Almeraq proves his class in British Champions Sprint

William and Maureen Haggas celebrated further success with their star sprinter Almeraq, who chased down Paborus to strike in the Qatar Racing British Champions Sprint Stakes under Tom Marquand.

Almeraq confirmed himself as this season’s star sprinter with a third top-level triumph of the campaign in the Qatar Racing British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot.

After coming out on top in a thrilling Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, William Haggas' 11-10 favourite bounced back from July Cup disappointment with a blistering display in the Sprint Cup on very soft ground at Haydock.

With conditions not as testing this time, the four-year-old - who was involved in a horrific fall at York that ultimately ended Jim Crowley's riding career a little over a year ago - showed all of his class and versatility in the hands of Tom Marquand.

He answered every urging from his rider to hit top gear close home and run down Ed Bethell's Paborus for a neck success. Completing a one-three for the Somerville Lodge was Division.

Mount Atlas flew home late to thwart Queenstown with a shock success in the Qatar Racing British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot that boosted Andrew Balding's title challenge.

Although Aidan O'Brien and the Kingsclere handler headed into a pivotal weekend locked in battle for top spot in the trainers' standings, it was hard to envisage this race proving pivotal with Queenstown sent off at 14-1 and the winner a 33-1 outsider.

It for one second appeared Ryan Moore had produced yet another Ascot masterclass aboard the Prix du Cadran third, but staying on resolutely was Mount Atlas whose winning run reached its summit under PJ McDonald just in time to spring a three-quarters of a length victory over his Ballydoyle rival.

St Leger winner Highwayman filled the final position on the podium, with Gregory in fourth.

Balding said: "He might have been an unlucky loser if he hadn't got out, but he has to be ridden like that in a way.

"He's a very talented horse, obviously we were just taking a chance on the two miles, but he loves Ascot and PJ gave him an absolutely brilliant ride.

"I'm so thrilled and so appropriate in those (Mill Reef) colours as well. I'm just sorry my mother isn't here - she's gone to watch a hockey match, she'd have loved that because she bred him."

Asked if this victory gave him a big boost in his championship hopes he replied: "I don't know about that, there's still a long way to go."

McDonald said: "You've got to enjoy days like this. I've probably got a lot more days behind me than I've got in front of me and it's great to still be in a position to ride horses like that on days like this.