Danedream v Nathaniel: an unforgettable final furlong duel in the King George

The market suggested that either 2011 King George hero Nathaniel would retain his crown or Sir Michael Stoute’s Sea Moon, a hugely impressive winner of the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, was set for a breakthrough Group 1 success.

Not for the first time in the long history of the great race, the market was wrong.

German raider Danedream, a 9-1 chance despite her five-length success in the Arc the year before, was given the coolest of rides by Andrasch Starke. When Brown Panther went for home turning into the short straight, Starke didn’t panic.

When Nathaniel joined issue two furlongs out, Starke moved his mount a little closer. And when it looked as though Nathaniel was going to battle his way to victory just inside the final furlong, Starke conjured a wonderful response from his mount.

Danedream (orange): the German-bred star sees of Nathaniel (yellow cap) in the 2012 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth StakesCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Nathaniel and William Buick appeared to have perfect synergy as they made a rush for the winning post. For nine-tenths of the final furlong, they seemed sure to collect. However, Danedream simply wouldn’t be denied.

Produced widest of all, the four-year-old answered Starke’s every call and with every stride the gap closed.

Nathaniel continued to dig deep; Danedream continued to close. And in the very last stride she got there by a nose. One final, crucial bob of the head and the prestigious prize was hers.

Just wonderful to watch.

Watch the 2012 King George replay here

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