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| Staff Writer |
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Fangirl emerged victorious in the prestigious A$1 million Gr.1 Winx Stakes, held at Randwick on Saturday. This remarkable triumph marked a significant milestone for trainer Chris Waller, as it was his 150th win at the Group One level. Jockey James McDonald adorned the renowned cerise silks of the Ingham family, who were both breeders and owners of Fangirl.
During a conversation, Waller reminisced about the time when the late Jack Ingham initially sent his horses to the stable. At that point, Waller had not yet secured a Group One victory. Fast forward to the present day, and with 150 Group 1 wins under his belt, it seemed only fitting that Fangirl carried the Ingham colors in a race named after the legendary Winx. Winx, co-owned by Debbie Kepitis, is the daughter of Jack's brother Bob.
McDonald's Challenge: Navigating Crowded Field
The race was not without its challenges, as McDonald found himself maneuvering through a crowded field with 300 meters left to run. Zaaki, ridden by Jamie Kah, made a strong surge towards the front in the middle of the track. With only 200 meters remaining, Fangirl still trailed Zaaki by 3 lengths. However, the mare showcased an impressive burst of speed, making a successful comeback after her previous unplaced finish in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile over 1600 meters in April.
Meanwhile, stablemate Princess Grace, ridden by Brett Prebble, also made a determined effort to catch up with Zaaki. From the 50-meter mark, Fangirl gathered momentum, ultimately crossing the finish line with a narrow victory, beating Princess Grace by a short neck. Zaaki and Kah put up a brave fight, coming in third with a margin of a long head.
Behind the leading trio, Hinged secured fourth place, followed by Osipenko in fifth and Think It Over in sixth.
“She has got her day in the sun again today and it was a fitting result. 150 Group One’s,” said Waller.
“She (Winx) changed my life and it was good for racing. We have just got an amazing team that keep producing for the horses and one Group 1 you never forget, but to win 150 I thank my team.
“She just took us to a level we were not used to and I would not say we enjoyed it, but it just took over your life.
“It was before my first Group One winner, Mr Ingham gave me a call so it is pretty special,” he said.
“She dug deep today, she deserved that. Now the big boy (Anamoe) is out of the way, she is a five-year-old, she is fully furnished. It is fantastic for the Inghams and it is great to get a Group 1 on her,” said McDonald.
“She is such a high-class mare and she has been working extremely well. Obviously the second horse darted up there as well and she is a high-class mare. She has been racing against the best horses for a very long time and she deserved it.”