Val-d'Or

Val-d'Or (French pronunciation: ​[vald‿ɔʁ], local pronunciation: [vald‿ɑɔ̯ʁ]) is a city in Quebec, Canada with a population of 31,862 inhabitants according to the Canada 2011 Census. The city is located in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region near La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve.

History

Gold was discovered in the area in 1923. The name of the town is French for "Valley of Gold." While gold is still mined in the area today, base metals, such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) have become increasingly important resources. The ore is usually found in volcanic rocks that were deposited on the sea floor over 2.7 billion years ago. They are referred to as volcanic-hosted (or volcanogenic) massive sulphide deposits (VMS).

The city is known for its vast parks, cycle tracks, and forests. Some other attractions include the City of Gold and the mining village of Bourlamaque, which were officially proclaimed historic sites in 1979.

The city hosted the Quebec Games in 1987. The local hockey team, the Val-d'Or Foreurs, have played in the QMJHL since 1993, winning the league championship in 1998, 2001 and 2014 to claim a spot in the Memorial Cup. They play at Centre Air Creebec. The Foreurs' mascot is called Dynamit, named after dynamite which was extensively used by the mining industry of Val-d'Or.

Val d'Or (horse)

Val d'Or (foaled 1902) was a French Thoroughbred racehorse who was only defeated once in his career. His wins included the Prix de Deux Ans, Grand Criterium, Poule d'Essai des Poulains and Eclipse Stakes. During his racing career he was owned by Edmund Blanc and trained by Robert Denman. After retiring from racing he became a sire in Argentina.

Background

Val d'Or was a bay colt foaled in 1902. He was sired by British Triple Crown winner Flying Fox. Flying Fox was also a successful stallion in France, with his progeny also including Prix du Jockey Club winner Ajax, Poule d'Essai des Poulains and Prix du Jockey Club winner Dagor, Prix de la Forêt winner Adam and Poule d'Essai des Poulains winner Gouvernant. Val d'Or's dam, Wandora, was a daughter of Bruce.

Racing career

Val d'Or was unbeaten in four starts as a two-year-old. His wins came in the Prix de Deux Ans at Deauville, the Critérium de Maisons-Laffitte at Maisons-Laffitte, the Prix La Rochette at Longchamp and the Grand Criterium, also at Longchamp.