3 Superstar Australian Horses Who Could Light Up the UK Later This Year
Anyone who handles horses will reliably inform you that the question of whether you should travel long distances to compete is one of the most difficult decisions to make.
And when the journey is over 10,000 miles, which is the journey facing any Australian horse wishing to compete in the UK this summer, you can understand why many owners and trainers would decide to keep their horses at home.
But each racing nation does not exist in a bubble, and there have been countless times throughout history when notable “raiders” have travelled across the world to plunder the spoils from a big racing festival.
Indeed, many UK racing fans will remember the stir caused by Black Caviar when the super mare arrived at Royal Ascot for her British debut in 2012.
The unbeaten Black Caviar was on race 21 of her 25-race winning streak, and she duly obliged by taking the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
Restrictions have meant that we have not seen as many Aussie raiders coming north as usual in the last few years.
But that’s changed for the 2022 summer racing season, and there is a chance that we will encounter some of the best at Ascot this summer. Below we look at three who could make an impression in the coming months:
Verry Elleegant
What better horse to bring to the UK than the reigning Melbourne Cup champion?
Verry Elleegant is a star Down Under, and you’ll see her name crop up all the time in Australian horse racing tips. There has been a lot of discussion that the mare might take a tile at France’s most elite race – Le Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe.
However, that has been toned down a bit. More likely is an appearance at Ascot for Champions Day on 15th October.
Her race would almost definitely be the Fillies and Mares Group 1 race. Champions Day is one of the most renowned single-day events in world racing, and its reputation would be further enhanced should the Melbourne Cup winner run there for her maiden race in Europe.
Nature Strip
A horse who has done it all in Australia and about whom we get the feeling connections would like to try something different. As it stands, Nature Strip is coming to Royal Ascot (14th – 18th June) for a crack at one of the Group 1 events at the five-day spectacular.
The 7yo is being tipped to race in either the Platinum Jubilee Stakes, Kings Stand Stakes or Queen Anne Stakes – all worthy events that would add some sparkle to an already glowing CV.
Nature Strip is already a star in Australia, winning a bunch of Group 1 races and the super-rich event, The Everest. But coming to the UK and winning at Royal Ascot would be the icing on the cake for his owners.
Home Affairs
Just like Nature Strip, Home Affairs is being touted for a trip to Royal Ascot. The two horses share many similarities. Indeed, they are being tipped to contest the same races at Ascot.
However, Home Affairs is younger and has much less experience than Nature Strip.
Still, the 3yo has a Golden Slipper Stakes win under his belt, and he also beat Nature Strip in the Group 1 Black Caviar Stakes last month.
In short, this is a horse with a huge future still ahead of him. And what better place to announce that you have made it to the big time than Royal Ascot?
