Horse racing is one of the few sports in the world where there is equality and parity between the sexes. It doesn’t matter if you’re a male or a female jockey, a mare or a gelding; if you’re good enough, you win.
The wages are the same, the winnings are the same and other than specific Mare’s races, there is nothing stopping any horse from entering any high-profile race so long as they are good enough.
Despite this, few mares have ever reached the pinnacle of success that Winx, the Australian mare, achieved during her career.
She will always be one of the most outstanding mares in the sport alongside the likes of Honeysuckle, both of whom made headlines for their remarkable performances.
Honeysuckle, with her unbeaten streak in major hurdle races, has captured the attention of racing fans, much like other top mares of recent years. Yet, even among this elite group, Winx stands out.
Her record-breaking 33 consecutive victories and four Cox Plate wins set her apart, not just for her consistency but for her versatility across distances and conditions.
While other mares have achieved greatness, many of whom go off as race favourites with CS2 betting odds, Winx’s dominance and longevity have solidified her place as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
But what makes Winx stand out from the other great mares? And why does she deserve to be considered one of the all-time greats, if not the greatest?
A Record-Breaking Career
Sired by the Irish-bred Street Cry, he a Dubai World Cup winner in 2002, Winx was foaled by Vegas Showgirl in Hunter Valley, New South Wales, in September 2011.
She was purchased in 2013 by Magic Bloodstock Racing, Richard Treweeke and Debbie Kepitis for what is now considered the bargain price of $230,000.
She was sent to be trained by Chris Waller before making her debut on 4 June 2014 Warwick Farm Racecourse, a race she won comfortably.
However, it was May 2015 when Winx finally grew into herself and started to show the world what a phenomenal racehorse she really was.
From that date until her retirement in April 2019, Winx won an astounding 33 consecutive races.
This incredible winning streak included 25 Group 1 victories, a world record for any horse and one that still stands today.
These numbers alone are enough to argue her case as the greatest mare in racing, but her dominance goes beyond the stats.
At her peak, Winx was practically unbeatable. Her ability to close races with a powerful sprint, often coming from the back of the field, became her trademark.
In a sport where so many factors can affect a horse's performance on any given day, Winx’s consistency over such a long period was remarkable.
It wasn’t just that she won – it was how she won. Race after race, no matter the conditions or competition, Winx delivered.
Winning Four Cox Plates
On par with the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Cox Plate is one of the most prestigious races in Australia, often regarded as the championship race of the Southern Hemisphere.
Winning it once is considered a remarkable achievement; winning it four times, as Winx did, is almost unimaginable.
Her first Cox Plate victory came in 2015, where she set a race record time of 2:02.98.
She then went on to defend her title three more times, each victory further solidifying her status as an all-time great.
By her fourth Cox Plate in 2018, Winx had already become a national icon, with fans flocking to see her make history.
It is a remarkable achievement, as no other horse has ever managed to win the Cox Plate four times.
Her Swan Song
With 32 consecutive wins already in the bag, the day had finally come for Winx to hang up her saddle.
It was the 2019 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, on April 13 at Royal Randwick racecourse in Sydney, Australia, and it drew a record attendance of over 42,000 people.
Given her legendary status, not just in the sport but around the world, her race was broadcast globally, with millions tuning in to watch her swan song.
And she didn’t let her fans down. Starting from the outside barrier in a field of 9 horses, she took the lead in the final 300 meters and pulled away to win by 1.5 lengths.
On board was her regular jockey, Hugh Bowman, the man who had guided her through most of her winning streak.
The win was not just a record 25th Group 1 victory, but it was also her 33rd in a row and 37th overall in her career.
Following the race, she was retired as the highest-earning racehorse in Australian history, with over $26 million in prize money.
Comparisons with Other Greats
Of course, when we talk about Winx as the greatest mare of all time, comparisons with other legendary horses are inevitable.
Zenyatta, the American mare, who incidentally is her half-sister, having also been sired by Street Cry, also boasted an impressive career, with 19 consecutive wins and victories in prestigious races like the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Black Caviar, another Australian sensation who tragically passed away on August 17, 2024, after giving birth to her ninth foal, was unbeaten in 25 starts.
Both mares have their place in the conversation, but Winx’s sheer number of Group 1 victories and the level of competition she faced give her an edge.
Conclusion
So, is Winx, the four-time Australian Horse of the Year, the greatest mare who has ever raced? The statistics, records, and accolades certainly suggest that she is.
Her 33-race winning streak, 25 Group 1 victories, four Cox Plate wins, and global recognition make a compelling case.
But beyond the numbers, Winx’s ability to captivate fans and her place as a symbol of excellence in horse racing solidify her status as one of the all-time greats.
While other mares have had incredible careers, few, if any, have matched the sustained brilliance of Winx.
