Bella Nipotina back in work, UK a possibility

It is only a tick over three weeks since Bella Nipotina had her final run of a career-defining 2024, but the evergreen mare has already returned to work.

Trainer Ciaron Maher reported that The Everest winner was back ‘ticking over’ after a fortnight break following her third placing in the Group 1 Champions Sprint at Flemington on November 9.

The daughter of Pride Of Dubai had 14 runs this year and Maher is reluctant to give the seven-year-old too long a break ahead of what is likely to be her final racing campaign.

“She’s ticking over, she’s back in work, she had a couple of weeks off,” Maher said.

“She likes to tick over anyway.”

Maher is yet to formulate a plan for 2025 with Bella Nipotina but he is open to giving her shot on the international stage if the ownership group is keen on it.

Royal Ascot was flagged by Maher as a possible target carnival with Bella Nipotina before a potential date with a high-profile European stallion to Southern Hemisphere time.

“I’ve got to have a chat with the owners as to whether overseas is an option,” Maher said.

“Whether you go over there, have a couple of runs, get covered and then bring her back.”

“But I haven’t had that chat with them yet.”

Nature Strip is the only winner of The Everest to run at Royal Ascot with the Chris Waller-trained gelding taking out the 2022 King’s Stand Stakes.

The Champions Sprint was Bella Nipotina’s 57th start in a career that has generated 11 wins and 26 minor placings for $20.8 million in earnings.

The Everest, which was this year run for the first time at Group 1 level, was her headline performance, while her other wins included the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 and Group 1 Tatt’s Tiara.