Film No. 62. A HORSE NAMED WINX (2024). 12th Sept.

 

Film No. 62  (2024) September 12th.  10:00 AM  EVENT CINEMAS, Cine 8,  Innaloo.

"Winx, an Australian icon. The greatest of all time. Winx - thirty three in a row?" (A race caller describes the moment, seconds after Winx has crossed the line in his last race).

Is this Australian story, about a phenomenal racehorse (International Horse of the Year 2018) a worthy document to celebrate a champion? Is it what! This true story is better than fiction and like the horse, it's to be enjoyed by all. 

 

There are three stars of this story. A horse, a trainer and a jockey. Janine Hosking's feature documentary brings us Chris Waller (trainer) and Hugh Bowman (jockey), at the top of their craft. The drama of how Winx won 33 consecutive races in the prestigious Australian circuit, over a 5 years period (2015 -'19) is captivating. Like all good documentaries there is drama - but would this horse have achieved greatness without the tender hands of Waller (in particular), Bowman, the owners, the strappers, the vets, the track workers etc,? Not in a million years.   

What more to say? Author Andrew Rule wrote the book, 'Winx'. His narration and front of camera work give the polish fitting for a champion. You do not need to be a racing fan to love this film.  11GUMS.