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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Change Of Velocity another Ulster Derby winner for Bolger

Sat 23rd Jun 2018, 16:48

Change Of Velocity in charge at Down RoyalChange Of Velocity in charge at Down Royal
© Photo Healy Racing

Jim Bolger won the Ulster Derby for the third year in a row, and indeed for the fourth time in the last five years, with Teofilo colt Change Of Velocity

The 7/2 chance moved ominously well to lead over a quarter of a mile out and stayed on to land this 100,000 euro Premier Handicap over an extended mile and a half by three lengths. Sheberghan the 5/2 favourite, followed him home without threatening. British-raider Midnight Wilde was three parts of a length further back in third at 11/1.

Kevin Manning, in the Godolphin colours, said: "It has been a lucky race for Jim (Bolger), he always sends a nice type of horse up here and that's what it takes to win this race.

"He's a lovely, big horse. We thought he was a smashing horse last year but he was just a little bit weak and raw. We've always liked him.

"Jim said he would see what sort of mark he got after he won his maiden.

"He's a big horse with plenty of development still to do. He's going the right way."

Ger Flynn, travelling head lad, added: "Kevin said he travelled really well into the race and was going very well at the top of the hill.

"He probably got there a shade too soon but the one in front fell away. He was just doing enough at the end.

"He's a progressive type of horse he's a smashing looking horse.

"Hopefully he 'll try a Listed race next as it takes a Listed-race horse to win this.

"He's won on good to firm now and the course have done a good job with the ground."

1st
7/2
Tote €4.20 €1.50
2nd
3L
5/2Fav
€1.10
3rd
0.75L
11/1
€3.20
4th
0.5L
20/1
About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.