PATRICK JANSSENS dedicated the victory of Desperado Dan in Friday’s £5,000-to-the-winner Coral Coronation Cup to his great friend and current kennelhand Pete Vernon, who is battling serious illness.

Shortly after the youngest runner in the line-up crossed the line clear in the 575m feature, Janssens said: “That’s for Pete. He worked with Dan as a pup and has seen him progress into a really decent sort. We’re delighted to win, but wish Pete was with us too.”

Desperado Dan, who was landing Janssens a first Coronation Cup success but his owner Evan Herbert a second victory in the event after Roswell Romanov two years ago, was soon in front after breaking smartly and was never headed.

Favourite Brigadier Bullet (Mark Wallis) broke well himself outside but was soon joined by kennelmate Chubbys Caviar and, while the latter was bumped at the turn, rode it well to give chase although Desperado Dan was not for stopping up front.

The January 17 son of Iso Octane and Slaneyside Mandy kept up the gallop and finished four and a half lengths in front of Chubbys Caviar, posting a fast 35.27sec (-20) to underline the belief of the winning trainer that the two-old-year-old is still improving.

“He’s coming on great,” said Janssens. “He won a few A1s at Central Park as a pup, which is pretty good form, and made the Young Guns final there – but myself and Evan always thought he’d make up into a good 575m dog at Romford.

“That’s some start, then, to win this and myself and Cheryl (wife) have got to thank our daughter Ria who’s held the fort so well since we’ve been away. We’re just back from holidays and missed the semis, but she and Marcus did great.”

Winning owner Herbert, who has enjoyed success in the past with a host of dogs such as January Tiger and Roswell Starship, joked: “I’m tempted to book Patrick another flight away! No, seriously, it’s a family affair and this young dog is such a star.”

Janssens, who also praised the work at the kennel done by sports physiotherapist Ron Mills, feels a step up in trip for the Ladbrokes Golden Jacket is unlikely at this stage of Desperado Dan’s career, although longer term Romford’s other major 575m races such as the Champion Stakes and Essex Vase could be targets.

Mark Arkell, Romford racing manger, congratulated connections on their Coronation Cup success, adding: “It’s great to see Patrick and his team win last night after last week’s disappointment with the withdrawal of Barricane Carina.

“The kennel had a great night all-round, winning the 400m final with Magical Houdini – a really hot race up against Troy Bella, Grays Cup Winner Chopchop Hope – and then 15 minutes later winning the main event! Then Goldies Hotspur also won.

“Patrick is a regular supporter of our Friday nights and long may that trend continue. Desperado Dan has been in impressive form here and kept that going to win a well-deserved prize – our first major competition of a big year for us.

“The redevelopment here is going well and we’ve got our usual array of big races scheduled for 2019 – but also play host to the Coral TV Trophy which is exciting.”