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Racing NSW, in conjunction with the Australian Turf Club, is pleased to announce that the NSW wonder mare Winx will take an important step in resuming from a spell at Royal Randwick Racecourse next Saturday, 17 February 2018, prior to resuming in the Group 1 TAB Chipping Norton Stakes at Royal Randwick on Saturday, 3 March 2018.

Next Saturday at 2:35pm, following the running of Race 3, Winx together with stablemates Who Shot Thebarman, Libran, Mackintosh and McCreery will complete her final rehearsal when she participates in a 1200m gallop simulating race conditions.

Champion mare Winx (Hugh Bowman) in full flight at Royal Randwick. Image by Bronwen Healy

As an added bonus, jockey Hugh Bowman will be fitted with a microphone and camera to allow the public to receive an insight into the discussion between the jockey and trainer Chris Waller, in respect to Winx’s preparation in the lead-up to the Chipping Norton Stakes.

Racing NSW Chief Executive, Mr Peter V’landys AM, said: “Winx has captivated the imagination and heart of the Australian public for the past few years.

"Sports need charismatic champions that get everyone talking and have that ‘wow’ factor. Winx has it all in spades.

“The Winx Rehearsal on Saturday 17 February provides the racing public with the opportunity to see Winx step back on to the headquarters of racing in Australia, Royal Randwick Racecourse, in preparation for her assault on history.”

Trainer Chris Waller said: “This is an interesting way to show the general public a behind the scenes aspect of Winx. 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.”

Acting ATC Chief Executive, James Heddo, said: “ATC is pleased to be able to coordinate the Winx Rehearsal which will undoubtedly attract global coverage as well as offering our on-course patrons an opportunity to once again enjoy the magnificent mare on a Sydney racetrack.”

Races 4 to 9 on the day have been rescheduled one race back with the final race now to be conducted at 6:20pm.

View the race program for Royal Randwick here