Hall of Fame figure Chris Waller hailed Autumn Glow as a champion post her thrashing of a glittering array in the Group 1 $1 million George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens Saturday.
“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.”
Having schooled champions including Winx the mare, Verry Elleegant, Via Sistina and Nature Strip, Waller for the first time awarded Autumn Glow racing’s top distinction, met with universal agreement.
Autumn Glow, racing’s “Miss Invincible”, unleashed her most dominant career showing for win 11 of 11.
She toyed decisively with eight Group 1-winning rivals, staking her claim for Horse of the Year in emphatic fashion.
Before 15,070 at Slipper Day, she closed Waller’s and McDonald’s successive-race Group 1 treble on a day of records:
McDonald hit 131 career Group 1s, breaking Damien Oliver’s 129 record.
Waller’s treble made 192 Group 1s, eyeing 200 joined only by Cummings and Smith (246).
Waller-McDonald partnership owns 56 Group 1s, ahead of Smith-Moore’s 54.
Autumn Glow shares Barakey’s 11 debut wins streak, next to Black Caviar’s 25 unbeaten (15 Group 1).
Third Group 1 – with Epsom Handicap, Verry Elleegant Stakes this season – plus Golden Eagle last spring lifts earnings past $8m.
John Messara, Arrowfield Stud head with 50+ years of champions, called Autumn Glow his best ever.
“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.”
McDonald peaked at Rosehill for Group 1 treble: Aeliana (Ranvet Stakes), Autumn Boy (Rosehill Guineas), Autumn Glow (Ryder) timelessly.”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.”
$1.28 favourite Autumn Glow marked Waller’s eighth Ryder, winning by near three lengths to Gringotts ($19), Pericles ($16) neck away.
He could have won by more but eased 100m shy to cherish it.
“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 to plot Autumn Glow’s Randwick Championships tilt: $4m Doncaster Mile April 4 (1600m) or $5m Queen Elizabeth Stakes April 11 (2000m).
TAB signals Queen Elizabeth Stakes likely, cutting to $1.80 from $3.
“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.”
Race fans should check racing betting markets on sites covering the George Ryder Stakes and more.
