Nature Strip has had a barrier incident when trialling early on Monday morning.
Victoria's Racehorse of the year dumped jockey James McDonald off his back as the gates opened.
The four time Group one winner has never displayed poor barrier manners before but bucked as the gates opened for his 850m trial at Randwick-Kensington.
Nature Strip 😮 pic.twitter.com/dyjdWzOPiu
— AJP (@pricey43) September 20, 2020
It was a sensation to start the morning at the @royalrandwick trials.
The #TABEverest favourite Nature Strip lost @mcacajamez just after jumping. @LizzieJelfs reports both jockey and horse are ok. pic.twitter.com/RkSJMs8qtz
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 20, 2020
Owner Rod Lyons spoke to RSN shortly after to the trial about the incident.
“It was heart in the mouth stuff, but I’ve just spoken to Chris (Waller). The horse is fine and J Mac (McDonald) is fine,” he said.
“There were no marks, no skin off but this is just five minutes after the race, so they will go over him with a fine toothed comb of course, but he had no bark off him.
“Just totally out of character.
“We’ll leave it to Chris and the gang to sort out but we’re still on track.
“Hopefully that’s all the bad luck out of the way.”
Nature Strip remains favourite for The Everest but has eased out somewhat after today's mishap.
