Nature Strip Crowned Australian Horse of the Year

Tara Madgwick - Monday September 5

Champion trainer Chris Waller's domination of the Australian Racehorse of the Year continued on Saturday night, when the world’s best sprinter Nature Strip was voted best horse in the land over his stable-mate and Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant.

Nature Strip wins the Everest - image Steve Hart

Waller has trained the past seven Australian Racehorses of the Year, won by Winx (2016-19), Nature Strip (2020 and 2022) and Verry Elleegant (2021).

Nature Strip polled 189 votes after winning three Group 1s last season, taking his career tally to eight, with his Everest victory the icing on the cake.

The son of Nicconi became a global superstar in June, giving the world's best sprinters a galloping lesson in a scintillating King's Stand Stakes triumph at Royal Ascot.

AWARD WINNERS

Australian Racehorse of the Year

1. Nature Strip (Nicconi) (189 votes)

Champion Sprinter

1. Nature Strip (219)

Champion Middle Distance

1. Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux) (111)

Advertisement

Champion Stayer

1. Verry Elleegant  (NZ) (Zed) (198)

Champion 2YO

1. Fireburn (Rebel Dane) (210)

Champion 3YO Colt or Gelding

1. Anamoe (Street Boss (USA) (164)

Champion 3YO Filly

1. Gypsy Goddess (NZ) (Tarzino )(117)

Champion Jumper

1. Saunter Boy (Fr) (Myboycharlie)  (70)

Advertisment
More Reading...
One to Watch – Mornington
In Cox Plate week it only seems fitting that the 2013 winner Shamus Award would give us a ‘One to Watch’ at Mornington on Thursday.
End Of An Era - 2025 G1 Cox Plate
“There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still” - Franklin D Roosevelt.
$400,000 Invincible Filly a Grand Investment
A three-quarter sister-in-blood to dual Group I winning mare Charm Stone, stakes-placed I Am Invincible filly Naifah always looked well bought at the 2025 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $400,000.
Tarzino Stayer Wins G3 Geelong Cup
Trainer Paul Preusker will get another tilt at a Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) after Torranzino ran out a strong winner of the Gr.3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on Thursday.
Pier Headed to Melbourne
Following his pleasing third placing in last Saturday’s A$5 million Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1609m) at Randwick, trainers Darryn and Briar Weatherley have decided to head south with Pier to test his talent in Melbourne.
One To Watch – Belmont
We look far and wide to highlight Breednet’s ‘One To Watch’ and today’s winner of the first race at Belmont, 3yo D’Argento filly Ladies Pro, won in the manner of a horse with a nice future and in the process shone a spotlight on her sire who recorded his ninth winner so far this month.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday October 21
Here is the full list of 15 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
TBA Mourn Passing of So You Think
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and Aushorse join the wider industry in mourning the passing of So You Think, one of the modern greats of the Australian turf and a truly elite sire.
Premier Racing Stables for Sale in New Zealand
A unique opportunity to get a foothold in the heart of thoroughbred country in New Zealand has arisen offering both functionality and prestige within an ideal base to pursue racing success in the leading equine region in the country.
2025 G1 Spring Champion – Pedigree Preview
A lot of attention is paid to the sprinting three year-old division and much less so to the stayers, but with $2million in prizemoney the Group I ATC Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday has attracted a full field of 14 and all of them are on trial at the trip.