THREAD: frankie dettori

AUSTRALIAN Writer’s HISTORIC WIN Stirs Emotions

20 November 2024 — Australian author Richard Flanagan has made history by winning Britain’s prestigious Baillie Gifford Prize for nonfiction. This achievement comes ten years after he won the Booker Prize for fiction. His award-winning memoir, “Question 7,” mixes autobiography with family history and the story of the atomic bomb’s development.

Flanagan previously won the Booker Prize in 2014 for “The Narrow Road to the Deep North.” The novel was inspired by his father’s experiences as a World War II prisoner under Japanese captivity. Toby Mundy, Baillie Gifford Prize director, noted that winning both top U.K.-based fiction and nonfiction awards is unprecedented.

Isabel Hilton, chair of the judging panel, called Flanagan’s work a “meditative symphony.” She praised how it weaves together major traumatic events of the 20th century with a unique personal story. Hilton pointed out that Flanagan’s background in fiction added inventiveness and narrative quality to his book.

Flanagan did not attend the award ceremony in London to accept his trophy personally. Organizers shared that he was trekking through Tasmania’s rainforest at the time of his historic win.

PUB’S Wild Beer Names Ignite Fury And Laughter

19 November 2024 — A pub in England is under fire for its bold beer names, but the owner calls it harmless fun. The Coach and Horses in Billinghay offers beers like “Osama Bin Lager” and “Kim Jong Ale.” These names have sparked a buzz on social media, with some laughing while others voice concern.

Catherine Mitchell owns the pub with her husband Luke Mitchell, who runs Mitchell Brewing Co., a microbrewery. Earlier this year, “Osama Bin Lager” went viral and sold out fast. Despite the uproar, many patrons reportedly enjoy these playful beverage names.

Mitchell Brewing Co.’s top-selling line is called “The Dictator,” featuring several edgy titles. Luke Mitchell claims most customers appreciate the humor when visiting The Coach and Horses. While some find them offensive, others see it as clever marketing fun.

TOMMY ROBINSON Arrest Shocks Supporters: UK’S Anti-Terror LAW In Action

25 October 2024 — Tommy Robinson, legally known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was arrested in Folkstone, Kent on Friday. He is charged with not providing his mobile phone PIN under the Terrorism Act 2000. This law lets authorities demand access to electronic devices from travelers at British ports to check for potential terrorism links.

Robinson’s spokesman confirmed he will remain in custody until his court appearance on Monday at Woolwich Crown Court. Although bailed on the terrorism charge, he stays detained for allegedly breaching a High Court order by showing a self-made documentary earlier this year. The film was screened at a London rally and shared on his X account, formerly Twitter.

Robinson’s arrest happens just before a planned march by his supporters in London. The Metropolitan Police have announced increased security due to multiple protests and counter-protests set for the same day. Authorities are gearing up for possible unrest as tensions rise among demonstrators and counter-demonstrators alike.

BRITISH Tech Magnate MISSING After Superyacht Tragedy

19 August 2024 — British tech magnate Mike Lynch and five others are missing after their luxury superyacht sank during a freak storm off Sicily. Lynch’s wife and 14 others survived the incident. Authorities confirmed that one body has been recovered, and police divers are attempting to reach the hull of the ship at a depth of 50 meters (163 feet).

The yacht, named Bayesian, was anchored near Porticello when a waterspout struck overnight. The sudden storm battered the area precisely where the 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged vessel was moored. Salvo Cocina of Sicily’s civil protection agency stated, “They were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

The Bayesian had a crew of 10 and 12 passengers on board. Another nearby superyacht assisted in rescuing some of the survivors, including Lynch’s wife Angela Bacares. The yacht was notable for its single 75-meter (246-feet) mast made of aluminum, which was lit up just hours before it sank.

RUBBER DUCK Race Delights Families, Supports Children’S Charity

27 July 2024 — Thousands of rubber ducks raced down a central London canal on July 25 to support Cosmic Charity, which aids babies and children in intensive care. Staff on paddle boards helped propel the ducks along a 100-meter stretch to the finish line.

Around 3,000 rubber ducks participated in the event, raising money for Cosmic Charity. “It’s a lovely community event...everybody just loves this event because it’s such a good, fun family event,” said Lynsey Carrington, Acting Chief Executive of Cosmic Charity.

Revelers could sponsor a duck to join the race, with all proceeds going to support the charity’s vital work. This unique and entertaining fundraiser brought together families and community members for a worthy cause.

LABOUR PARTY Surges Amid UK Election Betting Scandal

29 June 2024 — The U.K. general election on July 4 is approaching, with the Labour Party expected to defeat Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives. Polls indicate Labour leader Keir Starmer will likely form the next government.

The Conservative campaign has struggled, facing allegations of election betting involving figures close to Sunak. This scandal has further dampened their already lackluster efforts.

In the U.K., the prime minister decides election dates, unlike fixed schedules in countries like the U.S. This unique system has led to a market for predicting election dates and outcomes.

Police officers and Conservative insiders are under investigation for their involvement in this betting scandal, adding another layer of controversy as over 50 countries prepare for elections in 2024.

FARAGE BLASTS Sunak: Migrant Crisis Threatens Election

25 June 2024 — With just over a week until the July 4th general election, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces criticism for failing to “stop the boats.” Populist challenger Nigel Farage filmed 45 migrants in a small dinghy entering British waters, escorted by the Border Force. This brings the total crossings to over 13,000 for 2024 and marks 50,000 since Sunak took office in 2022.

Farage has labeled this year’s vote as the “migration election,” arguing that Sunak’s government has failed to control illegal immigration. “Rishi can’t stop the boats,” Farage declared, emphasizing that migrant numbers have surged under Sunak’s leadership. He pointed out that during Boris Johnson’s tenure, although longer, fewer migrants crossed into Britain.

“The significance of this boat is that this number on this vessel takes it beyond 50,000 since Rishi became Prime Minister,” Farage told GB News from the Channel. He warned viewers not to underestimate the severity of the situation as it continues to worsen. The ongoing crisis highlights a key issue for voters as they head to the polls next week.

CONSERVATIVE Officials in HOT Water Over Election Betting Scandal

23 June 2024 — Nick Mason is the fourth Conservative official to be investigated by the U.K.’s Gambling Commission for allegedly betting on election timing before the date was announced. Dozens of bets with potential winnings worth thousands of pounds are under scrutiny.

Two other Conservative candidates, Laura Saunders and Craig Williams, are also being investigated. Tony Lee, Saunders’ husband and Conservative director of campaigning, has taken a leave of absence amid similar allegations.

The scandal comes just two weeks before the national election, dealing a blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s party. Sunak expressed anger over the allegations and stated that lawbreakers should be expelled from the party.

Saunders has pledged full cooperation with investigators. Williams served as Sunak’s parliamentary private secretary in addition to being a candidate.

IAN POULTER’S Golf Nightmare: British Airways’ Shocking Mistake

05 June 2024 — Ian Poulter is set to play in LIV Golf’s Texas event this weekend, but he faces a major setback. The 48-year-old golfer flew from Heathrow Airport to Texas without his clubs. Midflight, British Airways informed him via email that his bag did not travel with him.

Poulter expressed his frustration on Instagram, criticizing the airline for the mishap. “FFS @british_airways so disappointing,” he wrote, noting he checked in well before the flight and received the email three hours into it. He added that he wouldn’t have bothered flying if he’d known his clubs wouldn’t arrive.

In another post, Poulter vented further about the situation, stating that his golf bag wasn’t overweight and had been properly scanned and sent down the belt at check-in. “Talk about p---ed off @british_airways,” he remarked, calling the incident "#Pathetic.

KING Charles’s NEW Portrait Shocks Royal Fans

15 May 2024 — King Charles’s first official portrait by UK artist Jonathan Yeo introduces postmodern elements, breaking from traditional royal portraits. The 8.5ft by 6.5ft painting features the King in Welsh Guards uniform, holding a sword.

The portrait surrounds King Charles with a vivid red abstract cloud and includes a butterfly above his right shoulder, symbolizing his lifelong environmental activism and metamorphosis into the role of King.

Yeo aimed to blend royal traditions with modernity, reflecting a 21st-century monarchy and highlighting the King’s humanity. He expressed gratitude for capturing such an extraordinary figure at this historic moment.

KHAN SECURES Historic Third Term: Conservatives Grapple with Defeat in London

04 May 2024 — Sadiq Khan of the Labour Party has won a third term as London’s mayor, securing nearly 44% of the vote. He outpaced his Conservative rival, Susan Hall, by more than 11 percentage points. This win is noted as the largest individual mandate in U.K. political history.

Contrary to expectations of a close contest, Khan’s significant lead reflects a shift from Conservative to Labour support since the last election in 2021. His time in office has been mixed, with progress in housing and transport but also rising crime rates and criticism over policies perceived as anti-car.

In his victory speech, Khan spoke about unity and resilience against negativity and division. He celebrated London’s diversity as its core strength and took a firm stand against right-wing populism. The eccentric candidate Count Binface added an unusual twist to the event with his presence at the announcement ceremony.

BRITISH TRADER’S Appeal Crushed: Libor Conviction Stands Strong

28 March 2024 — Tom Hayes, a former financial trader for Citigroup and UBS, has been unsuccessful in his attempt to overturn his conviction. This 44-year-old Brit was convicted in 2015 for manipulating the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) from 2006 to 2010. His case marked the first-ever conviction of this kind.

Hayes served half of an 11-year sentence and was released in 2021. Despite asserting his innocence throughout, he faced another conviction by a U.S court in 2016.

Carlo Palombo, another trader implicated in similar manipulations with Euribor, also sought appeal through the U.K.'s Court of Appeal via the Criminal Cases Review Commission. However, after a three-day hearing earlier this month, both appeals were dismissed without success.

The Serious Fraud Office remained resolute against these appeals stating: “No one is above the law and the court has recognized that these convictions stand firm.” This decision comes on the heels of a contrasting verdict from a U.S court last year which reversed similar convictions of two former Deutsche Bank traders.

From BETTING FRENZY to Prison: Andy May’s £13M Gamble and His Fight Against Addiction

06 January 2024 — Andy May, once a finance manager from Norfolk, squandered his family’s house deposit in a gambling frenzy. After seven years of abstinence from betting, the allure of a “free bet” during the 2014 World Cup lured him back into the destructive habit.

May’s addiction spiraled out of control as he misused his company credit card to gamble away £1.3 million. This reckless act led him straight to prison. Now released after two years, he has teamed up with GambleAware to share his cautionary tale and raise awareness about gambling addiction.

During his four-and-a-half-year betting spree, May wagered on everything conceivable. He even resorted to paying off personal credit card debts using company funds. His illicit activities eventually caught up with him in 2019 when he was found guilty of stealing over £1.3 million from his employer.

Despite losing his job and deceiving his family about it, May confesses that he might be tempted by gambling again but fights daily against this urge. He underscores that no amount of potential winnings could enhance his life while everything is

NEW YEAR Honors: UK’S Biggest Stars Recognized for Exceptional Achievements

31 December 2023 — This year’s New Year Honors list in the U.K. has recognized some of the country’s most admired figures. Among those honored are singer Shirley Bassey, filmmaker Ridley Scott, and Mary Earps, goalkeeper for England’s women’s soccer team.

Bassey has been appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honor in recognition of her significant contributions to music. Scott, a renowned director, was bestowed with a Knight Grand Cross for his invaluable service to the U.K. film industry.

Other prominent names on this coveted list include Paul Hollywood from “The Great British Bake Off” and Emilia Clarke from “Game of Thrones”. Both Clarke and her mother were awarded Memberships to the Order of the British Empire for their efforts in establishing a charity dedicated to brain injury recovery.

In sports news, Mary Earps along with fellow Lioness players Millie Bright and Lauren Hemp were commended after leading their team to last summer’s women’s World Cup final. Despite falling short against Spain in Sydney’s final match, their commitment and skill did not go unrecognized.

UK Cop SEIZES Civilian Bike in WILD Chase to Apprehend Candy-Disguised Drug Dealer

10 December 2023 — A thrilling incident unfolded in the UK when a police officer took over a civilian’s bike to chase and capture a drug dealer. The culprit, 28-year-old Sean Prosser, had cleverly camouflaged his drugs as candy and was making his escape on his own bike when the officer intervened.

This event took place on August 23 in Northampton, following an anonymous tip about Prosser’s illegal activities. Police constable Lewis Marks initially pursued Prosser using his patrol car but had to resort to borrowing a mountain bike from a bystander when Prosser fled into Beckets Park.

Inspector Beth Warren of Northamptonshire Police hailed the incident as an instance of “good old fashioned policing.” She lauded both her fellow officers and members of the public for their collaborative efforts in capturing Prosser, whose actions she labeled as "a scourge on society.

ULTRA-MARATHONER Disqualified: Scottish Runner’s Cheating Scandal Unravels, Blames ‘Miscommunication’

17 November 2023 — Scottish ultra-marathon runner Joasia Zakrzewski has been banned from racing for a year by UK Athletics. This decision came after she was found to have cheated during the GB Ultras Manchester to Liverpool 50-mile race on April 7, 2023.

Zakrzewski was initially awarded third place in the race. However, officials later discovered inconsistencies in her performance data. It showed that she completed one mile of the race in a mere 1:40 minutes — an impossible feat, leading to her disqualification and subsequent ban.

The runner claimed it was all a “miscommunication.” She stated that due to severe leg pain, she accepted a ride from a friend intending to withdraw from the race at the next checkpoint. Despite this intention, Zakrzewski decided to continue non-competitively and accepted the third-place medal upon finishing.

AMERICAN COWBOYS Gallop to the Rescue of Israeli Farms: A Heartwarming Tale of International Solidarity

13 November 2023 — A group of four American cowboys, including John Plocher and Yosef “Yoss” Strain from Montana, have captured hearts worldwide with their mission to support Israeli farming communities in the West Bank. Their journey kicked off on November 6th. Images showcasing their cowboy hats at JFK Airport and later at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv swiftly made rounds on various social media sites.

These cowboys are volunteering for Operation Ittai, a project spearheaded by Christian volunteer organization HaYovel. Named after a foreigner who stood by King David in biblical times, this operation seeks to bolster “Judea and Samaria,” regions more widely recognized as the West Bank.

Joshua Waller, HaYovel’s operations director, informed Fox News Digital about the pivotal role these cowboys are playing. They are delivering supplies and machinery to aid smaller farms left exposed after many Israeli reservists were summoned for military duty.

Waller highlighted that although much-needed assistance has been concentrated on areas severely affected during Hamas’s October 7 attacks, other regions in Israel face hardships too. He underscored the significance of extending a helping hand to these farmers whose livelihoods hang in balance.

LABOUR PARTY Triumphs: Shocking Upset in Special Elections Reshapes UK Political Landscape

21 October 2023 — In a surprising turn of events, Britain’s Labour Party has managed to secure two Parliament seats previously dominated by the Conservatives. This unexpected victory took place in the special elections held in Tamworth and Mid-Bedfordshire, with a significant number of voters switching their loyalty to Labour.

This win strengthens Labour’s standing as the primary challenger for next year’s national election. It also piles pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to rejuvenate his party’s reputation. Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, proclaimed that his party is “redrawing the political map”.

The victories were marked by Sarah Edwards’ success in Tamworth and Alistair Strathern’s triumph in Mid-Bedfordshire, both overcoming substantial Conservative majorities from 2019. However, it should be noted that voter turnout was relatively low at 36% and 44% respectively. Additionally, these elections took place under unique circumstances due to resignations from former lawmakers.