Wexford Opera is something of a stalwart in the Jim Bolger yard and the eight year old gelding today scored his fifth career success of a seven year career at Naas this evening, landing the Denis Byrne Memorial Apprentice Handicap under jockey Liam McAteer.

The son of New Approach gained his maiden win in 2013 before adding further wins in '14, '15 and '16 and was today bridging a two year gap between wins when staying on nicely for a two and a half lengths win over Saga Altais

Bolger's travelling head man Ger Flynn later commented “Luke said he got a dream run up the inside and he's (McAteer) two from three for Jim now.

“The horse travelled round really well but he said he was a bit keen early on. He's been a good servant to the yard and it's nice for Luke to get a winner and the horse deserved it as well.”

Quotes from Gary Carson