Already decorated with racing’s highest accolades, Winx has been paid the ultimate tribute — elevation into the sport’s hall of fame while still active.

The wonder mare, winner of her past 16 starts and bidding for a record-equalling third successive Cox Plate in October, is among 11 inductees to be honoured on Friday night.

Winx and fellow champions Archer, Light Fingers and Saintly will be feted along with the Melbourne Cup’s most successful owner Lloyd Williams.

Winx is only the third horse to be inducted into the racing hall of fame while still active behind Black Caviar and Sunline.

Part-owner Peter Tighe was taken by surprise at the accolade, believing it would be something that would come after the mare’s racing days were over.

“The three people involved in the ownership (Debbie Kepitis and Richard Treweeke being the others) are truly honoured to have this worthy accolade laid upon the horse,” Tighe said.

“She’s certainly done us all proud.

“From day one she made us happy horse owners, then she went to the next level, the next level and then the next level.

“She continues to raise the bar and now that she’s 17 wins in a row, we want to keep the sequence going and hopefully she stays in good health.

“It’s been an honour to be involved with such a prestigious animal.”

Tighe said “not in a million years” could he or his fellow owners envisage what has followed over the past 24 months.

“No one can dream that big. That’s a dream you just don’t have. We all dream, but you never dream as big as that,” he said.

“This is something that is just beyond belief.” – Herald Sun.