Latest news with #Lees
The Age
13 hours ago
- Sport
- The Age
Lees looks for Zaphod to hit back and lead another interstate double
Kris Lees expects to see the best of Zaphod at Randwick, after a forgive run, when the Newcastle trainer tries to score another Sydney-Queensland city double on Saturday. Lees, who has had a satellite stable on the Gold Coast since 2018, won his second Queensland Oaks in three years when You Wahng repeated the feat of 2023 winner Amokura on June 7. Loch Eagle also won at Randwick to cap a memorable day for the stable. 'It's been a great asset to the stable,' Lees said of the Gold Coast operation. 'Mandy Jupp does a wonderful job and it works very smoothly. She runs a very tight ship.' Lees has genuine metropolitan chances across the states again on Saturday. Lutetia ($14 Sportsbet) contests the TL Cooney Stakes and Bubba's Bay ($11) is in the listed Gai Waterhouse Classic at Ipswich, while Bestower ($3.50) and Barazin ($11) are other runners on the program. 'Bubba's Bay, she was just taken on all the way last start [when sixth], but now third run in, she should run up to her best,' he said. 'I can see her really turning her form around. 'Bestower is a bit hard to catch but she could easily run well there, and Lutetia is racing consistently and she should run well.' Zaphod looks Lees' best chance across the meetings. The import, with three wins and three placings in nine Australian starts, was a $3.10 shot in the sixth, an 1800m benchmark 88 handicap.
San Francisco Chronicle
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
End of an era nears as San Francisco movie theater owners seek buyers for historic venues
Frank Lee got his start in the movie business in the late 1960s as an usher at his father's Chinatown theater. Nearly six decades later, he is approaching the final reel of his career. Lee and his wife Lida are searching for a buyer to take over their two remaining theaters, the Marina and Presidio on Chestnut Street. When that happens, it will mark the end credits on a landmark run in San Francisco's independent film exhibition scene. 'It's been in my mind many years, but I think it's about time,' the 70-year-old Lee told the Chronicle. 'I'm not getting younger, right?' The Lees run Lee Neighborhood Theatres, which included the 4 Star Theater, which they operated from 1992-2021, and the Chestnut Street theaters. They took over the Presidio in 2004 and the Marina in 2008, showing mainly first-run movies. But their lasting legacy in San Francisco is rooted in their championing of Asian cinema, particularly Hong Kong, Mainland Chinese and Taiwanese genre films. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the 4 Star often opened new Hong Kong movies the same week they debuted in Asia, introducing local film fans to the exploits of Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh and Jet Li before they went to Hollywood. The 4 Star's Asian film festivals curated current and classic films from not only the Chinese-speaking territories, but also Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and many more. 'Frank and Lida have entertained multiple generations of San Franciscans at the movies, and they have left a legacy of happy customers,' said CinemaSF co-owner Adam Bergeron, who took over programming at the 4 Star when the Lees sold the theater in 2021. 'Here's hoping their next phase is happy and restful.' Frank Lee took after his father, Frank Lee Sr., a World War II veteran and civil engineer who operated movie theaters in Chinatowns across North America. The elder Lee was deeply connected in the industry and even knew martial arts film star Bruce Lee, a native of San Francisco. The junior Lee began working in his father's Bella Union theater on Kearny Street when he was just 13. Lee and his father closed the Bella Union in the 1980s and briefly operated a series of since-demolished theaters — the Parkside on Taraval Street, the Kokusai in Japantown and the Cannery Cinema near Fisherman's Wharf. Lee's father, who died in 2002 at 79, chose to retire, while the younger Lee took over the 4 Star, a Richmond District gem that first opened in 1912. With a passion for cinema and stocked with some 600 film prints of classic Asian films his father had collected over the years, Lee was determined to make his own mark on the San Francisco film scene. 'It was our baby,' Lee said. The 4 Star almost ceased operations in the mid-2000s when the property was acquired by a local church, which sought to evict the Lees. After a contentious legal battle that spanned nearly three years and involved the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the church backed off and sold the property to the Lees. The success of the 4 Star encouraged the Lees to acquire the Presidio and Marina theaters. But soon the rise of streaming and home video made running an independent movie theater challenging. The pandemic magnified those problems. Compounding matters, these days, new movies from Asian markets now screen at AMC and Century theaters across the Bay Area. While the Lees sold the 4 Star the year after its forced closure during the pandemic shutdown — a period in which Lee catalogued and donated classic film prints to archives in Hong Kong and Taiwan — they believe the Presidio and Marina theaters are viable businesses. Both are located in a vibrant neighborhood full of restaurants and retail shops. With their two sons, both doctors, uninterested in taking them over, the couple is looking for outside buyers with a vision. Lee believes the key to independent movie theater survival is to make them multi-use venues, so he's already gotten city approval to convert the ground floor of the Marina to a restaurant and cafe. Meanwhile, he's been booking special events at both theaters including live music and comedy shows, birthday parties and corporate and school events. For the past two years, the theaters even served as a venue for the San Francisco International Film Festival. So his advice for future owners: 'Be creative.'
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Most unpopular dad names unveiled - see if your baby has one that's dying out
Some boys' names are at the risk of going totally extinct in the UK, after being staple choices for many years across the country - including Craig and Lee, which could die out altogether Deciding on a baby name is a big decision, and parents know it is going to be with their child for life, so the pressure to choose a good one, that will stand the test of time, is definitely not easy. Many parents spend months reading baby name books or searching online to find the perfect choice for their little one. But it seems that some previously common 'dad names' have seriously fallen out of favour - and don't look likely for a resurgence anytime soon. So any dad celebrating Father's Day this weekend might want to check our data to see if their name is on the brink of extinction. For decades, names like Craig and Lee were heard all around the UK - but they are at risk of dying out altogether, with few parents choosing them these days. Back in the 1970s and 1980s, Craig and Lee regularly came in at the top end of the list when it came to the most popular baby names. In 1974, Craig came in as the 28th most popular baby name for boys, and ten years later, it became even more fashionable, coming in at 19th. These days, only a mere nine babies have been named Craig in the UK, according to recent statistics, which means it's fallen 2306 places in the rankings since 1984. The extinction of so-called 'dad names' goes beyond this though, with the name Lee falling from the dizzying heights of popularity, straight to the bottom of the list when parents come to choose their child's moniker. In 1974, Lee was the 12th most popular choice, and a decade later, its popularity had only fallen very slightly, to 15th. Now, Lee has fallen a whopping 1127 places on the ranking list - so you aren't too likely to come across a baby boy named this that often. While commiserations should be given to all the Craigs and Lees you know out there - who might not be delighted to hear this news - they are also joined by Garys and Pauls. Gary used to be a top choice for baby boys, but in 2023, only eight babies were bestowed this name. Paul was the number one name in 1974, but has since dropped 464th in the popularity charts. The number one name for baby boys in 1984, Christopher, has also seen a huge drop in favourabilty amongst parents, dropping out of the top 100 altogether and hitting the 187th spot - with only 269 babies given this one in 2023. Some boys' names have managed to stay popular through the decades in the UK, however. Names like Thomas, James, Adam, and Alexander all still prove pretty popular with parents to this day, and to a lesser extent David, Daniel, and Michael, which have all dropped from their original high positions in the charts, but remained in the top 100. The top 25 most popular boys' names of 1974 (and how unpopular they are now) 1. Paul: fallen 463 places 2. Mark: fallen 264 places 3. David: fallen 62 places 4. Andrew: fallen 290 places 5. Richard: fallen 406 places 6. Christopher: fallen 181 places 7. James: fallen 28 places 8. Simon: fallen 411 places 9. Michael: fallen 79 places 10. Matthew: fallen 127 places 11. Stephen: fallen 654 places 12. Lee: fallen 1127 places 13. John: fallen 145 places 14. Robert: fallen 133 places 15. Darren: fallen 1257 places 16. Daniel: fallen 44 places 17. Steven: fallen 797 places 18. Jason: fallen 156 places 19. Nicholas: fallen 182 places 20. Jonathan: fallen 238 places 21. Ian: fallen 540 places 22. Neil: fallen 907 places 23. Peter: fallen 227 places 24. Stuart: fallen 1,983 places 25. Anthony: fallen 159 places 26. Martin: fallen 275 places 27. Kevin: fallen 183 places 28. Craig: fallen 2,297 places 29. Philip: fallen 410 places 30. Gary: fallen 2,516 places
Courier-Mail
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
Gosford, Ballina previews: Golden Smile seeks redemption
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Imported mare Golden Smile faced a stiff challenge when she stepped up to city company last start but trainer Kris Lees looks to have found an ideal race back in provincial company Golden Smile placed in her first three starts this campaign before breaking through with a big all-the-way win in a Newcastle Maiden on a Heavy 10 over 1890m before stepping up to a Benchmark 64 on the Kensington 11 days later when fifth to Rotagilla over 1800m. 'She was very good in winning but the wet track may have aided her,' said Lees. 'It was a big jump going to town last start and coming back a little in distance could have been detrimental to her. 'Going up to 2100 metres this week looks a nice option for her. 'She is still going to get a winter track this week and she seems to be in good order.' The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! The daughter of Sea The Stars drops back to a Class 1 and Maiden Plate and steps up to 2100m. 'This looks a nice race for her. A bit of a gap between runs may suit her as well being a European-bred mare,' he said. Lightly-raced three-year-old Hawker Hall kicked off his campaign with a three-and-a-half length win over 900m on his home track on April 23 and wasn't seen on raceday again until May 26 when fifth to Prima Bella on a Heavy 10 over the same track and distance. He steps up to 1100m this week in the Class 1 Handicap with Jason Collett back on board. 'We wanted to find the right track and run him at home again,' Lees said. 'The other day, it might have just been a bit too heavy for him. 'He's a big, heavy horse and he does like a bit of cut in the ground but not really testing like it was. 'It was just a bit waterlogged that track and made a bit of hard work for him. 'He might be better suited now getting out over just a little bit further to get a more controlled run (in front).' Lees has been pleased with the form of Surreal I Am in Queensland this preparation where he has won two of his three starts and feels he deserves a chance back in New South Wales. The gelding lines up in the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m) where he will make his presence felt. 'His two wins on the Sunshine Coast were on the polytrack but that said, I can't fault him at home,' he said. 'He will be a place chance.' Joining him in that race is Oakfield Mamselle who is resuming from a spell. While she has a win and a second from three first-up runs, Lees feels she will be improved by this run. 'She seems to be coming up well. Her trials were only fair but her work since has been pleasing,' he said. Lees' other runner for the meeting is Enchanted World in the opening race, the 2&3YO Maiden Handicap (1100m). The daughter of Ardrossan debuted on her home track on May 26 where she settled last and came between runners in the straight to finish a three-and-a-quarter length second behind Pratt. 'She was okay on debut and will appreciate stepping up a little in trip,' said Lees. Lees also has Denuto and Irish Thunder running at Ballina and feels they will be competitive in their respective assignments. 'Denuto hasn't been far away and is close to getting a result. Hopefully he can break through,' he said. 'Irish Thunder ran well first-up. He just got hampered a little. 'He has improved from that and should run well.' ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ The week started well for trainer Scott Henley when stable star Volcanic Love trialled stylishly at Grafton and he hopes it can end on a high note with a winning double. Henley was pleased when the meeting originally set for Lismore was moved to Ballina when his promising filly Confederate Lady races so well. The three-year-old had her first three starts at the track where she recorded an impressive maiden win over 1012m at just her second career start and placed in her other two runs at the venue. 'I'm definitely not disappointed they moved the meeting to Ballina. She loves the joint,' said Henley. Since resuming with a close third in a Class 1 on a Heavy 10 at Ballina on April 8, Confederate Lady has finished third behind the promising Seymour Stars at Port Macquarie and an unlucky fourth to Takemine at Inverell. 'She was just a gallop short going into that run because we'd had plenty of rain up here and couldn't get her tied right down. 'Then she ran into a good horse at Port Macquarie. 'Last start she got back further than we expected and was a bit stiff. The daughter of Supido is out to add to her record when she steps out in the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1000m) where she has drawn barrier 15 although she will come in after scratchings. 'I had her in a couple of Class 1 races that were washed out and the only available race at the next meeting has been a Benchmark 58,' he said. 'Each time in those Class 1s, to my way of thinking, she was a good thing. 'In the (benchmark) 58s, we go from a good thing to just a chance. 'From a wide gate this week, she is just a good chance with luck in running.' Henley has been pleased with the two runs of former Victorian three-year-old Zouandme and gives him a good chance in the Country Boosted Maiden Plate (1000m). The gelding raced on a hot speed when seventh at Grafton first-up before being beaten just over a length when sixth at Inverell. 'He has those two runs,' he said. 'He was big in condition first-up and had a good blow after the race. 'He improved a fair bit off that going into the race at Inverell and has come on nicely since then. 'The only reservation I have is the very heavy track.'
Mercury
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Mercury
Kris Lees filly You Wahng claims Queensland Oaks after marathon float trip
Recent floods nearly left You Wahng stranded in NSW, but the Kris Lees filly overcame travel challenges to take out the Group 1 Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm. Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. The Kris Lees-trained filly You Wahng was lucky to be even running in Saturday's Queensland Oaks (2200m), let alone winning the Group 1 at Eagle Farm. But that's exactly what she did in a stirring performance, although it nearly didn't happen because of the recent floods on the NSW Mid North Coast. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Lees said it took a marathon 16 hours of travel, comprising two trips, to even get the filly to Brisbane and didn't the waiting game pay off. In an exciting fight to the line, $19 chance You Wahng held on grimly to defeat the James Cummings-trained Pinito ($6), with Group 1 Australasian Oaks champion Benagil a distant third in the $700,000 contest for 3YO fillies. • What the jockeys said: 2025 Queensland Oaks 'There were floods at Taree so I had to spend the night at Armidale and then come across,' a jubilant Lees said. 'Each trip was like eight hours, so it was two lots of eight hours just to get here (to Brisbane). 'It doubled the travelling time. 'She was very stirred up in The Roses (at Doomben) and I thought 'oh we're off here' and I was thinking she'd be going to the paddock. 'But she actually ran super and came out of it well so she's a tough filly.' â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 7, 2025 You Wahng finished a creditable fifth in The Roses (2000m) on May 24 in a Group 2 race won by Queensland Oaks favourite Philia, who struggled to cope with the extra 200m on Saturday. Philia dropped out to finish eighth, ending her four-race winning streak, after starting as the $4.20 favourite. • Dale ponders shot at Stradbroke with Front Page Lees admitted he was a little surprised at the victory, although he knew You Wahng was capable of an upset following her excellent third in the Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick on April 12 behind super filly Treasurethe Moment and Sun 'N' Sand. When You Wahng finished last in the Listed The Coast at Gosford last month, Lees wasn't exactly brimming with confidence. 'Look we lost confidence after she went to Gosford for a prep run to get her back on track but she was a bit plain,' he said. • Sunrays ends stellar campaign as trainer resists Group 1 lure '(Jockey) Andrew Gibbons suggested putting a tongue-tie on and she's reacted really well to that. 'It was a lovely ride from Tommy. He was able to get us straight across from the gate and got into a lovely position in running. 'He had a lot of horse coming to the corner, but I was always just a little guarded that last furlong when she presented, but she was able to find under pressure. 'She probably got to him a bit early in The Roses, so Tommy was adamant we just needed to hold her up for a furlong sprint and he produced her at the right time today. 'She looked the winner a long way from home. 'She was on her last legs late but she found something extra under pressure so that was very pleasing.' You Wahng will now head to the paddock for a 'well-deserved' spell. 'That's her first city win, actually,' Lees said. 'She'll have a well-deserved rest because she's had a good prep. She's been up all throughout and we thought after the Oaks in Sydney we were a chance and she's delivered.' Originally published as You Wahng claims Queensland Oaks after marathon float trip Horse Racing David Payne, renowned for his unconventional training methods, once again demonstrated his expertise as Shohisha claimed an upset victory at Randwick. Horse Racing Trainer Matt Dale faces a tough decision on whether to give Moreton Cup winner Front Page a crack at the Stradbroke Handicap or send the veteran sprinter for a spell.
