A world record boasting of 23 Group 1’s races and 4 Cox plates, Australian thoroughbred Winx, is a dream horse of every horse owner and fan alike. She is a rare Hall of Famer who is still active and deservedly so. If you saw her in her first few races you instantly knew that something special had hit the race course and then we all witnessed her race to immortality.
Ten Furlongs had a little chat with the co-owner Peter Tighe, and hear first hand of their excitement on Winx’s record and their plans for 2019.
Q: What does it mean to you as an owner for Winx to win the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Horse racing Excellence Award?
A: It is truly one of the Greatest Honors that Winx has received in her Illustrious career. We as the owners are so honored and humbled for our horse to receive this award from His Excellency HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Q: What did it feel like when Winx won her fourth consecutive Gr.1 Cox Plate?
A: This is something that even the most ardent racehorse owner/fan could not have even dreamt about. We are still taking in all the events that happened on that day and reliving it over and over again.
Q: What, if anything, could you have done more with Winx?
A: There are many different scenarios that could have been played and done with Winx all along her racing life, but I truly believe that under the guidance of Chris Waller, she has done an exceptional job and I would not change one single thing about it.
Q: What are your plans for Winx in 2019?
A: So far in 2019 Winx has raced twice, once in the Apollo Stakes and once in the Chipping Norton Stakes winning both races. If things go as we would like, she will have two more races, the George Ryder Stakes on the 23rd March and if all goes well, then on to the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on April 13th. From there we would like to retire her and hopefully, she can become a Mum by the end of the year. At this stage, it is just day by day and ensuring we do what is very best for Winx.
Q: When did buy Winx and how?
A: She was purchased at the 2013 Magic Millions Sales by myself. We had a pre-arrangement between Debbie Kepitis, Richard Treweeke, my wife Patty and myself to purchase a nice horse and race it in partnership. She was selected by our Bloodstock Agent Mr. Guy Mulcaster, who selects all our purchases, then checked by our vet Dr. Tim Roberts and finally given the OK by Chris Waller. She ticked all of our requirements, especially our budget and the rest is history.
Q: Who is your racing leadership hero?
A: I have the greatest admiration for our trainer Mr. Chris Waller. Without his superb ability to select, train and manage our horses we would not be in the position he has placed us in. We will be forever grateful to him.
Q: Trust, teamwork, and respect. How valuable do you think these terms are for you in the Winx team?
A: These three things, when combined are the backbone of why we have had the success we have enjoyed with Winx.
Q: When you first started racing your horses in truly iconic races in this world, what were the initial lessons you learned and how do you seem them being relevant to this day?
A: When we first started racing horses, we only dreamed of what we have achieved and to this day we are still learning about all aspects of horse racing. The people that we have met through racing, and what they have taught us will be relevant to the present day and beyond. It is truly a magnificent Sport.
Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com