Gunnedah-born sculptor Tanya Bartlett immortalises champion mare Winx with spectacular bronze statue at Rosehill Gardens

That's why it was a particularly special occasion for the Gunnedah-born sculptor this week, when her spectacular bronze statue of champion racehorse Winx and jockey Hugh Bowman was unveiled at the mighty mare's home track Rosehill Gardens.

It was a project two years in the making for Bartlett, whose work has included statues of other giants of Australian sport such as Don Bradman and the great thoroughbred stallion Redoute's Choice.

"It was very special," she told the NVI. "Winx is one of those living legends.

"To be actually doing a sculpture of a horse that is still living, that I get to meet, and live through her career, was hugely special. She's got a huge fan club, and is an amazing horse."

After many meetings with the committee to decide on a pose for the horse and the jockey, a model was perfected in miniature form first before it was immortalised in a life size, or in this case, "larger than life" statue.

Weighing more than 600 kilograms - close to Winx's actual racing weight - the statue has been scaled to a 110 per cent height and length of the horse.

The bronze figure also captures her regular jockey Hugh Bowman, making his signature "she's apples'' winning salute.

In a nice touch, Bowman has been given a tinge of the famous blue silks worn in all of Winx's races.

The wonder mare won a world record 25 Group 1 races amongst 37 overall wins, and world record prizemoney of more than $26 million.

Her final 33 races were won in a row, including a her last ever race at Royal Randwick in front a sold-out crowd, which captured the attention of millions of fans across the world.

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Bartlett - whose childhood was spent on horseback or swimming in the local creek or dam at her parent's property near Gunnedah - said it was wonderful to do a project that means a lot to other people and brings "so much joy and celebration".

"Whether it be a person or an animal - it's always so rewarding and I'm really fortunate to be doing that as my main occupation," she added.

Despite now living in Newcastle, Gunnedah still holds a special place in her heart, and she enjoys going back when she can to visit her parents and other family.

"I had my primary school years in Gunnedah and they were great years, I had my horses and some friends in town and we would meet up and go down to the river and ride all day down there," she recalled.

"It was just a great little town as a child - I loved it - and I always enjoy going back."

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