Slade Power makes it another great day for Ireland in the Sprint

Slade Power (nearside) just holds off Jack Dexter in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint. Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

Slade Power, third in the Darley July Cup and runner-up in the Betfred Sprint Cup, was victorious in the £350,000 QIPCO British Champions Sprint.

Ireland took the first four races last year and have made it two-out-of-two this year.

In a slowly run race on the soft ground, Slade Power was always prominent in the centre of the track and, going so well, he hit the front with well over a furlong to go.

Up the stands’ rail, Jack Dexter made his move and looked sure to get past Slade Power as they came inside the final furlong.

But Slade Power is tough and he found more under jockey Wayne Lordan to win by a neck, wth a yawning gap of three and a quarter lengths back to the third, Viztoria, a stable companion of the winner.

For Slade Power’s trainer, Eddie Lynam, and owner, Mrs Power, it was another Ascot success after their Sole Power won the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

Maarek, winner of the race last year, missed the break after getting fractious in the stalls and was never in contention.

"That was brilliant," said Lynam.

"He’s a bit of a poser and when he hit the front he just pulled up a bit.

"He wants quicker ground ideally but does go on anything.

"The Powers bred this fellow and have the dam and all the sisters which makes it even more special.

"The Powers are very good to me and they are more than owners, they are friends as well. We like getting on planes and if we get the invite to Hong Kong we could go.

"Sole Power was a bit peeved that he wasn’t coming today but he couldn’t run on this ground.

"At least next season we will have Bill and Ben for all the big sprints."

Lynam also saddled third-placed Viztoria and added: "The filly is only three and it was a very good run, particularly as six furlongs is a little sharp for her."