Native’s Nunthorpe not just a fantasy
The Maidstone trainer, who was away buying yearlings in America, had thought the juvenile allowance of nearly a stone and a half would make his charge competitive in the Group One contest.
Evidently not many of the crowd agreed, as although Kingsgate Native was only a 12-1 shot following narrow defeats in his two career starts at Glorious Goodwood and Royal Ascot, an eerie silence greeted him as he passed the post.
He was one and three-quarter lengths clear of the long-time leader Desert Lord. The only other juvenile in the last 50 years to win the Nunthorpe, one of the world’s most prestigious sprints, was ‘Pocket Rocket’ Lyric Fantasy in 1992, and Kingsgate Native travelled with the same consummate ease.
Rider Jimmy Quinn, also celebrating his first top-level victory, could not believe how easily he was moving and the Mujadil colt scorched away when asked for an effort at the furlong marker.
Owner John Mayne has had horses with Best for four years and names them all after his childhood holiday destination, Kingsgate Bay in Kent.
“We’ve had an excellent run together, but usually I suggest things to John and he nods his head politely and ignores me!” he said.
“He was meant to run here first time, but it was rained off so he didn’t have a prep run before the Windsor Castle at Ascot, where he was immature.
“It had always surprised me that more two-year-olds don’t do this race and our only worry was that he would be a shy little boy and get bullied out of it.
“But he’s a good, strong two-year-old, and that was just exhilarating.”
Best was tracked down by telephone and added: “That’s unbelievable. I’m out in Florida and I think the sales ring is going to empty as so many people were cheering him on. It’s justice really, after his two near-misses this season.
“He’s some horse – I wouldn’t have started him off in the Windsor Castle if I thought otherwise. I’m thrilled for the owners, who have always stood by me, and at least I’ll have some money to get some more now!”
