Naas double up for Bolger and Manning

On a night when his beloved Wexford took another Leinster U21 hurling title, the progressive Algonquin brought up a double for Jim Bolger, and stable jockey Kevin Manning, when defying a burden of ten stone one in the Michael Higgins & Co. Handicap at Naas. Queen Of Sicily made a lovely debut when winning the second for the Coolcullen team, and here the successful grey, partly owned by her breeder, Kirsten Rausing, in partnership with Mrs Bolger, was following up a Curragh win from twelve days back.

Algonquin stayed on well inside the last to get the better of Shannon Soul by a neck.

"We'll see how he is in the morning before deciding if he runs at Leopardstown tomorrow evening. He's fairly versatile and a good sort," said Bolger.

"He could go for a good mile handicap like the Irish Cambridgeshire but I will have to see what the owner would like to do."

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving Algonquin (GB), ridden by K.J. Manning, placed first, Ningxai ridden by C.T. Keane, placed fourth and Gregoria ridden by N.G. McCullagh, unplaced.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the incident was accidental and took no further action.

(AM & EM)