PAUL HOPING BOGGER APPEALS AT STUD

Ian Fortune

Bogger Hunter was a tremendous winner of the 2023 Gold Cup at Shelbourne Park, showing his trademark back straight pace to see off a top-class field that included Derby champion Born Warrior, Rathdown Molly and Stream Of Sydney.

It seemed like a step towards further glory but, alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Ian Reilly and his owners at the time Brendan Keogh and Simon Senyk felt it best to focus on his early speed and ready him for a crack at the Irish Sprint Cup.

After a couple of fine efforts over two bends, he took his chance in the Islandbridge Sprint at Shelbourne Park and ran up the stake, beaten just a short head.

All seemed right as he continued his preparations for the Irish Sprint Cup but injury ended his hopes. Sadly, he would have just two more starts. Attempts to get him back on the track were abandoned late in 2023.

Speaking to Ian Reilly yesterday morning, he confirmed that it was just the same recurring injury with the brilliantly fast son of Skywalker Farloe and Bottle Of Banter and they had no option but to call time on his career.

He was to be rehomed until Paul Cahill stepped forward and asked if he could use him as a sire for one of his bitches. Fast forward a few weeks and the dog actually ended up with Paul at his Kilkenny base where he will see out his days.

Given his pace, ability and pedigree, Paul has decided to give Bogger Hunter a crack at the stud game and he has been advertised for the past few weeks.

A brother to beaten 2022 Derby favourite Calloway Pro Am and blessed with the pace and class to win the sole Grade 1 competition of the Shelbourne Park year in the Gold Cup, Bogger Hunter certainly does deserve a go at a new career.

We wish Paul and his new charge well and hopefully we will see his progeny flying around the tracks of Ireland in the near future.