The Ger Lyons trained Tony The Gent continued a promising start to his career when winning the Tote Handicap at Galway today, under jockey Colin Keane.

The son of Kodiac’s win today improved his form-figures to ‘1221’ in his four races, all this year.

Lyons wasn’t present but his brother Shane Lyons later commented “he did it well and with plenty of guts.

“I walked the track beforehand with Colin and the lads were saying it was a gluepot because of the used ground. There was one strip of ground that was virgin ground and fair play to Colin, he's a great tactician and used his head.

“The last day he ran around and was green but that stood to him and when he hit the hill today, he put his head down and battled.

“That's only his fourth run and he's improving with every run. We'll see what the handicapper does and take it from there. That was a stiff mile and he got it very well but he also has plenty of speed for seven.

“Sean (Jones, owner) got a great kick out of having a winner at Galway and we're delighted for him as he's a great supporter.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson