VALADON GETS OFF THE MARK

Valadon continued his racing education with a narrow victory in a junior maiden NH hurdle at Exeter on Thursday, 21 December, on his second start.

With only three runners the pace was modest at best for much of the race but Valadon showed a good attitude to see off the challenge of Push To Pass once the tempo quickened.

He had clearly learned from his racecourse debut when he showed plenty of promise when runner up at Exeter 25 days earlier.

Valadon is a proper NH youngster with plenty of years ahead of him and might run only once more this season. Hopefully the best is yet to come.