Waller hits back at UK comments

TRAINER Chris Waller has returned serve at English racing commentator Matt Chapman, saying he has shown a lack of respect for Winx and Australian racing in general.

Chapman told the Cox Plate barrier draw function in Melbourne on Tuesday that Winx’s opposition during her unbeaten streak over the past 3½ years had been moderate.

“I’ve taken those comments in and I was very, very surprised and disappointed, to the fact that I think he is a bit of a dickhead for saying it really,” Waller said. “You’re in a foreign country, you should have a little bit of respect.

“It’s a bit harsh to say that over the past 3½ years where she has been winning, he is basically saying every horse she has beaten is rubbish.

“Well that just puts a mockery on Australian racing, which is regarded as close to the best in the world.

“I’m sure our punters and followers of racing will be disgusted by those comments.”

Winx has beaten more than 60 individual Group 1 winners during her winning sequence.

Chapman also said Hugh Bowman would have to ride the mare differently and not let English visitor Benbatl get too far ahead if she was to win her fourth Cox Plate and take her Group 1 record to 22 and her unbeaten streak to 29.

He also challenged the international handicapping panel to rate Saturday’s Champion Stakes winner at Ascot, Cracksman, as the best in the world above Winx.

The last English horse to top the world’s best rankings was Frankel in 2012.