Helen Glover and Polly Swann took gold at the World Cup in Lucerne on Sunday, their third title in 2013.

Of the weekend’s July Cup heroes, Lethal Force was easily the most  relaxed yesterday. The four-year-old enjoyed a lazy lead out to stretch the limbs that had carried him to his record-breaking Group One victory and a prolonged pick at grass to settle his rather fizzy mind, then spent the rest of the day chilling in the cool of his box. Meanwhile his trainer Clive Cox, after sorting out his entries for the rest of the week – it’s back to bread and butter at Lingfield on Wednesday – fielded interminable phone calls of inquiry and congratulation.

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The gauntlet laid down by the  maturing Al Kazeem at Sandown the previous day was promptly picked up yesterday by the younger colt who may yet lead the home defence in Paris this autumn. But the fact that Intello was dropped in trip, as well as grade, for a Group Three race at Maisons-Laffitte appeared to compound reservations about the suitability of the stamina test presented by the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Your weekly guide to what's really going on in the world of books

While Frankie Dettori continues his mortifying hunt for a first winner since before Royal Ascot, the champion jockey himself has gained stunning impetus after ending his own frustrations at that meeting. Until overcoming a nightmare draw on Sky Lantern in the Coronation Stakes on the Friday, Richard Hughes had endured a maddening week, repeatedly finding himself stuck in traffic or caught out by the draw. As soon as Ascot was out of the way, however, Hughes promptly accumulated 20 winners in eight days – with a treble at Windsor on Monday evening completing the fastest hundred of his career.

Your weekly guide to what's really going on in the world of books

Karen Jankel claims character’s street – now a tourist spot – was purely fictitious

Authorities believe they may never discover the source of the leak, which can damage swan's internal organs

A second attempt to play Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Russia has been aborted due to bad weather in Belfast.

The Irish Football Association has received planning permission to redevelop Windsor Park at a total cost of £29.2m.

To do so sets a dangerous precedent whereby the politicians who can afford their own expenses get credit for being wealthy. Most MPs have a legitimate right to allowances.

Actress Lisa Riley broke down in tears after being voted off Strictly Come Dancing as the line-up of celebrities in this year's final was revealed.

Each week we invite three companies to offer us their best deal for a specific break. Today: Brazil for Rio Carnival. Prices are per person, based on two sharing, and include 10 nights' B&B, flights from Heathrow to Rio in February 2013, transfers and a one-day Sambadrome ticket.