Winx wins her fourth George Ryder Stakes

Winx extends astonishing winning streak in what’s expected to be the penultimate race for the world’s top-rated turf horse.

Hugh Bowman on Winx wins the George Ryder Stakes during Golden Slipper Day at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Picture: AAP

The biggest crowd this century came to Rosehill to bid farewell to Winx at her final race on her home track and the mighty mare made it 32 wins in a row, mocking her rivals as she captured her fourth George Ryder Stakes (1500m).

With the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick her swan song in three weeks, Winx and jockey Hugh Bowman put on a show for her legion of followers that came in droves to see hot win the $1 million event in little more than a canter.

Second last in a field of eight coming out of the gates, Bowman elected to sit three wide — whether to keep his silks clean or keep Winx out of trouble — and cruised to the lead group as the home turn loomed.

Winx was coasting and she rolled to the front soon after, never asked to go through the gears as she put 3.5 lengths on Brutal ($26) and Dreamforce ($31).

The partisan crowd roared their approval and greeted Winx and Bowman with applause as the jockey took her down the straight for everyone to see her up close.

HISTORY IS MADE … AGAIN - @winx_horse has won her fourth consecutive George Ryder Stakes @rosehillgardens @atc_races today and what a privilege it is to watch this amazing mare #GoWinx @HugeBowman @cwallerracing. pic.twitter.com/I4QLYqV61V

— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 23, 2019

One punter invested $345,000 at $1.05 just before the started sent the field on its way to pocket a profit of $17,250. That bet came on top of $259,000 and $230,000 in wagers at $1.06 durring the morning.

The Autumn Sun was fully tested in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) but did what was needed to win the $600,000 race, leaving connections to consider what path the colt takes now.

While there is a desire from fans to see him take on Winx in the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on April 13, but it is more likely he will take on the older horses under handicap conditions in the $3 million Doncaster Mile on April 6 at Randwick.

Trainer Chris Waller may find the Doncaster Mile a better option for the purpose of backing off the young star. John Messara, principal of the Arrowfield Stud, was well aware of the signs the expensive colt was displaying as he duelled with Kiwi visitor Arrogant for the length of the straight.

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Hugh Bowman’s parents Mary and Tom Bowman with Welsh pony, Freckly. Bowman first learnt how to ride on a relative of this pony. Picture: Graham Schumann

“He won it but he didn’t enjoy it,” Messara said.

“He made a long sustained run and was labouring at the end but he got there on pure guts.”

Waller said that earlier in the week, when Sydney was being drenched by rain, consideration was given to missing the Rosehill Guineas because of the prospect of a very heavy surface.

“Mr Messara is a good sport and brought him here and the last 200m was a good test,” Waller said.

Starting the $1.40 favourite, with the main danger Madison County a late withdrawal after getting upset in the float on the way to the course, The Autumn Sun nosed out Arrogant ($26) with Chapada ($26) 2.5 lengths back in third place.