Bolger bags Naas honours
Cuis Ghaire gave Jim Bolger a flying start to Derby week with an emphatic victory in the Cathal Ryan Memorial Swordlestown Stud Sprint Stakes at Naas.
Bolger is relying on Galileo progeny New Approach (Derby) and Lush Lashes (Oaks) at Epsom and it was another product of the same sire who shone in this Group Three race.
The evens favourite turned on the style inside the final quarter mile for Kevin Manning and won by three and a half lengths from Marquesa, with Kevin Ryan’s British raider Undaunted Affair two lengths away in third.
“She’s a lovely sort and she’ll head for the Railway Stakes at the Curragh next with the Moyglare Stud Stakes back there the long-term aim,” said Bolger.
Tax Free completed back-to-back victories in the Coolmore Choisir Naas Sprint Stakes, but had to survive a stewards’ inquiry.
The David Nicholls-trained six-year-old, ridden by his son Adrian, held the Brian Meehan-trained Day By Day by a length and three-quarters for a British one-two.
Day By Day looked set for success when setting sail for home two furlongs out but Tax Free (5-4 favourite) joined him at the distance and got on top in the closing stages to win going away.
Nicholls said: “He’s been a great servant and he tries very hard. People love that sort of horse.
“He won’t go to Royal Ascot. He’s been there before and he doesn’t like the place. We’ll continue to campaign him in France and Ireland as the prize money is better than at home.”
