Dakota overcomes greenness to land Listed prize

Blackhillsofdakota stepped forward from a promising debut run last weekend to land the concluding Listed bumper at Limerick this afternoon.

John Halley 's charge ran on nicely to chase home Dewcup at Thurles last Saturday and took the jump in class in his stride on his second outing.

Tom Hamilton produced his charge with a challenge a furlong from home and he soon gained a narrow advantage from long-time leader Ebadali

The runner-up proved persistent but Blackhillsofdakota kept on well in the closing stages to record a half length win.

The 9/1 winner is bred in the purple, being a Galileo colt, and is a half-brother to US Grade 1 winner Byrama.

Josh Halley, the owner and son of the trainer, said afterwards:-

"Last week he was wicked green and he was wicked green again today and will definitely come on a lot for it. We had always originally eyed up this race for him and always thought a lot of him.

"Tom said he was green and will come on for it and the ground suited today.

"Every year we get a good few from Ballydoyle and it takes a lot out of them when we geld them so we left him entire. He is wicked coltish so we will see what he is like after this race but he is also for sale.

"I'm delighted to win it and myself and my brother David both also won this race in the past."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)