AAYAMZA ROYALE landed Mark Wallis a third TV Trophy and a second in a row as the brilliant daughter of Ballymac Eske added a second Category One title to her CV in the Coral-backed marathon feature at Hove on Saturday.

Trained by the boss of Imperial Kennels for his longstanding owners the Ayamzaboys Syndicate, the November 2017 daughter of the 2013 Scottish Derby champion and Ascot Lydia revelled in the wet conditions as she caught longtime leader and market rival Roxholme Kristof approaching the seventh bend before holding Redzer Renae (Tony Gifkins) by a length in 61.05sec (-300) for the 945m trip.

The runner-up ran a stormer as the youngest finalist, but the TV Trophy crown headed the way of the Cesarewitch champion and St Leger third, who confirmed the form of her heat success over Roxholme Kristof to land the £10,000 annual.

Nigel Smith, a member of the successful Ayamzaboys Syndicate, said: “What a TV Trophy competition it was this year – with the added racing public’s interest in Aayamza Royale v Roxholme Kristof when the draw was made – and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

“Their race in the heats was incredible – the time said it all. Kristof, I feel, is a monster of a dog over six bends and will be a force in 2021 – he just met a super stayer in ‘Lydia’ (Aayamza Royale) at Hove.

“But you’ve got to give it to the connections of Kristof on entering. It certainly made it a great spectacle to finish off the year for the industry. Everyone got behind it, which was so important in these toughest of times for all.

“Of course, given the conditions (-300), the final turned into a race of stamina. Lydia has an abundance of it and the Redzer dog of Lee and Tony’s (Gifkins) ran a great race to push her to the line.

“It’s been the syndicate’s ambition – there are 11 of us involved – to win the TV Trophy for many years and finally we did it last Saturday, especially for my good friend Mitch Brenner who’s been trying for 30 years!

“She’s been great for Mitch and myself, but also the rest of the syndicate – Steve Cragg, Andy Pelley, Dave Partner, Mark Banning, Nigel Shaw, John Hill, Richard Sanderson, Dave Rayner and John Stewart.

“To Mark (Wallis) and everyone at Imperial Kennels we cannot thank them enough for the tireless work they do for their owners. I know they love the big stage and major competitions and their record is second to none.

“But for me, what is also incredibly important is that over the years being with the kennel, it’s been the way their dogs’ careers are extended given the amount of care and attention all the dogs at the kennels receive.

“As for Lydia, what a year she’s had! Two Cat One wins, a Leger final, beaten on the line in the Dorando – she never knows when she’s beat. I’m also pretty sure everyone loves watching her race – she’s special and, hopefully, a few awards are on the way!”

Winning trainer Mark Wallis added: “We’re so proud of Lydia at the kennels. She’s a real star and has shown brilliant form this year, winning two Cat Ones and running third in the St Leger. We hope that puts her in some sort of Greyhound of the Year reckoning.”

Results: www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=368911&raceId=698600