Champion mare Winx has won her final race, concluding an unbeaten four-year winning streak of 33 victories.
The world’s top-rated turf horse claimed her third consecutive Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2000m at Royal Randwick, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, on Saturday.
Kluger came in second to unbeaten Winx, followed by Hartnell, in a race that captured fans across the country.
More than 40,000 punters poured into the venue to say goodbye to the record-breaking horse in her swansong race.
Hugh Bowman said he was humbled to ride the adored thoroughbred across the final post for the last time as crowds cheered.
‘I haven’t made this happen. This is just been complete luck that a horse like this has come into my life,’ he said after the race.
‘To be able to deal with it, with the emotions, the way that I have, makes me very proud.’
Champion mare Winx has won her final race, concluding an unbeaten four-year winning streak of 33 victories
Kluger came in second to unbeaten Winx, followed by Hartnell, in a race that captured fans across the country
As the champion jockey moved his head to kiss the star horse in celebration, Winx snapped her head in Bowman’s direction.
The headbutt resulted in Bowman suffering a bleeding lip, but it did little to mar the celebrations.
Bowman waved to scores of fans as Tina Turner’s Simply The Best blared across the speakers of Royal Randwick.
‘All over Australia. This horse has captured the hearts of a lot of people around the globe,’ Bowman said.
‘There is really nothing more for me to say. I mean, she just showed you what she is capable of doing.’
Trainer Chris Waller said he couldn’t describe Winx in words but thanked fans across the world for appreciating her for what she is.
‘I hadn’t thought about winning a race like today ever in my lifetime,’ he said.
Waller said it was a special moment to share with his wife, children and all the people who have been behind Winx.
Hugh Bowman said he was humbled to ride the adored thoroughbred across the final post for the last time as crowds cheered
Winx was led back to the winner’s circle by her owners as the course speakers played Tina Turner’s Simply the Best
Co-owner Debbie Kepitis commended Winx for her final victory, saying the ‘amazing’ athlete never disappoints.
‘The public realise the amazing history they have witnessed today. She is brilliant. She’s a credit to everybody that works with her,’ she told reporters.
‘She touches a lot of souls in very much ways. And for that, I’m very grateful.’
The queen of the track did not appear fazed by the scenes at Randwick as she walked onto the track where crowds buzzed in excitement.
Like a true victor, she remained calm and barely moved her head towards thousands of screaming punters.
With the unbeaten record, Winx has been hailed as Australia’s best racehorse – despite never competing overseas or in the Melbourne Cup.
But star jockey Bowman believes Winx’s incredible career would not have been as phenomenal if she was forced to over-compete.
The queen of the track did not appear fazed by the scenes as she walked onto the track on Saturday
Winx arrives at Royal Randwick Racecourse on Saturday ahead of her final race
‘I believe she would have won it (the Melbourne Cup), but would she still be here now?’ Bowman said at Winx’s final work-out on Thursday.
‘I doubt she would (win) now because she would be carrying too much weight but I think certainly in 2015 and 16 had she have run in the race, I believe she would have won it.’
Trainer Chris Waller said overseas trips and Melbourne Cup were ultimately rejected to maintain her peak performance ahead of her eighth birthday.
‘Do I have a regret that we’ve never taken on other horses in other parts of the world? Well, yes, of course I do,’ Waller told Racing NSW.
‘She’s beaten everything that’s come to Australia to take her on. She’s beaten everything from Australia. She doesn’t do it by a length, she does it with authority.
Star jockey Bowman speaks to media at Winx’s final track session at Rosehill on Thursday
‘She could beat the best horses in the world more often than not — but (the travel and strain) might break her heart. She’s one of those horses that puts everything she has into it.
‘Do we want heartbroken horses when they’re three or do we want longevity? You guys are getting longevity and I hope you’re enjoying it.’
Despite Winx still proving she is in prime condition, her owners felt that it was the perfect timing to end her prominent racing career.
‘Win, lose or draw, I’m so proud of this beautiful horse,’ co-owner Debbie Kepitis told reporters ahead of Saturday’s victory.
‘We had to make the arduous decision of when to pull the pin on her career as a race horse, but she’s got a career as a mum.’