Bolger defends Derby approach and denies treating punters with contempt

The controversial handler had been widely criticised for his late decision to run New Approach in tomorrow's Classic after insisting that the colt would head for the Irish equivalent. But he told the BCC: "The Derby probably means the same to me as every other trainer.

"It just so happens that in the run up to the Derby I had New Approach in the 2,000 Guineas at The Curragh.

"It was almost a toss up as to which race I'd prefer to win and at that time my preference was for the 2,000 Guineas at The Curragh. But you have to understand what the Guineas at The Curragh means to me  - it doesn't necessarily demean the Epsom Derby in any way and it was never my intention to do that.

On the defensive: trainer Jim Bolger looks on after his horse, New Approach, won The Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket Racecourse in October 2007

"This is a wonderful place, a great place to be and I have been here many times before."

Bolger defended his move to use a pony to partner New Approach to the stalls, which caused the English 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket to run late.

This afternoon he convinced Epsom officials to allow him the same latitude for tomorrow's race, despite concerns from other trainers that a similar delay could occur.

He said: "From a health and safety point of view it is essential. He was very free going to the start on his second run at The Curragh and we decided after that that we wouldn't take the chance again.

"He can be very strong when he wants to go, though he will settle in a race anywhere you want to be. But going to post he can be a bit strong and we felt it wouldn't be a good idea  to allow him too much going to the start and we hooked up with the pony."

Bolger said he would leave the race tactics to his son-in-law Manning. New Approach can win from the front but Bolger conceded: "If I were riding the horse I'd jump out  and get a good pace and drop in .

He is also able to do the other thing. He settled in the Dewhurst when he completely dropped the bridle and we have been training him like that over the last 10 days or so."

He dismissed accusations that he had treated punters with contempt, saying: "I wouldn't be capable of treating anyone with contempt. Some punters might  feel aggrieved but the only punters who have been in contact with me in the last four or five days are absolutely over the moon that the horse is coming here. 

"I have had letters from people expressing their delight that the horse is competing. I don't think there is anything like the furore that the media will have us believe . It is certainly not causing me any angst anyway."