BALLINAKILL LIAM went one better than 12 months ago when leading home a one-two for champion trainer Mark Wallis in the final of the Arena Racing Company Kent Silver Salver at Central Park on Saturday.

Having finishing second to Rioja Oisin last year, Ballinakill Liam landed Category One success at the Sittingbourne venue with a fast start outside paving the way for an all-the-way victory in the £12,500 feature event over 277m.

The winner’s kennelmate Pavilion Team finished best of the rest to complete the forecast for Imperial Kennels and the MWD Partnership of Wallis and Mike Davis, with hot favourite Shadow Storm, the GBGB Sprinter of the Year, keeping on well after being held up early off a moderate exit to finish third.

The winning time for Ballinakill Liam was 16.00sec (normal) and victory completed a superb return from injury for the May 2023 son of Coolvanny Hoffa and Cunnigar Spice who suffered a stress fracture of the hock at the turn of the year.

A delighted winning trainer Mark Wallis said: “To come back as he has given that time off is amazing and testament to all the staff at the kennels. They all play their part.

“Liam has always had lots of class – and pace, obviously. He’s been so consistent and always raced at the top level and taken on the very best over two bends. He’s beaten most of them and beat another really good field tonight.

“I’m delighted our two runners finished first and second, but I’m sure Richard’s dog (Shadow Storm) will want his revenge next time – maybe in the Scurry at Dunstall Park which has to be the long term aim for us, as well as them I’d say. They won it last year.

“In the meantime we’ll think about the sprint at Hove around the (Coral) Sussex Cup and (PGR) Regency. I remember Liam and Shadow Storm going head to head in that last year.

“It was one of the best races to watch all year I’d say – even though we lost it!

“Richard’s dog narrowly came out on top then, but that’s the nature of sprints. There are obviously fine margins over that sort of distance, but when Liam traps like that he gives himself every chance and runs the bends so well. He did that great on Saturday.”