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Sparan Nua sets up Irish Oaks bid for Bolger
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sun 14 Jun 2026
Jim Bolger’s Sparan Nua continued her rapid progression to remain unbeaten with a determined success in the Darley Munster Oaks at Cork.
Unraced at two, the filly by Bolger’s multiple Group One winner Dawn Approach did not make her debut until early May when causing a 25-1 surprise at Naas.
She was even more impressive at Gowran 11 days later and handled the step up to Group Three company under Nathan Crosse, getting the better of Nyra – on whom Dylan Browne McMonagle dropped his whip – winning by half a length as the 11-4 favourite.
The winner holds an entry in the Ribblesdale Stakes on Thursday and Bolger pulled off the same double with Banimpire, his 2011 winner of the Munster Oaks, however, a quick reappearance for this filly is unlikely.
“She is still learning and was green enough today. We didn’t get after her last year as she was a little bit weak, and today it is only her third run,” said Bolger.
“Before she ran this year, we did a couple of bits of work with her but I wasn’t sure where she fitted. I said we’d give her a run to find out and that’s why she was 25-1 the first day.
“She has a good attitude and I’d say the Irish Oaks is where we’ll go now. It was a good performance and it is my first runner for Newtown Anner Stud (new owners).”
Kendall Roy sprang a 28-1 surprise in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Midsummer Sprint Stakes for Kate McGivern.
Off since a spell in Bahrain during the winter, he got up late under Chris Hayes to win by half a length.
“This is absolutely brilliant,” said McGivern, winning at Listed level for the first time.
“He was delayed coming home from Bahrain so had a break under the sun and while race-fitness was against us today, he had been absolutely bouncing coming off the plane.
“I wanted to keep his one ‘fresh’ run for this Listed race and I actually fancied him as he had already beaten whatever was in today’s field. He loves Cork and loves fast ground.
“He had won on his first run in Bahrain (in December) but then he became keen and his head went, as the track goes downhill over there.”
She added: “Kendall Roy actually brought home a virus from Bahrain, so I was left with a few more ‘breezers’ in the past few months, as it wasn’t my year to sell them. We’ll try and do a Plan B with those ones now.”
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