Championships Crescendo Casts An Autumn Glow Across Royal Randwick

8 April, 2026

A horse already being compared to the immortal Winx holds star billing at Royal Randwick on Saturday for Day Two of The Championships and the running of the Group 1 $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

The unbeaten Autumn Glow – trained by 15-time Sydney champion Chris Waller and with all-time Group 1 jockey record holder James McDonald to ride – is striving for a 12^th consecutive career victory on Saturday.

The glamour mare contests the same race that Winx won three times, including at her epic final race start.

The Group 1 $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes is one of four Group 1s on Saturday’s 10-race card including the $2 million Schweppes Sydney Cup, $1 million Asahi Super Dry Australian Oaks and $1 million Moët & Chandon Queen Of The Turf Stakes.

Australian Turf Club Interim CEO Steve McMahon said Autumn Glow was capturing the attention of the racing world.

“Racegoers are starting to embrace Autumn Glow like none other since Winx and she can again create her own history on Saturday if she remains unbeaten,’’ Mr McMahon said.

“History isn’t something you watch later, it’s something you show up for. This week at Royal Randwick, Autumn Glow chases her place in racing folklore. Be there. Feel it. Be part of it.

“With free public transport included in all tickets and ATC Membership, and dry weather tipped all week throughout Saturday, it presents the perfect stage for another unforgettable moment for those on course.

“Along with Autumn Glow there are outstanding horses and fields right throughout the day, including the appearance of another fan favourite in the bold-running leader Pride Of Jenni just 40 minutes before the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.’’

Autumn Glow opens a $1.40 favourite – a price only longer than Winx in the past 20 years in a race which has been won over many decades by a cavalcade of Australia’s greatest horses.

Sir Delius for trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott and jockey Craig Williams is at $6-$6.50 TAB ahead of Aeliana (Waller/Damian Lane) at $7.50 TAB and Dubai Honour (William Haggas/Tom Marquand) at $11-$9 TAB.

Dubai Honour won the race in 2023 and finished second in the event last year.

In the $1 million Moët & Chandon Queen Of The Turf Stakes, a stellar field of Australia’s best fillies and mares contest the famous Royal Randwick mile.

Excitement machine Pride Of Jenni – whose frontrunning style has thrilled fans throughout her career – is an equal $4 TAB favourite for trainer Ciaron Maher and Declan Bates and jumps from barrier 1.

She is joined in betting at $4 TAB by Lady Shenandoah (Waller/McDonald) from barrier 2 and Treasurethe Moment (Matt Laurie/Damian Lane) from barrier 3.

The time-honoured Group 1 $2 million Schweppes Sydney Cup over the iconic 3200m has attracted a big field of 16 runners, with a wide-open TAB market headed by Mr Monaco at $6 for trainer Ciaron Maher.

Jockey Jamie Melham is looking to create a unique piece of Australian racing in the two-mile event by winning Australia’s two biggest 3200m cups within six months, and off her stunning Doncaster Mile victory last week.

In the Group 1 $1 million Asahi Super Dry Australian Oaks, Chris Waller and James McDonald join with favourite Ohope Wins, a $2.30-$2.40 TAB favourite.

Trainer and jockey have already won seven Group 1 races over the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

Profoundly for Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry is next in betting at $3.50 TAB.

Amongst several other outstanding races, the Group 2 $1 million Arrowfield Sprint has attracted a cracking field, headed in markets by boom filly, last year’s Everest runner-up Tempted, at $1.70 TAB for Ciaron Maher and Chad Schofield.

Full fields for Royal Randwick are available here and full TAB markets are found here.

For all racing, general and ticketing information go to theraces.com.au.

AUSTRALIAN TURF CLUB MEDIA CONTACT:

Brett de Vine

0419 613 455

bdevine@theATC.com.au