QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES (GROUP 1)

TRAINER Charlie Hills has enjoyed a superb run with his sprinters this season and the Lambourn man rounded things off with another Group 1 triumph as 5/2 favourite Muhaarar ran out a highly impressive winner of the Qipco British Champions Sprint. Those following the market were on good terms with themselves as 4/1 chance Twilight Son followed the winner home at a conservative two lengths. Danzeno and The Tin Man fared best of the rest.

Keeping a high-class sprinter at his best until the bitter end is no easy task. Already successful three times at the highest level this summer, in the Commonwealth Cup, the July Cup and the Prix Maurice de Gheest, Muhaarar still looked on top of his game.

Plenty keen enough in the early stages, it made no difference to him as he made his effort in the centre and accelerated clear for Paul Hanagan a furlong from home.

A son of champion sprinter Oasis Dream, he followed in his sire’s footsteps as the top European horse over six furlongs, though connections of Mecca’s Angel might fancy her chances over five on soft ground - not a confrontation that will ever happen.

BOOKMAKERS

The bookmakers hoped for the best whilst fearing the worst and 5/2 was attractive enough to several major players and Muhaarar dropped from early 3/1 on course as the money came for him. One or two big names - Maarek and Gordon Lord Byron, for example - started at fancy prices as three-year-olds dominated the finish.

The winner received only a pound from his older rivals but was much too good for them. He will almost certainly be retired by Sheikh Hamdan.

“He has been very straightforward,’’ Hills said. “He has the will to win, the most beautiful temperament and great looks. He’s been a privilege to train and I think we probably saw him at his best there.’’

Sheikh Hamdan was unwilling to compare Muhaarar with his brilliant sprinter Dayjur from another era. One difference is that last week’s hero will not be going to the Breeders’ Cup, where Dayjur famously appeared to jump a shadow at Belmont Park 25 years ago.

“We were thinking of it but sprinters in Europe go straight and when they come to a turn they slow down,’’ the sheikh said. “I don’t think Kentucky will suit the Europeans.’’

Henry Candy reported that Twilight Son will remain in training. Saturday saw his first defeat and he should be seen in all the top sprints in 2016.

“His sire Kyllachy did much better at four and I think he’ll be better as well,’’ the trainer said.