New dawn for Bolger

Jim Bolger’s Dawn Approach made a most impressive start to his career in the first race of the new season at the Curragh, the Tally Ho Stud EBF Maiden.

As the first son of the yard’s multiple Group One winner and Epsom Derby hero New Approach to grace the track, the youngster was the subject of plenty of interest and was sent off the even-money favourite.

Following a good break, Kevin Manning positioned his mount close to the pace in the early stages of the five-furlong heat and when he pushed the button, the two-year-old quickened impressively to put the race to bed, finishing a length and three-quarters clear of Canary Row, with Forester third.

Bolger said: “I was hoping he would win it, but you never know what is in these races. He is a very laid-back colt, a bit different to his old man. He will improve a lot and when he goes up in trip. I wouldn’t be getting carried away with him. Hopefully we will be back here in September (for the National Stakes).”

Asked about his two-year-old team for the season, the trainer added: “I have a few good lookers and about a dozen New Approachs.”

Manning said: “I had some great days with his father and this horse has done it well and he was very professional. He’s got pace, but he’s by no means an ideal five-furlong horse. You won’t see the best of him until he steps up in trip.”

Redoutable ran away with the Elusive Pimpernel Maiden for Chris Hayes and Kevin Prendergast.

The 9-1 chance had run well in defeat on a few occasions during her juvenile year and could be spotted travelling strongly on the far side of the track before delivering a decisive challenge heading into the final two furlongs. When Hayes got to work she answered the call to score by four and three-quarter lengths.