History was made across all levels, the mare becoming the first horse to win three straight George Ryder Stakes and surpassing American champion John Henry as the most successful flat galloper of all time with 17 Group One victories.
The record breaking win today saw Winx’s earnings race past $16.5 million and confirmed her status as the world’s highest ranked galloper.
While the focus will this week switch to connections with an expected announcement on her long term future and possible tilts at Royal Ascot and a fourth Cox Plate, today it was all about a great win in a tough contest.
Last start Group One winner Happy Clapper tried hard, but couldn’t hold out Winx over the concluding stages as the superstar stretched away to win by three parts of a length. The highly fancied three-year-old Kementari, coming off an easy Group One win, was third home.
Winx is raced by Peter Tighe’s Magic Bloodstock Racing along with friends Richard Treweeke and Debbie Kepitis. She was purchased by Magic Bloodstock for $230,000 at the 2013 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Coolmore Stud, as agent for Fairway Thoroughbreds.
“They are two quality horses and it was good for her today,” Waller said. “It did make her stretch, it made her lift and I think that was perfect for where we are heading, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in three weeks time.”
“It’s pretty special. I try not to get too caught up in it,” Waller added. “I like everybody else who is a racing or sporting tragic has to be pretty proud of her today.”
The win was extra special for jockey Hugh Bowman who was in a battle to ride his champion today after falling a fortnight ago.
“I could feel the crowd erupt as we went to the front at the 200,” Bowman said. “And a world record, what a special, special horse she is and I’m just so grateful to be her jockey.”
By champion international sire Street Cry, Winx is from Vegas Showgirl, who like the champion herself is a graduate of the Gold Coast sales ring.
A multiple stakes winner of seven races in New Zealand for Graeme Rogerson, Vegas Showgirl (Al Akbar) was sold off the track as a breeding prospect by Dormello Stud at the 2008 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.
At the sale she was purchased for the Camilleri family’s Fairway Thoroughbred by Colm Santry for $455,000.
As well as Winx, Vegas Showgirl has produced the ill fated homebred group winner El Divino.
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: $16,563,900
Owners: Magic Bloodstock Racing (Mgr: PG Tighe), RG Treweeke & Mrs DN Kepitis
Trainer: Chris Waller (Rosehill)
