Almeraq left an off-day at Newmarket clearly in the rearview mirror with a dominating victory in the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock Park. The 9-4 favourite powered away for a four-and-a-quarter-length triumph under Tom Marquand, completing a remarkable turnaround for the William Haggas-trained four-year-old who suffered a horror fall in a sprint almost a year ago that ended Jim Crowley's riding career. "He has taken a lot of patching up from that fall at York, but to have him back in form... is phenomenal," Marquand said. Victory completed a dual Group One campaign for Almeraq, who also won the Queen Elizabeth II Jubile Stakes at Royal Ascot.

All roads now point to the Qatar Racing British Champions Sprint at Ascot on October 17, with Haggas confirming the horse will target Champions Day. "He settled well and picked up really well. He'll come back here for Champions Day," Haggas said, adding Almeraq performs best on ground conditions favoring his profile.