Chris Waller, trainer in the Hall of Fame, was prompted to declare Autumn Glow a champion when the mare crushed a glamorous opposition in Saturday’s Group 1 $1 million George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens.
“She’s a champion in my eyes,” Waller said.
“I’ve been fortunate to train many good horses, I’m qualified to know what one’s like, and she is something special.”
Waller’s resume boasts greats like the mighty Winx, Verry Elleegant, Via Sistina, and Nature Strip, but Autumn Glow received his supreme endorsement for the first time, unchallenged by peers.
Racing’s “Miss Invincible” Autumn Glow produced a flawless career-best run to claim her 11th win in 11 attempts.
She sent a clear message, playing with a lineup holding eight Group 1 winners individually, cementing her as Horse of the Year favourite.
Slipper Day drew 15,070 fans, where Autumn Glow sealed Waller’s and McDonald’s Group 1 treble in consecutive races amid history-making feats such as:
McDonald’s Group 1 haul reached 131, a record eclipsing Damien Oliver’s 129.
Waller’s hat-trick lifted him to 192 Group 1s, approaching 200 – breached only by Cummings and Smith on 246 each.
The pair’s 56 shared Group 1s top Smith-Moore’s 54.
Autumn Glow tied Barakey’s 11 straight debut wins, second to Black Caviar’s 25 flawless, 15 Group 1.
Her third Group 1 this prep – including Epsom Handicap and Verry Elleegant Stakes – joins last spring’s Golden Eagle, surpassing $8 million earnings.
Over 50 years, Arrowfield’s John Messara has owned many stars, yet ranks Autumn Glow highest.
“It’s for others to say whether Autumn Glow is a champion or not but she’s the best racehorse I’ve had anything to do with,” Messara said.”She does things only champions can do. She has just beaten an outstanding field and beat them easily. I’m lost for words.”
In top form at Rosehill, McDonald swept Group 1s on Aeliana (Ranvet Stakes), Autumn Boy (Rosehill Guineas), and Autumn Glow (Ryder) in epic style.”It was evident during the week when Chris (Waller) said you’ll see something special in the Ryder, so when he says that, I take notice,” McDonald said.”Her work’s been phenomenal. I truly believe she loves fast ground, because there’s not a horse that could come with her.
“It doesn’t matter what is in the race. She’s just got an amazing sustained speed, it’s quite incredible what we’re witnessing.
“She’s the jockey’s dream – you get nervous on horses but she’s one you don’t.”
The $1.28 elect, Autumn Glow gifted Waller Ryder win number eight, clearing by close to three lengths from Gringotts ($19), Pericles ($16) third by a neck.
McDonald restrained late, 100m out, to prolong the thrill.
“Let’s not beat around the bush, she’s 11 from 11, people are here to see her, and she’s got such an amazing following now,” McDonald said.”And it’s growing, it’s incredible. The feeling you get off these horses, it’s special. I thought Anamoe was a big deal. This horse has taken it to a new level.”
Waller, McDonald, Messara meet soon for Autumn Glow’s next at Randwick Championships: $4m Doncaster Mile (1600m) April 4 or $5m Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) April 11.
The Queen Elizabeth Stakes odds shortened to $1.80 from $3 per TAB Fixed Odds.
“We’ll give them (owners) our best opinion of what we think,” Waller said.
“Look, she just does everything so effortlessly and that’ll help her get 2000m.”
Find the best betting sites for George Ryder Stakes style racing betting markets.