VHAGAR led home a superb 1-2-3 for Mark Wallis and the MWD Partnership in Friday’s final of the Arena Racing Company Grand Prix at Sunderland.

Soon in a pitch after showing a smart burst of early pace to just lead at the first bend, the February 2023 daughter of Dorotas Wildcat and Limini turned in front of kennelmates Bombay Nutty and fast-trapping Newinn Cloud, from which point the champion trainer was in pole position for a clean sweep in the £12,500 decider.

Never looking likely to be caught thereafter, Vhagar was on her way to a three and a half lengths success over Bombay Nutty and Newinn Cloud in a fast 39.01sec (+20) for the 640m trip to land winning trainer Wallis a sixth victory in the Grand Prix, dating back to Blonde Fletch’s success in the William Hill-backed version in 2011.

“That was a good few years ago but is still high up in terms of one of our best nights,” said Wallis. “Blonde Snapper also won the Classic on the same night when the two competitions were staged side by side as part of a festival. We’d actually won the Classic two years previously with Jogadusc Ace.

“Anyway, that was a special night for the kennel, winning both comps, after which we’ve always enjoyed going to Sunderland and we’ve now won the Grand Prix six times and three times in four years – which is testament to the hard work of the staff, but it’s been worth the long drives for the team and I thank them all, especially Sid (Huett)!”

For the record, success for Vhagar secured her a third Category One title after success in the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic at Monmore and Oxford’s bet365 Challenge Cup plus landed Wallis a sixth Grand Prix after the aforementioned Blonde Fletch, Hometown Honey (2013), Bombers Bullet (2018), Coonough Crow (2023) and New Destiny (2025).

Joanne Wilson, Sunderland general manager, said: “Congratulations to Mark Wallis and Mike Davis. To get the winner is one thing – and Mark has done that a few times in the Grand Prix here – but to have the 1-2-3 is incredible.

“We had bumper crowds for all rounds of the event, especially the final, with lots of first-time visitors, too, enjoying a great night at the track.

“Friday, especially, was superb. A great atmosphere and the ‘Slingshot’ army out in force cheering on Slingshot Poppy to win the Arc Standard 450 Final, which was the the chief support to the the Grand Prix final. The track was in great condition thanks to the efforts of the team here who had it looking an absolute picture.

“Credit to all the groundstaff and the entire team here for another job well done!”