Almeraq Retired, Will Stand at Beech House Stud

Almeraq (GB), the highest-rated sprinter in Europe this year, has been retired and will join the roster at Shadwell's Beech House Stud in Newmarket for the 2027 breeding season. Trained by William Haggas, the son of Dark Angel (IRE) broke new ground this campaign when becoming the first horse to complete the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (G1), Sprint Cup Stakes (G1), and British Champions Sprint Stakes (G1) treble in a single season. Paying tribute to his stable star, Haggas said: "Almeraq has been a fantastic horse, and we've always held him in high regard. He's a strong, powerful sprinter with an iron constitution. "He has done remarkably well to come back from a horrendous fall at York and win three 6-furlong group 1 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 and successful stallion. Everyone at Somerville Lodge wishes him well." Bred and raced by Shadwell, Almeraq ran out a near 4-length winner in his second start at 2. He also won in his second run as a 3-year-old, this time by 5 lengths at Ayr Racecourse, before clipping heels and coming down at York Racecourse, a fall which ultimately ended jockey Jim Crowley's career. After winning the listed Cathedral Stakes in his reappearance in May at Salisbury Racecourse, Almeraq's victory in the following month's Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Ascot Racecourse saw him defeat an all-star cast of sprinters with a combined total of 18 group 1 victories between them, including Australia's five-time group 1 winner Joliestar (AUS) and dual Japanese group 1 winner Satono Reve (JPN). He went on to a resounding 4 1/4-length victory in the Sprint Cup at Haydock Park Racecourse, leaving the previous year's winner Big Mojo (IRE) and Kind of Blue (GB), a group 1 winner and runner-up in the previous two renewals, trailing in his wake. Almeraq made his final appearance a memorable one, quickening well to reel in the trailblazing Paborus (GB) and land the Champions Sprint Stakes Oct. 17 at Ascot, defeating another high-class field. With a BHA rating of 123, he was confirmed as Europe's leading sprinter. He also became the first colt since his broodmare sire Muhaarar (GB) in 2015 to win three European group 1 sprints in the same season. Shadwell's racing manager Angus Gold said: "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 Sprint Cup at Haydock on soft ground and then, once again, showcasing his toughness by running down Paborus on good ground in the British Champions Sprint at Ascot. "His remarkable toughness and consistency, together with his outstanding looks, will make him a very attractive proposition to breeders, and we're thrilled to add him to the Beech House Stud team." A fee will be announced at a later date.