The shared tension felt in Winx’s inner circle only builds ahead of each of her starts.
So when the champion mare saluted yet again on Saturday in the Group One race named for her, one feeling was prominent.
“It’s relief,” part-owner Peter Tighe said of Winx’s 26th consecutive win.
“You doubt her a little bit and she does that.
“We are just lucky we are the owners.
“Records are made for everybody to chase. We are happy to set a few now.”
Part owner Debbie Kepitis, who held back the tears just long enough to watch her champion cross the line, was beaming with pride for the mare and trainer Chris Waller’s team.
“Everything about this horse is phenomenal,” she said.
“She’s now not only won 26 in a row but 19 Group Ones and is in elite company as the winner of 30 races.”
Jockey Hugh Bowman warmly embraced Kepitis after weighing in.
“She was struggling at the pace of this distance,” he said.
“When she balanced up and saw the winning post, what can I say, she is incredible.”
