Murray's Valiant a Force once more

A leading juvenile last season, Valiant Force recorded the first success of his three-year-old career when edging out track specialist Harry's Bar to win the William Hill Proper Betting Race at Dundalk.

Winner of the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot last June, the Adrian Murray trained colt finished second in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint before continuing his career in America.

Having failed to win in two starts, the son of Malibu Moon was sent back to his original trainer in June of this year.

Showing little in three starts prior to tonight, the 11/4 chance sparked a revival when keeping on strongly inside the final furlong to get the better of a sustained duel with 15-time AW winner Harry's Bar.

Adrian Murray said: "A big relief!

"It was a hot race and a grand confidence booster for him as well. If he was going to take to the surface, he was going to do that.

"He'll probably come back for the (Group 3) Mercury Stakes here this month.

"David said he gave him a good feel and he said he travelled really well all the way. He said he was very comfortable everywhere.

"We don't know if the Mercury Stakes will be his last run of the season, we'll play it by ear and see what happens. We'll see how the Mercury goes first."