WINX MAKES IT 26 WINS IN A ROW WITH ANOTHER STUNNING PERFORMANCE AT ROYAL RANDWICK

Winx was on the verge of breaking the record set by Black Caviar when she went to the gates for the start of the Winx Stakes, Gr.1 run over 1400m. At the outset it appeared to be the easiest job in the world for jockey Hugh Bowman to steer the best horse in the world to victory. But Hugh Bowman’s confidence was tested for a moment when Winx had to make up six lengths on the field as she approached the turn for home as she powered on to record the 26th straight win at Royal Randwick. Kementari, whom many thought may give her a real test, was alongside her at the 450m mark, giving Bowman anxious moments. This was her 19th Group1 win.
Hugh Bowman confessed; “It’s been a while since she has run over this distance. It is a bit short of her best distance. Glyn Schofield (Kementari) and I came around the corner together and I thought I was near my top,” he said. “She was struggling at the pace of this distance. When she balanced up and saw the winning post … what can I say, she is incredible.” Schofield said he could hear the Randwick crowd, of more than 12,000, over the final 200m as the champ cleared the field.
Everyone at Randwick knew the occasion was one they may never witness again and even the smallest child on the course is unlikely to ever see a horse like Winx even if they live to 100. “Parents are bringing their kids out to see a horse of the calibre we may never see again,” Bowman said. “They only come along once in a generation. She is such a special athlete. I’m lost for words. I am so proud of her.”
This is how the race unfolded according to Bowman. “Winx stood in the gates relaxed and settled then jumped well. I got the back on Kementari which is what I hoped would have happened and then the pace wasn’t as quick as I expected but I was travelling very nicely. I had D’argento, who was probably one of my other main dangers, to my outside and the pace steadied and D’argento increased forward of Kementari so I took the opportunity to come out and follow him. I then had Kementari locked away and I had cover. Glyn Schofield (on Kementari) could see himself in an awkward position so he eased and came out which pushed me out without cover. My horse, Winx, laboured for a bit at that stage and I knew it was something she had done in her races in the past over 1400m. So I decided to come out further to let Glyn come out on Kementari hoping he would increase into the race and Winx would move with him and they could go together rather than try and push and shove. The both of us laboured for 50m to 100m and then I thought ‘maybe she’s just not going to do it’ but then she balanced up and dropped Kementari. I still had four lengths to make up on the leading group and they weren’t stopping so I decided to pull the whip though to remind her but when I did that she went from three behind to a length in front and the crowd erupted. It was just incredible. She is such a special athlete.”