ZASCANDIL landed trainer Kevin Boon an eighth GBGB Category One in eight years of holding a trainer’s licence when swooping late to grab gold in a thrilling Coral Regency Final at Hove.

The £10,000 decider shared centre-stage with the Coral Sussex Cup Final on a fantastic double-header on the south coast and the 695m feature proved even more exciting as most of the finalists looked potential winners at one stage – but ultimately it was Zascandil who came out best to reel in Affleck Lady late.

The eventual winner actually trapped in front and was always handy as Affleck Lady (Patrick Janssens) paced up into the lead and set sail for home. Zascandil lost his place after crowding at the third bend but moved back in contention and rallied really to catch Affleck Lady off the last bend to win by a neck in 41.74sec (+15).

Victory gave trainer Boon another Category One title, although it wasn’t one he expected given a trap two draw in the final which the Norfolk-based handler felt might not suit the April 2018 son of Vulture and Scissors.

“It looked a tough draw on paper, because he need to trap and was trapping better outside,” said Boon, “but he handled it well and once he came away we had every chance in what was a fantastic final. They’re all good dogs and we’d all come through a tougher semi-final night.

“The going was really soft in the straights and our boy didn’t handle it that well, he stumbled a couple of times on the run for home and was finding it hard. But he’s a class act this dog and we’ve know he was top notch when he beat Skilful Sandie over the trip at Hove in March.

“I’m delighted for the dog himself because like a few of mine they were quite down in the dumps a couple of weeks back, but thankfully he came through the heats alright and has come forward ever since.

“I’d just like to say thanks to Pat Buckley for sending him over. I reckon he’s sent five dogs to me and they’ve won five Cat Ones, so cheers to Pat,” added Boon. “We’ll probably go for the 630m race at Monmore (Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic) but further ahead I think he’ll stay so maybe we’ll be back at Hove for the TV Trophy.”

Away from the Sussex Cup and Regency, Shrewd Call was the star of the supporting card at Hove as the David Mullins-trained star followed up his Colossus Bets Silver Salver – in which he also claimed the £10,000 bonus – when winning the Coral Sprint Trophy Final for owner Kelly Searle.

Mullins said: “He’s running really well and, when they’re in that sort of form, sprinters are best carrying on, so all being well we’ll look at the sprint events at Monmore [Ladbrokes Summer Festival] and Yarmouth [RPGTV East Anglian Derby Festival]. There’s also the Night of Stars to think about – that could be something to get excited about!”