The recent Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp was a memorable event, with Bluestocking emerging as a deserving winner. Ridden expertly by Rossa Ryan and benefiting from a favorable draw, Bluestocking was well-supported, starting at an industry SP of 11-2 in the UK after being priced in double figures the night before. However, while Bluestocking's victory is commendable, it may not be remembered as one of the standout wins in the history of the Arc. This year's race lacked the usual star power, featuring a 16-horse field that was closely matched in terms of ratings and recent performances. The absence of the world’s top-rated turf horse, City Of Troy, who is preparing for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup, along with three other leading middle-distance contenders—including the King George winner, Goliath—due to a ban on geldings, contributed to a less thrilling atmosphere. Despite these factors, the event at Longchamp still managed to resonate with fans, reaffirming its place on the bucket lists of racegoers.

Jeetan Patel has commended England's bowlers for their resilience on a flat pitch in Pakistan, highlighting their ability to "dig deeper and deeper" during challenging conditions. Despite facing a tough day in Multan, where Pakistan ended the first day at 328 for four, England's bowlers managed to secure three crucial wickets in the final session. Shan Masood led the charge for Pakistan with a remarkable 151 runs, while Abdullah Shafique contributed a solid 102. The duo formed a formidable partnership of 253 runs, propelling Pakistan to a commanding position at 261 for one. However, England's bowlers, including Gus Atkinson, Jack Leach, and Chris Woakes, rallied late in the day to take three wickets, giving England a glimmer of hope in the first Test. Patel, the spin bowling coach, praised the seamers for their outstanding efforts despite the challenging pitch conditions.

Erik ten Hag's position as Manchester United manager is set to be evaluated during an executive meeting led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe in London on Tuesday. Should a decision be made to part ways with Ten Hag, his assistant, Ruud van Nistelrooy, is being considered as a potential caretaker manager. This meeting, which is a routine engagement, will see Ratcliffe, who oversees the football operations, joined by key figures including chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, and technical director Jason Wilcox. The discussions will focus on the future direction of the club and Ten Hag's role within it.

Manchester City has emerged victorious in their legal battle concerning the Premier League's associated party transaction (APT) regulations, following a tribunal ruling that deemed certain aspects of these rules unlawful. The reigning champions announced that they had "succeeded" in their challenge against the APT regulations, as the tribunal panel found that the exclusion of shareholder loans from APT calculations, along with the manner in which clubs were notified about "benchmarking" decisions, was not lawful. While Manchester City celebrates this outcome, the Premier League has stated that the verdict ultimately represents a victory for the league itself.

Chaos and discord have become all too familiar for Manchester United, a reality that Erik ten Hag is experiencing firsthand as he navigates the tumultuous environment at Old Trafford. Recently, Aston Villa, currently sitting fifth in the league, played to a lackluster 0-0 draw against a mid-table team, perhaps still feeling the effects of their exhilarating victory over Bayern Munich just days earlier. Under normal circumstances, such a match would hardly raise eyebrows, especially on a day when Brighton staged a thrilling comeback against Tottenham and Chelsea's clash with Nottingham Forest erupted into a chaotic brawl involving 15 players. Yet, this is Manchester United we’re discussing. Despite the passage of over 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure, the drama surrounding the club remains as captivating as ever. It raises the question: how has the most successful team in English football history, with the highest average attendance, managed to consistently mismanage its affairs? In football, the prevailing notion is that financial power leads to success; for United to defy this principle for such an extended period is a testament to their remarkable ability to mismanage. This ongoing saga continues to intrigue fans and analysts alike, as the club grapples with its identity and future in the wake of its storied past.

RCD Espanyol players made a heartwarming gesture by lining up with rescue dogs instead of traditional mascots before their match against Mallorca. This initiative was part of their campaign, ‘Los pericos no abandonado!’ which translates to ‘The parakeets don’t abandon!’ The campaign aims to raise awareness about the plight of abandoned dogs and helps them find new homes. Last season, this effort led to the rescue of 11 dogs from the streets and resulted in over 2,000 kilograms of food and essential supplies, such as towels and blankets, being donated.

Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers was arrested over the weekend following an incident that led to charges of assault, strangulation, and drug-related offenses. The arrest occurred after police responded to reports of a disturbance at a residence in Braintree, Massachusetts, early Saturday morning. Upon arrival, authorities found evidence of an altercation between two individuals, with one person requiring treatment from emergency medical services at the scene. Peppers, who did not participate in the game on Sunday due to an injury, appeared in court on Monday where he pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

**"Three-Peating is Challenging": The Las Vegas Aces' Struggle for Dynasty Status** Becky Hammon attributed her team's unsuccessful attempt at a three-peat to her players becoming "fricking celebrities." The path back to the top will be a tough one, even with the presence of the world's best player. Just a year ago, the Las Vegas Aces seemed poised to establish themselves as a dynasty. They had recently triumphed over the New York Liberty, making history as the first WNBA team to secure back-to-back championships in over twenty years. Their victory was so dominant that it turned a highly anticipated matchup into a one-sided affair. The Aces were hailed as one of the greatest teams in basketball history, rivaling the legendary KD Warriors. Their record of 34 regular-season wins—more than any team in WNBA history—along with their exceptional efficiency, showcased their remarkable execution, intensity, and discipline. The team was characterized by unselfish play, a strong focus, and a palpable joy on the court. With their core players—A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray—under contract for at least another year, it seemed like nothing could derail their momentum. However, the Aces' quest for a three-peat never truly took off. Candace Parker, who had re-signed during free agency, announced her retirement at the start of training camp. The team stumbled out of the gate with a 6-6 record, matching the number of losses they had accumulated in the entire previous season within just the first month. While Wilson continued to demonstrate her status as the best player in the world—earning her third Most Valuable Player award and becoming only the second player in WNBA history to win it unanimously—the Aces struggled with backcourt inconsistency and lost their defensive edge. Wilson herself hinted at these issues after a stunning 42-point performance was overshadowed by a loss to one of the league's weaker teams. The Aces face a challenging road ahead if they hope to reclaim their former glory and solidify their place in basketball history.

Masood and Shafique Shine as Pakistan Dominates England in Test Opener In the first Test match, Pakistan ended the day at 328 for 4, with notable performances from Masood, who scored 151 runs, and Shafique, who contributed 102 runs. In the lead-up to the match, Pakistan had hinted at the prospect of green pitches and conditions favorable for seamers. However, just before the game commenced, they revealed a flat surface, removing any signs of greenery and preparing the pitch meticulously. After winning the toss, Pakistan invited England to bowl first, setting the stage for a challenging day for the visitors. England's bowlers struggled to make an impact on a pitch that offered little assistance, and despite a late surge where they claimed three wickets for 95 runs in the final session, the day largely belonged to the Pakistani batsmen. This match provided a crucial opportunity for a Pakistan team that has faced difficulties in recent performances.

England secured a remarkable 49-31 victory over New Zealand in the WXV 1, marking their 19th consecutive win. The match showcased outstanding performances from Ellie Kildunne and Abby Dow, who both scored impressive tries. Jess Breach, named player of the match, contributed significantly to the team's success with a hat-trick, helping England to a total of seven tries in the game. This emphatic win highlights England's dominance in women's rugby.