Welcome Derby Day winner for Bolger Jim Bolger was a welcome Curragh winner on Derby Day today, as the trainer’s Fleetfoot caused a 20/1 upset in the Tulfarris Hotel And Golf ResortEBF Ragusa Handicap, scoring for part-owner Freddie Tylicki and jockey Declan McDonogh. Previously successful twice in 2023, Fleetfoot today raced prominently with McDonogh eventually improving the five-year-old to lead in the closing stages, for a neck win over Cloud Seeker . Dual Derby-winner Bolger was represented by travelling head lad Ger Flynn, who said “it’s been a tough week for the boss as his brother Liam passed away on Wednesday and his good pal Kevin Prendergast’s funeral was on Tuesday so that is a bit of a tonic.” Bolger’s huge breeding influences extended to last week’s Royal Ascot winner Merchant, and Flynn added “you have to give the boss and Freddie credit for their patience with Fleetfoot, who has always had plenty of ability. Today we knew we had him right, with the ground and the trip. “Declan had him in a lovely position at the top of the hill and he hit the line hard today. That’s what he’s showing us at home all the time. He’s in the July Sale next week and that is where he will go next.” Quotes from Alan Magee
