Liberty Lass overcomes layoff for maiden success

The Emmet Mullins trained Liberty Lass (14/1) bounced back from injury to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Fillies) Maiden at Navan today, scoring under Group 1 winning jockey Ronan Whelan.

Prior to today, the American bred daughter of Japanese-born stallion Hat Trick was last seen when finishing last of seven runners, when a 100/1 shot, in a Listed race at Dundalk last October.

She returned today following a near year-long absence, on her third career start, and was produced in excellent health, as she quickened well in the closing stages to score a three and a half lengths win over Cautious Approach

Afterwards Mullins said “she's been a filly that we've always thought plenty of and we ran her first time last year in a very hot maiden at Leopardstown on Champion Weekend and she ran well that day, when she needed the run.

“We were running out of time then and ran her in a Listed race but I probably jumped the gun a bit putting her into that, and she got injured in that race.

“It's just taken a bit of time to get her back right but hopefully she's a filly with a future. She won that nicely.

“She's come back from an injury, so today was the most important day so far and I have no idea what the program book has for her or anything like that.

“We were still even guessing trip-wise where she was and I'd say in time she could even get a bit further.”

Quotes from Gary Carson