Winx could race on
There’s a strong chance the Winx show might not be over just yet.
More than 38,000 people turned out at Moonee Valley in Melbourne on Saturday to watch the wonder mare become the first horse to win four Cox Plates and extend her extraordinary winning streak to 29 wins on the bounce. For almost a year, there has been widespread speculation that the A$5 million (NZ$5.4M) race would be her last.
With 22 of her victories coming at Group I level, a history-making winning streak, a record-breaking four Cox Plates and more than A$22.8 million (NZ$24.8M) in prize money, Winx – a 7-year-old mare – clearly has nothing left to prove.
But when she remains at her peak, it must be hard to pull stumps on her racing career.
Winx will now head for a welldeserved break – oblivious of the decision that will need to be made on her racing future.
Following her two-length victory, Winx’s expat Kiwi trainer Chris Waller has revealed there is a strong chance she will race on.
Speaking on Trackside’s Weigh In show yesterday morning, Waller
stressed that no decision has been made yet and that no chances will be taken if there are any doubts about her health or soundness. The best interests of the horse will be put before the lure of any race.
Just like when Waller turned down an invite to meet with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison during the week so he could concentrate on Winx’s preparation.
Waller, who was already back in Sydney yesterday to spend the day with his family, was planning a few beers in his backyard to celebrate the exploits of
his champion mare.
Waller said what happens in the future will be a joint decision made by Winx’s owners Peter Tighe, Debbie Kepitis and Richard Treweeke, himself and jockey Hugh Bowman.
‘‘I think there is a pretty strong chance she could race in the autumn, but we’ll have another chat soon,’’ Waller said.
The most obvious target will be the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on April 13.
Winx has won the A$5 million (NZ$5.4M) race in 2017 and 2018.