The Joanna Morgan trained Sky Pilot put in a game performance to take the last at Limerick this evening, the www.limerickraces.ie Handicap over two miles with Pat Smullen in the saddle.

The 7yo son of Dilshaan tracked the leader for much of the race before getting on terms from four furlongs out.

He led the field as they turned into the straight and despite being challenged he stayed on well under pressure to score by a length and a quarter at the line. In A Nutshell finished second under Fran Berry for Charles Byrnes at 12/1 while the 7/2 favourite False Economy was a further three parts of a length back in third for Michael Hourigan under Adrian Heskin.

The winner was sent off the 4/1 second favourite after winning at Dundalk in March and finishing just three parts of a length second to Run With The Wind on his last start at Leopardstown later than same month.

Winning trainer Joanna Morgan said afterwards: "I always thought he would be a good horse. He finished third on his first start in a good bumper at Listowel.

"He has had niggly problems. He likes a real test of stamina and a good gallop. I think there is a race for him in Pontefract over two mile, two furlongs.

"He wants good or fast ground."

Donal Murphy & Thomas Weekes