Liberty National took the lead in midstretch and pulled away in the final yards to break his maiden by four-and-a-quarter lengths at Churchill Downs on Saturday, Nov. 29.
The Maxfield colt, who was making his second start, became the 20th winner for his exciting freshman sire.
Liberty National, who made his debut going seven furlongs at Keeneland in October, enjoyed the stretch-out to a mile-and-a-sixteenth this time around. After bumping slightly with a rival at the start, Liberty National was settled in mid-pack early, saving ground along the rail as Albus and Maximum Effort (also by Maxfield) battled for the early lead.
As the field rounded the far turn and hit the top of the lane, Liberty National was tipped to the outside for a clear run and immediately responded, hitting another gear to power by the leading pair. He then continued to draw off through the lane to hit the wire an easy winner.
Liberty National was bred in Kentucky by Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds LLC and is out of the mare, Virtuoso (Awesome Again), a full sister to G1 Haskell Invitational winner, Paynter. Second dam Tizso is a full sister to Horse of the Year Tiznow and to Graded Stakes winners Budroyale and Tizdubai.
Maxfield's other first-crop winners include TDN Rising Stars Englishman (97 Beyer on debut at Churchill!), G1-placed Five Bars, and Magna Victor; plus Saratoga debut MSW winners Boomington and Rock It Rob, Churchill Downs debut MSW winner Lilies N Paradise, six-length Del Mar MSW winner and I'm Smokin' Stakes winner Max Ciao, and seven-length Ellis Park debut winner Just Asap.
Maxfield will stand the 2026 breeding season at Jonabell Farm for $50,000, stands and nurses.
