Names In The News: Rooneys Want Horses To Race At Cheltenham Again

Race horse owners PAUL and CLARE ROONEY told trainers they want their horses to race at Cheltenham again. They "stopped having runners at the home of jump racing over fears the track could pose an increase risk of injury." STARCHITECT, owned by the couple, broke a leg when leading in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at the track in Dec. '17 and "had to be put down" (BBC, 2/21). ... RORY MCILROY confirmed he will miss this year's Irish Open "to focus on his preparations for The Open at Royal Portrush." McIlroy, 29, said that missing his national open, which is played two weeks before the major, "will give himself a better chance" of winning The Open (BBC, 2/21). ... TYSON FURY's new co-promoter BOB ARUM confirmed an offer was made to DEONTAY WILDER to face Fury in a "blockbuster rematch" for the WBC title. The heavyweights are "determined to face off again after their epic and controversial split-decision draw in California" in December (London DAILY MAIL, 2/20).