Wondermare Winx storms to fourth Cox Plate

Aussie superstar Winx - widely regarded as one of the world's best, landed her fourth Cox Plate on Saturday, winning for the 29th successive time in a row.

The Chris Waller-trained Winx performed one of her trademark runs, with her late acceleration being too much for the British-trained Benbatl.

Her unbeaten run now stretches to over three years, with 22 of her 29 consecutive wins coming at Group 1 level.

However, there are still doubts amongst her critics about the 7yo being considered the world's best thoroughbred.

(Credit Racing.com)

AtTheRaces and ITV Presenter Matt Chapman has been in the spotlight of late over his comments regarding Winx's performances which has sparked a war of words with the Aussies from down under.

Chapman claimed that despite Winx's incredible run, she is beating fairly moderate horses, and if the handicapper did his job correctly, both Cracksman and Enable - both trained by John Gosden, would be rated higher than Chris Waller's outstanding mare.

The debate continued after Saturday's Cox Plate, when Winx's beat Bentbatl with ease, but can you consider the Saeed bin Suroor-trained 4yo one of Britain's best? No.

Australian racing fans have argued that Winx does not need to prove herself against the best of Britain and Europe, as she has beat subsequent King George winner Highland Reel earlier on in her career.

The British argument would be that Aiden O'Brien's now retired colt, was very young and had not yet achieved much in his racing career. He would go on to win several group ones around the globe, thus boosting the form for Winx.

It's fair to say, Winx has proved herself as one of the all time greats from Australia; winning everything possible there is to win down under, and beating every rival possible.

Winx has succeeded Black Caviar's outstanding record of consecutive wins. However, the Peter Moody trained mare will always be remembered for leaving Australia, risking it all, and conquering Europe's best at Royal Ascot when landing the Diamond Jubilee back in 2012. Winx's owners - Magic Bloodstock Racing, skipped the chance of coming to Royal Ascot in the summer, prioritising the horse's welfare, and that could be the difference between the two.

Everyone's guess is that we will never know how she will truly rank amongst the world's best thoroughbreds as she will not step foot outside of Australia.

We are certain however, that she will go down in history as one of the best mares ever to grace the sport.