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Sprint Cup
The Sprint Cup is one of the highlights of the flat racing at Haydock Park Racecourse. Established in 1966, this Group 1 event has become something of a signature race for the racecourse. The race, which was originally open to two year old horses and older, was conceptualised by Robert Sangster, who would become a prolific breeder and owner of thoroughbred race horses. At the time of the inauguration of the Sprint Cup, Sangster was the heir to a flourishing business, Vernon Pools, which would become the race's sponsor for the first years of it running.
As the name suggests, the Sprint Cup is run over the sprint distance of six furlongs. It is held annually in September; although the original race was contested in November until the date was changed in 1979. Currently the Sprint Cup is open to thoroughbred horses aged three and older - however, the racing age changed several times throughout the history of the race; juveniles were last excluded in 1994. One of the more valuable races held at Haydock Park Racecourse, the Sprint Cup is worth £275,000 in combined prize money; which makes it one of the fiercest contest of the Haydock season.
Since the race was established, only one horse managed to win the Sprint Cup more than once; Be Friendly raced to victory in 1966 and 1967. The title of most successful jockey is shared by four extraordinary athletes; Lester Piggott, Pat Eddery, Willie Carson and Bruce Raymond won three sprint cups each during their long and illustrious careers.
Recent Winners of the Sprint Cup:
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Time |
2010 |
Markab |
Pat Cosgrave |
Henry Candy |
1:09.40 |
2009 |
Regal Parade |
Adrian Nicholls |
David Nicholls |
1:13.74 |
2008 |
African Rose |
Stephane Pasquier |
Criquette Head-Maarek |
1:12.81 |
2007 |
Red Clubs |
Michael Hills |
Barry Hills |
1:13.11 |
2006 |
Reverence |
Kevin Darley |
Eric Alston |
1:15.78 |
2005 |
Goodricke |
Jamie Spencer |
David Loder |
1:10.87 |
Haydock Sprint Cup Odds and News
2 Sep 2010: Haydock Sprint Cup 2010 – Odds & Runners Update
The Betfred Sprint Cup, hosted at Haydock Park on Saturday 4th September 2010, is shaping up to be a must-see event. Featuring the most spectacular runners of the season this 6 furlong sprint will deliver the thrills and twists every great horse race requires. True racing fans won’t be able to pass by this offering of skill and action.
Bookmaker SkyBet is offering great antepost odds on the upcoming Sprint Cup:
| Odds | Horse | Age | Jockey | Trainer | More Info | Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-4 | Starspangledbanner | 4 | To Be Announced | A P O’Brien | Visit Site | Bet |
| 11-4 | Regal Parade | 6 | A Nicholls | D Nicholls | Visit Site | Bet |
| 8-1 | Equiano | 5 | M Hills | B W Hills | Visit Site | Bet |
| 8-1 | High Standing | 5 | To Be Announced | W J Haggas | Visit Site | Bet |
| 10-1 | Borderlescott | 8 | N Callan | R Bastiman | Visit Site | Bet |
| 10-1 | Kingsgate Native | 5 | To Be Announced | Sir M Stoute | Visit Site | Bet |
| 14-1 | Lady Of The Desert | 3 | M Dwyer | B J Meehan | Visit Site | Bet |
| 14-1 | Markab | 7 | P Cosgrave | H Candy | Visit Site | Bet |
| 14-1 | Rainfall | 3 | R Hills | M Johnston | Visit Site | Bet |
| 20-1 | Doncaster Rover | 4 | S Drowne | D H Brown | Visit Site | Bet |
| 28-1 | Genki | 6 | To Be Announced | R Charlton | Visit Site | Bet |
| 28-1 | Prime Defender | 6 | To Be Announced | B W Hills | Visit Site | Bet |
| 40-1 | Our Jonathan | 3 | J P Spencer | K A Ryan | Visit Site | Bet |
| 50-1 | Serious Attitude | 4 | J Fortune | R Guest | Visit Site | Bet |
| 50-1 | Barney McGrew | 7 | To Be Announced | M Dods | Visit Site | Bet |
| 66-1 | Sir Gerry | 5 | To Be Announced | C A Dwyer | Visit Site | Bet |
| 66-1 | Kargali | 5 | To Be Announced | Luke Comer | Visit Site | Bet |
| 100-1 | Iver Bridge Lad | 3 | E Ahern | J Ryan | Visit Site | Bet |
| 200-1 | Fullandby | 8 | To Be Announced | T J Etherington | Visit Site | Bet |
Perhaps the most dramatic development in the line-up for this event is the withdrawal of Fleeting Spirit, who was set to start at odds of 6-1 (Bet365). The bay mare trained by Jeremy Noseda has been deemed in need of more training and will not return to the track until 26th September, when she will run in the John Guest Diadem Stakes at Ascot.
Australian-bred Starspanglebanner is still the unanimous race favourite after collecting two wins and one second place in his past three races. The four-year-old colt from the stables of Aidan O’Brien has not yet been officially paired with a jockey, but it is expected that regular rider Johnny Murtagh will be taking the reins on Saturday afternoon.
Regal Parade from the training stables of David Nicholls is another contender you should be keeping an eye on. The six-year-old has won his last two starts – the Shadwell Stakes on 17th July and the Prix Maurice De Gheest on 8th August – and has been doing excellent work on the training track. Regal Parade will be competing under Andrew Nicholls and is expected to give a memorable performance.
There are only two days to go until this outstanding Class 1 event burns up the track at Haydock Park. If you would like to take advantage of the great antepost odds and back one of the runners in the Betfred Sprint Cup, visit SkyBet for great odds and convenient internet betting services.
26 Aug 2010: Horse Racing – September Racing
23 Aug 2010: Sprint Cup 2010 Odds & Runners
