Champion sprinter Almeraq has been retired to stand at Shadwell's Beech House Stud for 2027. Trained by William Haggas and ridden by Tom Marquand, the four-year-old by Dark Angel won three six-furlong Group One races this season, a remarkable campaign given what happened to him at the end of 2025.
Running in a Listed race at York in September, Almeraq clipped heels and took a very heavy fall. Connections feared the worst. While the horses emerged generally unscathed, neither jockey involved, Jim Crowley or Trevor Whelan, has ridden since. For Almeraq to bounce back this season and win at the very highest level shows another side to his character.
The colt won the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Haydock Sprint Cup by over four lengths, and then took the British Champions Sprint at Ascot. Haggas said Almeraq is a strong, powerful sprinter with an iron constitution, adding that his return from a horrendous fall at York speaks volumes about his mental strength and resilience.
Racing manager Angus Gold of Shadwell praised Haggas and his team for turning Almeraq into the outstanding sprinter of 2026. He noted the horse's exceptional speed, versatility and soundness, along with his outstanding looks, which he believes will make him very attractive to breeders. Almeraq joins the Beech House Stud team.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing