SOME of the best racehorses in training are due to arrive at Haydock Park this weekend as the venue prepares for one of its biggest fixtures of the year.

Worth £400,000, The Group One Betfair Sprint Cup attracts some of the most exciting sprinters from across England and Ireland to Merseyside.

Over the years the race has been won by some of the game’s biggest names, like The Tin Man who emerged victorious back in 2018.

Highlight of summer season

Molly Dingwall, general manager at the racecourse, said: “The Sprint Cup is undoubtedly the highlight of our summer season and is an occasion which we all really look forward to.

“It’s a six-furlong sprint which features some unbelievable horses, making it one of the most exhilarating races we host.

“This year’s renewal looks set to be one of the best we’ve seen in recent years, with a full field of 17 declared on Thursday.”

Among those confirmed to run is the three-year-old Shaquille, the odds-on favourite who already has two Group One wins under his belt this season.

Trained in Yorkshire by Julie Camacho, the gelding is set to be ridden by James Doyle, who earlier this week said: “Saturday will be another test for him and things will be harder for him – it will give us a good indication as to whether he is the best sprinter I have ridden. He is certainly heading in the right direction.

“I know how much this means to Julie and her team - you can see how much it means to them. They are nervous before he runs and elated when he wins – they show all the emotions that make this game so great.”

While the popular sprinter looks hard to beat, he’ll face tough competition with the likes of Mill Stream and Believing – both of who were supplemented for the race earlier this week meanwhile Sacred and Spycatcher remain as strong opposition.

Top-quality racing and entertainment

A further seven top-quality races will also take place throughout the afternoon, culminating with the Her Highness Sheikha Bint Mubarak Cup, a race for Arabian horses.

Entertainment around the racecourse will be provided the Haydock Band with gates opening at 11.50pm.

Tickets are still available to buy online at www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/haydockpark