The Liffey and Wayne Lordan© Photo Healy Racing
Yesterday's Epsom Derby winning trainer Aidan O'Brien enjoyed another meaningful success at Listowel today as his The Liffey (2/1f) landed the Pat Smullen Race, run in memory of the champion trainer's brother-in-law.
A debut winner at the Curragh on his only start as a juvenile last year, the No Nay Never-colt finished fifth at Group 3 level in April and today raced prominently and won well from Without Words
Having stolen the show with City Of Troy at Epsom, O'Brien wasn't present today and his representative Chris Armstrong said “it was lovely to win this race run in memory of Pat Smullen, who was an unbelievable rider and unbelievable person. Aidan saw this race on the calendar and targeted The Liffey at it.
“It is a lovely memento to win a race run in Pat's memory.”
He added “it was a good weekend and this horse won nicely on his only run at two (years old) last year. I think the heavy ground at Leopardstown last month caught him out. His ideal trip is between seven furlongs and a mile on quick ground and this race fit in nicely for him and was a nice confidence booster.
“He might now step back up into stakes company.”
The Liffey's jockey Wayne Lordan also played a part in yesterday's Epsom classic, finishing third on the O'Brien-trained Los Angeles.
