Coral Golden Sprint presentation. From left: Colin Creighton and trainer Jean Liles, Diane Clarke, Jemma Webber (kennelhand), John Clarke and Peter Sandbach (owners) and Christine Sandbach.

UNION JACK has the BresMed Northern Sprint as a next major target after his victory in the Coral Golden Sprint Final at Romford on Friday – a race where he really did leave his rivals seeing red to lift the £10,000 prize.

Trained by Jean Liles for John Clarke and Peter Sandbach, the October 2015 son of Droopys Scolari and Ilikeyou paced up against the fence and was soon dominating matters as the runners swung round the first and second bends.

Crowding and bumping involving the rest of the field saw Union Jack now blazing the trail with only Kilmore Lemon a possible danger and, try as he did, Patrick Janssens’ dog could not quite get on terms with the winner who triumphed by half a length in 24.04sec (+10).

Winning trainer Jean Liles said: “That was fantastic and overwhelmed us really. We only joined Romford at the start of the year so to win this major event so soon really is amazing – and this dog so deserves it.”

Supported by partner and assistant Colin Creighton, as well as kennelhands Jemma Webber, Katherine Carragher and Rhys Kuhn, Liles added: “It’s a real team effort and I’m so proud of everyone.

“This is our biggest win and stands alongside Trapstyle Jet’s National Sprint win at Nottingham.”

Jemma Webber, who paraded the winner and works for the Hertfordshire-based trainer alongside being part of the GBGB’s Apprenticeship Scheme, said of Union Jack: “It’s the reason why I work every day – he’s a fantastic dog and a great character.”

Of the race itself, Creighton said: “He had the best of the draw which always gave him a chance if he made the most of it. I knew he wouldn’t be caught if he did lead, and we’re just delighted he’s in the best form of his career at the right time.

“He’s a dog who likes a look at a track, and gets better with each run. He came over as a good dog having made the Irish Puppy Derby final at Harold’s Cross and we knew in his early trials at Towcester he was decent. We’re all delighted.”

Part-owner Clarke, who has owned big-race winners such as stayers Rubys Rascal and Rubys Razzle, added: “It’s a change to have a sprinter! It was a classy line-up and we were the underdogs, but we had a chance with the draw. It’s worked out brilliantly.”

Romford racing manager Mark Arkell congratulated connections and said: “It’s great to see our newest trainer Jean Liles win the Coral Golden Sprint here.

“The kennel have been working extra hard since joining us in January and I’m pleased for them to be rewarded with a Category one winner on home soil. Union Jack showed his usual early dash and, with bunching at the first bend, the door was left open for him to take advantage.

“I thought Kilmore Lemon ran a blinder in defeat and almost caught Union Jack. He’s a fantastic dog in his own right, but it’s well done to ‘Team Liles’.”

Stadium manager Karen McMillan said: “A huge congratulations to Jean and Colin – our newest trainers at Romford – on their first Category One winner with us – there were plenty of tears of joy on Friday! It was fantastic to see.

“A special mention goes to their kennelhand Jemma (Webber) who is halfway through her GBGB Apprenticeship Scheme being held at Romford. Her dedication and willingness to learn is amazing and gives her a bright future in the business.”