The opening race on the final day of the four day Limerick Christmas Festival, the Follow LRC on Facebook Maiden Hurdle, went to the 2/5 favourite Folsom Blue for trainer Conor O'Dwyer with Ben Dalton aboard.
The winner is a well bred son of Old Vic out of the classy Spirit Leader, who won two Grade 3's including the 2003 County Hurdle and was Grade 1 placed over hurdles for Jessica Harrington.
After finished second and third in two bumpers when trained by Pat Doyle, he then finished second on his debut for his current trainer last time out at Thurles in a maiden hurdle behind Turban when sent to post at the massive odds of 25/1.
Having tracked the leader for much of the race he took up the running approaching the second last and stayed on well, holding off the challenge of the runner-up Essexbridge (10/1) by a comfortable two and a half lengths.
The Charlie Swan trained Black Zorro finished a further three lengths back in third at 20/1.
Winning rider Ben Dalton, who was enjoying his third success at Limerick this week, said afterwards: "He is so genuine and jumps great. He is a lovely horse to ride for the size of him, as he is not big."
