SANDS Of Mali ran his rivals into the ground to spring a 28/1 surprise in the Group 1 Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot.

Richard Fahey’s three-year-old speedster had been disappointing since looking unlucky when beaten in the Commonwealth Cup, but bounced back in style.

Sands Of Mali got a great start and his jockey Paul Hanagan was soon setting the pace he wanted.

Harry Angel – who was rather reluctant to load at the start – came out of the pack to challenge, but Hanagan had left a bit in the tank and Sands Of Mali kept up the gallop to score by a length.

Donjuan Triumphant was a length and a quarter away in third place.