SPACE JETS TO TV TROPHY SUCCESS
Ian Fortune
Space Jet emerged an incredible winner of the Coral TV Trophy at Hove on Saturday night, further cementing her status as the best ultra-marathon performer in the UK.
Already the winner of the St Leger and the 1st Containers Marathon, she was understandably installed a 4-9 favourite after a track record breaking display in the semi-finals.
The Matt Dartnell trained bitch predictably sat off the pace in the opening exchanges but came with an incredible charge on the second circuit to lead from the seventh bend. From there she pulled right away to score by almost four lengths from the long-time pace-setter Blueberry Bullet in 58.86.
Of course, the daughter of Droopys Jet and Volcano began her career on these shores, finishing second on debut around Clonmel but it was clear from early stages of her career that she was destined for greater things when stepped up in trip.
Bred by the legendary Pat Dalton, she is a truly special stayer and, given her pedigree, it’s hardly a surprise. Her grandam Flying Winner captured the famous prize in 2008, while 2018 champion Savana Winner is also closely related. Savana Winner is out of Old Refrain, who is a litter sister to Volcano, the dam of Space Jet.