Round-Up From Around the World - 29/10/2018

One place to start, and arguably the world's best horse - Winx, produced another fine episode of the Late Late Show, when turning up on the scene with a furlong to go and winning with ease. Jockey Hugh Bowman once again timed the ride to perfection, winning the Cox Plate for a fourth time, and extends her winning run to 29 victories - 22 of which in Group 1 Level. She beat Saeed Bin Suroor-trained Benbatl into second, and Humidor into third.

Other British raider Rostropovich - trained by Aiden O'Brien, finished back in fifth. But another fine performance by the Aussie 7yo superstar.

There was plenty of action in France this weekend, which featured the Group 1 Criterium International. This prize worth £125,000, was claimed by Royal Meeting and Godolphin. Royal Meeting - a son of Invincible Spirit, and is now unbeaten on two starts, beat the bet365 Fillies Mile runner up Hermosa into second, and Graignes back in third.

Earlier in the day, Brundtland, who was looking for his fifth win in a row, disappointed in the Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak by only finishing fourth. The race was won by Holdthasigreen, and Tony Piccone, in what looked a scrappy race.

There was also plenty of action over in Ireland at the weekend, where last year's Champion Bumper sixth Felix Desjy, justified a short price on his hurdling debut at Galway. He won with ease for Gordon Elliot and Jack Kennedy, recording a ten-length success over Licklighter, who was a further five clear of the remainder.

Another Festival favourite Blow By Blow, who landed a big gamble back in March in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle, got off the mark at the first time of asking over the larger obstacles. Much was to expect from a 150-rated hurdler, and he dually obliged with an emphatic romp over his rivals. Another one for Gordon Elliott, who has begun this season where he left off the last.