Derby ‘one race too many’ for Libertarian

Connections of Libertarian believe the Investec Derby runner-up must have been feeling the effects of several tough runs when well beaten at the Curragh on Saturday.

The colt was having his fifth run in less then three months when trailing in eighth of nine behind Trading Leather in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

Since making a winning debut at Pontefract in early April, the son of New Approach had shown himself to be a classy performer winning the Dante Stakes at York before staying on strongly to take second place at Epsom four weeks ago.

“He’s fine after the run. No ill-effects whatsoever. He’s eaten up and is sound this morning,” said trainer Elaine Burke’s husband and assistant Karl. “It was just one race too many too quickly, he’s had five runs in three months for a big raw horse. It just came too soon after his exertions in the Dante and the Derby.

“It was disappointing for everybody involved, but I’m sure the horse will come back and redeem himself after he’s had a bit of a break.”

Burke is confident Libertarian will bounce back for his new owners Godolphin.

“He’s heading back to Spigot Lodge. He will be let down and have an easy week and then he’ll probably be shipped down to Newmarket some time in the near future,” he said. “He’s a very good horse and we hope he does really well for his new connections. We wish them well.

"I'm sure he'll turn that form round. He has beaten the Irish Derby winner (Trading Leather) in the Dante and he's beaten the second (Galileo Rock) in the Derby. It was disappointing for everybody including Simon Crisford (racing manager) and the Godolphin team but they were very gracious in defeat and I couldn't thank them enough.

“I look forward to seeing the horse back in the winner’s enclosure for his new team.”