Shoda and Tom Hamilton © Photo Healy Racing
A long standing valued member of the Joseph O'Brien team, jockey Tom Hamilton rode a memorable winner on his final week working for the trainer when successful aboard Shoda in the Download The New Tote App (Q.R.) Maiden at Galway.
Hamilton, who heads off to Australia on Monday to work as Assistant Trainer to Sydney based Matthew Smith, got the perfect send off when guiding the well backed daughter of Nathaniel to a three-and-three-quarter length win in one of the big amateur races of the week.
Tracking leader Nakassama in the initial stages, Hamilton moved closer to dispute after three furlongs out. Kicking clear entering the straight, the 9/2 chance kept on strongly up the famous Galway hill to win for owner Ray Grehan.
Winning rider Tom Hamilton said: "She was very good. She had a very good first run in Killarney when she finished third. She relished the softer ground today and came home really well.
"She had all the allowances, 10-10 on her back, three-year-old allowance and fillies allowance, especially here it all helps."
Joseph O’Brien said: “She’s a nice filly and has always looked a nice filly. She had a good debut and we thought she had come forward from that.
“I have to say I didn’t expect her to put up a performance like that today, but she loved the ground and a great ride from Tom.
“Tom is heading off to Australia next week and I’m delighted that he’s going out on a winner.
“We’ll see what kind of rating she gets and she may go for a fillies handicap. She has a dual-purpose family and we might look at doing that job as well.
