Almeraq quickly put the disappointment of his off‑day at Newmarket behind him, delivering a commanding performance in the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock Park. The race began with last year’s champion, Big Mojo, bursting out of the gates and sharing the early lead with Marvelman.
The pace remained steady until the field approached the final two furlongs, when the true contest emerged. Paborus had been travelling smoothly when he entered the fray, but Almeraq, under the skilled hands of his regular jockey Tom Marquand, soon made his presence felt. The 9‑4 favourite surged forward with renewed vigor, pulling away from his rivals and finishing a decisive four and a quarter lengths ahead. This dominant win marked a remarkable turnaround for the four‑year‑old trained by William Haggas, who had endured a frightening spill in a sprint race almost exactly a year earlier – an accident that effectively ended the riding career of Jim Crowley.
"He’s had a lot of patch‑up work since that fall at York, but to see him back in such fine form and capable of a performance like this is extraordinary," Marquand said. He had stepped in for Crowley when Almeraq captured the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot. "Jim Crowley, who has now taken out a training licence, is starting a new chapter, and this horse has helped him begin that journey with a strong showing at Salisbury in the spring. That was impressive in its own right.
We all hoped the ground at Newmarket had been a factor in his July Cup disappointment, and he proved his class at Royal Ascot, but we’re only speculating." The narrative continued with a series of headlines from the broader racing world, including Daryz’s sparkling performance in an Arc rehearsal, Francis‑Henri Graffard’s commentary on his stable stars, Friendly Soul’s triumph in the Prix Vermeille, Daryz’s dominant display in the Prix Foy, and Erdenali’s top‑table victory in the Prix du Moulin. These stories underscored the depth of talent on display across the season. Marquand added, "He is now a dual Group One winner and is only getting stronger.
He is a thrilling horse to partner with and a fantastic asset for the Shadwell operation." All signs point toward the Qatar Racing British Champions Sprint at Ascot on 17 October as Almeraq’s next target, though Maureen Haggas, the trainer’s wife, hinted that the connections are already looking ahead to next year’s campaign. "This was always his goal, and then hopefully Champions Day, but we’d love to keep him in training for another season – who wouldn’t want that?" she said. "Today’s performance was almost unbelievable, especially since he prefers firmer ground.
His Royal Ascot run on softer ground was already phenomenal, and now he’s got conditions that suit him perfectly. Tom knows him well, and it’s exciting to see him thrive." Haggas himself was present at Ascot and expressed his delight: "I was thrilled to bits.
He won here on the fast ground during the Royal meeting, but he looked equally impressive today on slower ground. He settled nicely and accelerated beautifully. He’ll be back for Champions Day." Long‑standing Shadwell racing manager Angus Gold also shared his optimism: "Touch wood, everything went well.
He got the cover and the ground suited him. The gap opened at just the right moment and he took off.
He’s beaten a couple of very good horses, proving that Newmarket really wasn’t his best day. Everything unfolded as Tom wanted – he settled at the back, then saw an opening and wasn’t overly eager." Almeraq’s resurgence is a testament to the resilience of both horse and connections. After a near‑career‑ending fall that saw Jim Crowley forced to retire from riding, the colt has bounced back to claim top‑level honors, demonstrating speed, stamina, and a keen racing intellect. His ability to adapt to varying ground conditions – from the firm turf of Royal Ascot to the softer going at Haydock – highlights his versatility and bodes well for future campaigns.
Looking forward, the team is already mapping out a potential autumn and spring schedule, with the British Champions Sprint at Ascot serving as a natural next step. If he continues this form, Almeraq could also be aimed at other prestigious sprint contests, possibly even a return to the July Cup under more favorable conditions. The partnership between Haggas, Marquand, and the Shadwell ownership appears stronger than ever, and the colt’s pedigree suggests further improvement is on the horizon.
In summary, Almeraq’s victory at Haydock not only erased the memory of his Newmarket setback but also cemented his status as one of the leading sprinters of his generation. With a dual Group One record already to his name and a supportive team eager to keep him in training, the future looks bright for this talented four‑year‑old. The racing world will be watching closely as he prepares for his next challenge at Ascot and beyond.