By Mary Dixon Reynolds
So many of the indomitable Aussie mare’s races look alike. The stands are always packed with exhilarated Winx lovers waving their blue and white fans in appreciation of the spectacle they are about to witness. Then the beautiful bay appears, not turning a hair, as she steps onto the track.
Winx has long adjusted to the sheer hysteria and presence of her fans. It’s not only her star-studded presence that attracts her ardent supporters, it’s the way she deposes her competition. She always takes her position at the back of the pack, frequently last, then begins picking horses in a dazzling turn of foot to hit the wire first. Like another mare by Street Cry, Winx just seems to know where the wire is.
Winx has been unbeatable for four years at different race courses and different distances {ranging from 1300 to 2200 meters}, winning a record shattering 21 Group 1 races and winning 29 consecutive races. Although she shows no signs of slowing down, The Street Cry mare is 8-years-old and her trainer, Chris Waller, is planning on racing her at least two more times this year starting with the Group 1 Apollo Stakes, February 16, at Royal Randwick. All connections must be commended for keeping her healthy and happy.
Bred in Australia by Fairway Thoroughbreds, Winx was purchased as a yearling for $230,000 by Mulcaster Bloodstock who sold her to a partnership of Magic Bloodstock Racing who included Peter and Patty Tighe, Richard Treweeke and Debbie Kepitis.
Popular in the United States and Australia, Street Cry splits his time between his two homes. Street Cry was bred to multiple graded stakes winner, Vegas Showgirl, who Fairwat Thoroughbred purchased for $455,000 bred in Australia by Fairway.
15 minutes before Winx enters a race, I receive a text from a horse racing colleague in New York reminding me of the upcoming race which we then watch together. I’ve seen people holding Winx race parties on Facebook. Her star power knows no bounds.
Every year since 2015, Winx has won Australian Horse of the Year. She won the World’s Top-ranked Turf Hoeaw in 2017 and 2018
In 2017, Winx was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, becoming only the 3rd horse to receive the honor while still racing.
Then fans reached around the world to honor Winx with the Vox Populi award for 2018. This was the first time a domestic horse had not won it. The racing fans had spoken.
