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Son of New Approach adds second Group 1 to CV
Jim Bolger’s fantastic season as both a trainer and breeder picked up even more momentum on Saturday, as he saddled an impressive quinella in the Irish 2,000 Guineas (Gr 1, 1m) at the Curragh, as Mac Swiney (3 c New Approach - Halla Na Saoire by Teofilo) led home 2,000 Guineas (Gr 1, 1m)-winning stalemate Poetic Flare (Dawn Approach) in the Irish Classic, handing the trainer a memorable first victory in the race.
A winner of the Futurity Trophy (Gr 1, 1m) on his final start as a two-year-old, Mac Swiney finished fourth behind Bolshoi Ballet (Galileo) in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial (Gr 3, 1m2f) at Leopardstown on May 9 on his first appearance as a three-year-old.
Ridden straight to the front by Rory Cleary, the son of New Approach (Galileo) kept finding more when tackled by stablemate Poetic Flare, eventually beating him by a short-head, while Van Gogh (American Pharoah) was a further three and a quarter lengths back in third.
Assistant trainer Una Manning said the colt would now head to the Derby (Gr 1, 1m4f) at Epsom next month.
“He had a bit of mucus at Leopardstown and didn't give a true account of himself. It was Jim's plan to run him here and have him ready for the Derby.
"He needed a run, so why not run him in the Irish Guineas? Traditionally it's been a very good trial for the Derby."
The two-year-old colt is one of two winners out of the unraced Teofilo (Galileo) mare Halla Na Saoire, who is herself a sister to Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes (Gr 3, 1m2f) winner Light Heavy, while she is also a three-quarter sister to Dewhurst Stakes (Gr 1, 7f) winner Parish Hall.
Further back the colt shares a page with Listed winner An Ghalanta (Holy Roman Emperor), who in turn produced Listed winner Time Scale (Charm Spirit).
New Approach is the sire of 55 stakes winners and nine Group 1 winners, including this season’s Doncaster Mile (Gr 1, 1600m) winner Cascadian. The stallion stood at Dalham Hall for a private fee in 2021. He shuttled to Australia for four seasons between 2009 and 2012 when he covered 307 mares.
What a finish!
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 22, 2021
Mac Swiney wins the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas from stablemate Poetic Flare in a thrilling 100th running of the Classic at @curraghrace.
Take a bow Jim Bolger pic.twitter.com/wKVzsvE925
