In a brave run, Nathaniel finished second by just a nose in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr.1) over 1m4f at Ascot yesterday.
The 'heroic' Nathaniel came within inches of becoming just the third horse to win back to back King George's, and emerged from the race as the best horse at the weights.
His trainer John Gosden said: "I'm thrilled with him. He's run a blinder, but the filly is back to her best and chinned him on the line. I can't believe he's run two races like that two weeks apart. He's done absolutely brilliantly to come back from the Eclipse and be beaten just a nose by Danedream."
Nathaniel was following up his game victory in the Coral Eclipse (Gr.1) over 1m2f at Sandown on his debut this season for joint owners Lady Rothschild and Newsells Park Stud.
Newsells Park Stud has recently purchased an interest in last year’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr.1) winner, Nathaniel, with a view to standing the beautifully bred son of Galileo at the stud at the end of his racing career.
Nathaniel is one of eight Stakes winners out of his dam Magnificient Style, with his full sister, Great Heavens, gaining victory in the Darley Irish Oaks (Gr.1) at the Curragh today.
Sunday 22nd July 2012