Jim Bolger, who sent out five winners from five runners at the corresponding fixture seven years ago, started proceedings in similar fashion last night at Gowran when completing an opening race 164 to 1 three-timer.
Ivory Isle set the ball rolling for the Coolcullen handler in the opening Derrinstown Apprentice Handicap to provide Paddy Brennan (17) with his first winner before Kevin Manning partnered newcomer Queen's Love to land the maiden by a rapidly diminishing head from Beckon The King. Brennan, who hails from Adrahan, Co Galway, was later penalised for careless riding aboard the 8 to 1 winner after the stewards inquired into an incident two furlongs from home where Iftahah, who finished eighth, received a check. He was banned for three days (August 22nd-24th).
Manning went on to team up with Darina to defy top-weight in the Shell Pura Handicap, coming home a half-length clear of Hawas.
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