Cromwell delighted with Fiery Lucy’s California effort

Fiery Lucy is on her way back to Ireland after finishing fourth at the Breeders’ Cup on Friday.

Although without a victory since winning a Fairyhouse maiden on her second start in mid-June, Gavin Cromwell’s filly finished second in a valuable sales race at Naas and filled the runner-up spot in successive Group Three races at the Curragh, encouraging connections to head to California.

While no match for her hugely impressive compatriot Lake Victoria, who cemented her status as ante-post favourite for next year’s 1000 Guineas and Oaks by maintaining her unbeaten record with a dominant display, Fiery Lucy emerged with plenty of credit in being beaten just three lengths in the Juvenile Fillies Turf.

And Cromwell feels the result may have been even better had she enjoyed a clearer run in the early part of the race.

“It was a great run. I suppose it’s probably making excuses, but the draw didn’t help. She got bumped around at the first bend and got shuffled very far back,” he said.

“He had to use her up a bit going down the back then. I know she got a great run up the home straight, but the early part of the race probably showed at the end, as she didn’t hit the line.

“She’s en route to come back. I don’t have a plan (for next year). We’ll get her home and we’ve plenty of time to make one.”