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Wonder mare Winx is set to race on in 2019.
Trainer Chris Waller released a statement early on Friday afternoon that revealed an agreement had been reached between connections that the seven-year-old would be prepared for one more racing campaign following a recent discussion.
“She has nothing left to prove to us or her many followers and we are under no illusion that she is getting a little older, however, she is in excellent condition both physically and mentally and had she not pleased us in any area of her wellbeing or mental state she would have been retired immediately,” Waller said.
“This is not to say that it may not happen before her first run of the preparation, after her first run or at any stage where we are not happy with any aspect of her training or physical state.
“We will not commit to any races as yet but it would be logical to follow the path we have previously, commencing in the Apollo Stakes at Royal Randwick in February and if she did manage to get through a four-race preparation it would most likely culminate in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Randwick.
“I must stress to everyone that it shouldn’t be assumed she will be there, it will be a race-by-race assessment as it has always been, especially over the past two seasons when deciding whether to go towards a third Cox Plate, a second Queen Elizabeth or even a fourth Cox Plate as it was in her last start.
“Each race is important for its own reason and we fully appreciate all of the support that she has had throughout her career.”
Waller said it was unlikely Winx would travel outside Australia.
“There will be many questions from different sectors relating to racing in other jurisdictions, which, in itself, could include numerous options,” he added.
“However, we have and will continue to keep things simple with Winx and I believe that has been a big part of her longevity as well as something we are very proud of.
“For her to be still racing in the form that she is whilst remaining in such good health is a credit to the owners, Hugh Bowman and other riders that have ridden her and most importantly the staff at Chris Waller Racing who continue to keep her safe and have enabled her to be appreciated in the manner that she is.”
Winx is rated the equal-best thoroughbred in the world with the retired entire Cracksman.
She has won 33 of her 39 starts – including the past 29 in a row – and has record track earnings of almost $23 million. – Racing.com