Sir Delius Ends Autumn Glow’s Perfect Streak in Queen Elizabeth Stakes
In a stunning turn of events at Royal Randwick, the undefeated run of superstar mare Autumn Glow came to an abrupt end on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Sir Delius, ridden by Craig Williams, claimed victory in the $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes, handing the Chris Waller-trained favorite her first career defeat.
The Fall of an Undefeated Star
Autumn Glow entered the 2000m contest as the overwhelming $1.30 favorite, carrying a perfect record of 11 consecutive wins. After dominating the Group 1 George Ryder over 1500m at Rosehill, the four-year-old faced her first major test beyond a mile. However, the extra distance proved too testing for the mare.
While Autumn Glow struggled to maintain her pace in the closing stages, she managed to secure third place, finishing 2½ lengths behind the winner. This result marks the first time the star mare has been beaten, ending a streak that had captivated the racing world.
Sir Delius: A Masterclass in Comeback
The victory for Sir Delius represents a significant redemption arc for the five-year-old Frankel son. Trained by Adrian Bott and Gai Waterhouse, Sir Delius was a record $2.7 million purchase from the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale in October 2024. His career had previously been hampered by a controversial call that ruled him out of the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup last year due to failed Racing Victoria scans.
Under the guidance of jockey Craig Williams, Sir Delius took control down the back straight, leaving Autumn Glow midfield without cover. He seized the lead at the 350m mark and powered away to secure his third Group 1 victory by over two lengths. Co-trainer Adrian Bott noted that this specific goal was the primary focus of the horse’s preparation, despite some earlier thirds in the Verry Elleegant and Ranvet Stakes.
Race Results and Penalties
- 1st Place: Sir Delius ($6)
- 2nd Place: Lindermann ($31) – A stablemate of Autumn Glow who powered home from last place to finish 2¼ lengths off the winner.
- 3rd Place: Autumn Glow ($1.30F)
Following the race, jockey Nash Rawiller received a one-week suspension starting April 19 for excessive whip use on Lindermann, having struck the horse 10 times before the 100m mark.
Key Takeaways
- End of an Era: Autumn Glow’s unbeaten run ended at 11 wins.
- Distance Factor: The 2000m trip was identified as the primary challenge that Autumn Glow failed to overcome.
- Redemption: Sir Delius returned to peak form after previous scan failures and inconsistent prep runs.
- Future Targets: Trainer Adrian Bott is now eyeing a shot at the Cox Plate (2040m) with Sir Delius.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Autumn Glow lose the Queen Elizabeth Stakes?
Analysis of the race indicates that Autumn Glow found the 2000m distance too strong, failing to stay the trip after previously dominating shorter distances, including the 1500m George Ryder.
Who is Sir Delius?
Sir Delius is a five-year-old entire by Frankel, purchased for a record $2.7 million. He is trained by Adrian Bott and Gai Waterhouse and is now considered by Waterhouse to be the best weight-for-age horse in Australia over 2000m.
What happened to the jockey Nash Rawiller?
Nash Rawiller was suspended for one week starting April 19 due to excessive whip use during his ride on Lindermann.
Looking Ahead
The victory shifts the narrative for the upcoming spring season. While Autumn Glow’s hopes of dominating the spring Victorian features have been tempered, Sir Delius has firmly established himself as a dominant force over 2000m. The racing community will now appear toward the Cox Plate to witness if Sir Delius can translate this success to the 2040m distance.