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By Brad Gray

We’re on the lookout for Winx’s biggest fans and the first of them we’ve found is Blake Couzins, 22, who lives in the Sydney suburb of Schofields. Couzins has missed only a handful of the mare’s racetrack starts.

“My first memory of her at the track would be the Phar Lap when she beat Hauraki and that was before the streak. Then I thought that’s one to follow. Then the Vinery run was very good. Then following that was the Oaks and I still can’t get over the ride,” Couzins said.

“I missed the two Queensland starts and I missed the Theo Marks run but since the Epsom win I’ve been at the track for all of them.”

When we first contacted Blake it was through his girlfriend Mia who suggested that Blake was more infatuated with Winx than he was with her.

“In reality it’s an exaggeration but Winx doesn’t talk back or argue with me,” Couzins joked.

“Mia, for my birthday last year, got me the photo of the first Cox Plate win so that’s framed and outside of that I’ve got the lapel pin, hat and anything else I can get my hands on.”

So what is it about Winx that appeals to Couzins?

“She’s exciting. Looking like this is the time she is going to be beaten and then she manages to pull a rabbit out of hat.”

“I go down to the stalls before everyone goes to the Theatre Of The Horse to see her and that’s become a bit of a routine. I’ve had the chance to chat to Chris (Waller) about her once or twice too. He’s very approachable which is good when you’ve got a superstar like that.

“This time last year he was saying she will be beaten it’s just a matter of when but I think that’s sort or changed with the Doncaster win and another Cox Plate win under her belt. All of a sudden it’s about keeping her record intact.

“I’m only young so Pierro was the first one I was a big fan of for similar sort of qualities. He knew how to win the tights ones and pick himself up off the canvas but Winx is another level.”

Couzins is already planning for Winx’s autumn campaign and beyond if Waller decides to take her overseas in 2018.

“My mates said to me you better start saving. (Waller) wants to give her multiple starts while she is over there so I might have to stay for a little while.

“We plan the weekends around when she is running and make sure there is no event that will get in the way. I’m looking forward to the 11th of February (Winx returns in the Apollo Stakes) where we’ll be back to Level 3 of the members stand. It’s a good time of year.”

Then there is Reegan Ohare who sports a Winx tattoo on his leg.

And Matt Wilkinson who on Facebook has changed his name to Matt Winxinson and proudly displays Winx posters in his work office.

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