< Tipper Road banished a lean run of form to run away with the September Handicap at Clonmel – and initiate a red-letter day for trainer Lee Smyth.
"That's my first winner," enthused the County Tyrone handler.
"I'd only taken out my license in March, having spent some time with Jim Bolger."
Smyth's seven-year-old has not won since April 2006 but showed he is no slouch when in the right frame of mind.
The 10-1 shot came swinging for home as they straightened up and had an effortless three and a half lengths in hand over Havetoavit at the line.< Frutti Tutti was third, while 5-2 favourite Molton Rock who clinically put Tipper Road in his place at Sligo last week, could only manage fourth.< Apt Son confirmed the promise of recent placed efforts when shedding his maiden tag at the eighth attempt in the Rathronan (C & G) Maiden.
The 5-1 chance was settled in behind rivals by David Moran but made ground to challenge for the lead soon after turn for home.
There was plenty of jostling for position two furlongs from home but Apt Son kept out of trouble and kept responding to his rider's urgings to score by two and a half lengths from slightly unlucky favourite Silverhand < The Tartan Army came from the clouds to get up in the dying strides of the Demense Handicap.
The Tracey Collins-trained 5-1 chanced was burdened with top weight and appeared to be going nowhere turning for home.
However, jockey Pat Shanahan kept persevering and his mount finished strongly against the rail to score by a cosy half a length from Western Winner
Collins said: "Pat gave him a peach of a ride as he wouldn't be the easiest of rides.
"He stayed at it well and may now go hurdling – we hope he'll make into dual-purpose horse."
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