Jim Bolger (racehorse trainer)

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Jim Bolger (born December 26, 1941 in County Wexford, Ireland) is an Irish racehorse trainer based in Coolcullen in County Carlow. For many years now he has been recognised as one of the true racing greats in Ireland. His genius is shown by the fact that Aidan O'Brien, Tony McCoy and Paul Carberry were all apprenticed to him before going on to even greater things.

During the 2006 flat season he trained Teofilo to go unbeaten at the age of two. This five race unbeaten streak included victories in the Group 1 National Stakes and Dewhurst Stakes. Talk of an English Triple Crown bid was immenent but sadly Teofilo suffered a career ending injury in the lead up to the 2,000 Guineas and never saw a racecourse again. Bolger was criticised for his handling of this situation.

2007 saw another Bolger bred superstar emerge in the shape of New Approach. He followed the exact same path as Teofilo during his two year old career and again was unbeaten. In 2008 Bolger informed the public that New Approach would go to Newmarket for the Guineas followed by a trip to the Curragh for the Irish 2,000 Guineas and then on for a tilt at the Irish Derby. New Approach could only finish second in both Guineas, however, behind the Ballydoyle trained Henrythenavigator. It then emerged that at the latest Epsom Derby forfeit stage New Approach's name had been left in by mistake. However, a week later Bolger revealed that his horse would go to Epsom after all, which led to much criticism from punters and bookmakers alike. His decision, however, to run New Approach proved to be the right one when the colt won the Derby by a half length beating the Sir Michael Stoute trained Tartan Bearer.

Despite his egotism, Bolger is still a great racehorse trainer and some would argue that he is just as good as the legendary Vincent O'Brien.

[edit] Major wins

Ireland

Irish 1,000 Guineas - (1) - Finsceal Beo (2007)
Irish Champion Stakes - (1) - Park Express (1986)
Irish Derby - (1) - St Jovite (1992)
Irish Oaks - (2) - Give Thanks (1983), Margarula (2002)
Moyglare Stud Stakes - (3) - Park Appeal (1984), Priory Belle (1995), Saoirse Abu (2007)
National Stakes - (2) - Teofilo (2006), New Approach (2007)
Phoenix Stakes - (3) - Eva Luna (1994), Mantovani (1996), Saoirse Abu (2007)
Pretty Polly Stakes - (4) - Flame of Tara (1983), Noora Abu (1989), Alexander Goldrun (2005, 2006)
Tattersalls Gold Cup - (2) - Erins Isle (1981), Perfect Imposter (1994)