There will be no prize money involved and she can’t add to her winning streak but Winx will run in a race of sorts on Apollo Stakes day.
The champion’s program has been altered because of Hugh Bowman’s careless riding suspension and she will now make her comeback in the Chipping Norton Stakes on March 3.
But the two will be in action at Randwick on February 17 in a simulated race against her Chris Waller-trained stablemates Who Shot Thebarman, Libran, Mackintosh and McCreery over 1200 metres.
Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club have joined forces to put on the special event with Bowman to be fitted with a microphone and camera to give an insight into discussions between jockey and trainer.
Dubbed the Winx Rehearsal, the gallop will take place after the third event with race times altered so the final race is at 6.20pm.
“This is an interesting way to show the general public a behind-the-scenes aspect of Winx,” Waller said.
“It is obvious that people want to know more about her and it is hard to find new ways to be able to convey to people what she is like without repeating ourselves in the media or at the races, so this will certainly give an insight into what goes towards preparing a horse for a big race.
“As we see in modern day sport, especially on the television whether it be the 20/20 cricket or motor car racing, and as early as this week, the Super Bowl, the general public want new initiatives and new ways to connect with the sports they follow, so I am certainly looking forward to being part of this initiative.”
Winx has had two barrier trials in preparation for her return with Bowman and Waller both pleased with how well she has come back after winning her third Cox Plate in October.
