McAteer wins Apprentice Derby for Bolger

Jim Bolger landed the Curragh's Apprentice Derby today for the fifth time in 12 years as his own fancy, and well-backed, Beyond Happy scored in the Bord Na Mona Recycling-sponsored race under jockey Luke McAteer.

An 11/1 chance this morning, the son of Fastnet Rock was returned a strong 4/1 second-favourite for the 19-runner contest and in the race made all for a length and a quarter win over Allora Yeats

Bolger's daughter Una Manning later revealed “the boss gave Luke his instructions before he went racing and told him that he thought he would win.

“He’s a lightly-raced nice type and there should be more in him. He appreciated the step up in trip as well. It’s a prestigious race for apprentices and nice to win a race like that on Derby weekend as well.

Regarding tomorrow's Derby prospects, she added “Mac Swiney is in good form ahead of the race tomorrow and we’re all looking forward to it.”

Bolger's previous winners of the race were the Gavin Ryan-partnered pair Dawn Hoofer in 2018 and 2019 winner Trossachs while Ronan Whelan steered News At Six to win in 2014 and Martin Harley Spelterini in 2010.

Quotes from Alan Magee