Almeraq marked a remarkable comeback by securing his second Group One victory of the season in the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock Park, a year after sustaining a serious fall at York that left jockey Jim Crowley with a broken leg, ending Crowley’s riding career. The four-year-old horse, trained by William Haggas and owned by Shadwell, delivered a commanding performance on testing soft ground, winning by four and a quarter lengths against seven rivals.

Ridden by Tom Marquand, Almeraq’s victory drew comparisons to Dayjur’s notable sprint triumph at Haydock 36 years ago, with Marquand describing the horse’s performance as “quite unbelievable.” Almeraq navigated the deep ground with ease, showcasing an impressive turn of foot rarely seen under such conditions.

This win served as a striking contrast to Almeraq’s narrower victory earlier in June at Royal Ascot, where he claimed the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes by a nose, overcoming a competitive international field to claim his first top-level success. The two wins, achieved on very different turf conditions, have positioned Almeraq as a leading contender for a third Group One triumph in the British Champions Sprint Stakes scheduled for October 17, with his connections optimistic he can continue his winning streak provided conditions remain soft.

Marquand praised the horse’s superiority in the race and highlighted the tactical approach he employed, following runner-up Paborus before urging Almeraq to accelerate. He noted that the horse appeared to be adapting to a new racing dynamic, one where he was not the outright chaser but rather strategically biding his time before unleashing his sprint.

“The way he’s come back from last year’s injury is a testament to the team,” Marquand said, emphasizing the care and dedication involved in his recovery. “It’s a privilege to be part of this team and to see him develop into the horse he is today.”

Maureen Haggas, assistant to her husband William Haggas, reflected on Almeraq’s resilience, recalling not only last year’s frightening fall but also a life-threatening incident as a two-year-old when he flipped over in his stable and fractured his skull. She expressed hope that the horse’s “third life” would be sustained for some time.

Almeraq now aims for a potential Group One treble later this year, as his team anticipates continued success on soft going.