Mornington conditioner Nichols experienced a chilling near-death experience last spring when he suffered a heart attack, with doctors telling him he was lucky to survive.
He underwent surgery to put a stent in his heart and following the required recovery period and the support of those closest to him, went back to work and Streets Of Avalon crowned his comeback in the best possible style.
The 6-year-old, winner of the G1 Futurity S. last year, returned from a spell for a first-up success in last month’s G2 Australia S. to ready him for a return to top-flight competition.
He sat outside the leader Sovereign Award (Shamus Award) before taking control and was then headed by Imaging (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) 150 metres off the post, but Streets Of Avalon had more to offer and rallied for a gallant victory.
“My heart was racing and it gave it a test and it came through with flying colours. I don’t know whether mine works quite as good as his and when Imaging came to him I thought, gee, we’re in trouble,” Nichols said.
“My heart was racing and it gave it a test and it came through with flying colours.” – Shane Nichols
“He (Streets Of Avalon) just came again and he was holding the other one (Imaging) at the line, it was a remarkable performance by such a tough horse.”
Streets Of Avalon dug deepest and he wasn’t to be denied and held on to prevail by 0.5l.
“When he has to really find the line and obviously he had that lead-up run under his belt and that helped him get somewhere near his top for today,” Nichols said.
“I’m just in admiration of this horse, he’s a warrior. For a horse that’s had as many runs as he has and still be fronting up in Group 1s is remarkable,” Nichols said.
He also paid tribute to the track staff at Mornington for their efforts in preparing the training tracks.
“It’s great for the team at home and they present the tracks to keep this horse sound and racing so well, I’m beside myself. I was pretty emotional after the Australia S. and now I’m just pumped.
“It’s been a tough time, but all the well-wishers made it all a bit easier and days like today and family is what you live for.”
“It’s been a tough time, but all the well-wishers made it all a bit easier and days like today and family is what you live for.” – Shane Nichols
Out of the Black Minnaloushe (USA) mare Kamuniak (NZ) who is a sister to the dual Group 1 winner Jokers Wild (NZ), Streets Of Avalon was bred by Phil Warren, who races the gelding with a number of partners.
He was ridden by Zac Spain, who was tasting Group 1 success for the first time.
“Credit to Phil Warren, he was happy to put him on and I was too. Zac has won six on him now and that’s the story. He just needed an opportunity and seized it and well done to him,” Nichols said.
Zac Spain and Shane Nichols
Spain was understandably emotional and grateful for the opportunity afforded to him.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet, I celebrated a bit after the line and this has been such a super horse to me and a career-changing horse. He gave me my first Listed win, Group 2 and now Group 1,” he said.
“I can’t thank Shane enough and Phil Warren and the whole ownership group. They’ve stuck strongly with me and to give them a Group 1 win is fantastic.”
“I can’t thank Shane enough and Phil Warren and the whole ownership group. They’ve stuck strongly with me and to give them a Group 1 win is fantastic.” - Zac Spain
“Imaging headed me, but my horse is tough as nails and rock-hard fit and showed just how good a trainer Shane is. He was spot on and hopefully Mum and Dad were watching and shed a few tears and I made them and my two brothers proud of me.
“It’s so hard in Melbourne and it's all about opportunities. I don’t ride in town that often and when you ride these good horses you have to capitalise.”
The 3-year-old Crosshaven (Smart Missile) gave a good account of himself with his resuming third and the old-stager Humidor (NZ) (Teofilo {Ire}) was fourth, but the G1 Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) was never a factor.
He was under rider Glen Boss’ whip before the turn and could make no impression, beating only two runners home.
Streets Of Avalon and Zac Spain
