Change Of Velocity in charge at Down Royal© Photo Healy Racing
Jim Bolger won the Ulster Derby for the third year in a row, and indeed for the fourth time in the last five years, with Teofilo colt Change Of Velocity
The 7/2 chance moved ominously well to lead over a quarter of a mile out and stayed on to land this 100,000 euro Premier Handicap over an extended mile and a half by three lengths. Sheberghan the 5/2 favourite, followed him home without threatening. British-raider Midnight Wilde was three parts of a length further back in third at 11/1.
Kevin Manning, in the Godolphin colours, said: "It has been a lucky race for Jim (Bolger), he always sends a nice type of horse up here and that's what it takes to win this race.
"He's a lovely, big horse. We thought he was a smashing horse last year but he was just a little bit weak and raw. We've always liked him.
"Jim said he would see what sort of mark he got after he won his maiden.
"He's a big horse with plenty of development still to do. He's going the right way."
Ger Flynn, travelling head lad, added: "Kevin said he travelled really well into the race and was going very well at the top of the hill.
"He probably got there a shade too soon but the one in front fell away. He was just doing enough at the end.
"He's a progressive type of horse he's a smashing looking horse.
"Hopefully he 'll try a Listed race next as it takes a Listed-race horse to win this.
"He's won on good to firm now and the course have done a good job with the ground."
