Trappings associated with super stardom are lost on Winx
Despite being the best mare in world racing, the trappings associated with super stardom are lost on Winx.
On Saturday week Winx will start her autumn campaign in the Group Two Apollo Stakes at Randwick on the way to the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick in April.
Amid growing public expectation and adoration, trainer Chris Waller is trying to create a normal existence for the champion mare.
“We very much try and treat her just like any other horse,” Waller said.
“She doesn’t like all the thrill and glamour that comes with her title.
“She’s very happy just to be another horse in the stable.”
Winx was crowned the world’s best horse on turf in London last week, the latest in a long line of rewards for her deeds on the track.
A second Cox Plate, going past $9.3 million in stakes and another perfect preparation during which she extended her winning streak to 13 underpinned another magical year of racing for Winx.
Waller admits her achievements make it impossible for her to be regarded as merely one of many horses in Sydney’s leading stable, but he is conscious of making sure she receives no unique treatment.
“She’s got no special position in her barn,” Waller said.
“She’s got her own neighbours that she gets on well with and we pay particular attention to that.”
While the temptation for Waller’s staff may be to lavish her with affection, the premier trainer is conscious of spoiling the mare.
“With the staff we tell them not to fuss over her too much because it’s just like with us, if you’re getting a pat on the back every day you can get a little bit sick of it,” Waller said.
“For a horse, they just want to be a horse and left alone.
“We pay more attention to keeping her very normal and relaxed rather than making a fuss over her.”
In contrast to her understated home life, tens of thousands of people will give her rock star treatment during Sydney’s autumn racing carnival where she is the No. 1 drawcard.
