The Everest 2021: Jockey James McDonald relives Nature Strip’s epic win

The crowd was going bonkers, the winning post seemed to never arrive, James McDonald relives the final furlongs of Nature Strip’s Everest redemption.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 16: A woman in a 'day of the dead' mask arrives at the course during Everest Day at Royal Randwick Racecourse on October 16, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

As Nature Strip held on to his lead, James McDonald felt like time was standing still as he searched for the winning post.

When asked how long it took to complete the sprint along the Royal Randwick straight, McDonald replied: “You have no idea – it felt like a minute!”

For Tommy Berry on Masked Crusader, it was the opposite feeling. The winning post was coming at him in a rush. And it was too soon.

There could only be one winner and it was Nature Strip and McDonald racing into history in the $15 million The TAB Everest (1200m) Saturday.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE PICTURES OF THE BIG CROWD AND RESULTS FROM EVERY RACE

Jockey James McDonald reacts after riding the winning horse Nature Strip during The Everest. Picture: David Gray/AFP

Nature Strip’s winning margin was a slender long head. McDonald thought he had hung on until past the post Berry turned to him and asked: “Who got it?”

“It was pretty close, too close for comfort,’’ McDonald said.

“But Nature Strip just showed so much grit and determination – he is a star!”

Nature Strip, the world’s highest-rated sprinter, had finally conquered The Everest.

The striking chestnut had been selected four years in succession for the world’s richest turf race but the race had not been kind to him – he was withdrawn in 2018 due to loss of form, he ran fourth in 2019 behind Yes Yes Yes then faded to finish seventh to Classique Legend last year.

James McDonald on Nature Strip turns to Tommy Berry on Masked Crusader after they passed the post. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

But this was Nature Strip’s time – and it was relief for McDonald who retained the faith after riding him in his previous unplaced Everest runs.

“I have had such a good feeling all week about this horse,’’ McDonald said.

“Anyone who was listening to me I said whatever beats him will win, simple as that, he has been going so well,

“And he is trained by a master in Chris Waller. I can’t believe how he gets his horses right for the big day, he’s a Grand Final performer.’’

But McDonald conceded the race didn’t go to plan. It wasn’t his intention to lead on Nature Strip but the champion jockey wasn’t about to try and harness the gelding’s best asset – his sustained speed.

James McDonald hugs trainer Chris Waller after the race. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

“It didn’t really pan out the way I thought it would, I didn’t think I’d lead that’s for sure,’’ McDonald said.

“But everyone was sitting up so I just let him be Nature Strip.

“I was quite surprised the only one that was a little bit of a hindrance was his stablemate (Home Affairs) which was frustrating.

“But Nature Strip got into a rhythm real early and it was just like the TJ Smith earlier this year.’’

Nature Strip ($3.70 favourite) held off the late surge of Masked Crusader ($12) to win the world’s richest turf race with Eduardo)($4.20) a half neck away third.

After three years of frustration with Nature Strip had finally won The Everest and confirmed his rating as the world’s best sprinter.

“It is the only one that has been eluding Nature Strip, he’s been a consistent performer all the way through,’’ McDonald said.

James McDonald salutes to the heavens as he brings Nature Strip back to the scales. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images)

“I had goosebumps thinking about this race last night. I truly believed this was my time to shine and the horse’s time to shine.

“I’ve never woken up in the morning and been so confident.  I’ve been nervous on him before but not today. He’s the best sprinter in the world.’’

McDonald, 29, has achieved a career ambition with his win in The Everest that complements his 55 career Group 1 wins.

The champion jockey is usually relatively measured even after a big race win but he was very animated before a Randwick crowd that was enjoying the moment as much as him.

“I have never in my life experienced anything like it,’’ McDonald said.

“I don’t think there is a lady or a man over 30 in that crowd and they are going bonkers. It is so good to see – this is awesome.’’

The crowd made the most of the return to the racetrack. Picture: Brook Mitchell/Getty Images

Punters L to R, Amy Harrison, Amy Sherlock, Rebecca Fuchs, Emily Hart and Stef O'Grady enjoy the sunshine at The Everest. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Punters in general admission go crazy after backing the winner. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

CELEBS TURN OUT FOR THE EVEREST

Mel McLaughlin (left) and her sister Leanne McLaughlin arrive. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

UFC Champion Alex Volkanovski and wife Emma. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Samantha Armytage with partner Richard Lavender. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Sophie Dillman pictured with partner Patrick O'Connor. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Buddy Franklin pictured arriving. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Sonia Kruger arrives. Picture: Sean Foster/Getty Images for ATC

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS

Race 10

The get-out stakes has been run and won by Promise of Success with Suave second and Golly I’m Lucky third.

Promise Of Success is living up to her name.

She defied the drift and put in a sensational performance for @JohnOSheaRacing. pic.twitter.com/J1iklGKKAQ

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 16, 2021

Race 9

Warning rewarded the big push from punters pushing away from Luncies with favourite Entente third.

Warning comes out on top in the St Leger Stakes.@nashhot@FreedmanRacing@aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/m6R0LR6TPL

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 16, 2021

Race 8

The bookies are copping a beating at Royal Randwick with another big favourite saluting. Think It Over wins the Craven Plate from Sky Lab and Lion’s Roar.

Plate: 1. Think It Over@LizzieJelfs#PickOfTheYard for R8 at @aus_turf_club thanks to @ArrowfieldStud. 🐎 pic.twitter.com/xvfRVEF2CS

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 16, 2021

Race 7

Chris Waller wins another Everest! Nature Strip held off a fast finishing Masked Crusader with Eduardo a brave third.

“He’s king of the mountain this time!”

Nature Strip takes out the 2021 #TABEverest.@cwallerracing@mcacajamez@aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/Li9IFImawF

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 16, 2021

Race 6

Big Parade did punters proud with the hot favourite winning a length to Standout and Prime Candidate.

Big Parade surges to the front and goes back to back, taking out the Group 3 Sydney Stakes.@mark_mnracing@JoshuaParr8@aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/sgUHvvwNCv

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 16, 2021

Race 5

Art Cadeau left it late but got the job done in The Kosciuszko just grabbing Handle The Truth in the shadow of the post with Spiranac third.

An elite finish in #TheKosciuszko!

ART CADEAU does the Country Championships-Kosciuszko double!@[e-mail]/xYQWHyfZHH

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 16, 2021

Race 4

Well favoured Fangirl saluted easily in the Reginald Allen clear from Roots with Decent Raine making ground up the inside.

Fangirl repeats the feats of her dam and salutes in the Reginald Allen.

The @cwallerracing and @mcacajamez combination are on the board on #TABEverest Day. @aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/82jJcd5vZP

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 16, 2021

Race 3

Ten Bells took out the Highway Handicap the beneficiary of a nice ride by Jason Collett. Street Power and Blow Dart filled the minors.

Ten Bells gives it a shake in the @tabcomau Highway on #TABEverest Day! 🔔

That's 4 wins from 6 starts, including 2 Highways. @aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/7zS0HQuIwm

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 16, 2021

Race 2

The bookies were smiling after the second race of the day with $12 chance Soldier Of Love holding out favourite High Supremacy. Kiss the Bride ran third (NTD).

What a finish, listen to the crowd!

Solder Of Loves lifts and salutes.@BBakerRacing@RachelK11@aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/bfj5M13GyA

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 16, 2021

Race 1

First #7 Zhoushack, Second #4 Zing, Third #8 Canyonero

Zoushack holds on from Zing to kick off proceedings on #TABEverest Day!@nashhot@PrideRacing@aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/LRvB5Vt2Ye

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 16, 2021

The starter will release the Everest field at 4:15pm (AEDT) and the field is unchanged with no scratchings.