The Championships Day Two

THE CHAMPIONSHIPS – DAY TWO

A record modern day crowd turned out at Royal Randwick on day two of The Championships where Winx was once again the star of the show.

26,801 people were trackside for the event, eclipsing the previous record of 25,535 set on Saturday, 13 April 2013 – the day Black Caviar ran and won her final race before being retired.

Racing NSW CEO Peter V’landys AM said it was encouraging to see The Championships being embraced by Sydneysiders and visitors.

“The support for The Championships has been phenomenal,” he said.

“The weather was perfect, the racing was thrilling and the atmosphere in every corner of the racetrack was fantastic.”

More than $10million in prizemoney was on offer across ten races but there was one everyone had come to see.

Wonder mare Winx delighted racegoers as she stretched her winning streak to 17 with an effortless victory in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Racegoers wearing Winx hats and waving flags cheered as she stepped out in the Theatre Of The Horse and again as she sailed past the post more than five lengths ahead of her nearest rival.

"Winx has captured the hearts of all of Australia and the racing world and helped set a new crowd record for The Championships at Royal Randwick," Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Darren Pearce said.

"Whilst we were thrilled to see her win again the day was also touched with sadness and our thoughts are with the connections and jockeys involved in the Sydney Cup.

"Our immediate priorities were with the horses and participants in the Sydney Cup and completing the meeting.”

“Our hearts go out to the connections of all horses involved in the Sydney Cup,” Mr V’landys said.

“Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club in consultation with all stakeholders will work together on an alternative option for the race.”

Wins in the Group 1 Australian Oaks and Queen Elizabeth Stakes were enough to snare Hugh Bowman his third Nathan Berry Medal.

It’s awarded to the most successful jockey across both days of The Championships and honours the memory of late Sydney jockey Nathan Berry.

“It’s fitting Hugh Bowman was successful in the Nathan Berry Medal given his winning partnership with superstar of the turf, Winx,” Mr V’landys said.

The Sydney Carnival concludes next Saturday with the Group 1 All Aged Stakes.