The horse ended his career… but Jim Crowley is confident Almeraq can handle the Haydock ground

Matt Chapman on 07/10/2020 for Sun Racing. Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd. A FALL off the horse ended his riding career. But the one jockey who has ridden monster Sprint Cup hope Almeraq on testing ground is confident he will lap up conditions at Haydock on Saturday. Horse Racing – Derby Festival – Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom, Britain – June 3, 2022 Jim Crowley celebrates after winning the 15:10 Dahlbury Coronation Cup on Hukum REUTERS/Andrew Boyers Credit: Reuters Jim Crowley would have every reason to turn a blind eye when Almeraq reappears live on ITV. My Saturday NAP David O’Meara’s hope was last off this rating in May of 2025 when he won at this track over 1m4f. Since then, he’s run a string of fine races, including when sixth at York last time in the Ebor. The handicapper has dropped him 2lb and this is a big opportunity. A decent each-way chance – it just depends if there are horses chucked in like Aegean Prince and Finalise. Mark Winn rides and hopefully wins. At York, in September of last year, he partnered ALMERAQ in the Garrowby Stakes when a furlong from the finish his mount clipped heels and came down before rolling directly over the stricken jockey. As a result, Crowley suffered complex fractures to his pelvis and leg and last month retired from the saddle. On Saturday, though, soon-to-be-trainer Crowley will be doing anything but looking the other way and will be rooting for his former partner in crime. “I’m looking forward to watching him run and he was entered in the race last year,” Crowley said. “I’ll be cheering him on and can’t wait to see him. Most read in Horse Racing “He’s a lovely horse and deserves to bag another Group 1. “It’s been a fantastic performance by William Haggas to get him back after what happened.” The first two races of Almeraq’s career were on a soft surface. He finished second on debut at Newbury and then landed a novice at Yarmouth. On both occasions he was ridden by Crowley, and he knows better than most whether the horse who landed the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot on good to firm will relish a return to a juicy surface. “He should handle the cut in the ground – I think he could be better on it if I’m honest,” Crowley added. That’s good enough for me and will be much comfort to Tom Marquand who now partners the colt. Almeraq is due to take on seven rivals in the Betfair sponsored six-furlong dash, headed by Kind of Blue, who loves testing going and chased home Big Mojo this time last year. The latter is also back to defend his crown, while Marvelman, Paborus and Coppull may all have more to give. I was due to go to Haydock for ITV, but earlier in the week was re-routed to Kempton for Constitution Hill day! Bring it on. The former Champion Hurdle hero has his third run on the Flat in the Group 3 William Hill September Stakes over a mile and a half on Saturday. On paper he’s the worst horse in the field rated 101, but for those who deduct 40lb from a jumper’s mark to get their Flat one he technically could be anything up to 135! That’s not going to happen, but it shows how it’s impossible to rule him out. If he’s placed in the first three then he could yet be aimed at the Melbourne Cup. It’s a funny old game. Hoping to take the scalp of Constitution Hill are Gethin and Tornado Alert. Gethin has won at Kempton but flopped at Sandown last time in the Eclipse. He needs to bounce back. I like TORNADO ALERT who runs for Saeed Bin Suroor and Oisin Murphy, the team who once did so well with Benbatl. A lightly raced son of Too Darn Hot, Tornado Alert stays strong and started off his career on the all-weather so Kempton will hold no fears. He once ran sixth in the Derby behind Lambourn and won a Group 1 in Germany at the end of last year. This term he returned in that country with a fourth behind Tiffany at Hoppegarten and that should have put him spot on for this. It’s a belting weekend of action, and on Sunday crack milers Gstaad and Opera Ballo take each other on in the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp, which also features Queen Anne hero Ten Bob Tony, ridden by Tom Marquand with regular partner Kieran Shoemark sadly suspended. Gstaad deserves a big prize having chased home Bow Echo in the 2,000 Guineas, St James’s Palace and Sussex Stakes. The going, though, will be perfect for Ed Walker’s Ten Bob Tony, who should be a huge player. Also, at Longchamp Sparan Nua tries to make up for her unlucky second in the Yorkshire Oaks when she tackles a deep Prix Vermeille, while Arc hero Daryz is back at the track where he reigned supreme in the Group 2 Prix Foy. Waiting for him is the Group 1 Coronation Cup hero Bay City Roller, who gives George Scott a major chance of a huge win. All eyes will be on Irish Derby victor Benvenuto Cellini in the Prix Niel, although the ground may be softer than ideal. Sit back and enjoy people. This is a weekend of racing to savour. FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now