Australia’s Winx proves her invincibility
PRODUCES ANOTHER COURAGEOUS PERFORMANCE TO DEFEAT GODOLPHIN’S HARTNELL FOR 17TH CAREER WIN
Godolphin’s Hartnell produced another courageous performance, but like in past efforts, had to concede to the brilliance of Australia’s world champion mare Winx, who was the easiest of winner of the Group 1 A$4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick racecourse yesterday.
Jockey James Doyle attempted to steal a march on Winx, who had beaten Hartnell on six previous occasions, when he pushed his mount to the front entering the home straight of the 1,800 metre contest.
But Hugh Bowman was biding his time aboard the five-year-old son of the ill-fated Darley stallion Street Cry. Once he shook his reins at Chris Waller’s superstar, Winx used her lengthy stride to pull clear and cross the finish line 5 ½ lengths clear.
It was Winx’s 17th successive victory and one that confirmed her place among Australian racing’s pantheon of greats.
The QE success took her earnings past the $12.7 million mark to become the second highest earning horse in Australia after Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva’s $14,526,685 in prize money.
Win’s connections have revealed that they would consider a European campaign, possibly in the summer of 2018.
“She’s ready for a break and so am I,” Waller said.
Very dominant
“I’m a racing fan throughand-through and, like everyone, I die to see horses like her, so having the responsibility that comes with training her makes you very emotional when it’s over.
“She makes me look like a genius, but it’s just that’s she’s such a great horse.”
Winning rider Hugh Bowman Waller in heaping praise on Winx. “She is just so dominant,” said the 36-year-old ride.
“What a supreme athlete she is and what an honour it is to just be a part of her career.
“Just look at her she’s a supreme athlete, she’s the ultimate professional. I love her and I could really feel the crowd’s love for her.”
Godolphin’s Australian trainer John O’Shea said Hartnell had lost nothing in defeat.
“He’s run very bravely and very well, but she is a marvel,” O’Shea said.
“If not for her our horse would have won a Cox Plate and Queen Elizabeth. But she’s here and she’s the best.”
Shortly afterwards Godolphin UK-based hander Charlie Appleby would be denied a fresh Australia success when the Group 1 Sydney Cup was cancelled and the race declared a non-event.
Polarisation won the 3200m contest with his stablemate Penglai Pavilion in third place, but simultaneously Randwick stewards had ruled a “norace” due to a fallen horse on the track just past the winning post.
The QE success took her earnings past the $12.7m mark to become the second highest earning horse in Australia after Makybe Diva’s $14,526,685 in prize money.