From Golden Grove Stud to Royal Ascot, Nature Strip wins the King’s Stand Stakes.
Nature Strip has confirmed his place as the World’s Best Sprinter and claimed the King’s Stand Stakes in breathtaking fashion on the opening day of the Royal Ascot Festival.
In a dramatic 1000 meter contest, Nature Strip would become the seventh Australian-trained winner at Royal Ascot as race favorite Golden Pal missed the start and a rider-less horse caused racegoers to hold their breath. Nature Strip took his usual 150 meters to get into his rhythm, but James McDonald looked composed as he gradually sent the sprinter to the front of the field, before racing away over the final furlong.
Speaking post-race, McDonald described Nature Strip’s performance as “incredible”.
Nature Strips joins Choisir (2003), Takeover Target (2007), Miss Andretti (2007) and Scenic Blast (2009) to win the King’s Stand Stakes.
The ultra-consistent Noname Lane, proves too strong.
Golden Grove Stud to King of the mountain.
Third times a charm, Nature Strip has won The Everest and confirmed his rating as the world’s best sprinter.
James McDonald controlled the pace aboard Nature Strip, racing at the girth of stablemate Home Affairs before moving into the lead upon straightening and the rest is history.
“He’s king of the mountain this time!”
Nature Strip crowned 2021 Champion Sprinter.
Golden Grove Stud bred Great Diviner, has put in another gritty performance.
Great Diviner has proven yet again that he’s got the grit, determination and ability to fight out a finish. Today’s win was never in question as he found another gear to outrun the fast-finishing Zoist to take out the last at Morphettville Racecourse.
Making it 3 wins from his 6 career starts, the future looks bright for this son of Shamus Award.
Golden Grove Stud bred Great Diviner, notches up win number 2.
Another Award For Golden Grove Stud – Nature Strip 2021 HTBA Racehorse of The Year
For the second year in a row, the 2021 HTBA Champion Racehorse was awarded to Nature Strip. Son of the Widden Sire Nicconi, out of multiple stakes winner producer Strikeline.
Nature Strip won two Group 1 races in the season, the Black Caviar Lightning and TJ Smith Stakes. Bred by Golden Grove Stud at Denman. The 2021 Champion Racehorse award, sponsored by Scone Race Club, was presented by Mr Alastair Pulford, Chairman of Scone Race Club and accepted by Mr Grant MacKay of Golden Grove Stud.