In winning at her final start, Winx became the highest stakes earning racehorse in the history of world racing – over $26 million.
She also retires with a 33 consecutive group race sequence and a world record 25 Group One victories – beating 83 individual Group One winners along the way.
It was fitting Winx’s third Queen Elizabeth Stakes win would provide her champion trainer Chris Waller with his 100th win at racing’s elite level.
“It sure has been (the pressure),” an emotional Waller said. “It is hard to explain.”
“It has been amazing to be a part of. I am a small cog in the wheel.”
“My team has just done an amazing job. It is rare they get the accolades. Racing for four years against the very best.”
It was also unparallelled joy for the part owners of the champion.
“She is the most amazing supreme athlete I’ve ever seen handled by the best coach,” a proud Debbie Kepitis said.
“I don’t have many words. It’s just very exciting. Congrats to everyone who has been involved with this horse,” she added.
Peter Tighe was equally proud that the star horse ended on the best possible note and praised his trainer for his expert handling of the daughter of Street Cry.
“I don’t think anyone is more deserving than Chris of getting his 100th Group 1 winner with the best horse that has ever gone around in the world.”
Hugh Bowman again expressed his honour to being able to ride the world’s best horse – the two teaming up for yet another Group One victory.
“I am so proud to be a part of it,” Bowman noted. “It has been very real for me.”
“This horse has captured the hearts of a lot of people around the globe.”
“Maybe we will never know how good she really is,” Bowman added.Racecaller Darren Flindell summed the momentous occasion up perfectly with his call over the concluding stages.
“Today we farewell an Australian icon,” Flindell called. “The greatest of all time!”
A $230,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale buy in 2013 for Magic Bloodstock from the Coolmore Stud draft, Winx was sold on behalf of her breeder, Fairway Thoroughbreds – the property of John and Deb Camilleri.
She is the second foal of the stakes winning Al Akbar mare Vegas Showgirl – a winner of seven races, including two at two. Vegas Showgirl was purchased for $455,000 as a broodmare prospect from Dormello Stud at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.
While her racing days are over connections and fans have plenty more to look forward to. Winx will now embark on the next stage of her career, motherhood.
Owners Tighe, Treweeke and Kepitis are yet to discuss possible suitors for Winx in what would be her first season at stud this September.
Winx retires the winner of 37 races. The same as Phar Lap. How fitting.
Winner: Winx
Breeding: Street Cry-Vegas Showgirl (Al Akbar)
Race: ATC Queen Elizabeth Stakes G1 (2000m)
Sold for : $230,000
Sale: 2013 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Coolmore Stud (As Agent)
Buyer: Magic Bloodstock
Earnings: $26,451,174
Owner(s): Magic Bloodstock Racing (Mgr: PG Tighe), Mr RG Treweeke and Mrs DN Kepitis
Trainer: Chris Waller (Rosehill)
