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The Lead: The Derby 2026 Unfolds at Epsom The 247th running of The Derby, the most famous Classic in horse racing, is underway at Epsom Downs with 14 runners vying for the prestigious title. Guardian's Greg Wood provides live coverage, previews, and expert picks for the day's major races including the Derby Stakes, Dash Handicap, and Coronation Cup. The Event Details: Race Previews and Analysis The Derby Stakes, scheduled for 4pm BST, features 14 horses competing to become the 247th horse on the Derby's roll of honor. Recent rain has affected the going, adding an element of unpredictability to the race. Other key races include the 3.15pm Dash Handicap and the 2.40pm Coronation Cup, which features last year's winner, last year's Derby winner, and the officially top-rated horse on the planet, Calandagan. The Data Analysis: Form Guide and Key Contenders For the Derby Stakes, several horses stand out based on recent form. Benvenuto Cellini's Chester Vase win and the competitive Lingfield race between Maltese Cross and Bay Of Brilliance are noted as strong form indicators. Item could become the fifth Dante winner this century to add the Derby to his record, while Ancient Egypt is ready to live up to his pedigree and price tag for Kia Joorabchian and Charlie Johnston. In the Dash Handicap, a field of 20 runners will compete over the minimum five-furlong trip. The high numbers generally hold sway in races at this distance, and the speedy nature of the track means the pace tends to hold up. Kinswoman, the favorite, and Lexington Buzz are expected to perform well, with Irish raider Eclairage also showing promise. The Coronation Cup features an exceptional lineup, including last year's winner Lambourn, last year's Derby winner Jan Brueghel, and the World's Best Racehorse in 2025, Calandagan, who has been on an unbeaten five-race spree at the sport's highest level. The Impact Analysis: Significance in the Horse Racing Calendar The Derby remains one of the most prestigious races in the global horse racing calendar, attracting the best three-year-old thoroughbreds from around the world. The event's cultural significance extends beyond the sport, with celebrities like Mary Berry and Jodie Kidd attending, adding to the pageantry and tradition of the occasion. The rain-softened ground conditions have added an element of unpredictability, potentially favoring horses with proven form on similar surfaces. This could lead to surprises and potentially create new stars in the sport. The Prediction: Expert Picks and Race Outlook Greg Wood has made his selections for the day's key races. For the Derby Stakes, he favors Bay Of Brilliance as an each-way option, citing the strength of the Lingfield form and the advantage of stall position for the horse. For the Dash Handicap, he recommends Eclairage from stall 14, noting the tendency for high-numbered horses to perform well in this race. In the Coronation Cup, Calandagan is the clear favorite, with Wood expecting him to continue his unbeaten streak at the sport's highest level.

The Rise of Middle-earth: Tolkien's Triumph Over Literary ClassicsIn a remarkable shift from established literary canon, JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings has topped The Guardian's readers' poll of the 100 greatest novels published in English, displacing George Eliot's Middlemarch from its previous position. The trilogy, which didn't even feature when authors, critics and academics made their selection, has resonated deeply with readers across the globe, from Uruguay to the Isle of Skye, Albuquerque to Sydney.The Enduring Appeal of Epic FantasyThe Lord of the Rings' victory speaks to its unique ability to connect with readers on a fundamental level. As one Alabama voter noted, the novel contains "profound meaning about the importance of life, sacrifice, the natural world, corruption of power, the evils of war, generosity of spirit." Its influence extends across generations and cultures, with readers from various backgrounds citing its immersive world-building, complex themes, and emotional resonance as reasons for its enduring popularity.The novel's journey to the top is particularly noteworthy given its unconventional publication history. Originally conceived as a single work but published as a trilogy after negotiations between Tolkien and his publisher, the series has transcended its format to become a cultural touchstone. Readers have been drawn to its blend of ancient mythological elements with modern storytelling techniques, creating what one voter described as a world that "still persists in my memory."Notable Shifts in Literary RankingsReaders exercised their power to significantly reshape the literary landscape compared to the previous critics' list. Joseph Heller's Catch-22, which "just squeaked into the first list," has now jumped to the eighth position, ranked higher than established classics like Ulysses, Anna Karenina, and The Great Gatsby. Similarly, David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest, absent from the original list, now sits in 31st position, sharing its ranking with The Master and Margarita, The Poisonwood Bible, and The Remains of the Day.The list also reveals interesting patterns in reader preferences compared to critics. While Victorian literature maintains a strong presence, with Middlemarch's "consistent showing" and other works by Eliot, Dickens, and Hardy, readers have elevated contemporary works that critics may have overlooked. The enduring popularity of Jane Austen, readers' most nominated writer overall, demonstrates the continued relevance of classic literature in modern reading culture.The Absence of Literary Giants and Changing TastesStaggeringly, the list shows no recognition for work by several male titans of recent American literature—no Bellow, no Roth, no Updike, no DeLillo. This absence highlights the "waxing and waning of reputation" and the "speed with which literary fashion forms and reforms." Similarly, some English novelists who were once central to cultural life—no Iris Murdoch, or CP Snow, or Angus Wilson—failed to make the cut.The list also reveals a notable absence of lighter, humorous works. While Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams secured places with their respective series, other comedic authors like PG Wodehouse, Nancy Mitford, and Jerome K Jerome were overlooked. This raises questions about how "best" often equates to "serious" or "weighty" literature in critical assessments, despite the inherent value of humor in storytelling.The Future of Literary Canons and Reader InfluenceThis readers' poll demonstrates the power of audience participation in shaping cultural narratives. Unlike previous lists compiled by critics and academics, this one reflects the genuine preferences of a diverse readership, leading to a more eclectic and contemporary selection of works. The inclusion of newer entries like John Kennedy Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces—published posthumously and now sharing the 32nd position—suggests that readers are more willing to embrace overlooked or rediscovered literary gems.As literary tastes continue to evolve, we can expect similar shifts in how we value and rank literature. The enduring popularity of works like The Lord of the Rings, which combines epic storytelling with universal themes, suggests that readers continue to seek narratives that transcend time and place. While established classics will always have their place, the growing influence of reader preferences may lead to a more diverse and inclusive literary canon in the future.

Burnham Calls for Nationalisation of Thames Water Andy Burnham announced that public ownership of Thames Water should be pursued, positioning the idea as a core part of his platform ahead of the Labour leadership election on June 18. The statement was made during an interview with the Guardian and follows meetings with water campaigners such as former Undertones frontman Feargal Sharkey. Proposal Details and Political Context Burnham frames nationalisation as a response to "widespread pollution" and "under‑investment" in England’s water infrastructure. The mayor suggests banning dividend payouts for companies that raise bills beyond a set threshold, funding the move by "running the industry differently". He links the issue to broader Labour promises to end the "Tory sewage scandal" and to overhaul the regulator slated for introduction in 2029. Financial Stakes: Debt, Fines, and Potential Compensation £20bn of debt has accumulated at Thames Water under successive private‑equity owners. The government is weighing a special‑administration takeover or a creditor deal that would write off up to £1bn in pollution fines. Critics estimate a full nationalisation could cost taxpayers around £100bn to compensate private creditors and shareholders, though some experts dispute that figure. If the creditor deal proceeds, billionaire donor Paul Singer could gain a part‑ownership stake. Implications for England’s Water Sector and Public Policy The call intensifies debate over the private versus public model of water provision. Scotland already operates a fully nationalised system, while Wales runs a not‑for‑profit model. A shift in England could reshape dividend structures, regulatory oversight, and investment priorities, potentially curbing the profit‑first approach that Burnham argues leaves bill‑payers disadvantaged. What Could Happen After the Labour Leadership Vote? If Burnham secures the Labour leadership, nationalisation would move up the party’s policy agenda, likely prompting parliamentary hearings and a detailed cost‑benefit analysis. Opposition parties may resist on fiscal grounds, while consumer groups could push for faster action. The outcome will hinge on the balance between political will, the Treasury’s assessment of the £100bn price tag, and the urgency of addressing water‑related environmental failures.

The Knicks' Historic Climb to the SummitThe New York Knicks have moved within two victories of ending a 52-year championship drought, securing a commanding 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals with a 105-104 thriller against the San Antonio Spurs. This victory not only solidifies New York's status as the series favorites but also marks a significant psychological shift for a franchise that has endured decades of postseason heartbreak. The Knicks are now the first team since the 1995 Houston Rockets to win the first two games of the Finals on the road, setting a high bar for the Spurs to overcome.Game 2: A Thriller Defined by Clutch MomentsThe contest was decided in the final seconds, with Jalen Brunson delivering the decisive blow. After a costly turnover by Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, Brunson sank the go-ahead free throw with 9.5 seconds remaining. Wembanyama, who finished with 29 points, had a clean look at the buzzer but saw his jumper rim out, preserving the Knicks' lead. This game mirrored Game 1, where Brunson once again provided the composure needed in the fourth quarter to secure the win.Game Winner: Jalen Brunson sank the go-ahead free throw with 9.5 seconds remaining.Buzzer Beater: Wembanyama missed a clean look from the elbow at the final buzzer.Series Status: Knicks lead 2-0, series shifts to Madison Square Garden.Statistical Breakdown: Towns vs. WembanyamaThe matchup featured a contrast in efficiency and impact. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 25 points on a scorching 8-for-12 shooting, providing the necessary scoring punch in the clutch. In contrast, Brunson struggled from the field (7-for-25) but compensated with his playmaking and free-throw shooting. For the Spurs, Wembanyama bounced back from a poor Game 1 with 29 points on 11-for-21 shooting, but his late-game turnover highlighted the immense pressure he is facing as the face of the franchise.Series Shift: The Pressure Mounts in New YorkWith the series shifting to Madison Square Garden, the pressure is squarely on the San Antonio Spurs. Historically, no team has ever won the NBA Finals after dropping the first two games at home. The Spurs' defense will need to tighten significantly to prevent the Knicks from closing out the series on their home court. For New York, the 13-game postseason winning streak serves as a momentum booster, instilling a belief that this is their year to finally break the 1973 championship curse.Outlook: Can the Knicks Close It Out?The Knicks are in an historically advantageous position. Winning Game 3 at home would put them on the brink of the title. Their ability to maintain their defensive intensity and rely on Brunson's leadership in the final minutes will be the deciding factors in whether they can secure the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

Derby 2026: Overview of the FieldThe 2026 Epsom Derby features a deep and diverse field, with a mix of proven Group performers and outsiders bought for modest sums. Rain‑softened ground at Epsom adds an extra variable, potentially rewarding stamina‑rich pedigrees and horses that have thrived on heavy turf.Form Guide: Individual Horse ProfilesAction – Trainer/jockey: Aidan O’Brien/Wayne Lordan, stall 11. Timeform rating 125, odds 25-1. Pedigree: Frankel / Gossamer Wings (Scat Daddy). Recent form: half‑length second to Hawk Mountain in the Group One Futurity on heavy ground; credible second in the Dante Stakes.Alderman – Trainer/jockey: Richard Hannon/Pat Dobbs, stall 6. Timeform rating 97p, odds 250-1. Pedigree: Study Of Man / Alagappa (Archipenko). Recent form: fourth‑and‑a‑quarter lengths behind Water To Wine at Newbury in a maiden.Ancient Egypt – Trainer/jockey: Charlie Johnston/David Egan, stall 10. Timeform rating 123p, odds 16-1. Pedigree: Frankel / Atone (Oasis Dream). Recent form: winner of the Newmarket Stakes; previously well‑beaten in the Royal Lodge Stakes.Taste Of Glory – Trainer/jockey: Andrew Balding/Jamie Spencer, stall 7. Timeform rating 105, odds 300-1. Pedigree: Soldier Hollow / Aothea (Areion). A €20k purchase, reminiscent of past long‑shot Derby runners.Balzac – Trainer/jockey: Jane Chapple‑Hyam/Silvestre de Sousa, stall 2. Timeform rating 112, odds 150-1. Pedigree: Japan / Brit Wit (High Chaparral). Only win in an all‑weather maiden; recent defeats in the Blue Riband Trial and at Lingfield.Bay Of Brilliance – Trainer/jockey: Ralph Beckett/Hector Crouch, stall 9. Timeform rating 128p, odds 16-1. Pedigree: New Bay / Incroyable (Singspiel). Strong performance in the Lingfield Trial, narrowly beaten by Maltese Cross.Benvenuto Cellini – Trainer/jockey: Aidan O’Brien/Ryan Moore, stall 12. Timeform rating 130p, odds 9-4. Pedigree: Frankel / Newspaperofrecord (Lope De Vega). Convincing trial win; favourite with a solid pedigree.Christmas Day – Trainer/jockey: Aidan O’Brien/Ronan Whelan, stall 5. Timeform rating 125p, odds 25-1. Pedigree: Camelot / Beauly (Sea The Stars). Third in the Dante Stakes after a strong Ballysax Stakes win.Timeform Ratings, Odds and Market ValuationThe market places Benvenuto Cellini at the forefront with 9-4 odds, reflecting his high Timeform rating of 130p. Close behind are Bay Of Brilliance (16-1, rating 128p) and Ancient Egypt (16-1, rating 123p). Long‑shot entries such as Alderman and Taste Of Glory carry odds of 250-1 and 300-1 respectively, underscoring the depth of the field.Strategic Implications for Trainers and the Epsom MeetingRecent rain at Epsom favours horses with proven stamina on soft ground, benefitting runners like Action and Bay Of Brilliance who have performed well on heavy turf. Trainers with multiple entries (Aidan O’Brien fields three runners) can employ tactical pacesetting, potentially using Action as a rabbit to benefit his stablemates.Predicted Scenarios and Post‑Derby OutlookWhile Benvenuto Cellini remains the statistical favourite, the race could be decided by ground conditions, with a possible upset from Ancient Egypt or Bay Of Brilliance if the soft going persists. A strong showing from any long‑shot would boost the market for future Group races, especially the St Leger and the Prix du Jockey Club, where connections may target their Derby‑placed horses.

The Road to Glory: Spain's 2026 World Cup Ambitions Spain is one of the big favorites in North America this summer, and the squad that Luis de la Fuente has picked has only reinforced that. He has a well-balanced and competitive group that believes in the sort of football that has already yielded great success. The European champions are dreaming of stitching a second star above their crest. The Key Players Much of the media focus has inevitably fallen on Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, whose imagination, creativity, and personality has transformed the Spain frontline into a real force. His partner in crime, Nico Williams, has hit form in the final weeks of the season at Athletic Bilbao. The two wingers were a revelation at Euro 2024, injecting freshness into a team that still dominates the ball. Group Stage Fixtures 15 June v Cape Verde, Atlanta (noon local, 5pm BST, 16 June 2am AEST) 21 June v Saudi Arabia, Atlanta (noon local, 5pm BST, 22 June 2am AEST) 26 June v Uruguay, Guadalajara (6pm local, 27 June 1am BST, 27 June 10am AEST) The Coach: Luis de la Fuente Luis de la Fuente has turned Spain into a fiercely competitive and united team. His style of play combines the traditional possession-based game of recent decades with a greater directness and tactical flexibility. The former under-21 coach is known for his communication and man-management skills, creating a healthy and competitive environment within the group. Star Player: Lamine Yamal Lamine Yamal will be the centre of attention at his first World Cup. The teenager will celebrate his 19th birthday on 13 July, the day before the semi-finals get under way, and yet his immense talent means he will carry the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. Cheeky and creative, the winger plays like he's just having a kickabout with his mates but has become a natural leader within the national team already. Unsung Hero: Eric García Eric García rarely makes the headlines. The former Manchester City player has quietly gone about his business at Barcelona, becoming a key figure for Hansi Flick thanks to his intelligence, positioning, and composure when bringing the ball out from the back. The 25-year-old has grown in maturity and is an organiser, often dictating play from centre-back or even midfield.

The Evolution of Portraiture The Metropolitan Museum of Art's new exhibition, 'The Face of Modern Life,' challenges traditional notions of portraiture by showcasing nearly 80 works from its permanent collection. Curated by Stephanie D'Alessandro, the show explores how artists have redefined the concept of a portrait over time. Expanding the Definition of Portraiture The exhibition features works such as Max Beckmann's 'The Beginning' and Wifredo Lam's 'Ídolo,' which stretch the boundaries of traditional portraiture. These pieces are rooted in memory and myth rather than physical likeness, highlighting the evolving nature of the art form. The Intersection of Art and Literature The show also explores the intersection of art and literature, featuring works like Pablo Picasso's portrait of Gertrude Stein and an excerpt from Stein's 1923 textual poem 'If I Told Him, A Completed Portrait of Picasso.' This pairing showcases the dialogue between artists and writers on the concept of resemblance and likeness. New Acquisitions and Artistic Innovations The exhibition includes recent acquisitions like Lam's 'Ídolo' and Francis Picabia's 'Elegance,' which demonstrate the artists' innovative approaches to portraiture. These works are complemented by poet Wallace Stevens' 'Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird,' which shares themes with Picabia's bizarre woman. The Power of Portraiture D'Alessandro emphasizes that portraiture's fundamental concerns remain constant despite evolving artistic techniques and philosophical ideas. The exhibition demonstrates how portraits can function as records of human presence, emotional temperature, and texture of experience.

The Sound of a City in Transition: Emmy the Great’s Cantopop JourneySinger-songwriter Emma-Lee Moss, known professionally as Emmy the Great, has returned to Hong Kong to write her fourth album, driven by a deep personal and historical inquiry into the city's musical heritage. Born to an English father and a Hongkonger mother, Moss left the city at age 11 before the 1997 handover, a pivotal moment that shaped her understanding of displacement and belonging. Her new memoir, My Cantopop Nights, serves as a bridge between her mixed heritage and the city's history, using the genre of Cantopop to decode the emotional and political landscape of Hong Kong.A Personal History Through MelodyMoss’s narrative is not just a music review but a memoir woven through specific tracks that defined eras of her life. Her connection to the music is visceral and personal, often tied to rites of passage. For instance, the haircut she received in 1995 after hearing Aaron Kwok’s 'Love You Endlessly' became a symbol of her transition from a world where Kwok was a 'god' to one where he was unknown. Similarly, Faye Wong’s cover of 'Dream Person' introduced Moss to a subculture of punk and DIY bands during a childhood sleepover, fundamentally altering her teenage identity.Aaron Kwok – 'Love You Endlessly': A career-launching anthem that defined a hairstyle and a generation’s transition.Faye Wong – 'Dream Person': Introduced Moss to Western rock influences and punk culture.The Wynners – 'You're Free': Revealed a family secret where Moss’s father wrote English lyrics for the band.Beyond – 'Boundless Ocean, Vast Skies': A mourning anthem for the band's late singer, Wong Ka Kui, representing underground rock.Sam Hui – 'Half a Catty, Eight Taels': A working-class anthem that resonated with Moss during a period of political fragility in 2017.The Evolution of Cantopop: From Western Covers to Cantonese AnthemsThe article highlights the genre's evolution from a Western-influenced bubble to a distinctively Cantonese art form. The story begins with the Beatles playing in Hong Kong in 1964, sparking a wave of English-language covers. However, Sam Hui is credited with pioneering the shift to Cantonese originals, blending classical Chinese elements with pop sensibilities. Moss notes that Hui’s music, particularly the humorous yet poignant 'Half a Catty, Eight Taels,' offers a critique of the working class similar to Dolly Parton’s '9 to 5,' but grounded in the specific socio-economic context of 1970s Hong Kong.Music as a Mirror of Hong Kong’s Political LandscapeCantopop is portrayed not merely as entertainment but as a historical record of the city's resilience and fragility. Moss observed a surge in music and art in 2017 and 2019 as young people born after the handover sought to understand their identity amidst political insecurity. Songs like Beyond’s 'Boundless Ocean, Vast Skies' became anthems of mourning and underground resistance. Moss argues that the 'story of Hong Kong is the sound of it,' suggesting that the city's history is best understood through its auditory landscape rather than just its street signs or history books.The Enduring Legacy of Cantopop in a Globalized WorldAs Moss reconnects with her roots, she realizes that her independent musical style is deeply rooted in the Cantopop tradition. The genre has proven to be a powerful tool for cultural preservation, allowing the diaspora to maintain a connection to their heritage. By documenting these songs, Moss ensures that the emotional and political nuances of Hong Kong’s past are not lost. The genre continues to serve as a vessel for collective memory, proving that even in a rapidly changing globalized world, the local soundscape remains a vital anchor for identity and history.

The Lead Callum Scott Howells takes center stage as Henry Paget, 5th Marquess of Anglesey, a flamboyant aristocrat in the high-spirited period drama 'Madfabulous'. This film, from screenwriter Lisa Baker and director Celyn Jones, shines a light on a forgotten chapter in queer Victorian history. The Event Details Howells plays Paget, a delicate consumptive and aesthete who, in the late 19th century, blew his vast inheritance on colossal private theatricals, wild parties, and jaw-dropping performances. He caused scandal with his behavior and apparently unconsummated marriage to first cousin Lily (Ruby Stokes). The Performance Analysis Rupert Everett is excellent in the fictionalized role of the kindly butler Gelert. His performance reminds the viewer of his outstanding turn as Oscar Wilde in 'The Happy Prince'. Paget's defiant public career was conducted while the disgraced Wilde was still in prison; like Wilde, his life ended in French exile. The Impact Analysis The film imagines Paget wanting his theatricals to raise money for a supposed orphanage; the real reason may have been more narcissistic than that. Nevertheless, a strong turn from Howells as Paget, a Wildean in everything but talent. The Prediction 'Madfabulous' is set to hit UK cinemas from June 5, 2026. With its good-humored drama and strong performances, it is expected to attract audiences interested in period dramas and queer history.