Stunning Sprint Cup success for Harry Angel

Harry Angel put up an outstanding performance to win the G1 Sprint Cup over six furlongs at Haydock Park, UK, on Saturday, September 9.

The three-year-old Dark Angel colt broke well and went straight into the lead under jockey Adam Kirby. He continued at the head of affairs and when asked to quicken inside the final quarter mile, showed an outstanding turn of foot to go clear of his rivals.

He stayed on powerfully inside the final furlong to go on and win by four lengths from Tasleet with The Tin Man another length and a half back in third. Godolphin’s other starter in the Sprint Cup, Blue Point (Charlie Appleby/James Doyle), tracked Harry Angel but was unable to quicken entering the final furlong and came home in fourth.

The winning time was 1m 13.90s on ground described as heavy. Harry Angel was recording his second successive G1 victory over six furlongs, having previously taken the Darley July Cup at Newmarket on good to firm ground on July 15.

Winning trainer Clive Cox said: “After running Lethal Force here a few years ago, I know how deep the ground can get at Haydock.

“I am just so proud of Harry Angel. He is a champion on fast ground and is now also a champion on easier ground. It's difficult to change gear on ground like that and to win by four lengths against soft ground horses was super.

"I hope he stays in training next year. It's a huge relief after walking the course, as that ground is as bad as it gets.

"Thank goodness we made the right decision, he's maturing all the time and now we know we can head to Ascot (for the G1 British Champions Sprint on October 21) without worrying what the ground does."

Adam Kirby added: "I am a believer that a proper champion can go any ground but Harry Angel is so fast and I was concerned before the race. 

“Harry Angel is a machine. He has speed to burn and amazing acceleration. I knew he would won as soon as he picked up - he found three lengths straight away. 

“He is very good and still getting better. Mentally, he is getting there and relaxing better. Today was not how good he is - he will keep getting better.  

“Fair play to Clive Cox and everyone in the yard. Kevin Harris who rides him out and everyone else involved have made Harry Angel the horse he is.”