Royal Randwick ignited its first Saturday of the new season with a pulsating ten-race card, where every contest promised excitement and substantial rewards, ranging from $120,000 to $160,000. While no single race dominated as a feature, the depth of competition ensured that every runner and jockey had a chance to shine under the Sydney sun. Fans were treated to a display of strategy, speed, and stamina, marking a vibrant start to 2026’s Australian racing calendar.
The curtain rose with KNIGHTSBRIDGE, a 2-year-old bay colt, storming home in the KIA ORA YEARLINGS @ MMGC PLATE. Guided by jockey A Hyeronimus and trained by the legendary Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, Knightsbridge clocked 58.03 seconds, holding off THYME TO GO and PROFITABELLE. His seamless performance set the tone for an afternoon of high-stakes duels and strategic masterclasses.
Next, the TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP showcased MOUNT BONA, expertly piloted by Z T Lloyd for trainers Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich. Completing the 1600 metres challenge in 1:35.82, Mount Bona narrowly edged past SNOWY and DEMI GOD, proving early that experience and tactical pacing would matter throughout the day.
Race 3, MIDWAY HANDICAP, saw EVERYONE’S A STAR, a 6-year-old bay mare, dominate the field. With T J Schiller in the saddle and Marc Chevalier training, she crossed the finish line in 1:03.05, leaving SPICE BABY and ZARAGOZA trailing in her wake. Her commanding run highlighted both her class and the meticulous preparation behind her campaign.
HEREWARD, a 3-year-old chestnut gelding, claimed the SPELLING AT COOLMORE MT WHITE HANDICAP under the guidance of Ms A Roper. Trained by David Payne, Hereward posted 1:35.62, outpacing I AM CARROT and STEEL STRIKE, cementing his reputation as a rising star in the younger ranks.
The CHANDON HANDICAP turned the spotlight to Annabel & Rob Archibald-trained ALABAMA FOX, a 4-year-old grey-brown mare, who, under Z T Lloyd, navigated a competitive field with precision and poise. ROLLING MAGIC and PRETTY POWERFUL followed in her wake, adding further drama to the tightly contested contest.
In the 2026 INGLIS YEARLING SALES SERIES HANDICAP, MISS SPACEGIRL, a 4-year-old bay mare, sprinted to victory with S Clipperton aboard. Trained by Richard & Will Freedman, she crossed the line in 1:22.14, leaving YES LULU and UNLEESHING behind, exemplifying tactical brilliance and raw speed.
The day’s closing race, the PRECISE AIR HANDICAP, belonged to COUNTYOURBLESSINGS, a 5-year-old bay mare. With Z T Lloyd steering and trainers John O’Shea & Tom Charlton orchestrating her campaign, she delivered a flawless 1:09.76, fending off DOLLAR MAGIC and JUNQUEIRA, providing a thrilling finale to a day where every race felt consequential and every winner earned their place in the spotlight.
Royal Randwick Race Results 3 January proved that a day need not hinge on a single headline event to thrill spectators. From the first bell to the final furlong, each race delivered drama, precision, and moments of brilliance, setting a high bar for Australian racing in the year ahead.
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