Queensland Oaks Set For A Touch Of Winx

Wednesday, 29 May 2019: Winx’s world-record 25 consecutive Group 1 trophies will go on display at the Treasury Brisbane Queensland Oaks this week as the wonder mare’s career turns full circle.

Jockey Hugh Bowman, trainer Chris Waller and Winx pose after winning the Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Randwick in Sydney, Australia.
Jockey Hugh Bowman, trainer Chris Waller and Winx pose after winning the Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Randwick in Sydney, Australia.


For the first time at an Australian racecourse, Winx’s connections will display each and every one of her Group 1 trophies, including the 2015 Queensland Oaks and four consecutive Cox Plates, as a fitting tribute to where the legend began.

Almost four years to the day, Winx began her world-record streak at Doomben with a three-and-a-half length victory over Ungrateful Ellen with Hugh Bowman onboard.

The pair would never be beaten again as Winx captured the heart of the nation en route to more than $26 million in prize money and racing immortality.

Having recently retired, Queensland fans will be able to say goodbye to the world’s top-ranked race horse on Saturday with the installation of a ‘Winx Zone’ at Doomben that will include her Group 1 trophies, a ‘selfie station’, memorabilia and more.

“Unfortunately, we can’t have Winx back yet but this is the next best thing,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“Every run starts with a first step.

“Little did we know where Winx’s run would take her when she started here at Doomben.

“I’m so grateful to Peter and Patti (Tighe) and all those who have made this honour possible and I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy another great Oaks Day.”

In addition to the fan zone, a raft of activities will take place on Saturday including a ceremonial planting of a dozen ‘Winx Roses’ at the Doomben entrance.

Co-owner Peter Tighe said he was delighted to be able to share the spoils of her incredible career with the racing public.

“It only seems like yesterday that Winx saluted in the Queensland Oaks and took us all on this incredible journey,” Mr Tighe said.

“We’ve been so fortunate to enjoy her success, and at the same time, the entire nation has embraced her as their own.

“We wanted to find a way to say thank you to her Queensland fans and by displaying her Group 1 trophies, including the Oaks, we think it is a fitting tribute.”

With the TAB Queensland Winter Racing Carnival in full swing, another bumper race day is expected on the weekend.

Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell said he welcomed the race day activation and looked forward to fans reveling in the Winx Zone.

“We wanted to give Queensland racing fans an opportunity to say goodbye to Winx at the race where it all began,” Mr Parnell said.

“In addition to her incredible turn of speed, Winx’s popularity transcends race goers to encompass the nation as a whole and it is only appropriate to acknowledge her incredible feats at the Oaks.

“We’re grateful to Winx’s connections, including Peter and Patti Tighe, for allowing this concept to come to life and I encourage everyone to get to Doomben on Saturday and to wave goodbye.”





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