Regal crowned Sprint king

Regal Parade registered a surprise 14-1 success in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock.

The Dandy Nicholls-trained runner swooped late and fast under the handler's son, Adrian, to collar 100-30 favourite Fleeting Spirit, who had drifted across the track.

Kieren Fallon continues his quest for a first winner since his return from an 18-month ban as High Standing could finish only third.

Regal Parade was in the pack early on as Equiano and Sayif disputed the early pace, while Fleeting Spirit was also settled on the heels of the leaders.

The market leader was absolutely cantering two furlongs out as the pace-setters began to flag.

And once Tom Queally quickly kicked to the front on Fleeting Spirit, it looked a matter of how far.

However, the filly edged across the track inside the final furlong, while Regal Parade launched a powerful charge on the far side to prevail by half a length.

High Standing had begun to toil in the closing stages, but stayed on admirably to claim third, a further two lengths adrift.