BIKINI BULLET and her delighted Hove-based trainer Belinda Green have a number of options ahead of them after completing the perfect unbeaten run through the Coral Coronation Cup over 575m at Romford.

The youngest finalist, who had broken the track record in the semis, made it three-from-three at the London Road venue with a storming follow-up performance in the £10,000-to-the-winner final – albeit runner-up Tiffield Tarquin (Roy Peckham), the reigning Coral Essex Vase champion, played his part in a cracking duel for the Category One title. 

The latter broke in front and paced up, but Bikini Bullet paced up even better to lead at the first bend and, while Tiffield Tarquin stayed with the Hove raider for much of the way, the June 2024 daughter of Ballymac Kingdom and Ballydoyle Rossa always held sway and was not for stopping, keeping up the gallop for a popular win.

Crossing the line three and three-quarter lengths clear of Tiffield Tarquin and the winner’s kennelmate Teddie, completing a one-three for winning trainer Green, Bikini Bullet clocked 34.55sec (+15) for the 575m trip, another impressively fast time.

The victory sparked celebrations at the winner’s podium as the Billy Boyle, Anthony Ratnasothy, James Tubman and Adam Williams-owned runner achieved a longheld ambition of winning one of the major 575m races at Romford, as Green explained.

“We’d gone close a few times, but getting one over the line at Romford certainly felt special. We cheered her home along with the owners who all had a fantastic time – and our thanks go to the sponsors and Romford for their hospitality

“A big thank-you to our owners, staff and family. If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. It takes a village.”

Green said no firm plans were in place – yet – but there are plenty of options whether that be over four bends or six again.

On a huge night at the Essex track, which also included a Category Two final in the form of the Coral Guys and Dolls, racing manager Mark Arkell said: “Well done to Belinda and her team. They definitely deserved that after getting a few runners to the 575m finals here, especially, in recent years. Ninja Kerry and Gary The Arb come to mind easily there.

“And there’s no question Bikini Bullet is top drawer. Hopefully we will see her back here for the Coral 100 Champion Stakes here in the autumn, although whatever her big-race schedule is, she’s young enough for connections to seriously think about defending her Coronation Cup next year.”

 

Photos: © Steve Nash