U.S.S. Valor triumphed in the Grade 1 $500,000 Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park on October 3, 2026, winning by 6 1/2 lengths. Jockey Manny Franco rode the horse, which is trained by Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey. This victory marks McGaughey’s fourth win in the Champagne Stakes, following his previous successes with Polish Navy, Easy Goer, and Adjudicating. U.S.S. Valor is sired by War of Will, the 2019 Preakness Stakes winner, and is out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Spangled Banner.
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