The Jim Bolger trained Vocal Nation arrived with a last gasp short head win over front running Newton Bomb in the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Auction Maiden at Sligo today, scoring a first winner for his sire Vocalised.

Ridden by Bolger's stable jockey and son-in-law Kevin Manning, Vocal Nation finished well to deny Newton Bomb at the line.

The win was a notable one for Bolger who also stands Vocalised (winner of two Group 3 races for the trainer) at his Redmonstown Stud.

Bolger was absent for the win but his representative Ger Flynn later stated “that's the first winner for Vocalised and she (Vocal Nation) is a half-sister for Fionnuar so we know the family well.

“Kevin (Manning) said she travelled really well but when she hit the front she was looking at the stands in the straight. Sligo isn't the ideal track for them first time out and she'll improve a lot for the run. We'll try and find a Nursery for her now.”

Quotes from Gary Carson