Jonbon, who barely lifted a leg under James Bowen.

He left a huge hole in the fence at the top of the hill and from then on the writing was on the wall.

Nicky Henderson said: “He did remarkably well to get back to where he did. In the end there was no way left, if he had winged he might have won.

“He lost the battle, but not the war.”

Sir Gino impresses in Triumph battles

3

THE Gino is out of the bottle… and he is now a red-hot favorite for the Triumph Hurdle.

The hugely promising Sir Gino delivered a mesmerizing performance at Cheltenham as jockey James Bowen beamed: “That's the best horse I've ever ridden.”

Trainer Nicky Henderson admitted he tried to contain his excitement about this horse, at the risk of getting egg on his face.

The four-year-old has stepped up the gallops at Seven Barrows this winter and impressed on his British debut at Kempton over Christmas.

But he improved his form several notches in the Triumph Trial, blowing away previously unbeaten Burdett Road by ten lengths without breaking a sweat.

He jumped like a deer and Bowen never had to pick up his whip as the horse rode clear in the run-up – and he is now 6-4 from 9-2 for the Triumph in March.

Hendo said: “We always thought he was very good, but I didn't want to exaggerate.

“It was very nice to see him go like that and win, the number two was a very good flat horse and had done nothing wrong on the obstacles.

“He obviously has a big motor and he's a great big horse. He could jump a fence tomorrow if you wanted to.

“There's no point in going anywhere else between now and the festival, that would have prepared him perfectly.”

Burdett Road trainer James Owen said: “You never like to be beaten but the winner is obviously very good. We will not lose heart.”

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NAME: Tyrique Hyde

AGE: 24

FROM: Essex

OCCUPATION: Footballer 

WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I’ll bring vibes, confidence, good energy and honesty. I don’t sit on the fence, if I have an opinion I will speak up. I’m also not afraid to go after what I want 

CLAIM T0 FAME? Toby Aromolaran is one of my best friends, we grew up together and were in the same class at school 

NAME: Catherine Agbaje

AGE: 22

FROM: Dublin 

OCCUPATION: Commercial Real Estate Agent

HOW WOULD FAMILY AND FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU? Someone who is fun and a loving character. They know I have so much love to give. 

I’m always smiling, I’m always happy, I’m always laughing. You’ll always see me with a smile on my face.

NAME: Ella Thomas

AGE: 23

FROM: Glasgow 

OCCUPATION: Model 

WHAT’S YOUR CLAIM TO FAME? I’ve been in a Headie One and Burna Burna Boy music video and I was once an extra in World War Z. I was 12 years old when I filmed it and got to meet Brad Pitt which was cool.

WHY SHOULD SOMEBODY DATE YOU? I’m the whole package, I know what I want in life and I’ve got a big heart. 

NAME: Mitchel Taylor

AGE: 26

FROM: Sheffield 

OCCUPATION: Gas engineer 

WHY SHOULD SOMEBODY DATE YOU? I thrive on being a gentleman. I’ll shower you with flowers, I’ll take you on dates, I’ll fill your bedside drawer with your favourite sweets and chocolate. I’ve been single, I’ve had my fun and now I want to settle down. 

WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I’m just really picky. I’ve got to find the girl that I want to marry and have kids with. I’m nearly 27, I don’t want to play the field anymore, I want to find the one. 

NAME: Jess Harding

AGE: 22

FROM: London

OCCUPATION: Aesthetics Practitioner

WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? Because every boy is giving me the ick at the moment. I feel like it’s fate because I’m saving myself for Mr Right in the Villa!

WHAT GIVES YOU THE ICK? When a guy stunts for money, that’s an ick. Showing off all their designer clothes because most of the time they’re probably fake anyway! Another one is when a boy runs for the train and the train goes without him. Lunch Boxes also – just go to Tesco and get a meal deal! 

NAME: Zachariah Noble

AGE: 25

FROM: South East London

OCCUPATION: Personal trainer and basketball player

WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I’m a very chilled out guy and I’m completely myself 100% of the time. I’m quite straightforward and never struggle making friends, I like to look after people.

WHAT GIVES YOU THE ICK? I’ve got two and they’re both really stupid; Bad handwriting – I’ve got terrible handwriting so they’d need to have better handwriting than me and twerking, I really don’t like twerking! 

NAME: Whitney Adebayo

AGE: 25

FROM: London

OCCUPATION: Entrepreneur

WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? Good vibes, I can be really silly and funny but I can also get deep. It depends on the person and the situation but I am a very adaptable person, I know how to read the room.

DO YOU FALL IN LOVE QUICKLY? Real love, no. I can fall in lust but I don’t fall in love quickly. My big thing is trust, I’ve got to trust you fully before I can give you my heart. I won’t give you my heart for free, you’ve got to earn it.

NAME: Sammy Root

AGE: 22

FROM: Kent

OCCUPATION: Project Manager

WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I’ll be the energy in the villa, lots of guys have pretty faces and nice bodies, which I have too, but I’ve also got the bubbly personality, I’m a bit of a firework

HOW WOULD FRIENDS/FAMILY DESCRIBE YOU? Funny, bubbly and good to be around. I’m a bit cheeky too.’

NAME: Leah Taylor

AGE: 27

FROM: Manchester

OCCUPATION: Business Owner (Social Media Marketing)

DO YOU FALL IN LOVE QUICKLY? This is difficult because I would have said that I was a slow-burner, but I think that’s because I’ve been more closed off in the past. In all honesty, I’m such a hopeless romantic and now because I know what I want, I can’t wait to be in love again.

DO YOU HAVE ANY CLAIMS TO FAME?  When I was a dancer, I actually danced at the EMAs and danced for Rita Ora and Camila Cabello. Maura Higgins is one of my best friends and we watched her best bits together one night and couldn’t stop laughing, she’s hilarious.

———————————————————————————————————

NAME: Scott Van Der Sluis

AGE: 22

FROM: Connah’s Quay, north Wales

OCCUPATION: Footballer 

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’LL BRING TO THE VILLA? Energy. I’ll bring a bit of banter, be cheeky, and I’m a flirt! very, very strong personality so if I see anything I don’t agree with, there’ll definitely be fireworks!

WHAT GIVES YOU THE ‘ICK? Someone who gets too clingy too quickly. I don’t like too many calls and too many texts. I’m not a fan of someone wearing Nike Air Force 1 trainers with a dress on a night out either or waking up with someone and seeing patchy fake tan in the morning. 

NAME: Kady McDermott

AGE: 27

FROM: Hertfordshire

OCCUPATION: Former Love Islander

WHY HAVE YOU DECIDED TO COME BACK ON THE SHOW? Not many people can say they’ve been on Love Island, let alone have done it twice! I think I’m known from season 2 for being so chaotic. People always ask, ‘Do you have regrets?’ expecting me to say yes, but I was so true to myself and I was 100% authentic. I’ll still be like that now, but seven years on, I am more mature. I’m still the fiery pocket rocket but I know what I want and what I don’t want.

WHAT BOYS DO YOU HAVE YOUR EYES ON? Zach’s my number one, Tyrique on looks, but he might need his ego putting down a little bit. I also want to get to know Mitch.

NAME: Montel McKenzie

AGE: 25,

FROM: East London

OCCUPATION: Account Manager and semi-professional footballer

WHICH ISLANDERS HAVE YOU GOT YOUR EYE ON? My top three right now would be Catherine, Leah and Ella. Ella for me is generally my type, Catherine carries herself well and seems like a classy girl. Leah seems very chilled and that’s the kind of person I am.

WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE ISLANDERS? Watch your girls because the guy that gets all of the girls is coming into the Love Island Villa.

NAME: Kody Murphy

AGE: 20

FROM: Birmingham

OCCUPATION: Social Media Marketer

WHY ARE YOU EXCITED TO GO INTO CASA AMOR? I love a challenge and can’t wait to bring my flirty, cheeky side out. There isn’t as much pressure when you go into Casa Amor, you can go in and have some fun. I’ll definitely be a little mischievous.

HOW DO YOU PLAN ON TURNING PEOPLE’S HEADS? I’m going to go in there and be my big, bubbly, cheeky self – I definitely know what I want. You have to lay it on a bit thicker in Casa Amor than the outside, which will be different for me but I am confident in approaching things. I work well under pressure, so no worries there.

NAME: Ouzy See

AGE: 28

FROM: Edinburgh

OCCUPATION: Footballer, Tradesman and Model

WHY ARE YOU EXCITED TO GO INTO CASA AMOR? I’m excited to see which girls are open to having their heads turned, if anyone could make that happen, it would be me. My chat is great and I reckon I’ll definitely be the majority of the girls type on paper.

HOW DO YOU PLAN ON TURNING PEOPLE’S HEADS? I want to get to know everyone first and then let my favourites know early on that I’m interested to gauge their reaction. Then I can take it from there…

NAME: Zachary Ashford

AGE: 27

FROM: Manchester

OCCUPATION: Senior Sales Executive

WHY ARE YOU EXCITED TO GO INTO CASA AMOR? I’m really excited to get into Casa Amor. I’m looking forward to the romances but the main thing is I’m looking to stir the pot to be honest and walk out with a girl I like.

HOW DO YOU PLAN ON TURNING PEOPLE’S HEADS? I am going to go in and go with my heart straight away. I’ve got a couple of people in mind and I will want to feel them out and get to know them in the first few hours. I will then draw my attention to just one girl.

NAME: Lochan Nowacki

AGE: 25

FROM: Windsor

OCCUPATION: Account Manager

WHY ARE YOU EXCITED TO GO INTO CASA AMOR? I feel like I’m excited because a lot of the people in relationships aren’t fully secure. I know the type of person I am as well, so I feel like I can turn heads. I’m not going to be disrespectful and I’m proud of my morals as a person. I’m confident that I can go in and not necessarily stir it up, but open the ladies’ eyes to what could be a better couple.

HOW DO YOU PLAN ON TURNING PEOPLE’S HEADS? I have a top three in my mind already, so I’ll probably be pulling them for chats quite quickly and letting them know they’re the top three people I want to speak to. But I’m confident I’m a people person, I’m not going in there to act any differently to how I am with my own friends. I back myself that people will see that and see my good looks and bish, bash, bosh!

NAME: Benjamin Noel

AGE: 26

FROM: London

OCCUPATION: Fitness Business Owner

WHY ARE YOU EXCITED TO GO INTO CASA AMOR? I’m at a point where I want to find the right girl who can make me belly laugh. I think going into Casa Amor and meeting a bunch of girls is going to be like a holiday. It’s a new chapter and I love an adventure so I’m excited for the experience.

HOW DO YOU PLAN ON TURNING PEOPLE’S HEADS? Casa Amor leaves you with a small amount of time, so the boys often think up a big strategy but when I’m put in an environment where there is purpose I always thrive naturally.

NAME: Elom Ahlijah-Wilson

AGE: 22

FROM: London

OCCUPATION: Masseuse and Fitness Trainer

WHY ARE YOU EXCITED TO GO INTO CASA AMOR? I want to ruffle a few feathers and to see if I can find a strong connection. I’m excited to meet new people and see where it takes me.

HOW DO YOU PLAN ON TURNING PEOPLE’S HEADS? Firstly, by being myself and getting straight to the point. I like all of the girls in the Villa. I know I’m going to vibe with all of them, it’s just getting that one to one conversation and if I click with them, I click with them, if I don’t, I don’t and onto the next.

——————————————————————————————————— 

NAME: Tink Reading 

AGE: 26

FROM: Birmingham 

OCCUPATION: Project Manager 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF? I’m mischievous, energetic and full of energy. I don’t take myself too seriously, as I just like to have fun. I can look cute and innocent but I do have a fiery side – if I have a problem I have no issue in saying it.

HOW DO YOU PLAN ON TURNING PEOPLE’S HEADS? To be honest, I am not going to waste any time or sit on the fence. I’m not going to gauge what the other girls are thinking. I will know who I am interested in and know certain boys won’t be my type. I won’t go for them just because it’s Casa Amor – I will stay true to myself.

I do back myself; I am funny and a bit of a lad – I like sports, football and F1. Don’t get me wrong, I love getting dressed up and looking great but I am a lad at the same time. There are not many girls like me, so I think that will be a shock for them.

I will not sit on the fence and go for what I want!

NAME: Danielle Mazhindu 

AGE: 25

FROM: Liverpool 

OCCUPATION: Recruitment Assistant and Occupational Therapy Student 

WHY ARE YOU EXCITED TO GO INTO CASA AMOR? I’ve been single for a bit and now I’m excited to explore and have fun! I’m excited to meet new people outside of my normal group and guys I would never normally meet outside of the Villa.

HOW DO YOU PLAN ON TURNING PEOPLE’S HEADS?  I have good chat, which will carry me. I am very direct – some people wait around but I will speak my piece from the start. I will 100% just enjoy my time there.

NAME: Amber Wise

AGE: 19

FROM: Buckinghamshire

OCCUPATION: Graphic Design Student

WHY ARE YOU EXCITED TO GO INTO CASA AMOR? I’m really excited to meet the boys, especially Montel and Sammy. I’m looking forward to getting to know them and bringing strong looks to the Villa.

Also, I would love to take part in a challenge or two!

HOW DO YOU PLAN ON TURNING PEOPLE’S HEADS? I’m going to go in there, get to know everyone and see who gives me the same energy back. I’m confident, so I will just be myself.

NAME: Gabby Jeffery 

AGE: 24

FROM: Newcastle 

OCCUPATION: Account Manager

WHY ARE YOU EXCITED TO GO INTO CASA AMOR? I’m excited to be with a big group of girls all in the same boat and to have eachothers backs in a new setting, I think that’s going to be really nice. I’m also excited to get to know the guys without their partners being there, I’d say I’m most excited for that.

HOW DO YOU PLAN ON TURNING PEOPLE’S HEADS? There’s no time to hold back, so I’m going to make sure I get to know everyone. I’m not going to waste any time thinking about what their current situation might be because I need to give myself a chance. I’m going to lay all my cards on the table and see where it gets me.

NAME: Abi Moores 

AGE: 25

FROM: Hampshire 

OCCUPATION: Flight Attendant 

WHY ARE YOU EXCITED TO GO INTO CASA AMOR? I want to find a boyfriend! Everyone on Love Island is so sexy. I feel like the kind of person that would do Love Island is definitely the type of person I could be in a relationship with.

HOW DO YOU PLAN ON TURNING PEOPLE’S HEADS? Having good eye contact. Everyone says my eyes are my best feature. My plan is to gauge how they’re feeling. I always call it my ‘spidey senses’. I’m a very good judge of character, I can see through people and see their energy. If they fancy me I should be able to gauge it quite well, so I should know who to graft with and who to leave to the side.

NAME: Ruffle Gurung

AGE: 24

BY: Sutton

ACTIVITY: Beauty therapist

WHY ENTER THE VILLA? I’m single and looking for love, and it’s the perfect opportunity for me to find someone. I’m kind of a relationship girl, but so far it hasn’t worked out for me.

WHY THAT WITH ME? I’m really caring, when I’m with someone I’m all for them. I am also very loyal and love to do nice things for the people that are special to me. My love language is gift-giving, so I’m a real giver when it comes to relationships

NAME: Tyrique Hyde

AGE: 24

BY: Essex

ACTIVITY: Soccer player

WHAT DO YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I bring vibes, confidence, good energy and honesty. I’m not on the fence, if I have an opinion I will speak up. I’m also not afraid to go for what I want

CLAIM T0 FAMOUS? Toby Aromolaran is one of my best friends, we grew up together and were in the same class at school

NAME: Molly Marsh

AGE: 24

BY: Yorkshire

ACTIVITY: Actress

WHY LOVE ISLAND AND WHY NOW? I think it’s the ideal timing and the perfect way to find someone.

I don’t go out to party and I don’t use dating apps, I’m actually quite old fashioned so there’s no better way to meet someone than by entering a villa in the sun with the potential ‘one’ in there.

NAME: George Fenson

AGE: 24

BY: bedford

ACTIVITY: Business development manager

HOW WOULD YOUR FAMILY DESCRIBE YOU? I’m the first to set the mood, I’m always dancing, I’m always the one who wants out. My favorite dance move is what I call the Dad Dance, I’m going to bring dad jokes and dad dances to the Villa.”

NAME: Catherine Agbaye

AGE: 22

BY: Dublin

ACTIVITY: Commercial Real Estate Broker

HOW WOULD FAMILY AND FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU? Someone who is fun and has a loving character. They know I have so much love to give.

I’m always smiling, I’m always happy, I’m always smiling. You will always see me with a smile on my face.’

NAME: Mehdi Edno

AGE: 26

BY: Bordeaux/London

ACTIVITY: Communication Manager/Model

ARE YOU READY TO FIND THE ONE? Yes. I’ve been busy with work and my master’s degree for the past few years, but now I’m done with the busy schedule and ready to find love.

THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO HAVE IN A PARTNER? Appearance is important but not everything, a good sense of humor and someone who is outgoing and up for an adventure is what I’m looking for.

NAME: Ella Thomas

AGE: 23

BY: Glasgow

ACTIVITY: Fashion model

WHAT IS YOUR CLAIM TO FAME? I’ve been in a music video for Headie One and Burna Burna Boy and I was an extra in World War Z once. I was 12 years old when I filmed it and met Brad Pitt, which was cool.

WHY SHOULD SOMEONE DATE YOU? I am the whole package, I know what I want in life and I have a big heart.

NAME: Mitchell Taylor

AGE: 26

BY: Sheffield

ACTIVITY: gas engineer

WHY SHOULD SOMEONE DATE YOU? I thrive on being a gentleman. I shower you with flowers, I take you on dates, I fill your bedside table with your favorite candies and chocolate. I’ve been single, I’ve had fun and now I want to settle down.

WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I’m just really picky. I need to find the girl I want to marry and have kids with. I’m almost 27, I don’t want to play the field anymore, I want to find the one.

NAME: Jess Harding

AGE: 22

BY: London

ACTIVITY: Aesthetic practitioner

WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? Because every boy is scaring the hell out of me right now. I feel like it’s fate because I’m saving myself from Mr Right in the Villa!

WHAT GIVES YOU THE ICK? If a man stunts for money, that’s an ick. Showing off all their designer clothes because most of the time they are probably fake anyway! Another is when a boy runs to the train and the train goes without him. Lunch boxes too – just go to Tesco and get a meal deal!

NAME: Andre Furtado

AGE: 21

BY: Dudley

ACTIVITY: Economics graduate and entrepreneur in clothing brands

WHAT DO YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I am charming, I bring good looks and some language lessons. I’m going to teach the other islanders Portuguese, Spanish and a little Creole. I think I have every piece of the pie.

DO YOU FALL IN LOVE QUICKLY? I’d say I’m falling too fast to be honest. When I look at beautiful ladies, before saying hello to them, I have already fallen in love. I’m already planning the wedding.

NAME: Zechariah Noble

AGE: 25

BY: South East London

ACTIVITY: Personal trainer and basketball player

WHAT DO YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I’m a very laid back guy and I’m completely myself 100% of the time. I am quite simple and never have trouble making friends, I like to take care of people.

WHAT GIVES YOU THE ICK? I have two and they are both very stupid; Bad handwriting – I have terrible handwriting so they should have better handwriting than me and twerking, I really don’t like twerking!