Winx could return in a group 1 named in her honour

Superstar Winx could attempt to win a race renamed in her honour after the Australian Turf Club confirmed the Warwick Stakes would become the Winx Stakes in August.

Winx has won the race for the past two years making a significant contribution to it gaining a group 1 status. The Winx Stakes signals the start to the spring and will be run at Randwick on August 18.

“The ATC believes it is fitting for this race to be run as a Group One for the first time to be named in honour of Winx,” ATC chairman Laurie Macri said.

“She has captivated the world with her career, earning recognition as Longines World’s Best Racehorse and the ATC is proud to have her stabled at our great racecourse Rosehill Gardens.

“We thank and congratulate all of her owners, Debbie Kepitis, Peter Tighe and Richard Treweeke for allowing us to use this new name for one of our Group 1 races.’’

The honours means like Black Caviar, whose 25 race wining streak Winx matched on Saturday, the champion Chris Waller-trained mare can win a race named in her honour, which would be an ideal starting point to the spring.
.
Winx is on a three-year, 25 race unbeaten run and the past six have been at group 1 level.

If she was to follow the path as last season through the Winx Stakes to the George Main Stakes, Turnbull Stakes and Cox Plate and continue on her winning way, it would mean she would break the world record for most consecutive group 1 and equal Hurricane Fly’s world record of 22 group 1s at Moonee Valley in October.

The most consecutive group 1s record is shared by another daughter of Street Cry Zenyatta, the unbeaten Frankel and Hurricane Fly at nine.

Racing NSW chairman Russell Balding believes it is proper recognition for the champion mare.

“Winx transcends racing into the mainstream of Australian sport and the Winx Stakes will be recognised everywhere, well into the future,” Balding said.

Article courtesy of Fairfax Digital and The Sydney Morning Herald