IRISH star Flashing Willow extended his unbeaten record in the UK to four with a flawless display in the Arena Racing Company Silver Salver Final at Central Park on Sunday – giving the track record a real shake in the process.

A May 2020 son of Laughil Blake and Cabbage, trained by Pat Buckley for owner Kenny Glen, Flashing Willow set a track record at Towcester in his only previous start in the UK last year and now completed an unbeaten run through the GBGB Category One sprint at the Kent venue – the last meeting at Central Park before its temporary closure.

Up against no less than four Mark Wallis-trained finalists, including GBGB Sprinter of the Year Gougane Jet, a fast start was always necessary and that is exactly what Flashing Willow’s connections and supporters got as he trapped in front and was never headed for a two-length victory over Gougane Jet and kennelmate Ballyard Shawny in 16.00sec (-10).

The winning time was just one hundredth of a second off the previous best for Central Park’s 265m trip held by Troy Bella, set in the semi-finals of the same event in 2019.

For connections of Flashing Willow, it would have been the perfect way to head into a new period at the Sittingbourne venue, which see the track now close until July 1 to allow for a new racing surface and drainage system to be installed. The work forms part of a £500,000 project undertaken by Arc at the stadium.

However, victory in the £12,500-to-the-winner decider was still sweet as James Corden, kennelhand and partner of the winning trainer’s daughter Emma, explained afterwards.

He said: “It was always going to be difficult against four of Mark Wallis’s runners, knowing how good he is in a final. We were just praying for a level break really and hoping his pace would get him in front at the first bend. So when he popped out in front we knew he’d be hard to catch.

“He’s been a superstar for us and he’s my dog in the kennel, if you like. And despite being at the top of the sprinting scene last year he never actually won anything, but this year he’s already won the Supersprint at Cork and now the Silver Salver – and I think he’s deserved to win both.

“The plan now will be the Treaty Cup at Limerick next before the Bar One Irish Sprint Cup at Dundalk, worth €20k. I know Pat (Buckley) is strongly considering a return to UK for the Oaks in October if we have a strong enough team and Willow may accompany the bitches for the Scurry if we do.

“Thanks to the sponsors and thanks to everyone at Central Park for their hospitality.”

Result: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=397969&raceId=945356