Winx, the magic mare from down under, left it late as she gave her backers heartstopping moments as she reeled in her opposition one by one and finally laid down the law in the final 100m to win the Chelmsford Stakes well. 

Winx jumped cleanly and appeared to take up a perfect position a few spots back but was seen to be struggling before the home turn as Red Excitement sped clear.

Winx began to gradually eat into the lead but even with 200 metres remaining she was still three lengths behind. She closed to within two lengths at the 100 and then, just when it seemed she might run out of ground, the mighty mare made it 19 wins in a row in a couple of huge strides.

"With 400 (metres) to run, I was more worried today than I was first-up," a relieved trainer Chris Waller told Sky Racing.

Winx was wearing ear muffs for the first time after the near disaster first-up in the Warwick Stakes two weeks ago when she missed the start by four lengths.

By managing to reel in Red Excitement, Winx managed to avoid the fate that befell the 1930s champion Ajax, who was beaten when attempting his 19th-straight win at the odds of $1.03 in 1939.

She levels up with former greats Desert Gold and Gloaming on 19-straight wins and is now just six behind the unbeatable Black Caviar. 

Racing.com and own correspondence