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Winx takes out never-before-seen 30th consecutive victory

Winx has achieved another feat in her historic career, breaking the race record to win the Apollo Stakes at Randwick on Saturday for a 30th consecutive victory.

The mark had never been seen before in the southern hemisphere.

The seven-year-old overcame Happy Clapper, Australia’s No.2-ranked horse, and stablemate Egg Tart in the 1400m race.

“She was in pure control from the 600m mark,” jockey Hugh Bowman said.

“As the race unfolded we settled into a lovely rhythm. It was a pretty comfortable race for me and for Winx.”

The win kicks off Winx’s likely farewell tour on a positive note, leaving trainer Chris Waller close to tears.

“She can’t tell us when she’s had enough and we made the decision to push on further for the better of racing,” he said.

Hugh Bowman celebrates after riding Winx to her 30th consecutive victory. Pic: Getty
Hugh Bowman celebrates after riding Winx to her 30th consecutive victory. Pic: Getty

Bowman had been worried leading into the race but the distance was no concern for Winx in the end, who hit the lead with 200 metres to go.

“The 1400 I think is her most vulnerable distance,” Bowman said before Winx’s first race since she won her fourth Cox Plate.

“It’s the only distance that she feels at some point in the race ‘oh is she at her top already’. That’s a small feeling I get.

“For me, the first-up race, I always look at it as a stepping stone towards the rest of her preparation.

“I guess there is that little element of unknown because she hasn’t raced since the Cox Plate.

“But all signs that she’s shown us are that she’s ready to go.”

with AAP