Patrick Erin does former mentor proud

Outstanding Kiwi galloper Patrick Erin sat atop the Sydney staying ranks on Saturday afternoon after he produced a devastating sprint to capture the Gr.1 The Metropolitan (2400m) at Royal Randwick.

It was the type of performance that his former mentor, legendary trainer Brian Anderton, knew he was capable of from the day he galloped him for the first time at his Wingatui base.

Bred and raised at Anderton’s White Robe Lodge, the seven-yearold son of resident stallion Gallant Guru caught Anderton’s eye early in the piece. “He was a lovely young horse and I thought from day one that he had the makings of a really top stayer,” Anderton said.

Given plenty of time to strengthen and develop by breeder and coowner Patrick Smith, whom the horse is named after, Patrick Erin commenced his career in April 2016 and was successful over 1200m on his home track in June that year.

He quickly raced through the grades, winning 10 of his 21 starts before Anderton took the hard decision to recommend to his connections that the horse would be better placed racing in Australia.

Tragedy struck when Patrick Smith passed away four months ago without seeing his charge win at the highest level, a fact that made Saturday’s victory an emotion filled moment for Anderton.

“Jan [Smith] was there to see it all unfold, so I’m sure when she gets back we will have a good celebration to look forward to.”