Winx goes out a winner! Queen Elizabeth a 33rd straight win
With that, the great Winx has called it a career.
The Australian mare won her 33rd straight race Saturday in taking Randwick Racecourse's Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1), and on the way she set another record as the world's top all-time earner, surpassing the recent American runner Arrogate.
Even given an anxious moment this week -- Winx kicked out at a barrier during a morning stroll through the paddock -- she emerged in fine form for her race day ritual.
"This is a fairytale ending," said co-owner Debbie Kepitis.
Indeed.
"We weren't sure if we'd get that," Kepitis added. "But how wonderful was that girl? She's the most amazing supreme athlete that I think I've ever seen, handled by the most supreme coach. I don't have many words. It's just very exciting to have this come to fruition, and congratulations to anyone who's ever been involved with this wonderful horse."
"Just an amazing horse for everyone to be part of, and I'm a small, small cog in the wheel," said a teary-eyed trainer, Chris Waller.
Record wagering was so slanted on Winx that a betting market opened for the top finisher aside from the daughter of Street Cry. Those who did put a play on Winx did so with a guarantee they could get a ticket back for the posterity of the moment.
As for her jockey, Hugh Bowman walked away only with a bloody lip, the product of trying to embrace a horse who was still full of energy past the wire.
"She's shown no signs of going backward," Bowman said. "We came here as confident as we've ever been, and what a journey it's been. It's hard to believe it's the end, actually."
For some perspective: Winx's streak began the day American Pharoah won the Preakness Stakes here in the United States, and her career concluded hours before the Triple Crown winner's first runner as a sire was scheduled to head postward. That's longevity.
In addition to all the accolades for Winx, Waller recorded a milestone 100th Group 1 victory, well-timed given No. 99 came a race earlier on the card when Verry Elleegant won the Australian Oaks (G1).
Connections have not yet made a decision on Winx's breeding plans but are said to be researching stallion options.