Gordon Elliott claims another victory as Winning Smut wins the BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle at Galway Races.
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This week at the Galway Races, Gordon Elliott added another feather to his cap with the impressive victory of Winning Smut in the Listed BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle. The race, which took place on August 2, 2025, drew a crowd of racing enthusiasts and professionals eager to witness the action unfold.
Winning Smut’s Impressive Performance
With jockey Jack Kennedy in the saddle, the six-year-old gelding Winning Smut lived up to the hype as a joint-favorite at 13/2. He sped ahead, finishing two and a half lengths clear of the competition, showcasing both speed and skill that left spectators in awe.
Fascile Mode, riding high at odds of 33/1 with Jake Coen, held a strong position throughout but ultimately settled for second place.
Crossing the line in third was Chart Topper, with Brian Hayes aboard, just a half-length behind Fascile Mode.
This race not only highlighted Elliott’s exceptional training but also Winning Smut‘s remarkable ability to perform under pressure.
The official Twitter account of Galway Races celebrated the moment, tweeting: “The @gelliott_racing-trained Winning Smut lands the @BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle 🏆.” This latest victory reinforces Elliott’s status as a leading trainer in the fiercely competitive horse racing world.
Other Notable Races at Galway
But that wasn’t the only excitement at Galway! The races featured several other thrilling competitions. In the BoyleSports Best Odds Guaranteed Maiden Hurdle, Ebony King, trained by Andrew Slattery, took the win. Ridden by Cian Quirke, this four-year-old, who had previously triumphed in a Tipperary bumper, finished two and a half lengths ahead of Tatateo, marking his first hurdle victory.
Meanwhile, the €80,000 BoyleSports Galway Tribes Handicap Hurdle delivered a nail-biting finish, with Come On The Lads, a 22/1 shot, narrowly defeating the 7/2 favorite, Toll Stone, by a mere head. Ridden by Eoin Staples, this win was a significant milestone for the The Lads Partnership, especially as the horse had placed three times earlier in the season.
Moreover, the Salthill Hotel Irish EBF Mares Flat Race saw Some Pretender, trained by the renowned Patrick and Willie Mullins, claim victory, continuing their impressive streak. The five-year-old filly was greeted with cheers from the members of Syndicates Racing in attendance, highlighting the competitive spirit that permeates the Galway Races.
Aidan O’Brien’s Strong Showing
And let’s not forget about Aidan O’Brien, whose horses also shone brightly. Action, a 4/9 favorite, secured victory in the Whiriskey Refrigeration Irish EBF Maiden over one mile and 73 yards. Under the expert guidance of Wayne Lordan, this juvenile son of Frankel finished a length and a quarter ahead of Perisher, showcasing the strength of O’Brien’s training program.
Another standout was Blue Moon Boy, who clinched the Bathshack Maiden in a heart-stopping finish, beating Smithfield by a nose. Trained by Andrew Kinirons, this three-year-old had faced challenges in earlier races but demonstrated remarkable improvement this time around.
The Galway Races continue to captivate audiences, offering thrilling moments and showcasing the incredible talent of both horses and riders. It truly remains a highlight in the horse racing calendar, drawing in fans from near and far. Don’t miss the next race—who knows what exciting developments are just around the corner?
