A simple dominator
ONLY hours after Winx took her final bows, jockey Hugh Bowman revealed what he would miss most about the champion mare.
The simplicity and the dominance.
“As a rider, the easiest part for me was when the gates opened,” Bowman said at Winx’s farewell party.
“I chose to be a jockey when I was about 16 years old and the one dream I had was to ride a champion.
“I’ve ridden some of the biggest (champions) around the world and I’m very fortunate for the opportunities that have come my way.
“But to ride a horse like Winx is really something that sits very close to my heart.”
Sporting three stitches in his bottom lip, the result of a head clash when attempting to kiss the mare post-race, Bowman showed rare emotion as he reflected on Winx.
“Winx has changed all of our lives,” said Bowman, who rode the champion in 32 of her 37 wins. “She’s certainly touched a lot of people.
“I was certainly feeling that prior to her arriving oncourse, with the amount of attention she commands. To work so closely with her for so long, along with (trainer) Chris Waller and his team, has been an absolute pleasure and a privilege.
“There’s been a lot of time and dedication put into it by all involved but, ultimately, we’ve been working with the type of athlete that we all dream of.”
Meanwhile, the next chapter in the Winx fairytale will be decided within weeks – the start of her breeding career.
Relieved and overwhelmed Winx had bowed out in fitting style with Queen Elizabeth Stakes victory, the champion’s ownership group will soon decide where the mare goes to stud.
While the Hunter Valley is a logical option, Winx could embark on a journey she didn’t experience during her racing career by heading overseas. There is speculation England’s Frankel and Japan’s Deep Impact could be considered.