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| Sumita Pawar |
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As the world-famous sprinter, Nature Strip, returns to training, he gears up for the upcoming Spring Racing Carnival.
Nature Strip's Lasting Legacy: Racing Through the Seasons
Before deciding on their next move with the nine-time Group one winner, the eight-year-old gelding under the tutelage of Chris Waller will probably make his debut in Sydney this spring with two runs.
"The horse will tell Chris and Chris will tell us if he's still got that fire in the belly and still wants to keep racing," managing owner Rod Lyons said.
"Chris will tell us how he's going and, all going well, he'll race right through the spring and hopefully, into next year."
Despite Nature Strip's four consecutive losses, Lyons staunchly defended the horse's performance, citing his impressive showing in the Gr. 1 T.J. Smith Stakes last April. In that race, Nature Strip valiantly led the pack in a heated competition, ultimately succumbing to I Wish I Win, Giga Kick, and Mazu in the final stretch.
Farewell Plans in Place For Racing Legend
Lyons said that connections want to see Nature Strip end his career on a high note and that plans have already been made for his retirement, whenever that may be.
"Chris is very confident that he'll come back and race well and we'll take it run by run, but at the moment Chris feels that the horse is telling him he hasn't got that desire, we've got a lovely place picked out for him and he'll have a lovely retirement," Lyons said.