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Racehorse Nic Nat Nui wins on the Sunshine Coast in same week Eagles ruckman is crowned All-Australian

The West Australian
Camera IconCredit: Star ruckman Nic Naitnui alongside winning racehorse Nic Nat Nui.

This week has been a good one for Nic Naitanui(s) - he was crowned the AFL’s best ruckman for 2020 and now his namesake has taken home $16,800 after saluting last night.

The West Coast star was named as the lead ruckman in 2020’s All-Australian team on Thursday night following a stunning season. It marks his second prestigious blazer, with his first coming back in 2012.

However the focus is now on his namesake’s more recent achievement, after the 4-year-old saluted in race six at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club last night.

Nic Nat Nui won from barrier 11 to take home the prize money after starting a $2.35 favourite.

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The narrow win, under trainer Tony Gollan, continues his brilliant form this campaign and marks the gelding’s second on the trot.

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Even the original Nic recognised the racehorse’s efforts.

“Haha he only just got home,” the 30-year-old Tweeted.

“Back to back for the namesake.”

Sadly, the Fijian isn’t on record as one of its owners but it’s clear he keeps a keen eye on the galloper.

The Eagles will hope the victory is a good omen ahead of their do-or-die final against Collingwood next Saturday.

The 2018 premiers trained as a group yesterday, with star defender Jeremy McGovern looming as one of multiple inclusions for the big clash.

Jack Redden (thumb), Mark Hutchings (hamstring), Luke Shuey (hamstrings) and Jamie Cripps (personal) are the other handy returns likely to boost West Coast’s side.

Yesterday, premiership defenders Will Schofield and Ben Reid both announced their retirements from the AFL.

Both players, 31, were taken in the 2006 draft but are sadly unlikely to feature in the elimination final.

Reid didn’t travel to Perth after a ‘minor setback’, while Schofield is set to be squeezed out by McGovern’s return.

The clash gets underway from 6:10pm WST at Optus Stadium on Saturday week.

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