Equine stars from all corners of the globe were on show on Tuesday, including Baaeed, who maintained his unbeaten record in the opening Queen Anne in style.
That got things off to a flyer, but Tuesday’s World Pool Moment of the Day was served up by Nature Strip, who demolished his rivals in the King’s Stand. “He's just an absolute freak of a horse,” said rider James McDonald – a very apt description indeed.
The horse’s groom, Sinead Earl, was delighted to receive the bottle of champagne for connections, £1,000 and entry to the £34,000 World Pool Moment of the Year prize.
She said: “It is amazing. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and experience and I’m so grateful to Chris and everybody else. I tipped him to all my friends and family over in Ireland. Pretty much everyone I know backed him today, so hopefully I’m owed a few beers next time I’m over there!”
The World Pool Moment of the Day is never an easy decision to make, but this one was perhaps a touch easier than others. Few expected Nature Strip’s demolition job in the King’s Stand and it was a performance that the judging panel deemed more than worthy of the award.
Nature Strip's travelling head lass, Sinead Earl, receives a bottle of champagne at £1,000 on the opening day of Royal Ascot.