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Just hours after punters watched seemingly unbeatable Hong Kong champion Ka Ying Rising suffer a shock defeat in The Everest, another red-hot favourite took centre stage at Randwick. This time, however, there were no surprises as Autumn Glow saluted for the punters in an effortless King Charles III Stakes 2026 victory.
Champion mare Autumn Glow justified her remarkably short $1.26 quote with a devastating display in the Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1609m), cementing her position as Australia’s premier miler and extending an extraordinary winning streak that has elevated her into the sport’s elite ranks.
The Chris Waller-trained daughter of The Autumn Sun was simply in a different class, cruising to a dominant 2¼-length victory over dual defending champion Ceolwulf, with veteran campaigner Just Folk producing a brave effort to finish a distant third.
While Ka Ying Rising’s defeat earlier in the day reminded racing fans that even the greatest champions are vulnerable, Autumn Glow emphatically proved why she entered the feature as one of the shortest-priced favourites seen in a Group 1 race this season.
There was little drama once jockey James McDonald settled the mare into a perfect position during the running.
Tracking comfortably throughout, Autumn Glow was travelling ominously approaching the home turn before McDonald eased her into the race at the 600m and quickly put the result beyond doubt.
The star hoop revealed he deliberately wanted to give the mare a stronger hit-out than she had experienced in recent victories.
“Lobbed into a good spot. I clicked her up at the 600m. I wanted to open her up today,” McDonald told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“Hasn’t had a lung buster for a few starts. I opened her up and she got to the line.
“Was waiting for Ceolwulf with his blinkers on, he never came.”
It was a statement performance from a mare who now boasts an astonishing record of 14 wins from 15 starts, with her only defeat resulting in a third placing.
When asked what trip suits her best, McDonald had a simple answer.
“1200m, 1400m, a mile,” he said.
Based on Saturday’s performance, few would argue.
Waller’s Wonder Mare Continues to Shine
Waller has prepared some of the greatest horses seen in Australian racing, and Autumn Glow is rapidly earning a place among the elite performers to have passed through the champion horseman’s stable.
Waller praised the mare’s professionalism and adaptability following another flawless display.
“Her work has been fantastic, she is an absolute professional,” he said.
“We asked her to do a bit more work during the week expecting a wet track and more speed in the race.
“But she took it all in stride and came out and did that today.”
The champion trainer explained that despite changing conditions throughout the spring, the mare has continued to thrive regardless of training adjustments.
“In modern day racing we have seen quite a few times this spring with tearaway leaders so we have to have them a little bit fitter,” he said.
“But it doesn’t matter how you train her, we just keep it simple and she trains herself.”
For Waller, who has enjoyed success with countless Group 1 stars, the mare continues to impress.
“It has been an honour to be working with some great horses,” he stated.
Praise For Ka Ying Rising
Despite celebrating his own Group 1 triumph, Waller also reserved special praise for Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising following his narrow defeat in The Everest earlier in the afternoon.
“Ka Ying Rising was amazing and he lost no admirers in defeat, he probably gained admirers,” Waller said.
“I hope he is back next year and I hope he wins it.”
The comments reflected the respect held for the champion sprinter across Australian racing after his brave second placing behind Tempted.
Melbourne Decision Looms
With another Group 1 trophy now safely secured, connections face an important decision regarding Autumn Glow’s spring finale.
Waller indicated no immediate plans would be made, preferring to give the mare time to recover before discussing future targets with owner John Messara and the Hermitage Thoroughbreds team.
“We will have a chat with Mr Messara and Hermitage and see what they want to do,” he said.
“But we also want to make sure she has a long career so we want to look after her.
“She will go to the paddock for three days or so and we will enjoy the win.”
Ceolwulf Brave in Defeat
While unable to complete a remarkable hat-trick in the race, dual defending champion Ceolwulf lost no admirers with another high-quality performance.
The Joe Pride-trained star stalked Autumn Glow throughout the contest but simply found the winner too strong on the day.
Jockey Chad Schofield was proud of the effort.
“Really proud of him. He was very good there,” he said.
“Followed her everywhere she went.
“She quickened very well but so did we.
“Was always holding a good margin on us.”
Schofield eased up on the gelding late once victory was out of reach.
“I looked after him late in case they want to go next week,” he said.
Meanwhile, 10-year-old warrior Just Folk earned widespread admiration after claiming third behind two genuine stars of the turf.
“Really brave,” Jamie Mott said.
“The first two horses looked like they would be much better than him today being proven Group 1 horses.
“For a 10-year-old to run third in a King Charles, very happy with him.”
Even rival jockey Zac Purton could only marvel at the winner’s performance.
“The best part of that race was watching Autumn Glow,” he said.
“She is a star.”
The Queen of Randwick
After another dominant Group 1 success, it is becoming increasingly difficult to identify a weakness in Autumn Glow’s armoury.
She can sprint, she can absorb pressure, she can settle, and she can produce a devastating turn of foot when required.
On a day that produced one of the biggest shocks in Everest history, Autumn Glow ensured there would be no upset in the King Charles III Stakes. Instead, the superstar mare delivered exactly what punters expected, an emphatic victory over a dual defending champion that further enhanced her standing among the country’s racing elite.
For now, the winning streak rolls on, and Autumn Glow’s reign over Australian middle-distance racing shows no sign of ending anytime soon.
King Charles III Stakes 2026 Results
| 5. Autumn Glow (4) J: James McDonald 57kg 13×11 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 23×51 T: Chris Waller | ||
| 4. Militarize (5) J: Zac Purton 59kg 3×606 T: Chris Waller |
