BRITISH CHAMPIONS

SPRINT STAKES GROUP 1

JAMES Fanshawe’s The Tin Man, 13/2, proved the answer to the Group 1 Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes, coming from some way off the pace for Tom Queally to beat Growl and Brando by a length and a short-head.

Backers of 4/1 joint-favourites Quiet Reflection and Shalaa probably sensed that this was not going to be their day. If so, they were quite right because neither made any impression in the closing stages. Nor did Mecca’s Angel, who wants five furlongs on soft ground, not six on soft.

The Tin Man attracted some shrewd money, having finished fourth in this last year and run Quiet Reflection to a couple of lengths in this year’s Sprint Cup on soft ground at Haydock. This time, under a patient, well worked-out ride by Queally, he won with some authority.

“This is the first time this season we’ve had a clear run with him,” Fanshawe said. “He’s a half-brother to Deacon Blue and on his day he’s very good indeed.”