2026 Sprint Cup Result and Replay - Almeraq hammers rivals to win second Group One

Jon Vine

Editor

Last updated: Sat 05 Sep 2026 15:33

Jon Vine 3 hours ago

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Full result of the 2026 Sprint Cup
Almeraq won the Group One feature at Haydock on Saturday
Watch a replay of the Sprint Cup finish here on our website

Jockey Tom Marquand celebrates on Almeraq after riding to win the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. (Getty)

The smallest field since 1997 took part in the Sprint Cup this afternoon.

Almeraq won the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes for William Haggas at Royal Ascot, but had to bounce back following a poor effort in the July Cup. Kind Of Blue finished second in this contest in both 2024 and '25, and it was James Fanshawe's sprinter who rivalled Almeraq for favouritism.

Big Mojo returned to defend his crown under William Buick, who had won the previous three races on Saturday's card. Andrew Balding's Marvelman was one of the main market movers, along with Ed Bethell's soft-ground-loving Paborus.

The Sprint Cup field was reduced to just eight runners when American Affair was withdrawn due to the heavy ground on Friday. Coppull took his chance despite Clive Cox's reservations about conditions, while the trainer had no such worries about outsider James's Delight. Richard Hannon's Aramram completed the line-up for Saturday's feature.

2026 Sprint Cup Result

Position	Name	SP
1st	Almeraq	2/1f
2nd	Paborus	5/1
3rd	Big Mojo	9/1

Marvelman was the first to show as the stalls burst open. Big Mojo was prominent in the early stages, with Paborus tracking the leaders.

Aramram ran on his own down the stands' side for the first furlong, before the field moved over to join him. Coppull looked isolated from his low draw. Tom Marquand was keen to find some cover aboard Almeraq and settled the favourite at the rear after the first couple of furlongs, just behind Kind Of Blue and James's Delight.

Despite his support in the build-up, Marvelman was the first to crack. Big Mojo moved into the lead with three furlongs to travel. Danny Tudhope remained motionless aboard Paborus, who loomed onto the leader's shoulder.

Marquand then made his move, angling Almeraq towards the stands' rail. The favourite soon latched onto Paborus' tail, and the pair almost clipped heels at the two-furlong pole.

Yet, as soon as Marquand pressed the button, Almeraq took off. William Haggas' sprinter moved through the gears quickly and soon strode into a five-length lead. Paborus was left trailing in his wake, and Marquand could even afford to ease Almeraq down a little as the favourite crossed the line seven lengths clear.

Paborus finished a clear second, with Big Mojo keeping on for third. This, however, was a one-horse race, and Almeraq now has every chance of ending the 2026 season as Britain's Champion Sprinter.