BABY BULLET landed Jason Gornall’s biggest success as a trainer when grabbing gold in the Coral Coronation Cup at Romford on Friday.

In a race of changing fortunes, with most of the field looking possible winners of the £5,000 prize at one stage or another, it was the April 2019 daughter of Jaytee Jet and Highview Picture who came through strongly to edge Burgess Elite (John Mullins) by a neck in 35.24sec for the 575m trip.

A much-experienced sort who made her debut in a heat of the Puppy Derby at Towcester in 2020, the Roger Flitney-owned Henlow raider lined up for the GBGB Category Two decider unbeaten after solid wins in heat and semi-final and maintained the best form of her career in the six-bend finale.

Winning trainer Jason Gornall told the Racing Post: “She came up for sale and at £4,000 seemed perfect for Roger, he was looking for a top grade/minor open runner. To land my first Cat 2 feels incredible, especially in such thrilling style. We’re all gasping, she has such guts and determination.”

Gornall is now targeting the Sussex Cup at Hove for Baby Bullet.

Mark Arkell, Romford’s deputy racing manager, said the 2022 Coral Coronation Cup had proved up with the very best in terms of excitement.

“What a great race!” he said. “It really had everything with four different leaders. Baby Bullet was unbeaten in the competition and it was great to see Jason Gornall celebrating after his runner crossed the line. What an emotional night for him and hopefully we’ll see Baby Bullet back for the Champion Stakes here later this year.”

The Coral Coronation Cup returned to the schedule at Romford after a two-year-break.

First run in 1981, and previously staged in 2020, the race has long been part of a ‘triple crown’ of major 575m races at Romford along with the Essex Vase and Champion Stakes.

Stadium manager Karen McMillan welcomed racegoers and connections in the souvenir programme, and said: “It’s great to have the Coral Coronation Cup back and well done to Jason Gornall, Roger Flitney and, of course, Baby Bullet who was the star of the show.”

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=386007&raceId=848177