Twitter reacts to Winx entry into Australian Racing Hall of Fame
THE racing mid-week wrap this week was dominated by one horse and one horse only – the mighty mare Winx.
Winx became just one of three horses in history to be inducted in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame despite still being a competitor, so we took a look at what social media had to say on what has proven to be a contentious issue.
The Doomben Cup is also this weekend, so we poured through Twitter for your best takes on the time-honoured race.
Winx gets inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame
The term “living legend” gets thrown around a lot these days, but by anyone’s estimation Winx is the embodiment of that term.
Winx is in. #HallOfFame #winxoffame #ausracinghalloffame
— The Average Punter (@TheAvrgPunter) May 17, 2017
We are currently in the Winx-era of racing, and that was evidenced on Wednesday after the wondermare was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame while still racing, and the Waller-trained superstar joined rarefied air in the process.
Winx joins Sunline and Black Caviar to be inducted into Australian Racing Hall Of Fame while still racing. Only 3 to get that recognition.
— Shane Anderson (@Globalgallop) May 16, 2017
Not everyone is sure that the decision was the right one, but if the precedent has been set after two former guns of the track made it while still competing, then this Twitter user is content.
I don’t know how I feel about Winx inducted to Hall of Fame while she’s still racing.
I guess if BC and Sunline were worthy, she has to be.— Nay (@SoSaysRenee) May 17, 2017
One social media user even mused that the honour could lead to some arrogance from the great one.
@HarfSerious Can you give me 6/4 about Winx for the Cox Plate then? It might go to her head.
— Roach (@roachy01) May 17, 2017
We are not sure horses are wired the same way as people, but we are not putting anything beyond Winx at this point.
Strong field expected for Saturday’s Doomben Cup
After the debacle of last week’s scratching of two key runners from the Doomben 10,000, trainer Darren Weir will have breathed a sigh of relief after two of his horses – including $4.40 favourite for the Doomben Cup Articus at Sportsbet.com.au – made it safely to Queensland.
Articus and Star Exhibit have arrived in Brisbane this morning for @DKWeirRacing . Left Melb 1.45am. Run in Saturdays Doomben Cup.
— Andrew Bensley (@AndrewBensley) May 16, 2017
Weir will be up against newly appointed Godolphin trainer Darren Beadman, who was a notable absentee from the latest round of hall of fame inductees.
One Twitter user speculated that success in Saturday’s feature would ensure he is not overlooked next time.
@NoverreMan Perhaps if he trains the winner of the time honoured #DoombenCup this weekend, he’ll appear on the radar of the panel… #worthy
— Ian Davis (@Ian_Davis72) May 17, 2017
The Doomben Cup is an event that is steeped in tradition – over 80 years’ worth to be accurate – so it is always good to have a look into the past and see how the media of days gone by covered it.
This blast from the past reminds us that punting has always been exactly that, rather than an exact science that the pretender websites will have you believe.
The good old days. Sporting Globe’s Rollo Roylance (should be in the Hall of Fame) takes a look at the 1967 Doomben Cup “lucky dip” pic.twitter.com/1dgfjVn2Nm
— The Racing Nark (@RacingNark) May 16, 2017
The real tips for Saturday’s big race can be found at HorseBetting.com.au, by experts who do it for the love of the sport – not for your subscription.