The Winning Machine

[Wandering Eyes]

Winx (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire})’s appearance in the G1 Longines Queen Elizabeth S. Saturday, Apr. 13 at Randwick could well be her swansong. It’s almost impossible to conjure up a new superlative for the mighty mare who has won 32 consecutive stakes races, including 24 Group 1s. So we decided to reach out to some experts in the Northern Hemisphere to reflect on her achievements.

“To win 36 races, and counting, is extraordinary in itself. I know how hard it is just to get a horse to the races, let alone win 32 in a row. Congratulations to Chris, Hugh, Debbie and Pete, they have shown as much class as their horse. I know a stallion who would love to meet her.”–Lord Teddy Grimthorpe, Juddmonte

“I have just one thing to say about Winx: I wish I trained her. She’s everything you want in a racehorse. She’s beautiful, fast and she wants to win. Brilliance never has to make an excuse. She always gives us a Hollywood ending.”–Bob Baffert, dual Triple Crown winning trainer

“She’s a phenomenon, and hence such a crowd favourite with her heart, mind and the durability of the pure athlete. Great credit must be paid to her training team and rider Hugh Bowman, for simply sustaining her love and enthusiasm for racing. Speaking as a breeder, what a dream to produce a racehorse with her class, ability and will to win.”–Fiona Craig, Moyglare Stud

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“Like thousands of racing fans around the world I have watched Winx’s career in awe of what she has achieved; to her detractors I would say simply this; how many horses of either sex do we ever see who show the same level of brilliance, soundness and consistency over such an extraordinary period of time? I have rarely seen any racehorse who has managed to maintain such a competitive streak for as long as she has, and I would just like to pay tribute to all of those directly involved with her, who have done such a superlative job of keeping her physically in one piece and mentally as focused as she is. I have nothing but admiration for the way Chris Waller and his staff have managed to keep her at the top for so long, and Hugh Bowman’s outwardly calm approach to the task in hand has been a privilege to watch.”–Angus Gold, Shadwell Stud

“She will certainly be remembered as one of the greatest ever. Her connections did a wonderful job managing her brilliant career and sharing her with the entire racing world.”–Bill Farish, Lane’s End Farm

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