Winx’s legend status confirmed

There are marks that seem impossible to match in Australian sport, but one fell at Randwick on Saturday to the best horse to grace the turf in Australia.

Black Caviar’s 25 straight wins was like Bradman’s 99.94 test average or St George’s 11 consecutive rugby league premierships – something to marvel at but never be matched.

Yet Winx went past Black Caviar to 26 with another trademark surge at Randwick to take the race named in her honour. Where the record streak will end might only be determined by when Chris Waller and connections decide she has had enough.

‘‘It’s the benchmark that someone else can strive for. We are just lucky we are the owners. Records are made for everybody to chase,’’ owner Peter Tighe said.

‘‘We are happy to set a few now. And, hopefully, she will continue to do it.’’

To put 26 in context, it would take 25 straight wins to have an unbeaten NRL or AFL season, and any team that does that would be hailed forever more.

Winx has kept winning for more than three years. Even on her bad days, she has proved better than the rest.

‘‘I didn’t think any horse would get near 25 straight wins when Black Caviar finished,’’ Kiwi-born trainer Chris Waller said. ‘‘To be a part of that is special. There is always another record that you won’t get, so you have to appreciate how good that is. We are very lucky to have her and that she is still at her best, and that she is going to be around for a bit longer.’’

Sydney Morning Herald