Jack Norris 
Lossiemouth’s dominant Champion Hurdle victory at Cheltenham helped brighten the mood after a buildup dominated by talk of civil war within racing. The opening day attendance reached a three-year high. Old Park Star also took the opener.
Tickets are now available for the Grand National 2026, which will be held from April 9-11 at Aintree Racecourse. The event includes 21 races across three days. Ticket options range from general admission to VIP hospitality packages.
Il Etait Temps, steered by jockey Paul Townend, won the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Trainer Willie Mullins secured his third win of the day. HMS Seahorse died after falling at the final flight in the BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle.
White Noise, ridden by Tom Bellamy, defied expectations to win at Cheltenham. The victory was a surprise, with bookmakers celebrating as the favourite, Bambino Fever, failed to finish in the top four. Jockey Tom Bellamy described the win as a lifelong dream.
Collin Morikawa has taken the lead in the FedEx Cup standings. This follows a victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and high finishes in other PGA Tour Signature events. Akshay Bhatia has also moved up to second place after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
The Texas Longhorns’ NCAA Tournament hopes are still alive despite a loss in the SEC Tournament. A weak bubble and losses by other teams vying for at-large bids are keeping them in contention. Auburn’s at-large hopes remain alive after a win.
Rory McIlroy returns as defending champion at The Players. Scottie Scheffler also chases his third win at The Players.
TPC Sawgrass is set to challenge golfers at THE PLAYERS Championship with firmer greens and thicker rough. Agronomy Director Lucas Andrews credits ideal weather conditions for the course’s championship-calibre state. The rough is noticeably longer, impacting players’ strategies.
Tommy Fleetwood’s split with Nike earlier this year made headlines. Justin Thomas has also become a clothing-free agent after parting ways with Greyson Clothiers. Thomas says he is enjoying the freedom to wear whatever he wants.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said the tour envisions a future with two tracks of tournaments that could relegate and promote golfers based on merit. This would be within a revamped schedule, including more events in larger markets and a retooled postseason. The Future Competition Committee, led by Tiger Woods, is still finalising the plan.