Bold takes Leopardstown opener on debut

Jim Bolger saddled his first two-year-old winner of the season, as debutant Bold Approach took the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.

The son of Dawn Approach was available at 14/1 in a place this morning, touching 7s on-course before going off a 13/2 chance in the colours of Rectory Road Holdings Limited and Jackie Bolger.

Settled behind the leaders on the outer, he was pushed along in fourth by Kevin Manning early in the straight.

The bay colt was ridden over a furlong from home and soon got to the front, keeping on well inside the final furlong to score by a length and a quarter. California Daddy who was sent off the 6/4 favourite, finished second under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons, while 16/1 chance Andaleep was another length and three parts back in third for Dermot Weld and Leigh Roche.

Bolger said afterwards: "He's owned by Sam McCauley (chemist retailer) who lives on Rectory Road in Enniscorthy and this is his first Flat horse.

"I think he's a very nice horse and he's a great looker. He's easier to manage than his sire and has his guts.

"There are two big seven-furlong races on his agenda, the National Stakes and the Dewhurst, and whatever comes inbetween."

STEWARDS REPORT

C. O'Donoghue, rider of Alfons Walde trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount could not get a clear run in the closing stages.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee