VALIANT FORCE CAUSED a 150-1 shock in the Norfolk Stakes, the opening race on day three of Royal Ascot.
Trained in Ireland by Adrian Murray and owned by Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing, he was always up with the pace in the centre of the track under Galway jockey Rossa Ryan and while he had previous experience with two runs, he was unconsidered by punters.
UNBELIEVABLE! Valiant Force is a 150/1 winner of the Norfolk at #RoyalAscot! #WinAndYoureIn @BreedersCup pic.twitter.com/4zPcBT2c6s
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 22, 2023
Ryan got into a good rhythm aboard the Malibu Moon colt, who had finished runner-up to His Majesty on his debut at the Curragh before being well held in a Group Three contest over six furlongs at the same track on his second run.
The field split into two and six of the first seven home were in the far side group, up the middle of the track.
Bookmakers were in clover as 66-1 chance Malc finished a length-and-a-quarter second, with well-supported Elite Status, sent off the market leader at 7-4, only third.
Wesley Ward had left no one in any doubt that American Rascal was the star of the show from his American raiding party, yet while briefly threatening, he faded tamely in the final furlong.
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