Kevin Manning in the Bolger colours© Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Jim Bolger and his son-in-law stable jockey Kevin Manning completed a double at Dundalk today when Vasanta Navaratri (6/4f) landed the concluding Dundalk Stadium Maiden.
Vasanta Navaratri and Like A Diamond went clear of their rivals early in the straight but once Manning sent the winner to the front over a furlong out, kept going for a snug length and three parts win over Like A Diamond.
The runner-up is the horse subject to a much publicised gamble before being an enforced late withdrawal from his intended debut at Ballinrobe in June when Turf Club officials investigated circumstances surrounding the stabling of the gelding.
After the win Manning, again representing Bolger, stated “he did it nicely in the end and improved from his Killarney debut run.
“He picked up and did it well at the line. I think he should get a bit further and we'll see what the handicapper gives him now.”
By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson
