Chief Stipe Posted June 14, 2022 Share Posted June 14, 2022 Nature Strip king of the world after Royal Ascot romp www.racenet.com.au Star jockey James McDonald celebrates as Nature Strip dominates in the King’s Stand Stakes. Picture: Alan Crowhurst-Getty Images Nature Strip – dynamic, dominant, brilliant, breathtaking. There were not enough superlatives to describe Nature Strip’s virtuoso performance on racing’s biggest stage to prove he is the world’s best sprinter at Royal Ascot on Tuesday. The Chris Waller-trained Nature Strip defeated an elite field to score a famous win in the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes (a1000m) before a huge crowd of more than 75,000 racegoers who watched the Royal meeting in glorious English summer sunshine. Champion Nature Strip, ridden by James McDonald, started 9/4 second favourite but absolutely blitzed his rival with a stunning speed display to score by more than four lengths. Nature Strip’s win provided Waller, Australia’s leading trainer, with his breakthrough international win. NATURE STRIP HAS DESTROYED THEM. ❤️💛💙 Take a bow @cwallerracing & @mcacajamez. pic.twitter.com/3UEWoBsgM8 — 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) June 14, 2022 Waller had wanted to take Nature Strip to Royal Ascot in 2020 and again last year but was prevented from doing so due to the global pandemic. In hindsight, Waller felt this was a “blessing in disguise” as Nature Strip has matured into a more complete racehorse this season and dominated his King’s Stand Stakes rivals. “Nature Strip has just got better and better,’’ Waller said. “He is learning about his racing, enjoying his racing, and that was the difference between the horse from his early days. He used to try and get things done in a hurry all the time. “But then he realised he could sit off them and still beat his rivals. It’s has been a privilege to be a part of this horse.’’ There was a big betting plunge on American speedster Golden Pal who firmed into 7/4 favouritism but Nature Strip was always solid on the second line of betting. But the expected “drag race” between Nature Strip and Golden Pal never eventuated. Nature Strip was in a race of his own. “We didn’t dare dream of a win like that,’’ Waller said. “There are so many things that can go wrong but his preparation has been faultless. “He has come a long way, a 40-hour flight, coming out of a winter in Australia to a lovely Trainer Chris Waller greets Nature Strip after winning The King's Stand Stakes. Picture: Alan Crowhurst-Getty Images Royal Ascot day and we were just hoping everything would go to plan. “We are in awe of European racing and to finally bring a horse to Royal Ascot and showcase him on the world stage is a very proud moment. “I know there were a lot of expectations back at home so hopefully we have made everyone proud.’’ There was certainly a significant Australian presence on track with national flags being waved proudly after the race. Nature Strip is the first Australian-trained horse to win at Royal Ascot since the incomparable Black Caviar in 2012. McDonald said Nature Strip was at his awesome best in his Royal Ascot romp. Connections celebrate Nature Strip’s win with jockey James McDonald. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images “The way he quickened up the rise and the way he executed his gallop was scintillating,’’ McDonald said. “It was an unbelievable feel coming up the race, he was airborne.’’ Nature Strip justified his world’s number one sprinter ranking and became the first winner of The Everest to subsequently be successful in a major overseas race. Nature Strip’s Royal Ascot win capped a memorable 2021-22 racing seasons for Waller and McDonald. Waller has trained his 11th Group 1 winners this season – and a total of 137 in his career – including The Everest and Melbourne Cup. McDonald has ridden most of Waller’s big race winners this season and the King’s Stand Stakes was also the champion jockey’s 11th Group 1 of the season, and the 65th major of his career. Nature Strip confirmed his status as the world’s best sprinter. Picture: Alex Livesey-Getty Images The trainer and jockey aren’t finished yet as they will combine with Home Affairs in the Group 1 Platinum Jubilee Stakes on Saturday. Waller said the focus now will be getting Nature Strip back to Sydney to prepare for his defence of the $15 million The Everest title at Royal Randwick in October. Nature Strip scored the 21st win of his 38-start career, his ninth at Group 1 level and took his earnings to more than $18 million, second only to Winx ($26.4 million) in the all-time rankings. Waller’s super sprinter became the fifth Australian-trained King’s Stand Stakes winner after Choisir (2003), Takeover Target (2006), Miss Andretti (2007) and Scenic Blast (2009). Nature Strip’s Royal Ascot win should ensure the chestnut secures a second Australian Horse of the Year title after he won the honour in 2019-20. He won five of his eight starts including The Everest and Group 1 wins in the VRC Sprint Classic and TJ Smith Stakes. Verry Elleegant, the defending champ, also had a great season with three wins from nine starts including Group 1 successes in the Melbourne Cup, George Main Stakes and Chipping Norton Stakes. Hitotsu (Victoria Derby, Australian Guineas, Australian Derby) and Incentivise (Makybe Diva Stakes, Turnbull Stakes, Caulfield Cup) also won three times at Group 1 level and are in Horse of the Year contention. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted June 14, 2022 Author Share Posted June 14, 2022 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nomates Posted June 14, 2022 Share Posted June 14, 2022 I am absolutely disgusted that TV coverage went to music immediately after crossing the line , i am sure it was our decision because there is no way the Aussies would have , our racing and coverage of it has become completely soulless . I am emailing the Tab and NZTR to register my disgust and would ask that everyone else does the same , it's totally unacceptable . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nomates Posted June 14, 2022 Share Posted June 14, 2022 NS was superb , a class above . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted June 14, 2022 Author Share Posted June 14, 2022 Shame really that the NZ TAB and NZTR didn't promote this race. Big Kiwi names in the ownership - Steve Hanson, Peter Keen, Paddy Harrison and more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeynz Posted June 14, 2022 Share Posted June 14, 2022 Some horse and proves Aussie racing good if not better than the tofts. That rider less horse enjoyed the weight allowance, but was also a accident waiting to happen at the finish, i wonder if the rider picks up a riding fee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Bloggs Posted June 14, 2022 Share Posted June 14, 2022 37 minutes ago, nomates said: I am absolutely disgusted that TV coverage went to music immediately after crossing the line , i am sure it was our decision because there is no way the Aussies would have , our racing and coverage of it has become completely soulless . I am emailing the Tab and NZTR to register my disgust and would ask that everyone else does the same , it's totally unacceptable . Why enjoyed massive coverage all night including the pre race and although red eyed now, it was a great night, race went as expected, roll on Sat night as NS might have some serious opposition over that extra 200m, especially from the Freedman camp.........that extra 200m always finds them out, especially the horses backing up. No one was going to beat NS over the short course, the bookies got hammered........luv that. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Bloggs Posted June 14, 2022 Share Posted June 14, 2022 We!...not why......over here the coverage was spectacular ........you poor sods cop it all the time, time to revolt. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nomates Posted June 14, 2022 Share Posted June 14, 2022 1 minute ago, Joe Bloggs said: We!...not why......over here the coverage was spectacular ........you poor sods cop it all the time, time to revolt. I sat in disbelief Joe , what has happened to our once great sport . It can't all be about the dollar . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted June 14, 2022 Author Share Posted June 14, 2022 16 minutes ago, Joe Bloggs said: Why enjoyed massive coverage all night including the pre race and although red eyed now, it was a great night, race went as expected, roll on Sat night as NS might have some serious opposition over that extra 200m, especially from the Freedman camp.........that extra 200m always finds them out, especially the horses backing up. No one was going to beat NS over the short course, the bookies got hammered........luv that. Probably won't start and the master trainer Waller has targeted Home Affairs to win the race. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted June 14, 2022 Author Share Posted June 14, 2022 15 minutes ago, Joe Bloggs said: We!...not why......over here the coverage was spectacular ........you poor sods cop it all the time, time to revolt. Time and time again I wonder why for these events NZ just doesn't broadcast the Ozzie feed? We see it Saturday after Saturday where once NZ racing has finished we get the greenhorn young studio presenter trying to sound as if they know more than their script. When all that would be required is to take the OZ commentary, lead up and post race reviews. Yeah na just bang another 5 races from some obscure track in between. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gammalite Posted June 14, 2022 Share Posted June 14, 2022 33 minutes ago, Joe Bloggs said: We!...not why......over here the coverage was spectacular 13 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said: Time and time again I wonder why for these events NZ just doesn't broadcast the Ozzie feed? The English racing channel was brilliant all through the night. fantastic. they kept cutting to Simon Marshall back in Auss and our great Victorian commentator as well. What a Win by NATURE STRIP !!! blasting away from the field in the Kings Stand. (first run 1860) I think Waller with the Verry Elleegant Melbourne Cup and now Nature Strip conquering the world , he has surpassed Winx in performances. What a beauty. And more great news too, Chris Waller made sure he 'plugged himself' and James Mac as New-Zealanders during the interview to give their initial training/ learning country a Bit of Credit too. Bring on the Jubilee Saturday !! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeynz Posted June 15, 2022 Share Posted June 15, 2022 4 hours ago, Chief Stipe said: Shame really that the NZ TAB and NZTR didn't promote this race. Big Kiwi names in the ownership - Steve Hanson, Peter Keen, Paddy Harrison and more. One would wonder what the TAB turnover was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted June 15, 2022 Author Share Posted June 15, 2022 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted June 15, 2022 Author Share Posted June 15, 2022 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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