Hat-trick for Bolger in first of the season

Jim Bolger made it three-in-a-row in the opener of the season at the Curragh when Saburo put up a lovely performance under Kevin Manning, in the Sheikh Mohammed silks, in the Tally Ho Stud European Breeders Fund Maiden.

The pace-setter, Ballydoyle's Stubbs put it up to his rivals travelling strongly along the stand's rail but he had to yield to Saburo inside the last and he eventually lost out for second as Kevin Prendergast's My Sapphire came through for the runner-up spot.

Saburo, an attractive son of Cape Cross, was well-backed (15/8 into 5/4) and he scored by two and a quarter lengths and a head from My Sapphire and Stubbs.

Bolger revealed: "This win is all down to my staff, who have been working away in all kinds of weather.

"They never missed an hour with him. I like him and he is a good sort of horse.

"I'd say he's versatile ground-wise and if you were a punter I'd tell you to follow him until he's beat." (AM & EM)