New Approach Surprises at the 2008 Epsom Derby

It was a case of third time lucky for New Approach on Saturday, as he stunned the crowd at Epsom to take the 2008 Vodafone Epsom Derby.

New Approach’s performance caused a stir for several reasons, not least the fact that Jim Bolger had indicated that New Approach would not be running in at the Derby before capitulating at the last moment and declaring his runner for Saturday’s Classic.

Although a few eyebrows were raised by Bolger’s indecisive preparation for the race, few expected New Approach to excel given the horse’s recent failures at the Guineas.

However, New Approach appears to have learnt from his two losses to Henrythenavigator and put in a masterful run over Epsom Downs, taking the lead from Sir Michael Stoute’s Tartan Bearerin a late surge and winning the race by half a length.

Race favourite Casual Conquest did not disappoint entirely, coming home in 3rd place and paying out each way bets to thousands of relieved punters.

After the race Bolger indicated that New Approach is virtually certain to make an appearance in the Irish Derby, before setting out to conquer the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

For more information on upcoming Classics, visit the Irish Oaks site.