Bolger bosses opening day of Flat season

The victory of Rehn’s Nest in the Group 3 Lodge Park Stud Park Express Stakes proved the highlight of a spectacular opening day of the 2013 turf flat season for trainer Jim Bolger at the Curragh yesterday.

Bolger saddled a superb four-timer — three of his winners partnered by stable-jockey Kevin Manning — most notably Saburo, which landed the two-year-old maiden won last year by subsequent European champion two-year-old and 2,000 Guineas favourite Dawn Approach, while Rory Cleary seized his opportunity on board Rehn’s Nest.

Always prominent under Cleary, Rehn’s Nest edged past front-running More Than Scotka before staying on well to hold odds-on favourite Yellow Rosebud by a length and three-quarters.