Winx flies flag but drunks, deaths take the gloss off super spring

WINX, jockey Kerrin McEvoy and Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby provided some genuine highlights, but not everything was rosy this spring, according to chief racing writer Leo Schlink.

Winx and Hugh Bowman combine to win the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.

CHAMPION mare Winx, jockey Kerrin McEvoy and Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby provided some genuine highlights, but not everything was rosy this spring, according to chief racing writer Leo Schlink.

KERRIN McEVOY

Owner of the sharpest mind and softest hands in the jockey’s ranks, McEvoy’s spring has been monumental. Unflappable, he is unerringly good. Handles sprinters (Redzel) and stayers (Cross Counter) with aplomb. Hugely talented and modest to a fault.

Trainer Charlie Appleby holds the Melbourne Cup with race winner Cross Counter.

CHARLIE APPLEBY

Attention to detail is the hallmark of most successful operators. Appleby is no exception. Since landing in Australia with the first wave of recycled hurdlers three years ago, the quiet Englishman has soaked up knowledge and advice by the day. Understatement to say it’s paid off.

THE XENOPHOBIA

Imagine the ridicule Tennis Australia would be exposed to if it suggested capping the number of internationals allowed into the Australian Open. Carping along similar lines about the Melbourne Cup is just as vacuous.

THE NUMBERS

Caulfield, The Valley and Flemington all brought different flavours to the spring banquet and all were to be savoured. And there were stars aplenty. Best Solution and The Autumn Sun stood out at the Heath. Winx towered over the Valley and Cross Counter was a jet at Flemington.

Police try and clear the stragglers on Derby Day.

THE DRUNKS

Yes, it’s a party and, yes, it’s meant to be fun. But is there anything more predictable and unedifying as the sight of barely conscious bogans being carried out of our premier meetings? It happens all over the world, but not with the same sense of menace as here.

THE DEATHS

The Cliffsofmoher is one of three internationally-trained horses to die during the carnival. Two others, The Pentagon and Hamada, came to grief during Werribee track work. External condemnation reflects society’s view of the racing bubble. Internally, good people are demanding answers.

THE QUALITY

Leigh Jordon drew instantaneous respect in his role as international talent recruiter for Racing Victoria and his influence at the VRC is quickly becoming apparent. Working with Neil Wilson, Jordon dispatched the nonsensical 7pm start to the Melbourne Cup barrier draw and this year held it in the mounting yard. It will be the first of many initiatives.

THE CURATORS

The toughest spring assignment annually — behind finding winners — is track preparation. Jason Kerr, Marty Synan and Liam O’Keeffe all came under fire at different stages over track firmness and bias. All of them confronted enormous challenges and won.

Winx wins her fourth Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. Picture: Getty Images

THANK YOU AND FAREWELL

Winx’s future is yet to be mapped out by Chris Waller and connections, but she’s unlikely to be seen at the races in Melbourne again. Since 2015, her annual visits to Melbourne have been supreme — and supremely managed by Waller. Standby for a Queen Elizabeth swansong at Randwick.

HEIR APPARENT

The Autumn Sun sends shivers down Waller’s spine, such is his quality. No horse will ever replace Winx but this colt, for as long as his stud career can be delayed, shapes as the sport’s new Australasian King. He is so good, we could see him internationally.

James McDonald celebrates as The Autumn Sun takes out the Caulfield Guineas.