Wimmera connections have celebrated a big day on the last day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival with champion horse Nature Strip winning the $2-million Group 1 Darley Sprint and Horsham Jockey saluting on Reykjavik in the Group 2 Chatham Stakes yesterday.

Nature Strip, part owned by Horsham's Frank Giampaolo, Craig Bennett, Geoff Dumesny, Craig Garland and David McCluskey, will most likely head to Royal Ascot for the 1000m King's Stand and the Diamond Jubilee Cup.

Yendall, one of the country's most consistant riders, was thankful after the race to Perth trainer Lindsey Smith.

"Not whinging but I don't seem to get a lot of rides in town these days but when I do I try my best to give every horse the best chance," he told Channell 10 after the race. "The win is a great thrill"