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Moyenne Corniche wins Ebor Handicap at York Festival

Moyenne Corniche mounted a late surge to win the Ebor Handicap at York for trainer Brian Ellison.

The 25-1 chance, ridden by Dale Swift, burst through inside the final furlong to win the hotly contested feature race on the Knavesmire.

Tactician (9-1) was a length adrift in second with another 25-1 shot Investissement finishing third ahead of Richard Hughes' mount Modun (7-1).

"He did it well and travelled so nicely," said Swift.

"I didn't want to get there too soon and he stuck his neck out really well.

"We didn't go a great gallop, but he wasn't too keen and we got the gaps when we needed them. You just have to take your time with him and he needs that little bit of dig in the ground."

Tactician tried to make all for handler Michael Bell and jockey Joseph O'Brien, but the challengers were queuing up three furlongs out as the field came down the centre of the track on the final day of the extended four-day Ebor Festival.

Mount Athos threatened briefly with Investissement and Modun challenging strongly, but 3lb claimer Swift timed it to perfection on Moyenne Corniche to race home.

Local trainer Ellison, who also saddled the well-fancied Saptapadi, added: "The plan was to hit the front late, I knew he would love the ground and I said to Dale he wouldn't be out of the first four.

"I think the other horse (Saptapadi) might have won if we had dropped him out, he was too keen."

New Zealand humble South Africa

2011 Tri-Nations

                  New Zealand: Tries: Guildford 2, Jane 2, Crockett, Slade Cons: Carter 2 Pens: Carter 2 South Africa: Try: Smit Con: Steyn

Zac Guildford and Cory Jane scored two tries apiece as New Zealand beat South Africa 40-7 in the Tri-Nations.

Wyatt Crockett and Colin Slade also got on the scoresheet for the All Blacks.

The result is South Africa's second defeat of this year's Tri-Nations, having also lost to Australia - who New Zealand face next weekend in Auckland.

The match also saw Dan Carter reclaim the all-time Test points record from Jonny Wilkinson when he converted a penalty, his first of 10 points.

The fly-half had moved to within one point of the record after three conversions against Fiji last Friday and his 10-point haul against South Africa puts him on 1,204 career points, nine clear of Wilkinson.

Wilkinson had regained the mark in February's Test against France.

Guildford claimed his first try in Test rugby in the 15th minute, two minutes after his Canterbury Crusaders team-mate, prop Wyatt Crockett, had also scored his first try in Tests.

Spanish strike to continue

Deadlock remains despite talks

Spanish league fixtures will be postponed for a second week after talks between the players' union and league officials failed to reach an agreement.

The opening weekend of the Spanish season was postponed due to an ongoing dispute between the Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE) and the Spanish League (LFP) over the issue of unpaid wages.

The AFE want a guaranteed fund to protect players' wages in the event of a club being declared insolvent.

A number of Spanish clubs are struggling financially and the AFE claims around €50million (£43.7m) worth of wages remain unpaid.

However, a succession of talks has failed to yield a positive outcome and, despite another meeting being scheduled for Tuesday, AFE director Luis Gil seems certain that all Primera Liga and Segunda Division matches will be called off yet again.

"The strike will continue for the second day of the season, the problem is not solved," said Gil.

Mata appeals to Villas-Boas

Blues boss refuses to rule out raid for Valencia winger

By Chris Burton.   Last Updated: August 20, 2011 10:03pm

Andre Villas-Boas admits Juan Mata would be a useful addition to any side, as reports suggest Chelsea are lining up a bid.

Speculation in Spain has claimed that the Blues are set to offer €27million (£23.6m) for the Valencia winger.

Numerous clubs are believed to hold an interest in the World Cup winner, with Arsenal and Liverpool having been linked with moves this summer.

Chelsea are believed to be leading the race at present, though, as they look to add extra creativity to their ranks.

Valencia would be reluctant sellers, a year after parting with David Villa and David Silva, but they know that money talks.

Blues set to sign Mata

Valencia reveal deal has been agreed for sale of winger

Last Updated: August 22, 2011 9:45am

Valencia and Chelsea have announced that an agreement has been reached to take Juan Mata to Stamford Bridge.

The Spain winger has been linked with a move to the Premier League for much of the summer, with Arsenal believed to be closing in on a deal at one point and Liverpool also reported to be interested.

But it is Chelsea who have emerged as frontrunners for the 23-year-old's signature in recent days and manager Andre Villas-Boas admitted over the weekend he was an 'interesting player'.

Valencia have now revealed on their official website that they have 'reached a preliminary deal with Chelsea FC for the transfer of the football player Juan Manuel Mata."

Chelsea later confirmed the news too, although the deal is subject to Mata successfully passing a medical, which could take place on Monday as the player prepares to fly to London.

No further details were released, but Spanish media reports suggest the transfer fee will be in the region of €30million (£26m).