Trainer Clive Cox received a timely boost ahead of British Champions Day as star sprinter Harry Angel is to remain in training next year.

The Godolphin-owned colt was a potential stud recruit after he bids for a Group One hat-trick in the Champions Sprint at Ascot on October 21, but that has now been pushed to one side with confirmation Harry Angel is going to race on at four.

Sam Bullard, stallion manager at Darley, said: “The plan is very much for Harry Angel to stay in training as a four-year-old.

“He hasn’t got many miles on the clock and if he can continue to win races in the Godolphin colours it would be fantastic.

He’s a very relaxed horse now and hopefully he can run another nice race at Ascot.”

Harry Angel was purchased by Godolphin after he smashed the track record at Haydock earlier this season in winning the Sandy Lane Stakes.

He was defeated by Aidan O’Brien’s Caravaggio in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in June but has since recorded top-level successes in the July Cup at Newmarket – beating Caravaggio – and the Sprint Cup at Haydock.

He’ll aim to sign off for this term with another Group One on Champions Day and his trainer is eager for that race while he is also delighted he has another year to look forward to with the son of Dark Angel.

“I’m delighted he’s staying in training. It’s really exciting,” said Cox.

“We’re going back to Ascot where he was beaten at the Royal meeting. But he’s a much-improved horse since then and is quite relaxed.

He’s proven on any going and we’re very much looking forward to the Champions Sprint.”