McGuigan makes it three for Bolger

McGuigan completed a treble for Jim Bolger at Leopardstown, as he took the Strypes Apprentice Handicap under Daniel Redmond.

Without a win in fifteen starts before today, the son of Teofilo opened on-course at 8/1 and touched 15/2, before going off the 13/2 market leader.

Prominent in the early stages he improved to lead after two furlongs out, and was a couple of lengths clear approaching the straight.

He maintain that advantage in the straight, going on to score comfortably by two and three parts of a length under Redmond (claim now reduced to five pounds). Kubali finished second under Evan Daly for Ger Lyons at 8/1, while Danse Rouge (16/1) was a further three parts of a length back in third under Damien Melia for Pat Flynn. Settle For Red (10/1) completed the placings another half a length back in fourth under Donagh O'Connor for Johnny Levins.

Bolger said afterwards: "I must apologise to Barry McGuigan. I thought he was a really good horse early on. He has had a few minor problems and he will go for more of the same now."