Liberman rejoins Pipe after spell with Mullins
The six-year-old landed a major gamble for owner, David Johnson, in the Wetherbys’ Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival in 2003, when in the care of Pipe.
He was originally trained here in Ireland by Paddy Mullins and owned by his Carrigaline, Co Cork breeder, Pat O’Donovan.
Liberman was subsequently purchased by Johnson, but lost his way completely when launched over flights.
He then came back to Ireland, this time to be trained by Tom Mullins, and to once more carry the colours of O’Donovan.
It proved a successful venture with Liberman winning on the flat at Tramore and over hurdles at Tralee.
Commented O’Donovan yesterday: “The plan was that he was always going to go back to England. We brought him to Ireland to sweeten him up and he was extensively schooled by Con Power.
“Tom Mullins and I would have liked to have kept him until after the Irish Cesarewitch, but Martin Pipe was anxious he should go back to him.
“While he was here he was 100% mine, but will now be owned again by David Johnson.
“David and I remain the best of friends and I am looking forward to doing business with him and Martin Pipe in the future.”
O’Donovan, of course, enjoyed his greatest day in racing when Vintage Tipple, currently in foal to Dubai Destination, landed the Irish Oaks at the Curragh last season.
