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| Sumita Pawar |
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Valiant Force will continue to race in America after an impressive second-place finish at the Breeders' Cup.
Earlier this summer, Valiant Force, the son of Malibu Moon, made Amo Racing history by winning the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot at 150-1 odds. This was the first major victory for Kia Joorabchian’s racing operation at the prestigious event. As a result of this unexpected win, Valiant Force earned a ticket to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita. However, after a disappointing performance in the Prix Morny, the connections decided to wait for the perfect conditions in California.
Despite being considered an outsider by bookmakers, Valiant Force came within half a length of winning his second major race when he finished second to Big Evs. His best performances have come on fast ground, which makes him an exciting prospect for his upcoming races in the US.
“We were waiting for good ground with him He’s a very good horse and to be second was brilliant,” said trainer Adrian Murray.
“You are hopeful for these things to happen but they don’t always happen and we had a great week. I was really proud of the horse.”
He went on, “We took him over for the Prix Morny and he couldn’t get out of the soft ground at all. So we decided then we wouldn’t run him again until the Breeders’ Cup.
“At the minute he is staying in America. There is a possibility he might come back for Royal Ascot, but the ground doesn’t really suit him here, he needs fast ground.
“The plan for the last two or three months was pretty much to go to the Breeders’ Cup and probably stay there. He’s going down to Florida I think.
“He’s been brilliant and you couldn’t dream of these things to happen. To have a winner at Royal Ascot and then go to the Breeders’ Cup and be second is just class.”
Murray's trip to the Breeders' Cup marked the climax of a remarkable season. Not only did he experience success at the Royal meeting with Valiant Force, but he also achieved his first Group One victory through the impressive performances of Bucanero Fuerte.
“I really enjoyed it (the Breeders’ Cup) and it was some experience,” said Murray
“The season has been absolutely fantastic and could not have gone any better. We’re just very very lucky to have some right nice horses.”