ATC CEO Calls For Historic International Showdown in Sydney

2 September, 2026

Ka Ying Rising, Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi!

Australian Turf Club CEO Steve McMahon has called on racing’s powerbrokers to explore an historic international showdown featuring Ka Ying Rising, Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi, declaring Sydney is the natural stage for one of the most compelling contests the sport has ever seen.

The concept gained momentum this week after Ka Ying Rising’s trainer David Hayes and Autumn Glow’s managing owner John Messara publicly entertained the prospect of a clash between the Hong Kong superstar and Australia’s reigning Horse of the Year. Hayes suggested a race over 1400m or 1500m, while Messara acknowledged the excitement such a contest would generate.

Mr McMahon said the idea should now be taken one step further.

“While much of the discussion has centred around Ka Ying Rising and Autumn Glow, let’s not forget Sheza Alibi. She was outstanding in the Winx Stakes and deserves her place in the conversation. If we’re going to create something truly historic, why not bring together three of the most exciting horses in world racing and let the public enjoy a genuine championship contest?”

Mr McMahon said there were two potential opportunities to make it happen in Sydney.

The first could be a standalone Race 11 International Challenge on TAB Golden Slipper Day in a “winner take all” multi-million dollar event.

The second option could be a special edition of the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) on TAB Golden Slipper Day at Rosehill Gardens in 2027.

“Imagine this: Ka Ying Rising, Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi lining up over 1500 metres at Rosehill Gardens on Golden Slipper Day in front of a packed house. That’s the type of sporting spectacle people would talk about for decades.

“The world’s best sprinter from Hong Kong, Australia’s Horse of the Year and one of our elite mares all competing on one stage. Racing simply doesn’t get much bigger than that.”

Mr McMahon said Sydney was uniquely positioned to host a race capable of attracting global attention and driving unprecedented interest in Australian racing.

“You wouldn’t just have Australian racing fans watching. You’d have the eyes of the racing world on Sydney. Hong Kong, Japan, Europe, the Middle East, the United Kingdom and North America would all be tuning in to see two great racing jurisdictions come together.

“The Sydney Autumn Carnival continues to grow in stature and an event like this would elevate it to another level. It would be talked about around the world and further cement Sydney’s position as a global racing destination.”

Mr McMahon said the race could be supported by a unique commercial and competitive model inspired by global sporting championship events.

“Perhaps each ownership group contributes $1 million toward a winner-takes-most bonus pool, almost like a high-stakes poker match between champions.

“Add sponsorship support, prizemoney and international broadcast rights and suddenly you have something that becomes commercially viable.”

The ATC CEO said major racing partners would see enormous value in such an event.

“For partners such as TAB and other major sponsors, this is the type of race that transcends traditional racing. It’s sport, entertainment and theatre rolled into one.

“The commercial opportunities would be enormous. Golden Slipper Day is already one of Australia’s great sporting events and a race like this would help create a capacity crowd and extraordinary international interest.”

McMahon said he would welcome discussions with Racing NSW, owners, trainers and administrators from both jurisdictions should serious interest emerge.

“If the owners and trainers are genuinely interested, I would love to work with Racing NSW and our counterparts in Hong Kong to see whether something can be developed.”

Looking beyond a single race, McMahon said an international rivalry could evolve into a home-and-away series between Sydney and Hong Kong.

“What excites me most is that it doesn’t need to stop at one race.”

“Imagine Sydney hosting the first chapter during our Autumn Carnival and then a return clash in Hong Kong later in the year. A true international rivalry showcasing the very best of both racing jurisdictions.”

While Autumn Glow’s spring targets are expected to include the King Charles III Stakes and Ka Ying Rising begins another campaign aimed at the world’s major sprint races, McMahon believes the anticipation surrounding any future meeting will only continue to build.

“The fact these stars are currently on different paths only adds to the intrigue. Racing fans are already asking the question: what happens when they finally meet?”

“Spring is here. The stars are arriving. Sydney’s racing carnival is about to come alive and fans should be here for it.”

“But if we can bring Ka Ying Rising, Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi together in Sydney next autumn, we won’t just be staging another race.”

“We’ll be making racing history. Be here for it.”

ENDS

AUSTRALIAN TURF CLUB MEDIA CONTACT:

Brett de Vine

0419 613 455

bdevine@theATC.com.au