Gifted sprinter Nature Strip was named the 2019-20 Australian Horse of the Year on Monday night.
Nature Strip earned the coveted award after a stellar season comprising four wins from seven starts, earning nearly $4 million prizemoney and including three Group I successes in the TJ Smith Stakes, Darley Classic and Moir Stakes.
This is the fifth consecutive year Waller has trained the Horse of the Year winner after all-time great Winx won an unprecedented four titles before her retirement last year.
“It is amazing to get a horse like this,’’ Waller said of Nature Strip who was also voted Champion Sprinter.
“He has gone from a horse that has been a genuine Group 2 winner, and then in one season has won multiple Group 1 races including the biggest sprint races on the racing calendar.
“It is a privilege to be part of his career and respect should also be given to my team for the work they have done with Nature Strip behind the scenes making sure that he is well prepared and continues to peak throughout each preparation resulting in some really big wins.’’
Golden Slipper winner Farnan was Champion 2YO and other category winners at the Horse of the Year awards were Loving Gaby (Three-year-old Filly), Yes Yes Yes (Three-year-old Colt or Gelding) and Vow And Declare (Stayer), while the Middle Distance award was a tie between dual Group 1 winner Fierce Impact an All Star Mile champ Regal Power.
Snitzel was the champion sire, Craig Williams was G1 jockey, Chris Waller G1 trainer and Tallyho Twinkletoes the champion jumper.
The main categories were voted on by more than 60 of the nation’s racing media and handicappers, with the winner receiving the highest number of votes awarded on a 3-2-1 basis.
