Ka Ying Rising has created history in the wake of his record-breaking performance in the G3 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (6 September) by achieving the highest rating ever awarded to a sprinter and returning to outright number one in the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings (LWBRR).

Unbeaten in his past 21 starts, Ka Ying Rising rose to a new career peak mark of 135 – four points clear of Ombudsman (131) – when the latest interim rankings were released on Thursday, 10 September.

Undefeated since February 2024, Ka Ying Rising received the four-point rise after scorching to his sixth course record at Sha Tin, and a fifth over the 1200m turf course, with a blistering 1m 06.11s for a seven-and-three-quarter-length victory.

The ratings panel’s decision to elevate Ka Ying Rising to 135 saw him surpass the previous highest mark achieved by a sprinter – Australian champion Black Caviar, who was assessed at 132 after winning the 2011 G1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) in record time. Black Caviar retired unbeaten after 25 starts.

Trained by David Hayes and ridden by Zac Purton, Ka Ying Rising concluded 2025 rated 128 and, this year, elevated his mark to 130 in May, 131 in July and now 135.

Ka Ying Rising’s latest ranking is the joint-fourth highest mark ever given to a horse in the history of the LWBRR behind Frankel, who scored 136 and 140 in 2011 and 2012, Flightline (140) and Sea The Stars (136).

It puts him on the same mark as Baaeed, Harbinger and Japan’s highest-ever rated horse Equinox (135).

Nine-time Group 1 winner Ka Ying Rising, who travels to Sydney, Australia to defend his G1 The Everest (1200m) crown next month, conceded 20lb to his opposition last weekend as he dominated from the front under top weight (135lb).

The superstar sprinter first broke Sacred Kingdom’s 1200m Sha Tin record of 1m 07.50s – which stood for 17 years – after clocking 1m 07.43s in the 2024 G2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m).

The Shamexpress six-year-old then bettered his own record to 1m 07.20s in the 2025 G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) before lowering it twice more – 1m 07.12s in the 2026 G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) before his 1m 07.10s in the 2026 G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m), the previous best before last Sunday’s blitz.

His 1m 19.36s in the 2026 G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin is also a record.

Ombudsman, a four-time Group 1 winner, is second behind Ka Ying Rising in the latest LWBRR standings. Recently retired star three-year-old Bow Echo comes next on 127. Hong Kong’s 15-time Group 1 winner Romantic Warrior, French-trained four-year-old Daryz and last-start G1 International Stakes (2051m) hero Item both rate 126.

Ka Ying Rising has entered quarantine at Sha Tin and will travel to Sydney later this month for The Everest – the world’s richest turf race – at Royal Randwick on 17 October.

Irish racing will be thriving this weekend when the Irish Champions Festival brings together many of Europe’s best horses across two outstanding days at Leopardstown and the Curragh.

For the first time, the festival will feature seven Group One races following the promotion of the Golden Fleece Stakes, with more than €5 million in prize money available across the weekend.

Saturday’s card at Leopardstown features three Group Ones, headed by the €1.25 million Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes, before the action moves to the Curragh for four consecutive races at the highest level on Sunday.

The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes is set to provide the headline act as the first three horses home in last month’s Juddmonte International prepare to renew their rivalry over 2000 metres.

Item caused an upset at York when charging home to defeat Almaqam, with Constitution River finishing third after racing much closer to the speed than expected.

Trained by Andrew Balding, Item has now won five of his six starts and has developed into one of the most improved middle-distance horses in Europe.

His Derby failure remains the only blemish on his record, with his victories in the Dante Stakes, York Stakes and Juddmonte International confirming his preference for a more conventional track and distance.

Almaqam lost little in defeat at York, having already established his Group One credentials with victory in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh earlier in the season.

Trainer Ed Walker initially considered bypassing Leopardstown following the Juddmonte International, but the five-year-old has pleased connections since returning home.

“He has been really fresh and well,” Walker said.

“I was probably more likely not to take in the Irish Champion than to run straight after York, but he has come out of that race very well and is in great form.”

The strongest home challenge is likely to come from Constitution River, who will attempt to return to the form which saw him complete a remarkable Group One double in the Prix du Jockey Club and Eclipse Stakes.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt carried a five-race winning sequence into the Juddmonte International but pulled hard after being forced to race close to the leader when the intended pacemaker missed the start.

Despite those circumstances, he remained in contention deep into the race before finishing third.

The Leopardstown rematch offers Constitution River an immediate opportunity to reverse the York result and reassert himself as Europe’s leading three-year-old following the retirement of Bow Echo.

O’Brien has won the Irish Champion Stakes on 13 occasions, including last year with Delacroix, and the tight-turning Leopardstown circuit has regularly rewarded Ballydoyle’s tactical strength.

The race has been won by some of the greatest middle-distance horses of the modern era, including Sea The Stars, Golden Horn, Australia, Magical and Auguste Rodin.

The fillies and mares take centre stage in the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes, where Blue Bolt will attempt to continue a brilliant campaign for Balding.

The powerful four-year-old has won all four of her starts this season, progressing from Listed company to victories in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes, Falmouth Stakes and Prix Rothschild.

Her victory at Deauville came at the expense of Irish 1000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes winner Precise, who may again provide the strongest opposition at Leopardstown.

Blue Bolt has now won seven of her 10 career starts and has proven effective on varying ground conditions, a significant advantage heading into an unpredictable Irish autumn.

Defending champion Fallen Angel is also among the leading contenders.

Karl Burke’s mare won the Matron during a remarkable three-race Group One sequence last season. She has yet to win in three appearances this year but remains one of the most accomplished mares in the field.

Aidan O’Brien is attempting to win the race for the first time since Hydrangea prevailed in 2017, while progressive performers Carolina Jetstream, City Of Memphis and Joseph O’Brien’s Sindria add further depth.

The opening Group One of the festival will also create a piece of Irish racing history.

Formerly known as the Champions Juvenile Stakes, the Golden Fleece Stakes has been promoted from Group Two level and extended from 1600 to 1800 metres as part of an industry push to encourage the development of middle-distance horses.

The race has already produced several future champions.

Australia won the 2013 edition before completing the English and Irish Derby double, while Auguste Rodin used his 2022 victory as a stepping stone towards six Group One successes around the world.

Last year’s winner Benvenuto Cellini subsequently developed into an Irish Derby winner.

The inaugural Group One edition has attracted a strong collection of emerging juveniles, including Aix La Chapelle, Giant Sequoia, Haffner and Florida Bay.

The distance makes it a particularly intriguing test for the two-year-olds and could provide an early indication of Ireland’s leading Derby prospects for next season.

Sunday’s programme at the Curragh features a rare sequence of four consecutive Group One races, beginning with the Moyglare Stud Stakes for two-year-old fillies.

Sun Goddess brings the strongest credentials after winning the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes before producing a remarkable performance at York, overcoming a seemingly impossible position to win the valuable Harry’s Half Million.

The major question is whether she can transfer that speed to 1400 metres for the first time.

Joseph O’Brien’s Green Empress has already proven herself over the Curragh course and distance, defeating stablemate Dancing Destiny and Aidan O’Brien’s Alpha in the Group Two Debutante Stakes.

Ballinea Star, winner of the Group Three Anglesey Stakes, adds another proven Curragh performer to a race which has produced future Classic winners including Love, Tahiyra, Fallen Angel and last year’s winner Precise.

One of the most open races of the weekend could be the Bar One Racing Flying Five Stakes over 1000 metres.

Comanche Brave returns to Group One company following his breakthrough victory in the July Cup for Donnacha O’Brien, while Royal Ascot winner Mission Central will attempt to protect his unbeaten Curragh record.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Mission Central secured the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot and appears ideally suited by the fast five furlongs.

British sprinters Starlust, Rumstar and Time For Sandals bring strong Nunthorpe Stakes form into the race after finishing behind American speedster Bacio at York.

Time For Sandals was denied a clear passage at a crucial stage and could easily have finished closer with better luck.

The Flying Five was elevated to Group One level in 2018 and has since produced eight different winning trainers, with Ireland and Britain sharing four victories apiece.

The Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes will provide another important early guide towards next season’s Classics.

The unbeaten Dr Rascal has won each of his three starts despite encountering trouble on more than one occasion.

Oliver Cole’s colt overcame a difficult passage when winning the Group Two Vintage Stakes at Goodwood, and that form was strengthened when runner-up Haffner subsequently dominated the Acomb Stakes at York.

Haffner is set to reoppose alongside Ballydoyle stablemate Giant Sequoia, who won the Group Two Futurity Stakes over the Curragh course and distance.

Joseph O’Brien has an excellent recent record in the National Stakes, winning with Thunder Moon, Al Riffa and Scorthy Champ since 2020.

His leading hope this year appears to be Folsom Blues, runner-up in both the Phoenix Stakes and Tyros Stakes, while Juddmonte paid a supplementary fee to add impressive Curragh debut winner Monogram.

The National Stakes has consistently produced future stars. St Mark’s Basilica finished third in the 2020 edition before becoming European Horse of the Year, while former winners include Pinatubo, Native Trail, Churchill and Dubawi.

The Group One programme concludes with Scandinavia seeking an eighth consecutive victory in the Comer Group International Irish St Leger.

A winner of four Group Ones during his current sequence, the Ballydoyle stayer has developed into the dominant force in Europe’s staying division.

His winning run includes last year’s St Leger at Doncaster, two Goodwood Cups and a memorable Ascot Gold Cup victory over Trawlerman.

The four-year-old combines a high cruising speed with proven stamina and now returns to the course where his winning sequence began.

Stablemates Jan Brueghel and Queenstown provide Aidan O’Brien with additional strength, while the experienced Dubai Honour and Arabian Force are potential challengers for William Haggas.

Course specialist Trustyourinstinct also deserves respect after recording four wins and another five placings from nine appearances at the Curragh, although he will be competing at Group One level for the first time.

Unlike the English St Leger, the Irish version is open to older horses, allowing the leading three-year-olds to test themselves against established stayers.

That difference has helped the race produce multiple winners including Vinnie Roe, who won four consecutive editions, and Kyprios, who claimed the prize in 2022 and 2024.

The O’Brien family will hold a commanding hand when the Betfred St Leger celebrates its 250th running at Doncaster on Saturday.

Aidan O’Brien and his son Joseph are responsible for seven of the 12 horses remaining in contention for the £700,000 Group One, headed by Derby winner Christmas Day, progressive stayer Enceladus and last-start Listed winner Highwayman.

Run over 2800 metres, the St Leger is the oldest of Britain’s five Classics and brings the curtain down on the country’s Classic season. This year’s milestone edition will be staged at 10.35pm Singapore time, with £396,970 awaiting the winner.

The headline act is Christmas Day, who will attempt to become the first horse since Reference Point in 1987 to complete the Derby–St Leger double.

A son of Camelot, Christmas Day produced his finest performance when defeating Maltese Cross at Epsom before finishing second in the Irish Derby and third behind the same rival in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York.

That York run came after a break of almost two months and should have brought him forward for Doncaster. He has also shown himself to be effective across a range of ground conditions, an important asset with the early forecast suggesting good-to-soft going.

Victory would continue Aidan O’Brien’s recent domination of the Classic. The Ballydoyle trainer has won the past three editions with Continuous, Jan Brueghel and Scandinavia, and is now chasing a fourth consecutive success.

However, Christmas Day may first have to account for several of his own stablemates.

Pierre Bonnard finished ahead of the Derby winner when chasing home the Arc-bound Maltese Cross in the Great Voltigeur. The son of Camelot was a Group One winner in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud as a juvenile and also stayed on strongly to finish third in the Irish Derby.

Although Pierre Bonnard has finished behind Christmas Day on three occasions this season, his latest performance at York suggested the longer St Leger distance could play to his strengths.

Aidan O’Brien has also left Action, Piazza San Marco and the only filly among the remaining entries, Amelia Earhart, in the race ahead of final declarations.

While Ballydoyle has strength in numbers, Joseph O’Brien appears to have two serious chances of denying his father another St Leger victory.

The rapidly improving Enceladus will arrive at Doncaster chasing a fourth straight win. The Sea The Stars colt opened his season with a maiden victory at Cork before stepping through the grades to win the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Group Three Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

He remains lightly raced, having made just five career appearances, and Joseph O’Brien believes the additional distance at Doncaster will suit him.

“Enceladus has been progressive and goes there on the back of a career best,” O’Brien said.

“It looks like being a good renewal of the race, but Enceladus is an obvious contender and I think the extra couple of furlongs will suit him. I don’t see it being an issue and he’s a good horse.”

Billy Loughnane has secured the ride on Enceladus after Joseph O’Brien’s regular jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle was sidelined through injury. The booking has attracted support in the betting market, with the colt now established as one of the leading challengers to Christmas Day.

Joseph’s second runner, Highwayman, brings a very different profile into the Classic.

The Persian King colt was unplaced through his first four starts but has improved dramatically since being asked to race over longer distances. He broke his maiden by nine lengths over 2300 metres at Killarney before proving his stamina with a decisive victory over the St Leger distance in the Listed Vinnie Roe Stakes at Leopardstown.

That performance earned Saffie Osborne the call-up for what could become a historic ride.

No female jockey has won a British Classic, and victory aboard Highwayman would provide another major landmark in a season that has already included important wins at Ascot and Goodwood and success as captain of the Great Britain and Ireland team in the Shergar Cup.

“My agent texted me to tell me I was riding him and I was very excited,” Osborne said.

“He looks a really nice horse and it’s great to get the opportunity. Joseph is having an incredible season and it’s an honour to get the call-up to ride a horse like this who looks like he has a serious chance.”

Osborne has already gained Classic experience this season aboard Touleen in the 1000 Guineas, before finishing second to Precise in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.

“Highwayman looks very progressive,” she said.

“He won a Listed race last time and looked to stay the trip well, so hopefully the same distance on Saturday will be no issue for him.”

Joseph O’Brien is no stranger to St Leger success. He rode Leading Light to victory for his father in 2013 before returning as a trainer to win the race with Galileo Chrome in 2020.

Beyond the powerful Irish challenge, Andrew Balding could be represented by Hatteen and Galiyan.

Course winner Hatteen is the more intriguing of that pair after winning Doncaster’s inaugural St Leger Trial before narrowly missing in a handicap at Glorious Goodwood. He faces a substantial rise in class but has already demonstrated his liking for Town Moor.

Karl Burke’s Golden Story, Faye Bramley’s Rebel Rocker and Richard Hannon’s Alderman complete the list of horses remaining in contention.

The balance of power may rest firmly with Ireland, but the biggest question could be which branch of the O’Brien family collects the final Classic of the season.

For Aidan, victory would mean a fourth successive St Leger and another Derby–St Leger hero. For Joseph, it would provide another defining moment in an exceptional British campaign for the talented horseman.

For Osborne, meanwhile, Highwayman offers the opportunity to create a piece of Classic history of her own.

The world’s best sprinter produced another record-breaking performance in Hong Kong, while Group One racing across Australia, Britain and France and Japan’s domination in South Korea delivered a memorable weekend of international action.

Ka Ying Rising once again proved the headline act, making a spectacular return at Sha Tin before immediately turning his attention towards the defence of The Everest.

Elsewhere, Almeraq demolished his rivals in the Sprint Cup Stakes, My Gladiola secured a deserved Group One breakthrough in the Moir Stakes and Japanese-trained runners swept the Korea Cup and Korea Sprint.

France completed the programme with Friendly Soul and Erdenali taking the two Group One prizes on Arc Trials Day at ParisLongchamp.

Ka Ying Rising Breaks Another Record

There appears to be no limit to what Ka Ying Rising can achieve.

Hong Kong’s champion sprinter began his latest campaign by extending his winning sequence to 21 in the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (G3, 1200m), breaking his own Sha Tin course record in the process.

Carrying top weight of 135lb, the David Hayes-trained gelding travelled comfortably behind the leaders before Zac Purton allowed him to stride into the race approaching the home turn.

The response was immediate.

Ka Ying Rising swept to the front and powered clear to defeat Patch Of Stars by seven-and-three-quarter lengths, stopping the clock at a remarkable 1 minute 6.11 seconds.

It was the fifth time he had established a new Sha Tin record over 1200m and improved his overall record to 22 victories and two seconds from 24 starts.

The performance was made even more impressive by the fact Ka Ying Rising returned 29lb heavier than at his previous appearance, with Hayes declaring the six-year-old “bigger, stronger and better”.

He has now entered quarantine ahead of his return to Australia, where he will attempt to defend his title in the A$20 million Everest (G1, 1200m) at Randwick on October 17.

Almeraq Dominates Haydock Sprint Cup

Conditions were completely different at Haydock, but the result was every bit as decisive as Almeraq produced a devastating performance in the Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes (G1, 1200m).

The William Haggas-trained four-year-old had been disappointing when finishing ninth in the July Cup, but left that performance firmly behind him on soft ground.

Held up by Tom Marquand as the field moved towards the stands side, Almeraq was the last horse placed under serious pressure. Once asked to quicken, however, he swept past his rivals and rapidly put the race beyond doubt.

The Shadwell-owned colt defeated Paborus by four-and-a-quarter lengths, with defending champion Big Mojo finishing third.

It was his second Group One victory following his narrow success in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and confirmed his position among Europe’s leading sprinters.

The victory was also an emotional one for connections.

Almeraq had fallen heavily at York almost exactly a year earlier in an incident which ultimately ended the riding career of Jim Crowley. His recovery to become a dual Group One winner has been one of the more remarkable stories of the British season.

The British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot now shapes as the logical target, with bookmakers installing him as a clear early favourite following his Haydock demolition.

My Gladiola Lands Deserved Group One

A long-awaited Group One victory arrived for My Gladiola in the Moir Stakes (G1, 1000m) at Sandown.

Traditionally staged at Moonee Valley, the A$750,000 sprint was transferred to Sandown while The Valley undergoes redevelopment.

The change of venue proved no obstacle for the John McArdle-trained mare.

Ridden closer to the speed than usual by Jamie Mott, My Gladiola travelled strongly behind the leaders before being brought to the outside in the straight.

The daughter of I Am Invincible produced a sharp turn of foot to run down Cavalry Girl, with favourite Natural Fling finishing third at just her fourth career start.

McArdle had considered scratching My Gladiola when rain threatened to push the Sandown track into the heavy range, but improving conditions helped convince him to take his chance.

“She’s run against the best her whole career and she was deserving of this,” McArdle said.

The victory carried extra significance for Mott, who has enjoyed a long association with the stable.

“She’s always been good enough – she just needed her day,” he said.

“She’s a proper 1000-metre Group One sprinter.”

Already placed behind some of Australia’s best speed horses in the Black Caviar Lightning and Coolmore Stud Stakes, My Gladiola now has the elite-level victory her consistency deserved.

The Manikato Stakes (G1, 1200m) is among the possible options for her next appearance.

Japan Sweeps Korea’s International Features

Japan strengthened its exceptional record in South Korea by completing a commanding double in the Korea Cup and Korea Sprint at Seoul.

Defending champion Diktaean came from the rear of the field to claim consecutive editions of the Korea Cup (G2, 1800m).

The eight-year-old was slowly away and raced wide under Takayuki Yano, while Sunday Funday and Korean hope Clean One contested a strong pace at the front.

Yano began to improve his position approaching the final turn before Diktaean swept past Sunday Funday early in the straight and drew clear.

The Katsunori Arayama-trained gelding won by six lengths in 1 minute 51.7 seconds, with Amazing Khan finishing a distant third as the best of the Korean-trained runners.

A winner of the Tokyo Daishoten (G1) following his first Korea Cup success, Diktaean earned an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Keeneland.

Japan also filled the first two positions in the Korea Sprint (G3, 1200m), where Dragon Welds defeated American Stage.

Ridden by Keita Tosaki, Dragon Welds travelled close to the speed before engaging his Japanese rival inside the final 200m.

The pair briefly raced together before Dragon Welds gained the advantage and went on to win by two lengths. Korean-trained Vincero Cavallo finished third, while Hong Kong’s best result came through Gorgeous Win in fifth.

The victory extended Dragon Welds’ unbeaten 2026 campaign to four races and secured the Frosted colt a place in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

Japan has now won four consecutive editions of the Korea Cup and again demonstrated its considerable strength on dirt by dominating both international races.

Flicker Jab Continues Rise In Centaur Stakes

Japan’s sprinting ranks produced another emerging talent as Flicker Jab captured the Centaur Stakes (G2, 1200m) at Hanshin.

Sent out favourite under Kohei Matsuyama, the Shota Nishizono-trained four-year-old began sharply before settling behind the free-running Puro Magic.

The leader established a strong tempo and maintained a clear advantage into the straight, but Flicker Jab gradually reduced the margin before taking command inside the final 50m.

He defeated Puro Magic by one length in a fast 1 minute 6.9 seconds, just 0.2 seconds outside the Hanshin course record. Former Sprinters Stakes winner Mama Cocha finished another length-and-a-quarter away in third.

The victory improved Flicker Jab’s record to seven wins from 12 starts and completed consecutive graded successes following his victory in the Kitakyushu Kinen (G3) at Kokura.

“He was calm in the gate, broke well and raced in a good rhythm,” Matsuyama said.

“This horse has speed, and he’s also learning to hold back when needed. I think he’s a horse to watch in future Group One races.”

The Sprinters Stakes (G1, 1200m) at Nakayama on September 27 is the obvious next target as Flicker Jab attempts to continue his rapid rise through Japan’s sprinting division.

There was disappointment for Hong Kong representative Fast Network, who travelled strongly in a prominent position under Damian Lane before weakening sharply over the final 200m to finish 15th.

Trainer Dennis Yip later revealed the six-year-old had experienced a recurrence of a throat problem. His participation in the Sprinters Stakes will be decided after consultation with the stable’s veterinary team.

Friendly Soul Earns Arc Opportunity

At ParisLongchamp, Friendly Soul returned to her best with a brave front-running victory in the Prix Vermeille (G1, 2400m).

James Doyle allowed the John and Thady Gosden-trained mare to stride freely at the head of the field in her first start over 2400m.

Rather than attempting to restrain her natural speed, Doyle established a strong, even rhythm before waiting until deep in the straight to ask for her full effort.

Pink Panthera and Sunly closed late, but Friendly Soul responded under pressure to hold a three-quarter-length advantage at the finish. Only a neck separated the minor placegetters.

It was her first victory for almost two years and her second Group One success at ParisLongchamp following the Prix de l’Opera in 2024.

“She was brave late on,” Doyle said.

“I tried to sit as long as I could and she responded well when the others came to her.”

Victory also gave Friendly Soul a wildcard entry into the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, with the usual €120,000 supplementary fee waived. Connections will now consider whether to return to ParisLongchamp for Europe’s premier middle-distance contest on October 4.

Erdenali Announces Himself In The Moulin

The French-trained Erdenali completed the Group One double at ParisLongchamp with a career-defining victory in the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (G1, 1600m).

Francis-Henri Graffard’s progressive three-year-old entered the race with three victories from four starts but faced a significant rise in class against established performers including Gstaad, Opera Ballo and Notable Speech.

Mickael Barzalona settled Erdenali behind the speed before producing him with a sustained run in the straight.

The Aga Khan-owned gelding moved into contention inside the final 400m and proved too strong over the closing stages, defeating Ten Bob Tony by one-and-a-quarter lengths.

Irish 2000 Guineas winner Gstaad finished another three lengths away in third, while Notable Speech and Opera Ballo were unable to land a serious challenge.

As a gelding, Erdenali is ineligible for the Arc, but his victory established him as an exciting new force among Europe’s milers.

It was also another major success for Graffard and Barzalona, who combined to win the same race with Sahlan 12 months earlier.

From Hong Kong’s record-breaking champion to emerging Group One winners in Australia and France, the weekend produced a series of performances that will have major implications as the international racing season moves into its defining autumn and spring meetings. By Scott Bailey

Kind Of Blue will attempt to turn two years of Haydock frustration into Group 1 glory when he lines up in a fascinating renewal of the Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes (G1, 1200m) on Saturday.

The James Fanshawe-trained five-year-old has finished runner-up in the Merseyside feature in each of the past two seasons, losing by a head to Montassib in 2024 before finding Big Mojo a length-and-a-quarter too strong 12 months ago.

He now returns for a third attempt at the £400,000 contest, which is the final all-aged six-furlong Group 1 of the British season and one of the defining races in the sprint division.

Owned by Wathnan Racing, Kind Of Blue has not won since landing the British Champions Sprint Stakes (G1) at Ascot in October 2024, but his proven record at Haydock and ability to handle different conditions make him a leading contender once again.

The son of Blue Point began his current campaign with a second behind Elmonjed in the Minster Stakes (G2) at York before finishing down the field behind Almeraq in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot.

The race will carry additional significance for Kind Of Blue, who is expected to retire to stud at the end of the season.

Standing between Kind Of Blue and an overdue Haydock victory is a strong group headed by Royal Ascot hero Almeraq.

The William Haggas-trained four-year-old emerged as a leading member of the sprint division when defeating Japan’s Satono Reve by a nose in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, with Australia’s Joliestar close behind in a blanket finish.

That performance earned Almeraq an official rating of 119, the highest among the leading contenders, and he is expected to be suited should the forecast rain produce testing conditions.

Haggas won the race with Montassib in 2024 and confirmed Almeraq is an intended runner, while stablemate Division is more dependent on the ground.

Division is a previous course-and-distance winner and arrives after finishing second to Samangan in the Prix Maurice de Gheest (G1) at Deauville. However, his preference for a quick surface means Sunday’s Garrowby Stakes at York could become the more suitable option.

Defending champion Big Mojo will attempt to become only the second horse to win the Sprint Cup twice.

The race was inaugurated in 1966, but only its first winner, Be Friendly, has managed to return and successfully defend the title.

Big Mojo produced a career-best performance when defeating Kind Of Blue last year and comes into his title defence after returning to winning form in the Phoenix Sprint Stakes (G3) at the Curragh.

Michael Appleby’s four-year-old travelled strongly before taking control during the final furlong and defeating Big Gossey by one-and-a-quarter lengths on good-to-firm ground.

He is proven over the course and distance and will again be partnered by William Buick, although softer conditions could present a different challenge from the one he faced last season.

Irish interest is supplied by Comanche Brave, whose victory in the July Cup (G1) at Newmarket established him among Europe’s leading sprinters.

The Donnacha O’Brien-trained colt has shown his best form on quicker ground, however, and connections could switch their attention to the Flying Five Stakes (G1) at the Curragh if conditions deteriorate significantly.

The three-year-old challenge is headed by Coppull, who drops back to six furlongs after winning the Hungerford Stakes (G2) over 1400m at Newbury.

Trained by sprint specialist Clive Cox, Coppull had earlier finished fourth behind Comanche Brave in the July Cup and receives 2lb from the older male runners at Haydock.

Marvelman is another contender with the form to become involved following his third behind Notable Speech and Lake Forest in the City of York Stakes (G1). The Andrew Balding-trained four-year-old has yet to win at Group level but brings a rating of 117 and should not be inconvenienced by rain.

Wathnan could also be represented by Paborus, who returns to six furlongs after finishing eighth in the City of York Stakes.

The lightly raced five-year-old had previously made an impressive return from a year on the sidelines when winning the Chipchase Stakes (G3) at Newcastle, and connections believe the shorter distance and some ease in the ground could bring out further improvement.

Saturday’s race therefore offers several compelling storylines, from Big Mojo’s pursuit of history to Almeraq’s attempt to confirm his place at the head of the division.

For Kind Of Blue, however, it represents one final opportunity to settle unfinished business at Haydock and turn two narrow defeats into a long-awaited Sprint Cup victory.

The Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes is scheduled for 3.40pm local time on Saturday.