1) These days it is better known for darts but 99 years ago, horses raced around the Alexandra Palace’s Frying Pan (more footage here). Here are more gone-but-not-forgotten racecourses, starting with Northolt Park in Middlesex and Gatwick racecourse, which held the Grand National during the first world war. Here’s a 1946 race report from Castle Irwell in Manchester; and one from Lincoln, “the centre of the racing world” in 1950. Finally, planes replace horses at Ensbury Park in Bournemouth.
2) This is lovely. Remembering Rocky: Ian Wright and Bukayo Saka on David Rocastle’s legacy, 20 years since the Arsenal legend’s death.
3) In honour of Ireland 0-1 Luxembourg and Germany 1-2 North Macedonia, here are some other memorable qualifying upsets. This short film explores the Faroe Islands’ shock win over Austria in 1990. The Faroes also earned a memorable 2-2 draw with Berti Vogts’ Scotland back in 2002. Argentina didn’t enjoy the altitude against Bolivia in 2009, where they were thumped 6-1. Wales memorably beat the world champions, Germany, back in 1991 while David Healy hit a hat-trick for Northern Ireland as they put a bump in Spain’s road to Euro 2008 glory. Speaking of Northern Ireland … and speaking of England. Lord Beaverbrook, indeed.
4) Happy birthday, Clarence Seedorf. The only player to win Champions League with three different clubs is 45 today. Many happy returns also to Dean Windass (52), Beth Tweddle (36), Ding Junhui (34) and the Guardian’s own Etan Thomas (43). Here, the former NBA star talks about playing alongside Michael Jordan in Washington.
5) A year ago today, Wimbledon was called off for the first time since the second world war. With the Championships set to return this summer, why not dip into their archive of classic matches. Full-length finals include Ivanisevic v Rafter in 2001, Graf v Sánchez Vicario in 1995, Borg v McEnroe and Evert v Goolagong Cawley (both 1980).
6) As it’s April Fool’s Day, let’s revisit a Grandstand classic from 1989. Elsewhere in TV scenes we love to see, Line of Duty’s Martin Compston gets on-set updates from Scotland’s penalty shootout against Serbia.
1) How they changed the Bristol Motor Speedway from asphalt for Nascar’s first dirt race since 1971.
2) Rallying isn’t just about speed, it’s about tight corners.
3) Spurs v Blackburn in 1960 on a belter of a pitch.
4) The, er, Irish rugby Breakfast Club.
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