There’s a rare electricity that ripples through Randwick when greatness is in motion and on Saturday, Autumn Glow delivered exactly that. The magnificent mare, already a darling of the turf, turned her unbeaten streak into Group 1 glory, winning the Epsom Handicap (1600m) with heart, poise, and a touch of defiance.
As the gates sprang open, Kerrin McEvoy had his work cut out from the widest draw, urging the Chris Waller-trained four-year-old forward before settling her into a stalking rhythm. It wasn’t the smoothest trip, nor the easiest of runs, but champions seldom need perfection — only purpose.
When leader Fully Lit kicked clear at the turn, even the most loyal punters might have caught their breath. But McEvoy’s calm hands and Autumn Glow’s indomitable will combined beautifully. Finding her stride 200 metres out, the mare surged with effortless authority, striding clear to win by nearly 1.5 lengths, keeping her unbeaten record intact at seven from seven.
A Champion’s Resolve
Post-race, it was revealed she had lost a front shoe in the final stretch — an astonishing detail that only magnifies her courage. Runner-up Fully Lit (Hellbent) was valiant in defeat, sealing an Inglis quinella in one of Sydney’s most prestigious miles.
For John Messara, the victory was more than a Group 1 tick — it was a vindication of faith. He had paid $1.8 million for the daughter of The Autumn Sun at the 2023 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, the highest price of that year. Now, that investment gleams golden.
“It’s hard to beat what Miss Finland did 20 years ago,” Messara reflected, his voice tinged with emotion. “But Autumn Glow is working her way towards that level. She’s unbeaten, she’s tough, and today she met every challenge.”
Waller’s Quiet Pride
Trainer Chris Waller, a man who knows all about greatness thanks to Winx, was visibly moved. “It means a lot to us,” he said. “It’s about Group 1 racing and setting up for the future. I’m not worried about the winning streak — let her just be a horse. We’re lucky to have her.”
Waller’s respect for Autumn Glow’s tenacity spoke volumes. Like Winx, this mare has that intangible quality — a fierce desire to win, paired with poise under pressure.
Inglis Stars Across the Nation
The day belonged to Inglis graduates. At Flemington, McGaw (I Am Immortal) captured the G2 Danehill Stakes in thrilling fashion, while Getta Good Feeling (So You Think) broke her maiden with a gutsy win in the G2 Edward Manifold Stakes.
Media World (Written Tycoon) added the Listed Paris Lane Stakes to his résumé, while in Sydney, debutante Shiki (Too Darn Hot) dazzled in the G3 Gimcrack Stakes — yet another Inglis quinella result.
And far from the metropolitan lights, Sentimental Hero (Al Maher) triumphed in the Kalgoorlie Cup, completing a day that underlined Inglis’s dominance in bloodstock excellence.
The Glow of Greatness
Autumn Glow’s Epsom Handicap victory will be remembered not merely for its margin, but for its message — that class, courage, and conviction are what truly separate good horses from great ones. Still unbeaten, still improving, and still making believers out of everyone who watches her run, she may yet redefine what a modern turf star looks like.
Read more race reports and updates on RaceBuzz – your trusted source for international and Australian racing coverage.
