Valid victorious in G2 Monmouth Cup Stakes

There was no denying Valid, by Medaglia d'Oro, in the G2 Monmouth Cup Stakes July 27. The four-year-old posted a hard fought win to become the 29th Graded or Group winner for his sire.

In the 1700m race Valid was looming in second, just outside of the pace. Taking aim for the lead around the far turn, Valid dueled down the stretch and defeated his competition with a strong win at Monmouth Park.

A $500,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase, Valid was bred by Edward P. Evans. Out of Stakes winner Grand Prayer, he is a half-brother to G1 Ruffian Invitational winner Malibu Prayer.

Valid is the second Black type winner on the weekend for Medaglia d'Oro, after his daughter Miss d'Oro impressed as the favorite in the Power By Far Handicap June 26. Valid joins rank with other Graded Stakes winners by the sire, among them 2014 G1 winners Lochte and Coffee Clique. Some of the most notable runners by Medaglia d'Oro are Horse Of The Year Rachel Alexandra, G1 Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty, G1 CashCall Futurity winner Violence, and G1-winning turf filly Marketing Mix.

Medaglia d'Oro's first Australian-bred crop are rising three-year-olds and include Group performed fillies Shaumari and Thalia as well as the highly promising colts Nostradamus and Meursault. He will stand the coming breeding season at Kelvinside at a fee of $55,000 inc. GST.