Winx, winner of the G1 George Ruder Stakes(1500m)
The racing world tuned in to see greatness last Saturday and indeed greatness was delivered in the most vivid colour as Winx defended her crown in the $A1 million G1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Sydney’s Rosehill Racecourse on a day greyed by incessant rain. Such was the immensity of her performance, the great mare even overshadowed the Golden Slipper, the race the entire day is framed around.
Certainly, those in attendance roared their appreciation for Winx as she literally ‘walked on water’ across the rain sodden track to space a triple G1 winner (Le Romain) and the 2016 world’s best sprinter (Chautauqua) by almost seven and a half lengths. It was a sublime performance that is expected to see the 2017 China Horse Club George Ryder Stakes replicate the standing of the 2016 China Horse Club George Ryder Stakes by once again being recognized as one of the world’s highest rated races.
In doing so, Winx recorded her 16th successive win when smashing through the $A10 million barrier, with her display leading some to table the performance the equal of any she has given on a racecourse.
“It is very uplifting. It’s something you can’t describe. There’s adrenaline when you win a horse race with a horse. But when you have the whole of this racecourse willing her to win, it is just indescribable,” Winx’s part-owner Debbie Kepitis said.
“I have to thank the sponsors, the China Horse Club, because without sponsors we cannot have great racing like we are seeing today. With the support of sponsors like [the China Horse Club] we are able to show people how fantastic racing is with a great mare like Winxy.”
The China Horse Club’s Vice President, Eden Harrington, was full of praise for Winx’s connections who, along with the great mare, are drawing new people to one of the world’s great sports.
“Twelve months ago we stood in the same room after Winx had won the China Horse Club George Ryder Stakes and we urged you to ‘go racing to the world’, the mantra of the China Horse Club. But you have made it clear that you have a mission here in Australia before then,” Harrington said.
“On behalf of all of our members we thank all of you for your contribution in winning the hearts and minds of people not only here in Australia but around the world, in demonstrating what a positive experience horse racing can be and how exhilarating a sport horse racing is. We wish you every success going forward.”
If you would like to learn more about the China Horse Club exclusive membership offer, please email your inquiry to horses@chinahorseclub.com