Rated as one of the best gallopers to have ever raced, Winx won her 24th Group One race today extending her incredible world record of consecutive group race successes in another powerhouse performance.
The mare got back in the field as she chased a fourth straight win in the George Ryder and then produced an incredible sprint in the straight to reel in the leaders and race clear for the softest of wins.
The large Rosehill crowd was in raptures before, during and after the race as Winx received a hero’s welcome back to the winner’s stall. Connections of the mighty mare were amongst them.
“She’s a very special horse,” trainer Chris Waller said. “I’m sure she knows what’s going on.”
“She’s just a marvellous horse to work with and we owe it to her to be in this position.”
For the owners of Winx the dream winning sequence continued today and they are hopeful it will continue all going well in three weeks time when it’s expected she will race for the final time in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
“She did what she does best and that’s put them to the sword,” part owner Peter Tighe said.
“She’s just out of this world. She means the world to us and to Debbie and to Richard. I’m glad she does it – not just for us but for everybody.”
“I can’t thank people enough – here in the crowd, or watching at home on the TV and around the world – it’s just an amazing thing and I’m not sure how I’m going to live after it!”
“She’s just a favourite,” Tighe added. “She’s everyone’s favourite. I’m so proud. The proudness that wells up inside you is something that is so very very special.”
“She’s just so special to us,” part owner Debbie Kepitis exclaimed. “We want to make sure she is always fine, all of the time.”
“We want everyone to appreciate what she does, so we’re showcasing her and hopefully she will run again in three weeks but if she’s not right for that she won’t.”
“But boy isn’t she just amazing,” Kepitis added. “She’s the most amazing athlete that I’ve ever come into contact with.”
A daughter of Street Cry, Winx has now earned her connections including owners Peter Tighe, Richard Treweeke and Debbie Kepitis over $24 million with 36 wins from 42 lifetime starts.
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 at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.
Winner: Winx
Breeding: Street Cry-Vegas Showgirl (Al Akbar)
Race: ATC George Ryder Stakes G1 (1500m)
Sold for: $230,000
Sale: 2013 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Coolmore Stud (As Agent)
Buyer: Magic Bloodstock
Earnings: $24,016,670
Owner(s): Magic Bloodstock Racing (Mgr: PG Tighe), RG Treweeke & Mrs DN Kepitis
Trainer: Chris Waller (Rosehill)
