A dashing debut win by Al Valore in Singapore overnight has again turned attention to a syndicate of young China Horse Club owned racehorses that are becoming known as the ‘inspirers’. Following on the heels of wins by Wimbledon and A La Victory a fortnight ago, Al Valore delivered his sermon of inspiration with a fleet footed display to race away in a most encouraging manner in the Wolf Blass Cup Initiation (1200m).
Al Valore
“Al Valore is the third of four racehorses we have named to inspire the Chinese people and hopefully his performances can do just that,” said Mr Teo Ah Khing, Chairman of the CHC.
Mr Teo Ah Khing, Chairman of CHC
“Wimbledon was named specifically to promote the ideal of a Chinese athlete winning tennis’ most famous tournament. A La Victory and Al Valore carry broader names of inspiration. Hopefully their deeds can encourage people in all areas of life.”
Al Valore is Italian for valour and is a reference to the ‘Medaglia d’oro al valore militare’ which translates as ‘gold medal of military valour’. The athletic colt, a son of the US stallion Medaglia D’Oro, was sourced from the 2013 Inglis Easter Yearling Sales.
The three-year-old has been taken along patiently, firstly in Australia by Anthony Freedman, and more recently in Singapore by brother Michael Freedman. Through the formative stages of his education the colt has shown he has a good level of ability and this ensured he was an ideal candidate to play a more meaningful role as an ambassador of inspiration.
Last night came time for a much awaited debut. Al Valore was sent out against an experienced field of runners and left little doubt that he is destined for higher honours.
“I spoke with Manoel Nunes before the race at length about his barrier (8 of 10) because it was a challenging starting gate for a young horse making his debut,” Freedman said.
“We didn’t want to risk going forward and being caught wide. We didn’t want go back and risk a slowly run race that may blunt Al Valore’s chances of getting into the race at the right time.
“When Al Valore jumped so well Manoel showed his initiative and why he is riding in such great form. He took Al Valore to the front, the colt settled well for him and when Manoel asked him to hit top gear he pulled clear in a most encouraging performance.”
Al Valore had 2.3 lengths to spare over his rivals at the finishing post and, with what is hoped to be a long career ahead of him, there will be many more opportunities to inspire on the racecourse.
