Winx Winx; nudge nudge; say no more
Even Hall of Famers can be fans.
In the space of ten minutes on Saturday, Murray Baker won the Group I New Zealand Derby with Vin De Dance before turning into a fan in the stand to watch the greatest horse his experienced eyes have ever seen.
He took in Vin De Dance’s Derby win at Ellerslie on the television from Randwick but his attention quickly turned to the Sydney track where champion mare Winx was destroying the Chipping Norton Stakes field by seven lengths to score her 23rd straight victory.
Baker is one of New Zealand’s most successful horseman – dozens of great horses have gone through his stable over the years – but even he is in awe of Winx.
‘‘It’s just a privilege to watch Winx,’’ Baker said. ‘‘She’s a super horse... unbelievable.’’
Baker, who trains in partnership with Andrew Forsman, was at Randwick to see their high-quality mare Francaletta run a gutsy third in the Group II Guy Walter Stakes.
Winning a $1 million race, especially the Derby, is something to cherish but when you have the passion for the sport that Baker does, you know who the star of Saturday was.
‘‘She’s so far ahead of the rest that she could win with a leg tied up. You’ll never see it again. You’ll never see a horse do what Winx has done,’’ Baker said. Following the race, he bumped into his old mate Chris Waller – the ex-pat Kiwi who trains Winx.
In the words of Baker: ‘‘A good CD (Central Districts) boy’’.
‘‘I said to Chris that it was humbling to be there to see a great horse like that.’’
Baker and Waller have known each other for decades. They were inducted into the New Zealand Hall of Fame together last month.
When Waller relocated to Sydney in the early 2000s, he sounded out Baker on the idea before committing to the decision and the master horseman told him to go for it.
It’s turned out to be good advice. Having a horse like Winx brings enormous pressure and Baker believes Waller deserves credit for the way he has thrived under the weight of expectation.
‘‘He’s handled it all brilliantly. Placed her well, he’s done everything dead right.’’
The champion mare produced one of the most powerful displays of her career.