My Gladiola delivered the biggest performance of her career at Sandown on Saturday, unleashing a brilliant late surge to claim victory in the 2026 Group 1 Moir Stakes results and secure a long-awaited elite level victory for trainer John McArdle and jockey Jamie Mott.

Sent out at $9.50 in this year’s Group 1 $750,000 AJ Moir Stakes (1000m), held outside of Moonee Valley for the first time with the track closed for redevelopement, the striking grey daughter of I Am Invincible settled closer than usual from a favourable draw, travelled sweetly on the improving Soft 7 surface, and powered down the Hillside straight to wear down Cavalry Girl, with the beaten favourite Natural Fling finishing third in a brave run by inexperienced filly having just her fourth start.

It was a win that almost didn’t happen.

McArdle admitted post-race he had strongly considered scratching the mare when rain threatened to push the track into the heavy range.

“Thank God I second guessed myself,” he told Racing Victoria.

“Things went her way today — the wind and sun dried it out, she drew a good gate, and Jamie gave her a great ride.

“She’s run against the best her whole career and she was deserving of this.”

For Mott, the victory carried deep emotion.

The loyal partnership between rider and trainer stretches back years, and My Gladiola’s Group 1 breakthrough felt like the culmination of a long shared journey.

“I’m actually really emotional,” Mott said.

“To do it for John is unbelievable.

“She’s always been good enough — she just needed her day.

“She’s a proper 1000-metre Group 1 sprinter.”

My Gladiola’s trademark keenness was on display early, but Mott managed her perfectly, keeping her balanced behind the speed before angling out and unleashing her explosive turn of foot.

“When I let her go, it was just bang,” he said.

“She’s so sharp, and she’s come back even better mentally and physically.”

The $550,000 Inglis Easter graduate, bred by Kia Ora and raced by Redgum Racing, has now earned more than $1.5 million and added a Moir Stakes triumph to a résumé already stacked with Group placings, including seconds in the Black Caviar Lightning and Coolmore Stud Stakes.

Her win also delivered another Group 1 quinella for Inglis graduates, underscoring her class and consistency.

McArdle praised the mare’s toughness and the team behind her, noting she has repeatedly fronted up against Australia’s best sprinters.

“She’s a good sprinting mare — she’s been close plenty of times, and now she’s done it,” he said.

“Motty has stuck with us, and we’ve stuck with him. Today’s reward is pretty special.”

With her first Group 1 now secured, My Gladiola heads into the remainder of the spring as one of the country’s most exciting short-course mares — a sprinter who lets rip when the race is there to be won, and who finally has the elite level recognition her record has long deserved.

As for a next-up spring option, she could be stepped up to the six furlongs for a shot at the Group 1 $2 million Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on September 27.

My Gladiola has firmed in futures 2026 Manikato Stakes odds from $26 to $11 at race sponsor Ladbrokes following her Moir upset.

2026 AJ Moir Stakes Results