Champion racehorse Winx turned on the afterburners down the home straight to claim victory in the $4m Queen Elizabeth Stakes and equal Black Caviar’s record of 25 consecutive race wins.
The mare registered her 18th Group One win to move within one more of setting herself apart the unbeaten Black Caviar, who retired unbeaten.
The victory in the richest race of the Sydney autumn carnival also prompted more comparisons with Phar Lap and ensured the debate continues over whether she could be the best racehorse ever seen.
Winx sat in last place for the first half of the race at Royal Randwick Racecourse, but as she began to move up the field on the outside before reaching the home straight, any doubts over the result evaporated.
Piloted by Hugh Bowman, she hit the accelerator and blitzed through the rest of the field, which included Humidor and Happy Clapper, to leave them in her wake and win by about five lengths.
“What can I say. She is just an exceptional athlete,” said Bowman. “I’m so elated, so proud to be a part of it.”
Co-owner Peter Tighe said: “This is the best horse in the world, with the best jockey in the world and the best trainer in the world. It seemed the world was on our shoulders today. She just makes us prouder every time she goes around.”
