THE Tin Man, Caravaggio, Limato and Quiet Reflection head the early entries for the 51st running of the Group 1, 32Red Sprint Cup? at Haydock Park, a race that was first established in 1966.

The £260,000 32Red Sprint Cup is Haydock Park’s most prestigious race of the Flat season and will be the culmination of the three-day Festival staged between Thursday, September 7 and Saturday, September 9.

Previously, the race has been won by a “Who’s Who” of sprinters, including Be Friendly, who won the first two runnings of the race and was owned by the late Sir Peter O’Sullevan. Last year, Royal Ascot’s Group 1 Commonwealth Cup winner, Quiet Reflection trained by Karl Burke won the race by one and three-quarter lengths to The Tin Man, trained by James Fanshawe.

The 2017 32Red Sprint Cup looks to be a fiercely competitive race with forty-one confirmed early entries on Tuesday, July 11; amongst entries is last year’s winner, Quiet Reflection, Royal Ascot Diamond Jubilee champion and last year’s runner up, The Tin Man, the Duke of York stakes winner Tasleet for William Haggas, July Cup victor, Limato and the improving Godolphin owned 3-year old, Harry Angel.

Aiden O’Brien’s unbeaten sprinter, Caravaggio is also in the field of entries alongside 2016 Group 2 Duke of York winner Magical Memory, Dutch Connection for Godolphin and French-bred Suedois trained by David O’Meara.

Jason Fildes, Haydock Park General Manager, said: “We’re thrilled to see this year’s race has attracted the top sprinters in training and delighted to have entries from across the globe including America, Ireland, France and Germany.

“The Sprint Cup is steeped in history with outstanding winners such as Be Friendly, Danehill, Dayjur and Sheikh Albadou on the roll of honour, while the champion jockeys Lester Piggott, Pat Eddery and Willie Carson were all successful three times.”

For tickets and information for Haydock Park’s 32Red Sprint Cup Festival please go to haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk or call 0344 579 3006.