'I rang him and told him he was a genius' - high praise for rising star O'Brien

Fancy Blue (leading): strikes in the Nassau Stakes, a second Group 1 win for trainer Donnacha O'BrienCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Paul Smith had a straightforward message for Donnacha O’Brien as soon as Fancy Blue had won the Nassau Stakes.

“I rang him as soon as they flashed past the post and told him he was a genius,” said Smith, representing owners Coolmore at Goodwood. “But he already knows that.”

If genius equates to winning a Group 1 with his first runner in Britain, then there is no arguing with that assessment.

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Mark StoreyFreelance reporter

Published on 30 July 2020inReports

Last updated 18:06, 30 July 2020

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