Luke Nolen lauds Hugh Bowman and Winx

Hugh Bowman kisses the Cox Plate after Winx’s history-making win.

If anyone knows what it is like for Hugh Bowman to ride champion Winx during her amazing winning streak, it’s Black Caviar’s jockey Luke Nolen.

As Bowman punched the air when he crossed the line on Winx for a record-equalling third Cox Plate win on Saturday, Nolen was 14 lengths away on outsider Hardham who finished last in the eight-horse field.

One race later, Nolen was in the winner’s stall as he guided VRC Oaks favourite Aloisia to a dominant win in the Group Two Vase.

Nolen rode Black Caviar to 22 of her 25 wins during the champion mare’s unbeaten career and said it was great to see a sell-out crowd there to see Winx.

It was her 22nd win in succession and she joined Black Caviar on a record 15 Group One wins.

“It’s quite surreal actually because I was part of it through Black Caviar,” Nolen said.

“But just to see it again and not being a part of it but getting to be a fan – I’m a big fan of a Winx and even bigger fan of Hughie Bowman.

“It’s tremendous what these superstar equine athletes do for our sport.

“She filled the stand today, not because of the three-peat but because of the superstar she is and it’s wonderful to see.”