Winx statue may be coming to Moonee Valley Racing Club

WINX is to be immortalised at the scene of her greatest triumphs, with the Moonee Valley Racing Club looking to erect a statue of the champion as part of a $2 billion transformation of the track and the surrounding precinct.

WINX is to be immortalised at the scene of her greatest triumphs, The Valley.

The Moonee Valley Racing Club is looking to erect a statue of the wonder mare as part of a $2 billion transformation of the track and the surrounding precinct over the next six years.

On Saturday, the equine superstar will chase an unparalleled fourth Cox Plate victory, against a field of seven international and local rivals.

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MVRC chief executive ­Michael Browell confirmed plans to honour the horse, rated the best in the world.

“She is a big part of The Valley’s history, and we will be making sure she is a part of The Valley’s future as well,” Browell said.

He told the Herald Sun a statue seemed to be the most appropriate option, particularly if Winx can add the 2018 Cox Plate to her victories.

Hugh Bowman rides Winx out on to the track during Breakfast with the Best at Moonee Valley. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty

“As a three-time Cox Plate winner she is already a legend of the club, and a legend of the turf. But if she can win a fourth, that would be unbelievable,” he said.

“It is almost 100 years since Phar Lap was winning Cox Plates (he won the race in 1930 and 1931), and if she wins on Saturday, 100 years from now people will still be talking about Winx.

“That would be her 33rd (career) win, but she would forever be remembered as a four-time Cox Plate winner.”

A Winx tribute park, ­possibly with an interactive element, is another option being considered.

Winx’s pulling power was once more on show early on Tuesday morning as thousands, including many children, turned up for the annual Breakfast With The Best.

The mare was the first of more than 30 horses to gallop, and she glided around with ease, with Hugh Bowman aboard, running her last 400m in 24.39 seconds. Fans flocked to her stalls to see the champion up close.

Hugh Bowman riding Winx galloping during Breakfast with the Best at Moonee Valley. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty

On Saturday, another bumper crowd will attend the $5 million race, with only two options now for those without a ticket being a package in the Precinct or a new yearly membership to the MVRC.

Browell said the club had been blessed to have had such a close connection with Winx over the past four years.

“We are a suburban race club that just happens to run the best race in the country, and there will be millions of people tuning in to see the greatest race in the world this year,” Browell said.

“You look at the honour role of the winners here. Every great champion, it seems, has managed to get their names on the winners’ board.

“And it is almost fitting that as we are coming to the end of this part of the Moonee Valley story, that perhaps the greatest Cox Plate champion has been apart of it.”

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