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Almeraq forgiven for July Cup no-show with Haydock next target
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Mon 13 Jul 2026
Connections have put a line through Almeraq’s disappointing July Cup showing with a combination of quick ground and a lack of cover in the Newmarket race blamed for his performance.
Relive the July Cup won by Comanche Brave.
The William Haggas-trained sprinter was a well-backed 11-2 shot in the six-furlong Group One contest at Newmarket on Saturday, but could beat only two of the 11 strong field home.
Although fast ground could have conceivably been seen as a factor with the horse failing to act on it a second time after his win at Royal Ascot, jockey Tom Marquand reported it was as much a lack of cover that did for his chances.
“We always used to think he needed easy ground and obviously meeting it like that at Ascot (for the first time) he was able to win on faster ground,” said Shadwell racing manager Angus Gold.
“But I think it is a different ball park being a bit keen on the outside and on very quick ground, and Tom said he did change his legs a couple of times so that was a part of it.
“Touch wood, the obvious race would be to go to Haydock in the Sprint Cup (September 5) and then possibly Ascot at the end of the year. Both of those are usually run on softer ground, hopefully.
“The good news is that Almeraq seems to have pulled up well from what William has said. Tom just felt he made the point that getting cover is quite important with him which he was able to do at Ascot but was not able to do at the weekend.”
Almeraq was the horse that put a temporary halt to Jim Crowley’s career when the pair went down in a horror fall at York last September, a race ultimately won by stable companion Elmonjed.
That horse was another to disappoint when managing only fourth as 11-10 favourite in the Group Three Prix de Ris-Orangis at Deauville.
However, unlike with Almeraq, no reasons have been forthcoming for the poor show.
“He just ran a very flat race and we couldn’t really come up with a reason,” said Gold. “Mickael (Barzalona) just said it was too bad to be true.”
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