Teofil battles back to take Galway finale for Bolger

Trainer Jim Bolger won the final race on the opening night of the 2026 Festival as Teofil battled back close home under John Gleeson to land the Ray Dooley Monami Construction INH Flat Race at Galway.

Sent off 7/2 in what appeared to be a particularly strong contest for this time of year, the once-raced gelding was always to the fore under his young Waterford pilot.

Leading into the straight, Teofil was strongly pressed and briefly headed by Which Flannerys over a furlong out before rallying close home to prevail by a neck.

Bolger, whose last bumper winner came when Annie Power won the same race in 2012, said: “It was the same race, I wasn’t here for that!

“The pace was a bit slow for him in Punchestown and it didn’t suit him too well. Willie’s horse won well anyway but he would have run a better race at Punchestown with more pace.

“He was kind of doing his own pace there today and it worked out well.

“I think he’ll stay well, I’m also hoping that maybe one day he’ll win the two-mile Champion Chase, when he gets better ground.”

When asked if the gelding could be for sale he added:- “I wouldn’t mind training him now, I’d be happy enough.

“I’ve reduced numbers now, I can give it more time.

“Annie Power went to Wexford for a winners bumper there and I might do that. Otherwise, he’ll be going on the Flat.

“He would have won a mile-and-a-half maiden at the back-end (of last year) but I decided we’d wait. It was the same with Annie Power, the footprint was there and it has worked out well.”

(Quotes by Gary Carson)