Winx crowned Australia's Champion

As if her 21^st consecutive win in Saturday’s Turnbull Stakes wasn’t proof enough, wonder mare Winx has been officially crowned Australia’s Champion Racehorse for the second straight year at the annual awards ceremony in Brisbane on Sunday night.

In an undefeated 2016/17 season, the daughter of Street Cry won eight races for Chris Waller and her ever-proud connections, including a second Cox Plate by eight lengths and a breathtaking win in the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Remarkably, Winx finished 115 votes ahead of her nearest rival, Hartnell, with Chautauqua, Black Heart Bart and Almandin rounding out the nominees.

With her status as one of Australia’s turf greats already assured, Winx now heads to The Valley on October 28 in a bid to win her third Cox Plate and in doing so match a feat only achieved by the mighty Kingston Town.

Waller claimed the Bart Cummings Award – named in honour of the late 12-time Melbourne Cup winning trainer – as the leading Group 1-winning trainer for 2016/17, while the mare’s regular jockey Hugh Bowman won the Champion Group 1 Jockey Award.

The good news didn’t stop there for Team Winx, with the mare also named Champion Middle Distance horse, finishing well ahead of Hartnell, Le Romain, Black Heart Bart, It’s Somewhat and Jameka. 

WATCH: Winx dominate at Flemington

 The Team Hawkes-trained Chautauqua, one of the leading contenders in Saturday’s $10 million Everest, won his second consecutive Champion Sprinter Award, following a season which saw him claim a third consecutive TJ Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick. Black Heart Bart polled second in the voting, with Le Romain, Malaguerra and Redzel earning special mentions for their respective Group 1 triumphs.

Mick Price’s now-retired colt Flying Artie secured the Champion 3YO Colt or Gelding award, edging Godolphin’s Astern, while dual Group 1 winner Yankee Rose was named the Champion 3YO Filly.

Yankee Rose’s owners Darby Racing had further reason to celebrate with their Golden Slipper winner She Will Reign claiming the coveted Champion 2YO Award.

Caulfield Cup winner Jameka secured the Champion Stayer Award, while Kathryn Durden’s three-time Grand National winner Wells took home the accolades for the nation’s Champion Jumper.

UBET 2017 Australian Racehorse of the Year Award Winners:

Racing Queensland Champion 2YO – She Will Reign

New Zealand Bloodstock Champion 3YO Filly – Yankee Rose

James Boag’s Champion 3YO Colt or Gelding – Flying Artie

International Animal Health Products Champion Sprinter – Chautauqua

Magic Millions Champion Middle Distance – Winx

Racing Queensland Champion Stayer – Jameka

Radio TAB Champion Jumper – Wells

UBET Australian Racehorse of the Year – Winx

The Courier-Mail Champion Group 1 Jockey – Hugh Bowman

The Bart Cummings Award (Sponsored by Sky Racing) – Chris Waller

HQ Insurance Champion Sire - Snitzel