Master Matt, red and white, wins under Colin Keane© Photo Healy Racing
Master Matt and Strong Johnson dominated the five-furlong handicap in Tipperary from the widest draws in 17 and 16 respectively, and it was the former who was toughest at the finish.
The pair soon blazed a trail on the stands' side and it was Master Matt who held a narrow lead after a couple of furlongs.
The remainder of the field came under pressure in the final quarter of a mile with the front two showing little signs of stopping.
Master Matt increased his advantage over a furlong out but Strong Johnson came back at him and they disputed well inside the final furlong before Master Matt found that bit extra in the last strides.
The 11/4 favourite won by a head from the 16/1 runner-up. Rough Diamond finished well in third at 9/1 from 12s.
Trainer Matthew Smith said: "Colin (Keane) was good and strong on him and it was a good effort off that rating. When the bell goes (in the parade ring) and the jockey gets up he can be funny, but when he gets out and is going he is 100 per cent.
"We'll take it as we find it and even last year he was improving and appears to have improved again. He is a fair horse, he can win from five to seven (furlongs) and has plenty of pace and stays.
"Hopefully we'll have a good summer with him."
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
