Smooth Tom is in command © Photo Healy Racing
The 11/8 favourite Smooth Tom won the William Fry Neville O´Byrne Tribute Maiden for father and son team Andy and Andrew Slattery.
A fast-finishing second over a mile at Galway, the Elzaam gelding was off the bridle approaching the straight but picked up well once in the clear two furlongs out. In front over a furlong out, he was strong at the finish as he accounted for Astelia and Fleet Commander by a length and a quartet and half a length.
Winning trainer Andy Slattery, also on the mark at Killarney with chase winner Whosgotyanow said: “I had him in the Northfields (Premier Handicap here on September 11) and wanted to see would he stay a mile and a quarter.
“He’s still very raw and I think he’s going to be a very nice four-year-old. He’s honest and consistent but just a little bit backward.
“He’s learning on the job and it’s grand to win with him but whatever happens we’ll have a nice horse next year.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
