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Overview
This page was last updated on October 17, 2026
The 2026 King Charles III Stakes is a mile event offering $1 million and ran on Saturday October 17 at Royal Randwick on The Everest Day with Chris Waller's brilliant mare, Autumn Glow ($1.26F), easily accounting for her rivals to justify her short-priced favouritism.
- Race Date: 17/10/2026
- Race Status: Group 1
- Race Venue: Randwick, NSW
- Prize Money: $5,000,000
- Distance: 1600m
- Track Conditions: Soft5 - FINE
- Rail Position: +3m Entire. (Pent: 5.78)
King Charles III Stakes (George Main Stakes) 2026 Results
| 5. Autumn Glow (4) J: James McDonald 57kg 13x11 T: Chris Waller | ||
| 1. Ceolwulf (1) J: Chad Schofield 59kg x5232 T: Joseph Pride | ||
| 3. Just Folk (3) J: Jamie Mott 59kg 32322 T: Gavin Bedggood | ||
| 2. God's Window (2) J: Siena Grima 59kg 23x51 T: Chris Waller | ||
| 4. Militarize (5) J: Zac Purton 59kg 3x606 T: Chris Waller |
The King Charles III Stakes 2026 stands as one of Australia’s premier weight-for-age mile races, attracting an elite field of proven Group 1 performers to Royal Randwick during the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival. Run over 1600 metres, the prestigious feature has a rich history of producing champion gallopers and remains a key target for the nation’s best middle-distance horses. With a reputation for delivering high-quality racing, star-studded fields, and thrilling finishes, the race commands strong interest from punters each spring. At Races.com.au, racing fans can access the latest King Charles III Stakes odds 2026, expert previews, field updates, and comprehensive King Charles III Stakes betting 2026 information as the contenders vie for glory in one of Sydney’s most celebrated Group 1 events.
2026 King Charles III Stakes Results
Stay tuned for the official 2026 King Charles III Stakes results and finishing order and to see what galloper could be on a quick back-up into the Ladbrokes Cox Plate field.
- 1st: No. 5 Autumn Glow ($1.26F)
- 2nd: No. 1 Ceolwulf
- 3rd: No. 3 Just Folk
Winning Margin: 2.24 lengths
Winning Time: 1:35.28
The 2026 King Charles III Stakes results saw superstar mare Autumn Glow prove why she started one of the shortest-priced favourites of the spring, delivering a dominant performance in the Group 1 mile feature at Randwick just hours after punters watched fellow odds-on elect Ka Ying Rising suffer a shock defeat in The Everest. The Chris Waller-trained daughter of The Autumn Sun justified her $1.26 quote with a devastating 2¼-length victory over dual defending champion Ceolwulf, while veteran campaigner Just Folk finished a further 7½ lengths away in third. Ridden by James McDonald, Autumn Glow enjoyed a perfect run before accelerating clear at the 600m to record her 14th win from 15 starts and further cement her standing as Australia’s premier miler. Waller hailed the mare as an “absolute professional” who continues to thrive no matter how she is trained, while McDonald revealed he deliberately gave her a sterner test than in recent starts and was left waiting for Ceolwulf’s challenge that never came. The runner-up lost no admirers in defeat, with Chad Schofield praising the dual King Charles winner’s effort after tracking Autumn Glow throughout, but the day ultimately belonged to the superstar mare, who enhanced her remarkable record with another emphatic Group 1 success.
King Charles III Stakes (George Main Stakes) Tips
Stay tuned for our insider King Charles III Stakes 2026 Tips on the important Group 1 mile showdown this spring.
Favourite: No. 5 Autumn Glow
Each Way Danger: No. 1 Ceolwulf
Best Roughie: No. 3 Just Folk
| 5. Autumn Glow (4) J: James McDonald 57kg 13x11 T: Chris Waller | ||
| 1. Ceolwulf (1) J: Chad Schofield 59kg x5232 T: Joseph Pride | ||
| 3. Just Folk (3) J: Jamie Mott 59kg 32322 T: Gavin Bedggood |
King Charles III Stakes (George Main Stakes) News
- King Charles III Stakes 2026 Predictions, Betting Odds & Tips
- Autumn Glow Dominates 2026 7 Stakes, King Charles III Stakes Beckons
- Ceolwulf Goes Back-to-Back in 2025 King Charles III Stakes
- King Charles III Stakes 2025 Tips & Best Bets
- 2025 King Charles III Stakes Field & Betting Update: Battle of the Mares
The King Charles III Stakes – formerly known as the George Main Stakes – is a 1600m race held at Sydney’s Royal Randwick Racecourse during the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival.
The event moved from its traditional September timeslot ahead of the 2023 edition to join Randwick’s The Everest Day race card in mid-October. The inaugural King Charles III Stakes officially replaced the George Main Stakes from 2023 and with $5 million in stakes is the world’s richest weight-for-age 1600m race.
On The Shorts Day at Randwick in mid-September the $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m) replaced the old George Main Stakes on the card as the mile feature offering an Epsom Handicap ballot exemption.
Autumn Glow (2026) was the last horse to complete the 7 Stakes – King Charles III Stakes double.
The Everest Day offers close to $35 million in total prize money across the 10 races that are headlined by the $20 million The Everest (1200m).
The Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) remains a key lead-up to the event and Anamoe (2022) was the last horse to complete the Winx Stakes – George Main Stakes double first and second-up before the latter was revamped and renamed.
The next year Fangirl became the first horse to complete the new Winx Stakes – King Charles III Stakes double, a feat repeated by the fellow Chris Waller-trained mare Autumn Glow (2026).
Open to horses aged three years and over the George Main Stakes was formerly a great lead-up to the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) over the same track / distance.
The King Charles III Stakes now runs a fortnight after the Epsom. The last horse to complete the George Main Stakes – Epsom Handicap double was the John O’Shea-trained Racing To Win (2006).
In 2024 Ceolwulf became the first horse to do the Epsom Handicap – King Charles III Stakes double.
Ceowulf returned in 2025 running 3rd in the 7 Stakes, 6th in the Epsom and then going back-to-back in the King Charles III Stakes to become the first dual champion since the three-peat of the mighty Winx (2016-18).
Ceowulf attempted to win the race for a third time in 2026 but came up against a superstar ultimately finishing over two lengths second to Autumn Glow.
The most notable recent George Main Stakes winner was superstar mare Winx who became the first back-to-back winner since Kingston Town (1981-82) when the champion defended her title in 2017 scoring her 20th straight race victory. Winx made George Main Stakes history again saluting in the event for the third consecutive year in 2018.
In 2021 trainer Chris Waller took his record in the race up to eight wins in 10 years with Verry Elleegant saluting. Verry Elleegant went on to frank the George Main Stakes form that year winning the iconic Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington three starts later.
The master horseman then won the first edition of the new race with Fangirl saluting in the 2023 King Charles III Stakes results for the stable.
The 2022 George Main Stakes form was franked with the winner Anamoe going on to win the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes – Cox Plate double later that spring.
The inaugural King Charles III Stakes winner in 2023 was Fangirl. The King Charles III Stakes form was franked that year with the runner-up, Mr Brightside, going on to run second in the Cox Plate and Champion’s Mile before a killer 2024 autumn that included wins in the CF Orr and Futurity Stakes.
Waller added yet another victory in the event to his glowing CV in 2026 with Autumn Glow.
Dual King Charles III Stakes champion Ceolwulf franked the 2025 race form winning Melbourne’s Champions Mile at his next start.
2026 King Charles III Stakes Betting
The season’s best King Charles III Stakes 2026 betting odds and market links to Ladbrokes will be available here at Races.com.au as soon as available.
From 2010-2026 twelve favourites in George Main Stakes betting saluted for the punters. The most recent favourites to get the job done are Avilius ($3.10 in 2019), Verry Elleegant ($1.75 in 2021), Anamoe ($1.65 in 2022) and Autumn Glow ($1.26 in 2026).
Fangirl won the inaugural King Charles III Stakes in 2023 at $5.50 beating the odds-on favourite Mr Brightside ($1.95).
Pride Of Jenni ($2.70) jumped the favourite in King Charles III Stakes betting in 2024 only to be run down late by Ceolwulf ($6.50).
Ceolwulf won again in 2025 at even longer King Charles III Stakes odds of $10 with race favourite, Mr Brightside ($4.20), running second off a hampered run and bad barrier.
King Charles III Stakes (George Main Stakes) Field
2026 King Charles III Stakes Form
The King Charles III Stakes form guide is an essential resource for punters analysing one of Australia’s most prestigious weight-for-age races. Run over 1600 metres at Royal Randwick, the Group 1 feature attracts an elite field of proven milers, weight-for-age stars, and established Group 1 performers competing during the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival. The form guide provides detailed information on each runner’s recent performances, barrier draw, jockey and trainer combinations, weight-for-age record, track and distance statistics, and current preparation, helping punters identify the horses best suited to the conditions and capable of producing a peak performance on race day.
What Punters Should Look for in the King Charles III Stakes Form Guide:
- Weight-for-age form – Horses with proven success at weight-for-age level often have a significant advantage in this elite Group 1 contest.
- 1600m credentials – Strong form at or around the mile is one of the key indicators of King Charles III Stakes success.
- Recent Group 1 performances – Look for runners exiting major spring features and competing consistently against top-class opposition.
- Randwick track record – Previous success at Royal Randwick can be a major asset, particularly for horses suited to the spacious circuit and long straight.
- Spring campaign profile – Many winners are second-up, third-up, or fourth-up and nearing peak fitness during the carnival.
- Barrier draw – While class is often decisive, a favourable barrier can help runners secure the ideal position throughout the race.
- Track conditions – Some contenders excel on firm tracks, while others produce their best performances on rain-affected ground.
- Sectional times and finishing strength – Horses capable of producing a strong turn of foot over the final stages are often well suited to the competitive mile contest.
FULL 2026 KING CHARLES III STAKES FORM GUIDE
The King Charles III Stakes field attracts a top-class line-up of spring milers, many looking to step-up in distance later in the season heading towards a Melbourne feature including the Cox Plate – a double Winx achieved in 2016, 2017 and incredibly again in 2018.
Many gallopers have a lead-up run in events like the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) and or Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m). Winx (2017) was the last horse to complete the Chelmsford Stakes – George Main Stakes double.
2026 King Charles III Stakes Nominations
Nominations for the King Charles III Stakes 2026 close the Monday of race week.
The 2026 King Charles III Stakes nominations attracted a dozen weight-for-age stars dominated by the country’s best mare Autumn Glow chasing her fifth Group 1 victory.
2026 King Charles III Stakes Field
The official King Charles III Stakes 2026 Final Field & Barriers are released the Wednesday prior to the race and will be published in full below.
The 2026 King Charles III Stakes field features a compact but classy line-up of just six middle-distance gallopers including the country’s best mare, Autumn Glow, chasing her 14th win from 15 starts and the dual defending champion Ceolwulf.
| No | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Barrier | Weight | Age | Sex | Last Starts | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ceolwulf | Chad Schofield | Joseph Pride | 1 | 59kg | 6 | G | x5232 | $10,677,545 |
| 2 | God's Window | Siena Grima | Chris Waller | 2 | 59kg | 5 | G | 23x51 | $1,304,977 |
| 3 | Just Folk | Jamie Mott | Gavin Bedggood | 3 | 59kg | 10 | G | 32322 | $1,773,978 |
| 4 | Militarize | Zac Purton | Chris Waller | 5 | 59kg | 6 | G | 3x606 | $3,673,500 |
| 5 | Autumn Glow | James McDonald | Chris Waller | 4 | 57kg | 5 | M | 13x11 | $9,716,600 |
| 6 | Pride Of Jenni | Declan Bates | Ciaron Maher | 5 | 57kg | 9 | M | 512x1 | $12,818,685 |
King Charles III Stakes (George Main Stakes) Barrier & Speedmap
King Charles III Stakes (George Main Stakes) History
The race was previously named after George Main, the former chairman of the Australian Jockey Club, racehorse breeder and sheep runner before being renamed ahead of the 2023 in honour of His Majesty King Charles III.
Inaugurated in 1945, the first winner of the George Main Stakes was Modulation. There have been several horses which have managed to win the race more than once including Kingston Town in 1981-82, Regal Rhythm in 1967-68, Count Radiant in 1964-65 and Shannon in 1946-47. In 2011 the race was run over a 1500m trip at Rosehill due to construction work at Randwick.
In 2017 Winx became the latest back-to-back George Main Stakes winner and the shortest-priced favourite to salute at odds of $1.12. The mighty mare won the event for the third year on the trot in 2018 defeating just six rivals, the closest being Le Romain by four lengths!
Trainer Chris Waller posted his seventh George Main Stakes win in nine years in 2020 with Kolding scoring an upset over three of his stablemates for an all-Waller first four followed by his eighth in ten years with his subsequent Melbourne Cup winning mare Verry Elleegant in 2021.
In 2022 subsequent Cox Plate star Anamoe became one of the shortest-priced favourites to salute in the George Main Stakes results winning at a $1.65 starting price.
The first official King Charles III Stakes winner was Fangirl for Chris Waller in 2023.
Ceolwulf then went back-to-back in 2024 and 2025 for trainer Joseph Pride.
King Charles III Stakes (George Main Stakes) Previous Race Winners
| Year | Place | Horse | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 King Charles III Stakes |
1st | Autumn Glow | 1 minute 35.28 seconds |
| 2nd | Ceolwulf | ||
| 3rd | Just Folk | ||
| 2025 King Charles III Stakes |
1st | Ceolwulf | 1 minute 34.39 seconds |
| 2nd | Mr Brightside | ||
| 3rd | Pier | ||
| 2024 King Charles III Stakes |
1st | Ceolwulf | 1 minute 34.07 seconds |
| 2nd | Pride Of Jenni | ||
| 3rd | My Oberon | ||
| 2023 King Charles III Stakes |
1st | Fangirl | 1 minute 33.79 seconds |
| 2nd | Mr Brightside | ||
| 3rd | My Oberon | ||
| 2022 George Main Stakes |
1st | Anamoe | 1 minute 38.61 seconds |
| 2nd | Icebath | ||
| 3rd | Hinged | ||
| 2021 George Main Stakes |
1st | Verry Elleegant | 1 minute 36.07 seconds |
| 2nd | Riodini | ||
| 3rd | Think It Over | ||
| 2020 George Main Stakes |
1st | Kolding | 1 minute 33.30 seconds |
| 2nd | Star Of The Seas | ||
| 3rd | Imaging | ||
King Charles III Stakes FAQs
What is the King Charles III Stakes?
The King Charles III Stakes is a prestigious Group 1 weight-for-age race run over 1600 metres at Royal Randwick during the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival. It attracts many of Australia’s best milers and middle-distance horses.
When is the King Charles III Stakes held?
The King Charles III Stakes is traditionally run on Day 1 of The Everest Carnival at Royal Randwick in October.
What distance is the King Charles III Stakes?
The race is contested over 1600m, making it one of Australia’s premier Group 1 mile races.
What is the prize money for the King Charles III Stakes?
The King Charles III Stakes is one of the richest mile races in Australia, offering a lucrative $5 million prize purse that attracts elite gallopers from across the country.
Where is the King Charles III Stakes run?
The race is held at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, New South Wales.
What conditions is the King Charles III Stakes run under?
The King Charles III Stakes is conducted under weight-for-age conditions, meaning horses carry set weights determined by their age and sex rather than a handicap allocation.
What types of horses win the King Charles III Stakes?
The race is typically won by elite weight-for-age performers with proven Group 1 form and strong credentials at the mile distance.
Where can I view the latest King Charles III Stakes odds?
Races.com.au provides links to the latest King Charles III Stakes odds and betting markets from leading Australian bookmaker Ladbrokes in the lead-up to race day.
Has the race always been known as the King Charles III Stakes?
No. The race was previously run as the George Main Stakes before being renamed the King Charles III Stakes in 2023 to honour King Charles III.
Why is the King Charles III Stakes important?
The race is considered a key spring target for Australia’s top milers and often features horses progressing towards other major Group 1 races including the Cox Plate and Champions Mile.
Want to discover value runners using smart form suggestions?
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Ask Form Genius...
- Which runner has the best trainer/jockey combo at Randwick?
- Which runner has the best form on this track?
- Which runners are mapped as leaders in the King Charles III Stakes?
Want to discover value runners using smart form suggestions?
Form Genius is a powerful form analysis tool that makes doing the form easy by getting through mountains of data at the touch of a button! Ask it anything and get fast, form-based answers on any runner, jockey or trainer in any race. Use the smart prompts for deep insights and to sharpen your punting even further.
Get Free Access to Form Genius Now| King Charles III Stakes (George Main Stakes) | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Saturday October 17, 2026 |
| Track: | Randwick Racecourse |
| Distance: | 1600m |
| Race Type: | Weight-For-Age |
| Status: | Group 1 |
| Prize Money: | $5,000,000 |
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