For the first time in her career, the Aussie superstar Winx was crowned the world's best racehorse, but she had to share the spoils with the John Gosden-trained Cracksman at the Longines World's Best Racehorse ceremony in London.
Now unbeaten in as many as twenty-nine races, Winx had finished third and then second in the 2016 and 2017 rankings, but reached a mark of 130 last term matching the son of Frankel - Cracksman, who retired in October after recording back-to-back victories in the Champion Stakes at Ascot.
Deemed inseparable by a panel of international handicappers for the final standings back in November, the two could once again not be split, with Winx's trainer Chris Waller paying tribute to his star mare.
(Credit: Racing Post) He said: "The greatest thing about her is her longevity, without a doubt.
"It has been longevity over so many seasons, so many distances and on so many track surfaces. That's due to there being a great team behind me and Winx having owners who put me under no pressure.
"In our eyes she's every bit as good as she ever has been and there's nothing to suggest she's slowing down. We didn't expect to be at this high level for so long. It just doesn't happen. We're simply letting her tell us where this journey may end.
"There's a stronger chance than ever before this preparation will be her last but we only take one race at a time, which is what we're going to do again. Everything will be carefully considered as to when Winx is going to become a mum."
The event; held at the Landmark Hotel in London, further revealed that Australia had more of racing’s best contests last year than anywhere else.
31 of the world's top 103 races - more than any other country, well held down under, whilst Britain had 19, France six and Ireland just two.
As mentioned, the now 5yo Cracksman has retired from racing and will now take up stud duties, and his regular partner in the saddle - Frankie Dettori, is looking forward to riding the offspring of Anthony Oppenheimer's star in the future.
(Credit: Racing Post) He said: "I'm privileged to have ridden such a great horse as Cracksman.
"In my 31-year career he was probably the horse with the biggest stride. He achieved so much and his two Champion Stakes performances were tremendous. He truly deserves to be the joint top horse in the world.
"Hopefully I can stay around and ride some of his progeny," he finished.