Denton Hall News

Dods and Beasley salute 'incredible' Dakota Gold after 17th victory

Trainer Michael Dods and jockey Connor Beasley have paid tribute to veteran sprinter Dakota Gold after he won his 17th race - at the age of 11.

The gelding, owned by Doug Graham, Ian Davison, and Alan Drysdale, has run 72 times in a magnificent career.

He made it 17 wins in the Armstrong Memorial Handicap, at Ripon, leading the field a merry dance and holding on from David O'Meara's classy Aberama Gold.

Dods said in his season's preview on the stable website that Dakota Gold was still loving his work and was capable of winning races off his mark of 85.

So it proved at Ripon this afternoon, despite the ground being faster than ideal.

Dods said: "He's unbelievable to be honest. Only Sophie rides him at home and he does all his work on his own.

"He's still keen and I said to Connor to let him bowl along if he was enjoying it. The ground was drying up but we thought we might just get away with it and that he'd come on for the run."

Beasley, who clearly has a huge soft spot for the old campaigner, added: "This horse has taken me to some of the biggest stages - he's been an incredible horse.

"He might be 11 but he still has a big engine and loves this track. I'm delighted he got his head in front again.

"He's more effective on slower ground but he zipped away and still has natural speed. He's still got fire in his belly and has done us proud."

PICTURE: Dakota Gold his pictured below with his proud owners