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Vale Of York (IRE)
©Jeremey Phillps
VALE OF YORK (IRE)
- Age: 3
- Colour: Bay
- Gender: Colt
- Sire: Invincible Spirit (IRE)
- Dam: Red Vale (IRE)
- Trainer: Mahmood Al Zarooni
Vale of York closed out a successful 2009 season in the best possible way with a thrilling victory in the Grade One Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita on November 7.
He came to California in great form following a close 2nd in the Group One Gran Criterium in Milan in his previous start and with usual jockey Ahmed Ajtebi in the saddle was given a positive ride from the start. Breaking well, Vale of York raced mid-field until improving his position on the far side of the track where it was evident he was comfortable on the Pro-Ride surface. Hugging the rail turning for home, Ajtebi challenged for the lead a furlong out and with Vale Of York giving his all, managed to hold off Looking At Lucky by a head in a stirring finish and in doing so, netted Godolphin’s fourth Breeders’ Cup victory.
Vale of York, having his first start since winning in Santa Anita, was no match for his stable-mate Mendip the impressive winner of the Listed Al Bastakiya Sponsored by Derrinstown Stud over an extended nine furlongs at Meydan on March 4. Vale of York was tackling the distance for the first time and did not help his cause by running fresh off a steady pace before tiring into 5th place.