The $20 million Championships week at Royal Randwick has arrived, and I’m here in Sydney with my wife, Rita, who was with me when we were lucky enough to win this trip of a lifetime, the Grand Prize at Equestricon 2018.

Anticipation is high for an outstanding schedule of races, culminating with the Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the final race for the amazing Winx.

I began these notes on the 24 hours or thereabouts travel to Sydney, Australia, which turned out to go rather quickly if that is possible. We left the United States on Saturday evening and arrived in Sydney on Monday. So, we ended up missing Sunday entirely in what turned out to be a very smooth flight.

This morning’s event was attending the barrier draw (like the post-position draw in the U.S.) for the Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes, which will be Winx’s last race, and the Schweppes Sydney Cup.

I had the pleasure of meeting Peter Tighe, co-owner of Winx, and did an interview with Candice Hare, TVG’s international expert. Peter and I spoke about how I followed Winx through many late night races, often having an alarm on to wake me up off the couch to see another historic run.

On Thursday, Rita and I will head to Rosehill for Winx’s final gallop and early morning coffee and breakfast at the stables.

But first, we’re doing a but of sightseeing around Australia today. We’re off to the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and soon after that we’ve scheduled some time for a relaxing pint overlooking the Sydney Harbour.

On Wednesday, we’ll take a trip to see some Australian wildlife via a ferry ride to the Taronga Zoo.

There are more horse racing-related events on tap for Thursday evening and Friday morning, too. We’re obviously eager to be there for Winx’s final pre-race gallop. This truly has been an awesome experience … and the trip is just starting.