Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
JIM GOWES FOR GOLD
FOR the third time in four years Jim Bolger (inset) struck gold in the Magners Ulster Derby at Down Royal as Clongowes emerged victorious yesterday.
The son of New Approach came into this race as a maiden but had posted a number of decent efforts in defeat.
Those runs some him sent off a well-supported 3/1 favourite and Ronan Whelan sent him to the front with over a quarter of a mile to run.
Clongowes soon held a decent lead and he kept on well to the line to finish a length and a quarter clear of the unlucky Wingingit.
“I came here today hoping that he would get the job done,” said Whelan.
“Both the boss and Kevin Manning were very sweet on him.
“He’s a big galloper and that’s why I was close to the pace as I didn’t want to give him too much to do.
“I know it’s only a handicap but it always takes a nice horse to win this race and he’s still on the up.”
Johnny Murtagh is eyeing a step up in class for Wolf of bag got street, who won the two-year-old maiden in decent style.
Connor King produced the odds on chance to lead inside the last furlong and the pair were easy length and a half winners.
“He did what he had to do and I think that he’s an exciting horse,” said Murtagh.
“I’ll step him up in class now and he could go for a Listed race at Tipperary on July 6.