Regional lands Sprint Cup as Shaquille flops

Trainer Ed Bethell was left fighting back the tears after Regional provided him with a first Group One success in the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock.

It is less than three years since the Middleham Moor handler took over the licence from his father James, who trained for over four decades before handing over the reins.

Regional has proved a real flagbearer since being bought for the bargain basement price of 3,5000 guineas in the summer of 2021, rewarding his connections with three previous wins, two of which have been achieved at Haydock.

Having landed the Listed Achilles Stakes at the Merseyside venue in June, the five-year-old got his first crack at Group One glory in the Nunthorpe at York last month and was not disgraced in finishing fifth, encouraging Bethell to give it another go over an extra furlong.

A 10-1 shot in the hands of Callum Rodriguez, Regional was never too far off the speed and dug deep as the post loomed to see off outsider Shouldvebeenaring by a neck.

He loves this track and he's very, very smart!

Regional wins the 2023 @Betfair Sprint Cup for Ed Bethell and Callum Rodriguez as favourite Shaquille trails home in last place.

A first Group One winner to both trainer and jockey - congratulations to them!