Again well back in the field when turning for home, the champion produced her usual incredible finishing burst to reel in the leaders and race away for a soft win on the line.
Connections feel the six-year-old is right on track for her main mission of the Cox Plate, and will likely have one more run before the weight-for-age championship.
“I wasn’t too worried mid race – you shouldn’t try to over analyse things,” trainer Chris Waller said. “Just enjoy Winx for who she is.”
“True champions usually come out and win – but they get beat too – so we have to respect that.”
“Sydney has embraced her and we’ll have one more run up here if we can and at some stage we’ll head to Melbourne. We’ll lock it in next week and try and let everyone know. It’s not a guessing game, it’s not rocket science. The horse some first and she’ll tell me whether she has one or two more runs.”
“She’s going terrific. She’s spot on. The first Cox Plate she won off three runs. Her second Cox Plate was off four runs and this year she’ll probably run in it off her sixth run.”
“It’s our job now to protect her and make sure she is there and the public can continue to enjoy her,” Waller summed up.
“She’s done it again,” winning rider Hugh Bowman said. “She’s just a huge delight to be a part of.”
“I really run out of things to say. She’s such a magical horse – she just never fails to get the job done.”
“I expected her to be closer. The pace was strong. At the top of the straight she had a lot of ground to make up, but after her last two performances I knew she could do it today – I’m just so proud of her,” Bowman added.
“Growing up on the farm in Dunedoo and dreaming of being a jockey, dreaming of riding a champion, those dreams have been met in the form of Winx and like I said I’m so proud and honoured.”
A $230,000 purchase for Magic Bloodstock at the 2013 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Coolmore Stud, Winx has sent her earnings soaring past $13.47 million.
Today’s win was the 13th at Group One level and her 20th straight win – all of them coming in group races since her incredible victory in the Sunshine Coast as a three-year-old.
Winx, a daughter of the National Broodmare Sale purchase Vegas Showgirl, was bred by Fairway Thoroughbred, the breeding arm for John and Deb Camilleri.
As a yearling Winx was selected on behalf of owners Peter and Patty Tighe, Richard Treweeke and Debbie Kepitis by leading bloodstock agent Guy Mulcaster.
Winner: Winx
Breeding: Street Cry-Vegas Showgirl (Al Akbar)
Race: ATC George Main Stakes G1 (1600m)
Sold for: $230,000
Sale: 2013 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Coolmore Stud (As Agent)
Buyer: Magic Bloodstock
Earnings: $13,478,430
Owner(s): Magic Bloodstock Racing (Mgr: PG Tighe), RG Treweeke & Mrs DN Kepitis
Trainer: Chris Waller (Rosehill)
