Following a record-breaking Cox Plate win on Saturday, trainer Chris Waller has announced that champion mare Winx is done for the year in a bid to rest up and heal her injuries.
“The owners and I have jointly decided to spell Winx following her brilliant win in the William Cox Plate on Saturday,” said Waller.
The five-year-old blew the field away over the weekend with a stunning and dominant ride in the Cox Plate.
She broke away on the final turn before streaking off to win by a frankly ridiculous eight lengths over Hartnell to secure her second Plate win in a row.
Waller said he was pleased with how Winx pulled up from the run but did mention a minor abrasion to her hind leg that added to the decision.
“She has pulled up well from the race with the exception of a minor abrasion to her hind leg,” Waller said.
“Simple bathing and a trip or two to the beach would see it naturally heal, however, I have taken the aggressive approach of treating it with antibiotics to ensure no risks are taken.”
“We have carefully deliberated on what is best for the horse as well as ensuring she spends a reasonable period in the spelling stables.”
"I can't stress enough, the horse always comes first." #Winx pic.twitter.com/Y8TjM3mB4l
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 24, 2016
While initially slated to run in the Mackinnon Stakes on November 5, the mare is now expected to be out of action until February.
Waller is yet to confirm a return date or any races on the horizon, but he did speculate on some possible options for the future.
“At this stage targets in the autumn are yet to be discussed but the most logical races will make up her autumn campaign.
“Other options such as travelling overseas and returning for a third Cox Plate in 2017 are also items owners and I will discuss in the near future.”
Understand @cwallerracing just looking after #Winx spelling her, but disappointed we don't see the champ again this spring @BigSportsBrekky
— Terry Kennedy (@TK_BSB) October 24, 2016
It’s a well-deserved spell for Winx who is sitting on an incredible 13-race winning streak and is already being touted as one of the greatest Australian racehorses of all time.
No doubt she will be an attraction sorely missed for the fans and punters, but certainly a reprieve for the bookies.
Chris Waller Full Statement on Winx
The owners and I have jointly decided to spell Winx following her brilliant win in the William Cox Plate on Saturday.Serious consideration was given to running in the Mackinnon Stakes in two weeks, however, we have carefully deliberated on what is best for the horse as well as ensuring she spends a reasonable period in the spelling stables.
At this stage targets in the autumn are yet to be discussed but the most logical races will make up her autumn campaign.
Other options such as travelling overseas and returning for a third Cox Plate in 2017 are also items owners and I will discuss in the near future.
She has pulled up well from the race with the exception of a minor abrasion to her hind leg. Simple bathing and a trip or two to the beach would see it naturally heal, however, I have taken the aggressive approach of treating it with antibiotics to ensure no risks are taken.
I really appreciate the admiration shown to her by racing fans and the public and it’s an honour to share that experience with you all. Longevity is the key for this mare as it will provide many more special moments over the next 12 months and beyond.
I have had many calls over the past 48 hours and I have done my best to return all of these but please respect that I am unable to get back to everyone and I trust that this release serves as a notification to all interested parties.
I will be present at my Flemington stables tomorrow morning (Tuesday) at 8.30am to answer any questions from the media regarding Winx, plus our runners for the coming week.
Kind Regards,
Chris Waller
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