Bolger keen for another crack at Kalpana with Sparan Nua
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 25 Aug 2026
Jim Bolger wants Kalpana to run in the British Champion Fillies and Mares Stakes at Ascot rather than the Champion Stakes so he can take her on again with his star filly Sparan Nua.
The 84-year-old trainer hasn't had a winner in Britain since Mac Swiney's Vertem Futurity Trophy victory at Doncaster back in 2020, but came agonisngly close on the Knavesmire when Sparan Nua only failed by a short head to reel in Kalpana in the Yorkshire Oaks.
Speaking to the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, he revealed plans for the Irish Oaks third: "It will probably be at Longchamp over a mile and a quarter [Prix de l'Opera] and then I’m itching to have a crack at Kalpana in the [British] Champion Fillies and Mares."
Watch: Rossa Ryan spoke to Racing TV after the race
Bolger was critical of the ride given to Sparan Nua at York by Rossa Ryan, but also revealed that the jockey has been booked again for the next assignment.
He explained: “I thought when he was on the outside that he should’ve stayed there, and when he went in he should’ve gone for the gap immediately.
“But he was riding the filly and he had to gauge by what he felt was underneath him, and I think she may have hit a flat spot and hence he was biding his time and hoping to get her home in the best possible position.
“He gave her a slap and she flew. I think even he was surprised at that stage. Anyway he’ll know her better the next day and hopefully it will all work out.
“I booked him after the race, it was never in doubt."
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