Racing fans never saw the mighty Winx at her best. Not by a mile.
Even Black Caviar was taken overseas and tested, and her legacy as a sprinter – despite the unconvincing performance in England – is more genuine than Winx as a middle distance/ miler.
At least Peter Moody and her owners had the guts to take her abroad.
When you own a wonder horse like Winx who captured the hearts of many Australians, it is not just your horse, the public owns her too.
The connections of Winx understood this too, but they erred in being too conservative.
Unless Winx was taken overseas to do battle with the best, it is unrealistic to say she was the best horse in the world.
(Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Her multiple Group One victories against the Hartnells, Humidors and Happy Clappers of this world just don’t convince anyone that she was competing against the best.
All the best horses in the world travel to other countries to compete, as do our elite athletes in all sports.
For the past two or three years, her wins have been hollow – all small fields – which enabled her to sit a little wide but away from any interference and gradually wind up and wear down the leaders.
Most of her races were very similar.
It is sad that she was not challenged. She’d already been defeated as a three-year-old filly, so why not bite the bullet and send her overseas as a five- or six-year-old mare?
Would Australians have felt any less of her if she’d been beaten by a champion from Europe, Japan or America?
And who knows, she may well have won.
Racing fans would have loved to see her her race in the Arc.
But unfortunately the connections chose the soft option.
It could have been a fantastic opportunity to showcase Australia’s thoroughbred talent to the world.
But the provincial attitude prevailed amongst connections and they made the wrong choice.
But I doubt they’ll never let us know.
The myth must prevail.
Diablo James
Roar Rookie
We never saw th ebest of Winx because she never raced Werther, the only horse Hugh Bowman surmised was capable of beating her. And he should know; he rode them both! Best racehorse in Australia without a doubt. Best racehorse in the world? I guess we'll never know ...
Omnitrader
Roar Rookie
In bringing up all these past champions, do you know what the legalities were re: steroids or performance enhancers etc, boat races, bribes etc... I like your listing of a top 7 though, no need to put one on top of the other, they were the best of their generations or eras. I really wish So You Think didn't get sold overseas, I think he could and would of won 4 cox plates easily, or at least 3 before being retired to stud.
sheek
Roar Guru
Yes, last sentence is true, & it will be a blight against modern champions. Winx has won from 1100m to 2200m, as indeed did Carbine, Phar Lap, Tulloch, Kingston Town & Wakeful. Although their range went from 1000m to generally over 3200m. Bernborough didn't win at 2400m plus, but would have won the 1946 Caulfield Cup despite numerous checks in running from deceitful jockeys, only if it hadn't been for the half a dozen pianos he had to carry on his back. Despite carrying 68kgs (10.10) & finishing 5th, he was only 3 lengths from the winner. Could Winx have carried a huge weight to victory in the Caulfield Cup? Waller has bullishly said she would have won the Melbourne Cup? Would she? Perhaps if she carried a lenient weight as Maybe Diva did (58 kgs/9.2) for her 3rd win. What about Wakeful? Lumped 64 kgs (10.0) as a mare into 2nd place in the 1903 Melbourne Cup. That took real balls. The above horses (given alphabetically) - Bernborough, Carbine, Kingston Town, Phar Lap, Tulloch, Wakeful & Winx - I have named, make up the all-time top 7 in Australasian racing history. Again alphabetically, Ajax, Black Caviar, Manikato, Makybe Diva, Peter Pan, Todman & Vain would be in the next group. But in what order is more problematic. I would still rank Carbine number one. But people forget him, because his deeds happened now 130 years ago.
Omnitrader
Roar Rookie
Winx did win a Doncaster carrying 56.5kg (58.5 with 2kg mare allowance). Black Cav won a newmarket, although not a traditional big field as many were scared off. Horses don’t get weighted 60+ anymore in the big races, top weight is usually 58kg with a condensed scale.
sheek
Roar Guru
Keith, Not taking Winx to Europe is irrelevant. Why didn't they come here? Europeans & North Americans are up themselves. The prize money in Australia is constantly better week-in, week-out than in those places. The variety of racing is also better, for the moment anyway. Although it's only a matter of time before Australia barely has a G1 race over 2000m, just like say, North America. Anyway, if European & NA horses wanted to test themselves against Winx, they could have come out here. I do agree that Winx's many wins were over similar WFA distances. Similarly, Black Caviar raced only once at 1400m. All her other wins were at 1200m & 1000m & almost always at WFA. Is Winx the greatest horse ever seen in Australia? I reserve my judgement. Those pushing her case will mention the 4 WS Cox Plates & 33 unbeaten wins. Also, the 25 G1s, but I would caution that argument also. Many of our G1s are undeserving of the status. But did Winx ever carry 68kgs (10.10) like Bernborough did in the 1946 Caulfield Cup, finishing 5th just three lengths from the winner? Maybe Diva won 3 Melbourne Cups but she never had to carry 64kgs (10.0) into 2nd place like Wakeful did in the 1903 Melbourne Cup. It's not always about winning. Sometimes a horse's greatest achievement has been seen in defeat. The above two examples citing Berborough & Wakeful are perfect examples. Back in 1960, Tulloch ran 7th in his only Melbourne Cup, just four lengths from the winner Hi Jinx, carrying 64.5kgs (10.1). It was his only unplaced run, yet one of his best despite a poor tactical ride by his famous jockey Neville Sellwood. Black Caviar might have won greater legendary status carrying a back breaking weight into a minor placing in the Doncaster Mile. Ditto Winx. I agree neither horse was challenged enough. Consequently, their status is diminished in my eyes. Yes, Winx was very good, but I'm not convinced she was the very best.
Ben
Guest
You doubt they'll "never let us know"? Don't you mean you doubt they'll "EVER let us know".
Carl
Guest
"I reckon this article is just a nasty piece of click bait trying to knock a champion". You reckon - correct. They hang around all websites. Instead of trying to be the next Angry of Mayfair maybe he could get off his seat and do some charity work (like Meals on Wheels). Gives you a sense of perspective.
Don
Roar Rookie
It’s further from Melbourne to Brisbane than it is Paris to Dublin. I reckon this article is just a nasty piece of click bait trying to knock a champion. Not one reference to WTR rankings? Stats of horses he considers better? Just “Black Caviar went to England and won so she is better...”
Don
Roar Rookie
Yep Frankel was the first one I thought of too. Didn’t leave UK.
Omnitrader
Roar Rookie
Frankel never raced overseas either, yet is considered the best ever.
Max power
Guest
Black caviar did not prove anything by winning in ascot . There have been 6 Aussie sprinters to go over there a win, the quality of sprints in Uzk is not worlds best Not all top horses travel the world It’s a lot longer from Sydney to Europe than Paris to Dublin You realise Australia has brilliant prize money and brilliant racing In HK has been off limits due to quarantine ? She won 4 cox plates Why do we have to showcase ? Brazen beau won a lot royal ascot