Bolger’s mistaken Approach pays off

Jun 9 2008 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

JIM BOLGER took a New Approach to Vodafone Derby glory at Epsom on Saturday and learned he has a possible middle distance star from his ‘genuine mistake’.

The Irish handler had ruled his colt out of the Derby less than two months ago, but New Approach, who was bought by Sheikh Mohammed as a gift to his wife Princess Haya, presented Bolger with a first victory in the premier British Classic in fine style.

But the County Carlow trainer’s handling of his exceptionally talented colt’s participation in the lead-up to Saturday’s big race met with controversy before and after the race.

As the champion juvenile in Europe last season, the son of 2000 Derby winner Galileo had been made winter favourite to follow in his sire’s hoofprints at Epsom. But to everyone’s surprise Bolger informed the gathered media at his stable in April that New Approach would not be running in the Derby, but would take part in both the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas before heading for the Irish equivalent at the Curragh.

After finishing second to Henrythenavigator in both mile Classics on either side of the Irish Sea, Bolger said he had only left New Approach in the Derby at the next forfeit stage two weeks ago “by mistake”. But sensationally last Monday the Derby was back on the agenda after he was said to have come out of the Irish Guineas at the Curragh in great shape.

Bolger defended himself to vigorous questions over whether he had misled the public and ante-post punters on the colt’s on-off participation.

He said: “After the 2000 Guineas when I stated that Epsom was not on New Approach's agenda I did not know what would happen with regard to his races from there.

“With trying to win two Guineas I didn’t think it possible to take in the Epsom Derby as well. When the cancellation stage came round I had four or five to take out. I don’t know why I didn’t take out New Approach and it was an embarrassment to me at the time.

“Three days after the Curragh he hadn’t lost any weight and by the Wednesday he was bucking and squealing.

“I thought about the Derby for a few days as I had to be sure of my ground when I spoke to John Ferguson (Sheikh Mohammed’s bloodstock advisor).

“I told my wife I didn’t think he would run so was delighted when I got the call back from John Ferguson saying he would run

“Leaving him in the race was the biggest mistake I have ever made, but it was fortuitous.”

Bolger added: “If you accept the horse was left in by genuine mistake it doesn’t look half as bad as you (the press) infer. Epsom was not on his agenda. Can I be more specific than that? The general public have (sic) not been treated as less than grown-ups by me.”

Bolger tried to focus on the horse’s exploits on the track under son-in-law Kevin Manning, who was also winning his first Derby.

Under Manning New Approach didn’t settle early on. But horse and jockey weaved a path through the field and when the Irish rider took him for a gap by the rail, he responded and came out on top in a battle with Sir Michael Stoute’s Tartan Bearer and Ryan Moore to grab a half-length success, with favourite Casual Conquest four-and-a-half lengths back in third.

He added: “Kevin gave him the best ride I have seen around Epsom as it was so difficult. There aren’t many jockeys who could have organised him like that. Kevin stayed calm and really starred.

“I thought before the race that winning would be right up there with the best, but after winning I can say it is the best and it is the best day I have had in racing.”

After deviating from his initial plan, Bolger will put New Approach back on the tried and tested track of Derby winners. The Irish Derby is next up, with all the middle distance championships contests like the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Juddmonte International, Irish Champion Stakes and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe all on the agenda.

He is 9-2 third favourite with Skybet for the King George and 7-1 for the Arc with William Hill.

Bolger said: “He will run in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh on June 29.”

He will be hoping New Approach can match the last three Irish winners of the Epsom Classic. Sinndaar, Galileo and High Chaparral all added the Irish Derby to their Epsom successes and proved themselves in Britain and abroad.