New Approach bows out a Champion Derby winner New Approach put in a brilliant display when winning the Champion Stakes at Newmarket today. At Epsom he had been impressive and at Leopardstown workmanlike, but at Newmarket today New Approach was simply magnificent. An afternoon billed as Champions' Day turned into the day of one true champion. Those who backed New Approach into 6-5 favouritism went into the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes with few worries. As the Irish star powered into the final furlong and retirement with an ever-increasing lead, they had considerably fewer. It was nothing less than an annihilation. After taking over from his pacemaker Upton Grey three furlongs out, New Approach powered further and further clear, eventually passing the post a dazzling six lengths in front of nearest pursuer Twice Overwith Linngari back in third. As if more proof was needed of the brilliance of the display, Newmarket's 1m2f course record is now his. For trainer Jim Bolger and rider Kevin Manning, New Approach's success put the seal on a sensational season and a wonderful afternoon. Just 35 minutes earlier they had teamed up to win the Darley Dewhurst Stakes with Intense Focus. Big-race doubles do not come much bigger. Confirming New Approach's retirement, Bolger said: "It was his last run and he has done everything right and it is all over now. He is the finest horse beyond a mile that I have trained." He added: "He was in super form coming up to this week and I couldn't have been happier with him. He had it all worked out himself and gave me the two fingerstoday. He even stood in the unsaddling enclosure when we put the saddle on and didn't move. "He was as near as to perfect as you could get going to the start and he was bombproof during the race." Manning said: "He was very impressive today, and of all his wins, today was his best. "The pace horse went agood seven-furlong pace and everything went according to plan. I get the easy job - full credit to Jim and the boys."
