Constitution River makes all to land Futurity Stakes for O'Brien Trainer Aidan O'Brien won the Group 2 Coolmore Stud Wootton Bassett Tom Cooper Irish EBF Futurity Stakes for the fifth year in succession as Constitution River made all under Wayne Lordan. Narrowly denied at Newmarket on his racecourse debut in July, the colt then justified short odds when landing what is traditionally a hot maiden at the Galway Festival. Sent off 5/6f to continue his progression in this stronger contest, the son of Wootton Bassett was smartly into stride, with Lordan setting steady fractions on the front end. Kicking from the front over a furlong out, Constitution River galloped on strongly to win by two-lengths. Aidan O’Brien said: “He’s a lovely, straight forward horse. He’d a lovely run first time and was still very green when he won the next day. “Wayne gave him a lovely ride, and he quickened well. “Obviously you have to look at the National Stakes with him, and he’s going to be very happy going up in trip whenever that time comes.” Paddy Power went 14/1 (from 20/1) Constitution River for 2000 Guineas. The colt is now 4/1 (from 8/1) for the Royal Lodge Stakes and 8/1 (from 20/1) Dewhurst Stakes. It was the 18th time Aidan O'Brien has won this race, and also nine of the last ten. Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
