Almeraq erased the disappointment of his recent off‑day at Newmarket with a commanding performance in the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock Park, leaving any doubts firmly behind him. The race began with last year’s champion, Big Mojo, bursting from the stalls to share the early lead with Marvelman, but the real action unfolded as the field approached the final two furlongs. Paborus had travelled smoothly and looked poised to make a move, yet the moment Almeraq, under the steady hands of his regular jockey Tom Marquand, began to accelerate, the outcome was all but decided.
The 9‑4 favourite switched on, pulling away from his rivals with a burst of speed that left the rest of the field trailing in his wake. He crossed the line a full four and a quarter lengths ahead, a margin that underscored the magnitude of his improvement. This win represents a dramatic reversal of fortune for the four‑year‑old trained by William Haggas. Just a year earlier, Almeraq endured a terrifying fall in a sprint at York that not only ended the riding career of jockey Jim Crowley but also cast a long shadow over the horse’s future.
"He’s had a lot of patching up since that York incident," Marquand explained, "but to see him back in top form and capable of a performance like this is extraordinary." Marquand, who rode Almeraq when the horse captured the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, stepped in for Crowley on that occasion. Crowley, now a licensed trainer, has embarked on a new chapter in his career, and Almeraq’s resurgence was a fitting opening act. "The horse gave us a spectacular return when he came back at Salisbury in the spring," Marquand added.
"We all thought the ground at Newmarket in the July Cup might have been the issue, yet he proved his class at Royal Ascot on a surface he doesn’t typically favour. It’s all about opinion and speculation, but the facts speak for themselves." The broader racing community has taken note. Headlines ranging from Hollie Doyle’s potential Doncaster Cup triumph for Ballydoyle to Musical Times’ rising odds in classic contests have highlighted the depth of talent in the current crop.
Yet Almeraq’s dual Group One victories already place him among the elite, and his connections are eager to build on that momentum. "He’s already a dual Group One winner and is only getting stronger.
Partnering with him is exhilarating, and it’s fantastic for the Shadwell operation," Marquand remarked. Looking ahead, all eyes turn to the Qatar Racing British Champions Sprint at Ascot on 17 October, which appears to be the logical next target for Almeraq. Maureen Haggas, the trainer’s wife, hinted that the team may already be plotting a schedule for the following season. "This was always his objective, and then we hope for Champions Day.
Ideally, he stays in training next year – who wouldn’t want that?" she said. She praised his adaptability, noting his preference for faster ground but acknowledging his impressive display on softer turf at Royal Ascot. "What he did at Ascot was phenomenal, especially on a surface he doesn’t normally relish. Now we have conditions that suit him, and Tom knows how to get the best out of him.
It’s thrilling," Maureen added. Haggas himself, present at Ascot, echoed the sentiment: "I was over the moon.
He won here on fast ground during the Royal meeting, but today he looked equally impressive on slower ground. He settled nicely and accelerated beautifully. He’ll be back for Champions Day." Long‑time Shadwell racing manager Angus Gold also weighed in, offering a hopeful outlook: "Touch wood, everything goes well. He got the cover he needed and the ground suited him.
The gap opened at the perfect moment and he took off. Beating a couple of very good horses proves that Newmarket was a false alarm.
Everything unfolded as Tom intended – he settled at the back, found his rhythm, and then unleashed his speed at the right instant." In summary, Almeraq’s dominant Sprint Cup win not only wipes away the memory of a sub‑par Newmarket run but also cements his status as a top‑class sprinter capable of thriving on a variety of surfaces. With a proven record at the highest level, a supportive training team, and a jockey who knows his nuances, the future looks bright for the Shadwell‑owned colt.
The upcoming British Champions Sprint at Ascot promises to be another stage where Almeraq can showcase his speed, stamina, and tenacity, while his connections already envision a robust campaign for the next year, ensuring that this remarkable horse continues to thrill racing fans worldwide.