In completing back to back victories in the $4 million feature, Winx extended her winning streak to 25, to tie with former legendary sprinter Black Caviar as recording the longest feature race winning sequence in history.
She extended her world record lead as the most successful Group One flat racehorse of all time and sent her prizemoney spiralling to just shy of $19 million.
Back near the tail of the field for much of the race, the incredible Street Cry mare produced her customary whirlwind finish to reel in the leader Gailo Chop and race clear to win by almost four lengths.
Connections of Winx were almost lost for words with her latest success – beating a crack field of Australia’s best gallopers and a couple of international raiders.
“It’s hard to describe,” winning trainer Chris Waller said. “We’ve got such a wonderful sport.”
“You can only get the best out of her when she is running against the best,” Waller added.
Waller said Winx would now head for a break before connections look at a likely spring campaign which would culminate in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in late October.
“We will have thoughts on our minds from tonight (about the Cox Plate),” he said. “We will start to work out the time off and how long she needs to be in to prepare.”
Rider Hugh Bowman said he was so proud to be associated with Winx and he too was almost lost for the right superlatives to sum up his incredible equine mate.
“She is just an incredible athlete,” Bowman said. “She creates so much attention – I am just so elated.”
“I am so proud of her and just so proud to be a part of it. What can I say I am lost for words!”
“The bottom line is she’s got 10 to 12 lengths on her rivals, it makes it easy for me,” he added.
Winx ran her final 600 metres of today’s 2000 metres in a staggering 33.48 seconds and despite easing down near the line almost broke yet another race record.
Her part owners Peter Tighe, Richard Treweeke and Debbie Kepitis all can’t believe their luck being associated with the best horse on the planet, but all love how their champion has been embraced by the public.
“I want to thank everyone in the crowd and also those watching at home on television for sharing her with us,” an emotional Peter Tighe said. “I hope it was as special for all of you.”
“This is just the most amazing day for racing,” Tighe added. “This is just the best feeling – the best horse in the world ridden by the best jockey in the world and trained by the best trainer in the world.”
“How superb is what this horse has done and is doing,” fellow owner Debbie Kepitis exclaimed “She is the most perfect specimen. How proud are we!”
Winx is a great success story for Magic Millions. Her dam Vegas Showgirl was purchased by Colm Santry on behalf of the Camilleri family’s Fairway Thoroughbreds for $455,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale from Dormello Stud.
Vegas Showgirl, a stunning type, was offered straight off the track by Dormello. She won seven races in New Zealand including two listed events. She was group placed and also earned black type in Sydney.
A daughter of Al Akbar, Vegas Showgirl won two races at two and trained on to win another five at distances up to 1400 metres. She is a half sister to the group placegetter Black Magic Maggie.
Raised and sold through the draft of Coolmore Stud for Fairway Thoroughbreds, Winx was purchased for $230,000 at the 2013 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Her earnings have raced to $18,998,430.
The Queen of world racing was well and truly crowned again at Randwick today. Enjoy the break Winx!
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: $18,998,430
Owner(s): Magic Bloodstock (Mgr: PG Tighe), R Treweeke & Mrs DN Kepitis
Trainer: Chris Waller (Rosehill)
