Sporting Life columnist Richard Fahey struck on QIPCO British Champions Day when Sands Of Mali bounced back to winning form in the Champions Sprint at 28/1.
The three-year-old Panis colt was second in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot but has been below form since, even if he did show a glimmer of his best when fifth in the Haydock Sprint Cup last time.
He built on that in style on Saturday, making all under Paul Hanagan and seeing off the late challenge of Harry Angel who put in another good performance in defeat at his bogey track.
Donjuan Triumphant was always prominent and stayed on well for third to deny Brando a position on the podium.
But this was all about Sands Of Mali, a horse that promised so much when he won the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock back in May, his last victory after a frustrating campaign.
The crucial element on Saturday was that he was allowed to bowl along without being pestered on the speed and such was his rhythm at a track he ran well at in June, they just couldn't get to him in the closing stages.
Fahey said of the winner: "I've always felt he is a Group One horse - but as you can see a couple of his runs have been very disappointing, and we don't know why.
"Today he got the soft lead he needed, and from half way I was happy.
"We just got nailed at the Royal meeting, and he has gone pear-shaped from there.
"At home he has always worked like a Group One horse, but he has now proven he is. He has had a couple of other goes and come up short, but today was great.
"I don't whether he just hurt himself a bit running on the quick ground at the Royal meeting. I thought he ran okay at Haydock, but today was where we thought he should be.
"It's a good result for a small trainer up the north!"
Hanagan was emotional as he voiced his thanks to the trainer.
"I enjoyed that one," he said.
"I can never describe it, to ride a winner like this for the boss. He's been with me from day one.
"To repay him like this is very special ... he's always been there."
Clive Cox, trainer of the runner-up, said: "It was probably a bit difficult to change gear on that ground, but he has run a super race.
"There is always a moment of worry with Harry, because he knows what is coming at the start.
"He acquitted himself in the best possible way. When he goes to stud he will certainly be one to look forward to. I don't know if he is going to stud now or not - that is not up to me.
"Fair play to Richard (Fahey) - it was his day today."
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