Brilliant sprinter Almeraq retired to stud

Champion sprinter-elect Almeraq has been retired to stand at Shadwell’s Beech House Stud for 2027.

Winner of three six-furlong Group Ones this season for William Haggas and Tom Marquand, that would be a a remarkable season in any book before even considering what happened to him at the end of the 2025 season.

Running in a Listed race at York in September he clipped heels and took a very heavy fall. Connections feared the worst yet while the horses emerged generally unscathed, neither jockey involved, the now-retired Jim Crowley or Trevor Whelan, have ridden since.

For Almeraq to bounce back this season to not only win races but at the very highest level, shows another side to his character.

The four-year-old by Dark Angel won the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Haydock Sprint Cup by over four lengths and on Saturday he took the British Champions Sprint.

Haggas said: “Almeraq has been a fantastic horse and we have always held him in high regard. He is a strong, powerful sprinter with an iron constitution.

“He has done remarkably well to come back from an horrendous fall at York and win three six-furlong Group One races this season, which speaks volumes not only for his ability but also for his mental strength and resilience.

“Combining exceptional speed with versatility, soundness and a lovely temperament, Almeraq has all the attributes to make a very exciting, successful stallion. Everyone at Somerville Lodge wishes him well.”

Racing manager Angus Gold told www.shadwellstud.com: “All of us at Shadwell would like to pay tribute to William Haggas and his fantastic team for the incredible job they did in bringing Almeraq back from what could easily have been a career-ending injury at York last year, and turning him into the outstanding sprinter of 2026.

“On top of his natural class, he showed how versatile he was by beating the world’s best sprinters on fast ground at Royal Ascot in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, easily winning the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock on soft ground and then once again showcasing his toughness by running down Paborus on good ground in the Qatar British Champions Sprint at Ascot last weekend.

“His remarkable toughness and consistency, together with his outstanding looks, will make him a very attractive proposition to breeders and we are thrilled to add him to the Beech House Stud team.”