Benbatl’s trainer Saeed bin Suroor admitted his charge had simply been beaten by the better horse after super mare Winx won a record fourth Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in Australia on Saturday.
Chris Waller’s seven-year-old claimed the Group One heat for the last three years, putting her level with Kingston Town who also won three renewals between 1980 and 1982.
However, Winx surpassed that mark and now stands alone after swooping past Godolphin challenger Benbatl in the final of 10 furlongs to gain a comfortable success in the hands of Hugh Bowman.
Winx’s victory also takes her unbeaten run to 29 races, stretching back to April 2015.
After his valiant challenge Benbatl will now return to Dubai, where Bin Suroor plans to discuss plans for the future with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Bin Suroor said: “(Winx) is a superstar – the best of the best. I’m very happy for her owners, trainer and jockey. It was a great race, we took our chance but our horse was beaten by a better filly.
“(Benbatl) ran well, but she’s something special.
“He is in good shape now and we will take him back to Dubai and we will race him there. We will talk to Sheikh Mohammed and he will make the decision for the future.”
Saeed Sin Suroor with Benbatl
Winx was settled on the heels of the early leaders, with both Benbatl and Aidan O’Brien’s runner Rostropovich also racing to the fore, with the latter the first to make his bid for home under Ryan Moore.
Oisin Murphy had the move covered on Benbatl though, but Winx was cruising round the turn, racing widest of all, and when Bowman gave the signal, she shot clear before being eased down on the line.
Benbatl stuck on for second with Humidor third, but Winx was a decisive scorer.
Bowman told Racing.com: “I can’t believe it. I really thought in the build up to the race I would get quite emotional, I am feeling emotional but the electricity that came through my body when I turned into the home straight just then was something I guess I only get to feel.
“Everyone watching gets so much joy and pleasure out of the superb ability of this wonderful horse. The fact she’s been able to do it so many times consecutively just speaks volumes for the management of her.
“I really felt (the pressure) this week, more than I have before. On Thursday I rang a few close mates to have a bit of a chat, I just try to do things to keep my mind occupied.
“I’m just so proud to be part of this amazing story.”
Waller said: “Going past the straight the first time, I was a bit concerned she was three wide, but it all unfolded very well. She got cover and the pace wasn’t too strong. She only really performs under pressure, so that was my only concern.
“To see her unleash as she does, I was looking for Humidor coming off the back and seeing how the others were travelling, but she had them covered a long way from home.
“It’s indescribable. (My team) all do great jobs, particularly Winx. With the media and the fans, it’s just gone to a whole new level. We’re not trained to deal with it, but thanks to everybody.
Part-owner Debbie Kepitis wept tears of joy following the result.
She said: “It’s surreal really – four Cox Plates, how do you describe that? It’s never been done and this mighty mare, she raced so well.
“Benbatl was there, we’ve beat the overseas horses and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for coming over.
“She’s shown the talent she has – what a horse.”
