One of the things I love about horse racing is the uniquely personal relationship fans develop with the stars of the sport.
Successful punting is, naturally enough, a large part of it, for who among us doesn’t love to have a big win on a great horse in a major race. But I think there is more to it than this.
As we prepare for the retirement of our great mare this Saturday, 13 April, most of us will be reflecting on our particular special connection with Winx.
I would like to share a few of my own thoughts as I get ready to sit in front of the television to see this remarkable horse for the last time.
I have never seen Winx in the flesh, nor have I ever invested one cent on the horse, as by the time I wised up to how good she was, she was starting at odds that were just too short for me to get involved. And, yes, I have bet against her, but not too often.
There are three things I will take away from her career above all others. First, as a proud Queenslander, I am glad that her remarkable winning streak kicked off during our winter carnival a few years ago. It is one of the very few things that Queensland racing fans have had to brag about in recent times.
The second is the day she won the Doncaster. She overcame difficulties that day and was absolutely magnificent. Strangely, why I have this episode among my top Winx moments is not solely or even primarily because of Winx, for this was the day that Chautauqua came from an impossible position to win his second of three TJ Smith Stakes. The two of them created memories for racing lovers that will last a lifetime, particularly for those present at the track.
When I think of Winx, however, I will recall the 2017 Turnbull Stakes. She was already acknowledged as a champion by then, but the way she won that day marked her as a horse that most of us can never expect to see the likes of again. Regarded by some as better on soft ground, she absolutely trounced a small but select field on a firm Flemington surface over the classics distance, and I for one shall never forget it.
For those who have their own recollections to share, I would love to hear from you in the comments section. As for who I think will win the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, stay tuned.
Sean
Guest
I think the two performances that stand out are the 2016 Cox Plate and the 2017 George Ryder Stakes. They were incredible margins against elite fields.
Roarpete
Roar Pro
Thanks for your comment. It’s funny how certain horses remind you of others for whatever reason. Whenever I think of First ?Seal, who was terrific as you say, the horse that immediately comes to mind as being at about that level with perhaps a similar record is Hot Danish. Remember her?
Roarpete
Roar Pro
Thank
Larry1950
Guest
With all the Winx hysteria set to come to an end this weekend, I'd like to pay tribute to a now retired mare whose record indicates she has the wood on the great mare, at least in head to head clashes. First Seal, a multiple group winning filly and mare met Winx 7 times from my analysis and beat her home 5 times, including wins in group races like the Tea Rose stakes etc. Interestingly, until Winx stated her run at the Sunshine Coast during the Brisbane winter carnival, First Seal was obviously the best 3 year old filly of that crop. Whilst not reaching the same standards as a 4 year old & retired with only 20 odd runs, she'll probably go unremembered as the filly who put Winx in the shade on their first 5 clashes. Good luck Winx, hope you get the final win & go out on top and also hope to see First Seal's progeny in the sale ring in the near future.