LIGHTS OUT landed trainer Kevin Hutton a second victory in the event with a powerful back-straight surge to grab a thrilling victory in the Coral Brighton Belle Final at Hove on Saturday.

The GBGB Category Two feature was chief support along with the George Curtis & Ballyregan Bob Memorial Final to the Coral Olympic Final and, on a night of high-class racing and top-class performances, the British-bred September 2018 daughter of Taylors Sky and Terminator was one of the stars.

Slowly away in the 515m feature as Aayamza Lexie (Mark Wallis) broke in front ahead of favourite Pocket Lulu (Seamus Cahill), Lights Out began to pick up off the second bend before a breathtaking move through the field as the field bunched saw her challenge and head new leader Pocket Lulu out of the third bend.

In command thereafter, Hutton’s bitch was on her way to a two-length success over her Produce Stakes conqueror Pocket Lulu to score in 30.28sec (-10) and follow up the kennel’s victory in the competition with Galloping Moon two years ago.

Marc Studer, the Burford-based trainer’s travelling head lad, said: “I couldn’t believe it. She’s not come away, was well out the back but then started running, got on the rail and began picking up going round the second bend. I thought ‘here we go’ we’ve got a chance, but she needed to come through the middle of the field.

“And then she did – and you’d have to say it was her guts, determination and speed which has got her there. However when they said she’d won by two lengths I couldn’t believe it! I don’t think she’s ever won by two lengths – she’s not that sort of bitch.

“She’s just got better and better round here at Hove and is one of the most popular bitches in training I think. Punters know the race is never over when she’s racing – until it’s lights out anyway, and they didn’t go out tonight! We’re all so proud of her – Donna was screaming down the phone. She also couldn’t believe she’d won by two lengths!”

Lights Out is from a prolific-winning litter which includes Denmark, Boca Junior and Liberty Belle and George Burton, who bred the batch along with his grandfather Mike, was delighted with the victory which he felt was well deserved.

“It was certainly a lovely early Xmas present, but we’re just delighted for her that she’s finally won one having reached the Oaks and Produce finals previously. She is home-bred as well which makes it extra special for myself and Mike.

“She’s an absolute pleasure to have bred, reared and now own, and never knows when she is beaten. All credit must go to Kevin, Donna and their team.”

Result: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=380424&raceId=800171