The Jim Bolger trained Sanus Per Aquam maintained his unbeaten two race record in the opening Racecourse Of the Year Race at Leopardstown today, beating three rivals under Kevin Manning.

The son of Teofilo chased stablemate and pace setter Gleine for much of the trip but moved past that rival two furlongs out before staying on strongly for a four and three parts of a length win over 9/10 favourite Port Douglas

Afterwards Bolger stated “I would have liked another week or ten days but he ran tonight as I wanted another run into him before the Futurity.

“I didn't do anything with him since the Curragh and I took it on trust and let him look after himself but he can go anywhere now.

“He's the oul fella (sire and one time Bolger inmate Teofilo) re-incarnated - everything he does is the same way and that's where he's at at the moment except he's two weeks ahead of the father!"

Sanus Per Aquam is translated in Latin as 'health through water'.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson