Dream wins Cup cracker

Dream Ahead (c): Edges out Bated Breath and Hoof It in a Haydock thriller

Dream Ahead came out on top in a thrilling three-way battle for the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock.

David Simcock's July Cup hero showed tremendous courage to land his second Group One prize of the season, having led over a furlong out.

First Bated Breath thundered down the centre of the track to throw down a sustained challenge and then Hoof It threw down his bid for glory on the inside of the field.

The three flashed past the post seemingly locked together but after a lengthy deliberation, the judge was able to confirm Dream Ahead had got home by a nose.

He returned the 4-1 favourite with Bated Breath (5-1) second and Hoof It (5-1) a head further back in third.

The protagonists came close together in the final 100 yards and a stewards enquiry was called but the placings remained unaltered.

Simcock said: "It's a massive relief as after France we were scratching our heads.

"We thought we had him great in France and we thought we had him great today.

"We rode him far more positively and he battled well and did everything well.

"It's great for the horse to enhance his reputation and I probably won't see another horse like him.

"It's very special and this means as much as the July Cup, as we're bouncing back."

Simcock added: "There's only two options open to him now.

"We could either go to France for the Prix de la Foret, or run at Ascot (Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes).

"People might ask why I'd want to go back to seven furlongs (in France), but, on the other hand, why drop back to a Group Two at Ascot?

"I hope he stays in training next year and if that's the case, I don't think he would go for the Breeders' Cup this season.

"Obviously there will be discussions between his owners and myself."

Unlucky loser

Hoof It's jockey Graham Gibbons was in no doubt he was an unlucky loser. He said: "I was carried across the course and it definitely cost me the race.

"There was only a nose and a head in it."