Kingsgate Native defies age to win

Veteran sprinter Kingsgate Native will continue his racing career for the foreseeable future following his heart-warming victory at Nottingham.

Trainer Robert Cowell had suggested retirement could be on the cards for the Group One-winning 11-year-old following disappointing runs at Salisbury and Newmarket.

But Kingsgate Native proved he still had something to give with his performance at Nottingham on Thursday when he won a five furlong (1000m) race by half a length.

Kingsgate Native claimed his first Group One win in the 2008 Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in which Australian Takeover Target finished fourth.

He was retired to stud at the end of that year but returned to training when he was found to have fertility problems.

"It was absolutely wonderful. He's just the most fantastic little horse," Chris Richardson, managing director of owners Cheveley Park, said.

"It's a shame he didn't make a stallion, but he's given us some great fun over the years and everyone is very proud of him.

"There was talk of retirement, but he defied those suggestions again."