Saudi Sprint Sensation Annaf Set for Haydock Comeback After Brush with Death

Annaf, the Saudi sprint star who nearly lost his life earlier this year, is gearing up for a remarkable return to the track in Haydock’s Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes this Saturday. Following a life-threatening illness during a trip to Dubai in the spring, the five-year-old sprinter from Mick Appleby’s yard is now raring to go as he embarks on his comeback in the prestigious six-furlong Group One contest.

While Appleby’s yard may be dominated by the attention around Big Evs, Annaf’s own achievements are equally impressive. The son of Muhaarar ended the 2023 season on a high, claiming both the Portland at Doncaster and the Group Three Bengough Stakes at Ascot. His most significant victory came earlier this year when he secured a lucrative win in the $2 million Saudi National Bank 1351 Turf Sprint in Riyadh, showcasing his talents on the world stage.

However, Annaf’s journey took a tragic turn when he contracted pneumonia on the flight to Dubai, where he was set to compete in the Al Quoz Sprint on World Cup night. His condition worsened during the long flight, and for a time, it was uncertain whether he would survive.

“He developed pneumonia on the flight to Dubai because he was on there for so long,” Appleby explained. “He got really sick, and it was touch and go at one point whether he was going to make it or not. Luckily, he’s made a full recovery and is in good form now.”

Since then, Annaf has been on a slow road to recovery, with Appleby and his team carefully nurturing him back to full health. Despite the long layoff and the intensity of the competition at Haydock, Appleby feels that Annaf is ready to test himself at this level once again.

“He’s got over all his issues and seems in good order. He might possibly need the run, but he’s as well as we can get him – hopefully he goes to Haydock and runs well,” Appleby said. “Whatever he does on Saturday, he will improve on anyway, and I suppose this is his level now. As long as he comes back sound, that is the main thing.”

Currently listed as a 16-1 shot for the Sprint Cup, Annaf faces a tough field that includes Kevin Ryan’s Commonwealth Cup winner Inisherin and Karl Burke’s Elite Status, who lead the bookmakers’ odds. Yet, with his resilience and past performances, Annaf has shown he’s not to be underestimated.

For Mick Appleby, the return of his brave sprint star marks a significant moment in the horse’s career. After a dramatic year filled with both triumph and adversity, all eyes will be on Annaf this Saturday as he looks to reclaim his place among sprinting’s elite.