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| Sumita Pawar |
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According to Adrian Murray, a dairy farmer-turned-trainer, Valiant Force, the surprising winner at Royal Ascot, has set its sights on the Breeders' Cup. Farmer Murray is still pinching himself in disbelief, described the triumph as "a surreal dream come true."
The Westmeath trainer had an exceptional week as he not only brought three of his horses to the royal meeting but also witnessed Bucanero Fuerte's promising performance, finishing third in the Coventry Stakes, in addition to his Norfolk winner.
Valiant Force, who qualified automatically due to his Norfolk success, could potentially participate in the Grade 1 Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita in November, suggesting that there are promising days ahead for him.
"It was unbelievable," said Murray about Valiant Force's win. "It was just breathtaking. He’s a fair horse. I was hoping beforehand that we would be in the first four. His form was very good except for his run at the Curragh where he just came up on the wrong side of the track which we drew a line through after.
Valiant Force: A Sensational Surge
Valiant Force, the son of Malibu Moon, crossed the finish line in fifth place in the Gr.3 Marble Hill Stakes at the Curragh over 6f. Throughout the race, he stayed away from the main action, resulting in a five-length gap between him and the re-opposing horses Noche Magica and His Majesty.
He showed great enthusiasm while racing in the far-side group and surged ahead in a sensational manner at the furlong pole. Despite facing pressure, he maintained his lead to defeat Malc, trained by Richard Fahey.
Murray said, "The drop back to five furlongs might have helped him but I would imagine he would have had no problem with six as Ascot would obviously be a stiff five and he hit the line hard. Rossa [Ryan] was saying if something had got to him, there was more in him."
"The long-term plan with Valiant Force is the Breeders' Cup, which should suit him well as he’s an American-bred horse," said Murray. "In the short term, we’ll give him and Bucanero Fuerte a bit of time before making plans but they are in all the big races and have both come out of Ascot well."
Bucanero Fuerte Shines At Curragh
2YO, Bucanero Fuerte, a maiden winner at Curragh, finished only one length behind the winner River Tiber in the Coventry Stakes. Throughout the race, Bucanero Fuerte maintained a position with the leading horses on the stands' side.
Murray said, "When Bucanero Fuerte finished third for us on the first day that was magic for us, it was almost like having a winner. He ran a fantastic race and is a very good horse. He is still big and backward and is taking all the time he needs, so he is excited."
Murray was eager to emphasize his pride in providing Amo Racing with its first-ever Royal Ascot winner, as Valiant Force's triumph marked a significant achievement for the trainer and owner.
"It’s like a dream! To be able to train Kia's [Joorabchian] first Royal Ascot winner is just incredible," said Murray.
"I remember last year when we had Saliteh running and the lads were saying we had a right chance of training Kia’s first winner at the meeting. He ran a great race, only beaten three and a half lengths into 12th in a blanket finish. I was always thinking someone surely will do it before we get a chance to, so it was really was just brilliant."