RACING: Former champion trainer Jim Bolger had an evening to remember at Leopardstown when he scored a remarkable 954 to 1 four-timer last night.
Democratic Deficit had the classic form to justify much shorter odds in the Ballycorus Stakes, but those who backed the colt down to 8 to 13 favourite were made to sweat before collecting.
The Bolger horse got involved in a three-way scrap for the Group Three pot, and it was only by a head he got home from Zarad, with the outsider of the field, Simple Exchange, a further head back in third.
For much of the straight Democratic Deficit looked in serious trouble, however, and Bolger will have a serious think about whether he will travel to the Royal Ascot at York meeting next week.
"We will sleep on it," said Bolger, before outlining an unusual problem jockey Kevin Manning had to cope with. "We changed the bridle on him to try and make him more amenable to ride. But Kevin said he objected to it the whole way round so it was probably a mistake."
The Bolger streak began with the 12 to 1 shot Ambika, who stepped up significantly on her debut to win the juvenile fillies maiden. The odds-on favourite, Oh How Lovely, was never a factor, and it was left to Priceoflove to chase the winner home.
The first two home in last year's renewal were the subsequent Moyglare winner Chelsea Rose and Silk And Scarlet, but Ambika's main aim will be the Tattersalls Breeders Stakes at the Curragh in August.
What's Up Doc, also ridden by Manning, was another head winner in the mile handicap as he fought off the bottomweight Ryninch.
David Moran took the reins on Koukalova in the apprentice handicap and the pair arrived late on the scene to beat Annamoe Boy by a neck.
Napper Tandy was the Bolger hope in the Silver Stakes, but this Listed contest was all about the successful return of the Moyglare heroine Chelsea Rose.
Pat Shanahan's mount just held off the favourite Merger after a titanic finish to a furiously run race. Chelsea Rose could go next for the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh, but a later date at headquarters, the Darley Irish Oaks, is the one the Con Collins team are really aiming for.
Woodland Dream overcame a 244-day absence to deny the favourite, Jaguar On The Run, in the seven-furlong handicap and reward trainer Jessica Harrington for her patience.
"I've been waiting for good ground. She was ready in April, but we had nothing but soft ground so I gave up," said Harrington, who plans to aim her star filly Jazz Princess at the Pretty Polly later in the month.
