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Champion gelding Lindermann further cemented his place as one of Sydney racing’s most popular and durable weight-for-age performers when he claimed a historic third consecutive victory in Saturday’s 2026 Craven Plate results at Randwick.
The seven-year-old Chris Waller-trained veteran continued his love affair with the famous course in the Group 2 $750,000 Craven Plate (1800m), leading throughout under Nash Rawiller before holding off a gallant Tom Kitten and Eliyass to successfully defend his title and add another feature victory to an already glittering career.
The win pushed Lindermann’s prizemoney tally beyond $6.1 million, further highlighting the remarkable consistency of the former Group 1 Rosehill Guineas winner.
Lindermann Too Tough in Craven Plate Three-Peat
Starting a commanding $2.25 favourite, Lindermann gave his rivals little chance after rolling straight to the front and dictating terms throughout the 1800m feature.
When challenged in the straight, the tough son of Lonhro found plenty under pressure to score by a length over Tom Kitten, with Eliyass another half-length away in third.
2026 Craven Plate Results
- #1 Lindermann
- #2 Tom Kitten
- #3 Eliyass
Winning Time: 1:48.66
Last 600m: 34.15
Margins: 1 Length x ½ Length
The victory was Lindermann’s tenth career win and his third successive triumph in the Craven Plate following earlier successes in 2024 and 2025.
Lindermann Joins Rare Company
Speaking on behalf of the stable, Darren Beadman paid tribute to the remarkable consistency of the veteran gelding.
“He’s an absolute ripper. He just goes about his business, he’s tradesman-style,” Beadman told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“He’s won over $6 million in prizemoney. Congratulations to Debbie and Paul Kepitis, the family, the girls.”
The performance also elevated Lindermann into elite historical company.
“I think there’s only two other horses that have won it three years’ running and that’s Lindermann, Phar Lap and Chatham,” he added.
When reminded that Gloaming had also won the race three times, Beadman responded with a laugh:
“Not much before,” he said.
The Ultimate Professional
Beadman reserved special praise for the gelding’s determination and racing style, highlighting the qualities that have made him a stable favourite.
“He gives his all, he’s one-hundred and ten percent,” he said.
“Lovely-rated ride by Nash.”
“He put him to the sword early until he got over the crossing and got it all worked out, bowled along at some nice sectionals.”
Lindermann’s long-time strapper also received a mention following another outstanding performance.
“Dylan just idolises this horse, his strapper,” Beadman said.
“He’s a great horse to have around the stable.”
Beadman credited Chris Waller’s patient management of the older horse for helping maintain his high level.
“Chris, these older type horses, he looks after them,” he explained.
“Gives them every opportunity to produce their best.”
Sydney Specialist Continues to Thrive
While Lindermann’s best performances continue to come in Sydney, Beadman admitted the gelding remains far more comfortable racing clockwise than tackling Melbourne assignments.
“He is [a Sydney specialist],” he confirmed.
“Melbourne the other day when Blake rode him, he cantered to the gates, wanted to get to the outside fence.”
“When he jumped out of the gates he wanted to go right.”
“He’s just a true right-handed horse.”
The evidence continues to support that view, with Randwick once again bringing out the best in the seasoned campaigner.
Rawiller Delighted with Veteran’s Return
Winning jockey Nash Rawiller was quick to praise both horse and stable after another polished performance.
“He was unreal, wasn’t he?” he said.
“Credit to the team.
“I think they had him fitter again than last time.”
Rawiller noted Lindermann’s enthusiasm before the race was an encouraging sign.
“At the same time, he bounced back and was real zesty before the race,” he said.
The gelding’s early speed was on full display soon after the gates opened.
“He showed that leading the gates,” Rawiller added.
“He left like an Oakleigh Plater and had them crossed in seven metres.”
The veteran hoop said Lindermann remains incredibly competitive once rivals apply pressure.
“At the half-mile, if he feels them pop out to have a shot at him, he grabs the bridle and wants to go,” he said.
“It’s, ‘Woah big boy, a long way to be going from here.'”
Fortunately, Rawiller was able to keep him in a comfortable rhythm before unleashing his trademark sprint.
“He went another furlong there in a nice comfort zone and really quickened terrifically like he has been doing,” he said.
Bigger Targets Ahead
Rawiller also suggested there may be another peak performance still to come from the seven-year-old later this spring.
“I guess today was a drop back in grade, but they are still horses that can win Group 1s on their day,” the hoop said.
“I hope it’s not quite his peak performance, hope he’s got another one in him on Champions Day in Melbourne.”
The potential is now there for the team to head south to Flemington on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival on November 7 and set Lindermann a tough task up in distance for the Group 1 $3 million Champions Stakes (2000m).
Bookmakers at Ladbrokes were quick to react to the Craven Plate results slashing Lindermann’s futures Champions Stakes 2026 betting quote in from $26 to $17.
That possibility will certainly excite connections as they contemplate future targets.
Champions Stakes 2026 Odds
| 1. Sir Delius | ||
| 2. Birdman | ||
| 3. Aeliana | ||
| 4. Sheza Alibi | ||
| 5. Cosmic Crusader | ||
| 6. Warwoven | ||
| 7. Omni Man | ||
| 8. Pride Of Jenni | ||
| 9. Autumn Boy | ||
| 10. Blind Raise | ||
| 11. Buckaroo | ||
| 12. Light Infantry Man | ||
| 13. Lindermann | ||
| 14. Tom Kitten | ||
| 15. Attica |
Rivals Perform with Merit
Runner-up Tom Kitten lost no admirers after making ground from back in the field.
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy felt the talented galloper was slightly disadvantaged by race shape.
“He ran fantastic,” he said.
“Just wanted a bit of a closer spot and couldn’t get it.”
“He has run well considering.”
Third-placed Eliyass again performed honestly according to rider Tim Clark.
“He was gallant as always,” Clark said.
Meanwhile, Kovalica endured little luck from an inside run.
“He is going well,” jockey Jason Collett said.
“Had no options but to stay in around the turn into the straight. Didn’t have a lot of luck.”
A Modern-Day Randwick Star
While younger stars continue to emerge each season, Lindermann’s latest Craven Plate victory was a timely reminder of the value of toughness, durability and consistency at the elite level.
The seven-year-old may not grab headlines like he once did as a three-year-old, but his ability to repeatedly perform in Sydney’s biggest races has earned him cult hero status among racing fans.
And after becoming one of only a select few horses to win the Craven Plate three years in succession, Lindermann has further enhanced a career record that already places him among the most admired geldings of his generation.
Full Craven Plate 2026 Results
| 1. Lindermann (6) J: Nash Rawiller 59kg x9182 T: Chris Waller | ||
| 2. Tom Kitten (5) J: Kerrin Mcevoy 59kg 7×003 T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | ||
| 3. Eliyass (4) J: Tim Clark 59kg 01543 T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 5. Plymouth (3) J: Zac Lloyd 59kg 31×64 T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | ||
| 7. Vivy Air (2) J: Regan Bayliss 57kg 0x803 T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 6. Portland (1) J: Tyler Schiller 59kg 15×77 T: Matthew Smith | ||
| 4. Kovalica (7) J: Jason Collett 59kg 9×055 T: Chris Waller | ||
| 8. Panova (8) J: Tommy Berry 56kg 12×60 T: Chris Waller |
