Melbourne Film

I’ve taken a jockey’s view seat at the beautifully posh Como Cinema in South Yarra – a perfect place to see the new big screen preview on the life of ‘Winx’, an Australian thoroughbred mare; a champion like no other who stole the heart of our nation like a modern day ‘Phar Lap’.

‘A Horse Named Winx’ is a movie length documentary on the story we DON’T know about Winx. If there had been a reality TV show during her racing years and after her retirement, this would be it.

Winx held the power to give the chance of a lifetime to trainer Chris Waller. Chris is interviewed extensively and rests on his true emotions and love for Winx – he seems humble and thankful – a bloke who previously felt like he didn’t belong amongst the great names of horse-racing.

The documented movie follows Winx’ owners’ memories and all those who were part of Chris’ training team; those who rode and cared for her from early days on the track right through to the birth of her record-breaking $10million foal.

Whilst the hopeful story (in general terms) is one very familiar to me; having lived on a horse stud with my brother and his mates dabbling in training and racing (like many others, they would’ve loved to have lived in Chris’ boots). Hearing my own mother’s childhood stories of her family’s retired racehorse property. My former lawyer-bosses trying their hand at the prestigious ownership game (they wrote out a lot of cheques for little return). This screening of Winx’ life however enlightened me to see what it’s really like for those who take on a filly without knowing her incredible potential.

‘A Horse Named Winx’ is “real” and not “acted” – you are seeing actual footage of the races with straightforward speaking from everyone at the heart of Winx’ career and success. You will probably watch it with eager eyes not because you might get some inside information on picking a winner (I personally don’t bet on horse-racing but I’m sure many who see it might), but because you will more generously appreciate all the work and sacrifice that goes into those moments where you scream GO GO GO, dress up for the Melbourne Cup or hear about your friend winning big on a trifecta.

There’s so much more to horse-racing; SO, SO, SO much more – it’s important to recognise that all the hype and glamour is brought about by animals trying to go faster than those next to them. ‘A Horse Named Winx’ highlights those thrilling minutes, but explains the real timeline to get to them. It shows us a fine line between training and talent.

Winx’ job was to be a racehorse and was the “world’s best” in her era they say, something her buyers never thought would happen when their last bid was knocked down to originally purchase her at a mediocre price. And despite never going overseas; another factor showing her trainer and owners put priority on horse-welfare and did not succumb to invitations from around the globe and subject her to a 36hour flight. As an avid animal lover, this inclusion impressed me. These people don’t see the need to big-note themselves. They constantly praise the horse.

Two lines stood out to me:

“Who cares if she wins, is she OK?” and “What’s best for Winx?”

Mostly you are watching serious stuff and the thoughts behind difficult decisions being made, but there is some fun; apparently Winx could be a diva! You’ll find out how she got her name, and giggle at comments from the strapper “I’ll have to move to Germany” after she’s afraid Winx has hurt herself, the kind guy who broke her in “I rode her first”, and the farrier who states “no foot, no horse”. I liked these people who were also in Winx’ journey having their say and I liked seeing the veterinarian teams too being gratefully acknowledged.

Winx’ story proves anything is possible, you can be last and still come out on top. I agree with one cute race spectator’s opinion: “who wouldn’t love her?”

If you can hold back a tear on her final race ending with Hugh Bowman, you’re more stoic than me and I was watching that particular win for the first time (I now know why my mum wanted me to watch it back then).

This look into horse-racing is detailed from the opening scene to “awwww” return in the last one.

Enjoy and learn, as you should with documentaries, but remember not all racehorses are this fortunate (most are not) however highly recommended if you want to see a “real life” in-depth showing of the behind-the-scenes world of superstar equine athletes.

Exceptionally well done by Director Janine Hosking and Writer Andrew Rule who were given an opportunity of unprecedented access to develop a moving cinematic documentary; a horse-racing fairytale!

The star of the show is WINX.

Be the first to see her feature run in ‘A Horse Named Winx’ from 5 September 2024 – Tickets: https://www.palacecinemas.com.au/movies/a-horse-named-winx

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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