Winx: The authorised biography

Book excerpt: In Winx: The full story of the world's best racehorse, Andrew Rule takes us behind-the-scenes into the incredible story of 'The Queen' of racing. Now with bonus material detailing the thrilling final chapters of her career. NOW A MAJOR FILM: A HORSE NAMED WINX Winx joins Phar Lap and Bradman in the history books: a national sporting idol and the world's racehorse extraordinaire. 4 COX PLATE VICTORIES The only horse in history 33 CONSECUTIVE WINS Australian record holder 25 GROUP 1 WINS World record holder 'A deft writer with a sense of humour. It's Rule's access to the Winx camp that adds the X-factor.' Stephen Romei, The Australian 'Superb' Max Presnell, The Sydney Morning Herald 'Excellent' The Age 'One of the most remarkable and enjoyable sporting stories in my lifetime.' Bruce McAvaney 'She just exploded,' Bowman recalls of that moment, the wonder not dimmed by time and retelling. 'She put the race to sleep in three strides. It was like a fairy tale. A star was born that day.' She wins that first Cox Plate by nearly five lengths, running away. The performance makes her name. A win with X factor. Australia's world champion racehorse Winx has become a sporting giant, transcending racing in the same way that Muhammad Ali transcends boxing and Bradman transcends cricket. She is described by her trainer, Chris Waller, as a supreme athlete-a world-class sprinter with a freakish ability to dominate longer distances 'like Usain Bolt running in 1500-metre races'. She is the Phar Lap of the modern age, and one of the greatest racehorses in 300 years of thoroughbred racing. In Winx: The full story of the world's best racehorse, Andrew Rule brings together the inside accounts of those closest to the 'Mighty Mare' to tell the complete story of our greatest racing legend. 'I am proud and humbled to work with Andrew Rule and Allen & Unwin on this important book that details the life of a very special horse.' Chris Waller, Trainer 'Peter, Patty, Richard and I are thrilled to have Winx's story honoured in this book about her incredible record. Winx has performed amazingly and we are excited to work with Allen & Unwin, and for everyone to read her story.' Debbie Kepitis, Co-owner