June 9 - For Jim Bolger, trainer of 3-year-old colt, New Approach, Christmas must have come early as the thoroughbred stormed home first to win the coveted 2008 Epsom Derby, at Epsom Racecourse in south London on Saturday.

However, while Bolger may be smiling and New Approach is enjoying a well-deserved carrot or two, there are many in the UK horseracing industry who feel 'fleeced' by the talented trainer, given his less than optimistic view on the colt ahead of the race.

For almost two months leading up to the Epsom Derby, Bolger made it very clear that he felt New Approach was unlikely to be able to handle a mile and a half, particularly at Epsom Downs.

The trainer said he preferred instead to 'run New Approach in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, because Epsom does not do all that much for a colt's prospective stallion career.'

Even after he left New Approach entered in the Epsom Derby at the final forfeit stage on May 23rd, Bolger still openly stated that he thought it was a mistake, giving punters the impression that he would pull the colt before the race.

However, last Monday, punters were surprised to see New Approach's name in the Epsom Derby's five-day declarations, raising an eyebrow or two regarding Bolger's intentions, given his 'negative' feelings towards the 3-year-old's chances throughout.

Perhaps this confusion is why Bolger received what can only be described as a 'frosty' reception by the Epsom crowd and gathered members of the press following his charge's unexpected win on race day.

'In over 25 years of attending the Epsom Derby, I have never before encountered such a subdued crowd response to a Derby winner. I am not sure why I didn't pull out him out, which is embarrassing for me. I left him in by genuine mistake,' said Bolger.

However, the trainer went on to praise New Approach jockey, Kevin Manning, for a great ride and well-deserved win, saying that it was the best Derby-winning performance he'd seen in years. 'I have no doubt that other jockeys would have won on him, but I don?t think just anybody could have just stepped up and won on him like Kevin did.,' he said.

Next on the agenda for the 2008 Epsom Derby champ is the Irish Derby, where he'll compete against Tartan Bearer and Casual Conquest, who came second and third respectively at Epsom on Saturday.