'She can't tell us she's had enough': Emotions spill over on Winx's farewell tour

Trainer Chris Waller has fought back tears after Winx began her likely farewell tour with a fourth victory in the Apollo Stakes.

At Royal Randwick for her first race of the year, the superstar mare became the first Australian horse to win 30 consecutive races.

But the odds-on favourite was no sure thing to get back out there as a seven-year-old.

“We take it so personally and she can’t tell us when she’s had enough,” Waller said after the 1400m win on Saturday.

“We made the decision to push on a bit further. She’s pretty good.”

Winx made history last year with her fourth Cox Plate triumph at Moonee Valley.

It was after that victory that Waller and his team started seriously considering the horse’s future.

“We’re looking out for signs of change. Since the Cox Plate win … I guess there were some questions of why she needed to go on,” he said.

“It’s obviously something that’s played on our minds and we’re constantly thinking as to why you keep racing this horse. Fact is she’s enjoying her racing, the public just love her.

“I’ve worked with horses all my life and you would not understand this – you get to see their body language when they’re happy. I’m pretty proud that we’re continuing to race her for the right reasons.

“It’s not about money, it’s about the better of the sport. The sport’s a fantastic industry and they need headline acts like this.

“Winx doesn’t need to be the only one flying the flag but she’s doing a pretty good job.”

There has been one change in Winx’s behaviour, however – possibly the only one, according to Waller.

“She’s become a little bit more relaxed, a bit more loving,” he added.

“She’s starting to appreciate affection a bit more. Maybe I thought that was the only sign to say that well, she’s enjoying it so much and loving life that she’s showing signs that she’s not going to be affected on the track. It doesn’t look like it has.”

Winx is expected to return in a fortnight for the Chipping Norton Stakes, another race she has won three times in a row.