It’s been an ‘absolute privilege’ to be involved with the incredible story of Winx reveals Ray Thomas

They say there are only a couple of certainties in life, but renowned racing scribe Ray Thomas has found another while learning along the way that sometimes you can indeed break a golden rule in sports journalism.

Winx was so good I could break a golden rule in sports journalism — write half my copy
before her race was run.

In 25 years as racing editor of The Sunday Telegraph, I have only ever done this once before and that was with Black Caviar at Royal Ascot in 2012 as I had a 15-minute window to make deadline in Sydney.

Black Caviar scored a famous win but she scrambled home that day and I had to frantically rewrite all my copy.

I learned a valuable lesson.

But as Winx’s aura of invincibility grew with every win, so did my confidence I wouldn’t be caught out like that again.

Winx’s superiority was so absolute that it soon became obvious that racing had borne another great champion, arguably the best ever.

During my career, I’ve been given the opportunity to report on Makybe Diva’s third Melbourne Cup, the Belmont Stakes in New York, Black Caviar in England and champions that had real presence about them like Lonhro, Octagonal, Saintly, Might And Power, Tie The Knot, Sunline, Northerly and So You Think.

Hugh Bowman and the champ Winx. Picture: Getty Images

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I was fortunate enough to cover Wimbledon in 2012 when Roger Federer and Serena Williams won their singles titles, the Sydney 2000 Olympics, State of Origins and Ashes Tests — but Winx has been the highlight.

For a racing enthusiast, Winx is so exciting to watch with her stalking racing style and irresistible finishing sprint.

Winx fans show their support for their favourite girl in her farewell appearance.

Ray Thomas at News Limited’s Holt St offices.

For a sports enthusiast, she is compelling because of her consistency and longevity.

Winx won 37 races during her career and I was able to report on almost every one of them.

As her winning streak continued to mount, so did the challenge of working on new angles to write about the mighty mare.

But rather than finding that a daunting prospect, I found it stimulating. To have the opportunity to follow the career of a great champion like Winx so closely has been an absolute privilege.

Her best win? Take your pick, her whole race career is a highlight reel.

Personally, the 2017 George Ryder Stakes stands out in my mind.

Winx put a margin of more than seven lengths between herself and her nearest rivals, two genuine Group 1 horses who were in great form at that time — Le Romain and Chautauqua. It was a complete performance by the great mare.

But her four Cox Plates have each been memorable, as has her three Queen Elizabeth Stakes wins.

She had to overcome adversity to win an Epsom and Doncaster, and her come-from-behind wins in the Warwick Stakes and Chelmsford Stakes are two of the most exciting races I’ve seen.

During Winx’s extraordinary winning streak over the past four years, I’ve had to work more closely with trainer Chris Waller and jockey Hugh Bowman, men I’ve known for 20 years. Both are thoughtful and sincere; success hasn’t changed them.

Thanks for the memories: Hugh Bowman and Winx.

I’ve also got to know Winx’s part-owners, Peter and Patty Tighe, and Debbie Kepitis very well and admired how they have handled the pressures that come with owning the world’s best racehorse.

Even Thursday morning media calls at Rosehill trackwork before Winx’s next start have become routine but something to look forward to. Winx may never have raced overseas but she was responsible for sending me to the other side of the world twice — she was the subject of my first book and has provided a lifetime of racing memories.

Jockey Hugh Bowman and Winx co-owner Debbie Kepitis. Picture: Getty Images

I was in London earlier this year when Winx finally won the World’s Best Racehorse title. She had to share it with English galloper Cracksman but it didn’t matter — it was official, there was none better than her.

But nothing lasts forever.

Winx’s retirement has come at the right time. She goes out on top, her famous winning streak intact — and her place among the all-time greats of racing secure.