Trainer Richard Hughes stood by the rails at Lambourn, watching No Half Measures glide effortlessly through her final workout ahead of Saturday’s Sprint Cup 2025 at Haydock Park. There was pride in his voice, hope in his eyes, and a quiet belief that this might be the moment everything comes together.
“She looks really good at the moment and we’re really pleased with her,” Hughes said, his tone filled with confidence. “From the very start, we planned her season around this race. For us, this is her Derby.”
After her stunning 66-1 victory in the July Cup at Newmarket, the daughter of Cable Bay now bids to become just the ninth horse in history to complete the rare Newmarket–Haydock double.
“Her Derby” – The Long-Term Plan
For Hughes, this race has been the goal since the spring. The former champion jockey, who won this same contest aboard Tante Rose in 2004, believes No Half Measures has matured into a mare capable of handling any surface.
“When we started her campaign, we always had Haydock in mind,” Hughes explained. “We thought softer ground would suit her, but after what she showed at Newmarket, we now know she’s versatile. Whatever the conditions, she’s ready.”
No Half Measures has already proven herself at Haydock, finishing second in the Listed Achilles Stakes back in May, despite carrying a penalty and racing against a track bias. That run, Hughes believes, was better than it looked on paper.
July Cup Triumph Sparks New Ambitions
The July Cup was where No Half Measures shocked the racing world. Under Neil Callan, she produced a devastating late surge to deliver Hughes his first-ever Group 1 win as a trainer – a day he says he’ll never forget.
“It was a brilliant day,” Hughes recalled with a smile. “We thought she’d run well but didn’t expect her to win on that ground. She proved us wrong and showed us just how good she is. That victory gave us the confidence to aim even higher.”
For Saturday’s Sprint Cup, Callan retains the ride — an easy decision for Hughes. “Neil knows her, trusts her, and they have an understanding. He’s a big part of her success,” he said.
Strength in Numbers: Sayidah Dariyan Joins the Challenge
Hughes will also saddle Sayidah Dariyan, another talented filly who takes her place in the 22-runner lineup. She comes into the race after a tough run in the Nunthorpe Stakes, where she was compromised at the start but finished strongly.
“She missed the kick in the Nunthorpe, and in sprints, you can’t afford that,” Hughes explained. “But she ran on really well, and that told us plenty. She deserves her shot here.”
Aiming for a Historic Double
If successful, No Half Measures would join an elite list of champions who have completed the Newmarket–Haydock double in the same season – including legends like Tudor Music (1969), Habibti (1983), Ajdal (1987), and Harry Angel (2017).
“She’s improving all the time,” Hughes said. “Six furlongs is her sweet spot, and we couldn’t be happier with how she’s come into this. Whatever happens on Saturday, she’s already proven she belongs at this level.”
Sprint Cup Celebration Festival
Saturday’s Sprint Cup 2025 headlines the final day of Haydock’s three-day Sprint Cup Celebration Festival, which begins Thursday, September 4th.
Alongside top-class racing, fans can enjoy interactive experiences, including a Jockey Gym, giving racegoers a chance to test their balance, strength, and skills like a professional rider.
Read more exclusive race previews, reports, and updates only on RaceBuzz.
For tickets and full event details, visit Haydock Park’s official page.
