JIM BOLGER has won his appeal against the decision of the acting stewards at Killarney on July 15th to overrule an objection, made on his behalf by his travelling head man, Pat O'Donovan, to Mystik Day, winner of the Lakes European Breeders Fund Two Year Old Maiden.

In Bolger's absence at Killarney, O'Donovan objected to the winner on the grounds of interference to the Bolger trained Dream Project under two furlongs out. Dream Project, who closed over a furlong out and ran on under pressure inside the distance, was beaten a head by the Aidan O'Brien trained Mystik Day.

The Bolger colt had been pushed out by his rival earlier in the race and probably lost a length or so. Certainly he forfeited more ground as a result of the incident than the margin by which he was beaten. A steward's inquiry was not made after the race.

In yesterday's hearing at the registry office at the Curragh, the stewards of the Turf Club viewed videos of the race, head on and side on, as well as a video of the closed circuit television.

They also heard evidence from Kevin Manning, who rode Dream Project, and Christy Roche, who was on the winner. Evidence was also heard from John Power, the acting steward; Philip Lafarge; the steward's secretary cum acting steward, and Mystik Day's owner, Mr G Phelan.

On the basis of the evidence seen and heard, the stewards upheld the appeal and the result now reads: 1st, Dream Project; 2nd, Mystik Day, 3rd, Distant Affair; 4th, Celtic Slip.

The stewards ordered that the records be amended accordingly and Jim Bolger's deposit was returned. Bolger presented his own case, while the senior Turf Club steward's secretary, Richard Teevan, presented the case on behalf of the Turf Club, represented yesterday by senior steward Michael Osborne, Mrs Valerie Cooper and Professor Michael MacCormaic.

Speaking from his home yesterday, Jim Bolger said: "I'm particularly pleased for the owner, Brigid Lacy. It represented a victory for one, horse owner over bureaucracy. It raised serious questions on the competence of the stewards at Killarney on the day. If there was an inquiry there would not have been an appeal."

Kevin Manning said at Roscommon yesterday evening: "Justice was done, but it should have been done on the day." As a result of the appeal, Kevin Manning has now ridden 51 winners this season.