A compelling rematch between two of the spring carnival's outstanding performers provided Flemington with a fitting conclusion to its elite middle-distance racing on Saturday, with Birdman reversing the Cox Plate result against Cosmic Crusader to capture the Gr1 Champions Stakes (2000m) under Ben Melham. The Chris Waller-trained galloper had finished three-quarters of a length behind his Western Australian rival at Moonee Valley a fortnight earlier, but the identical margin favoured Birdman on this occasion after a patient ride enabled him to unleash a devastating finishing burst. Cosmic Crusader ($3.30 favourite) settled towards the rear under William Pike, with Birdman ($5.50) also ridden conservatively before Melham secured a valuable trail behind the favourite approaching the home turn. The pair swept into contention together, challenging Sir Delius ($5.50) inside the final 200m, but Birdman gradually asserted his superiority to secure another elite-level victory for Waller. Melham believed the contrasting tactical circumstances had played an important part in reversing the previous result, explaining that Birdman had been required to produce his acceleration too early in the Cox Plate. "He's got a very good turn of foot, my bloke, and I reckon I used it up too early in the Cox Plate," he said. "Today he was better, just parked up, travelled up underneath me, and very explosive the last 250m." The victory also provided a memorable occasion for part-owner Patrick Cripps, the Carlton AFL star celebrating alongside the winning connections. As reported by Hayden King of The West Australian, Pike was gracious in defeat and praised Cosmic Crusader's sustained performances throughout a demanding preparation. "He's obviously had a big campaign. He's done very well but I think it is just great racing at the end of the day," Pike said. The Western Australian is expected to return home, with the Gr1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) next month remaining a possibility should he recover satisfactorily.
A powerful finish got Birdman home (pic: Mark Gatt)
Sydney Spring Sets New Racing Benchmarks
Weekend, 9th November 2026
Record attendances, extraordinary prizemoney and a succession of internationally significant performances have reinforced Sydney's position among the world's premier thoroughbred racing destinations, with the 2026 Sydney Everest Carnival concluding at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday following nine meetings across Royal Randwick and Rosehill. Staged between September 19 and November 7, the carnival encompassed 90 races offering more than $80 million in prizemoney, including 38 Group and Listed contests and 21 races carrying purses of at least $1 million. The centrepiece was the 10th running of the $20 million Gr1 Everest (1200m), which attracted a record, sold-out crowd of 52,110 to Royal Randwick and produced a memorable triumph for Ciaron Maher's Tempted, ridden by Chad Schofield, over internationally acclaimed Hong Kong sprinter Ka Ying Rising. Schofield subsequently completed a spectacular feature-race double when partnering Skyhook to victory in the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m), providing trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou with another major career highlight. Australian Turf Club chief executive Steve McMahon welcomed the continued expansion of the Sydney Spring, particularly its success in attracting younger racegoers and developing a broader audience for the sport. "The TAB Everest and Asahi Super Dry Golden Eagle are the cornerstones of the Sydney Spring and have attracted a new, vibrant and younger group of racing fans to the track," McMahon said in a Racing NSW carnival review. He indicated that increasing capacity for The Everest and encouraging returning racegoers would remain important priorities as the organisation sought to build on the carnival's success. On the racetrack, Chris Waller maintained his customary dominance, finishing as leading trainer with 14 victories and 86 points under the 3-2-1 points system, comfortably ahead of Bjorn Baker on 33 and Joe Pride on 31. Zac Lloyd claimed the jockeys' award with 11 victories and 67 points, ahead of Nash Rawiller on 60 and Tommy Berry on 49. Among the outstanding individual performers was Autumn Glow, whose victories in the $1 million Seven Stakes (1600m) and $5 million Gr1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) further enhanced her reputation, while Juja Kibo captured the Gr2 Metropolitan (2400m) before finishing third in the Melbourne Cup. Other significant carnival winners included Warwoven in the Gr1 Golden Rose (1400m), Global Goal in the Gr1 Flight Stakes (1600m), God's Window in the Gr1 Epsom Handicap (1600m), Proxima Dea in the Gr1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) and Pericles in the $3 million Gr2 Russell Balding Stakes (1300m). The combination of exceptional racing, major international participation and sustained commercial growth has provided Sydney with a substantial platform for further development of its spring racing programme.
Autumn Glow Crowns Perfect Flemington Spring
Weekend, 9th November 2026
Another commanding performance from Autumn Glow brought the curtain down on an exceptional spring campaign at Flemington on Saturday, with the Chris Waller-trained superstar extending her extraordinary record to 15 victories from 16 starts in the $3 million Gr1 Champions Mile (1600m). Sent out a prohibitive $1.18 favourite, the five-year-old daughter of The Autumn Sun was ridden confidently by James McDonald before asserting her superiority over stablemate Lindermann in the closing stages, scoring by 1¼ lengths, with Buckaroo completing a remarkable Waller trifecta another length away. The victory was Autumn Glow's sixth at Gr1 level and lifted her career earnings beyond $14.6 million, adding further lustre to a preparation that had already yielded victories in the Gr1 Winx Stakes (1400m), Gr2 Seven Stakes (1600m) and Gr1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m). Waller admitted the expectations surrounding his champion mare had generated considerable pressure, particularly with her enormous public following and the unfamiliar challenge of racing left-handed at Flemington for the first time. "She had to put up a fight. Lindermann, he dug deep and to come away that last 100 metres, it was special," Waller said. McDonald was equally impressed, explaining that Autumn Glow had taken time to become comfortable with the Flemington surroundings before producing her trademark acceleration. "She's just a brilliant specimen, a pleasure to ride, she's just so, so special," he said. As detailed by Magic Millions, Autumn Glow was bred by Newhaven Park Stud and originally sold for $600,000 as the top-priced offering at the 2022 Gold Coast National Weanling Sale, where Silverdale Farm and Shrone Bloodstock secured the daughter of outstanding South African mare Via Africa, a triple Gr1 winner by Var. Subsequently offered by Silverdale Farm at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, she was purchased for $1.8 million by Arrowfield Stud and Hong Kong-based Hermitage, establishing a remarkable commercial progression that has been vindicated spectacularly on the racetrack. Inglis reported that Hermitage representative Shannon Clarke was delighted to witness another milestone for the reigning Australian Horse of the Year, describing her involvement with Autumn Glow as "a dream come true". Arrowfield's John Messara revealed that the partnership had been conceived partly to support the future of The Autumn Sun, who stands at Arrowfield and previously raced in the Hermitage colours. Waller, meanwhile, suggested Autumn Glow would continue to follow a carefully managed programme rather than pursue unnecessary challenges, declaring that her ultimate standing among the champions he has trained would be determined by longevity. With six Group 1 victories already secured and a virtually flawless racing record, Autumn Glow has emerged as one of Australia's most exceptional modern thoroughbreds, while providing both Magic Millions and Inglis with compelling evidence of the enduring value of their respective sales programmes.
Waller Closes in On Historic Group 1 Record
Weekend, 9th November 2026
Another remarkable chapter in Chris Waller's training career unfolded at Flemington on Saturday when a Champions Day double lifted his worldwide Group 1 tally for 2026 to 27, placing the champion Sydney horseman within striking distance of one of international racing's most formidable achievements. Having entered the meeting with 25 elite-level victories for the calendar year, Waller quickly advanced his total when outstanding mare Autumn Glow extended her brilliant record with a commanding performance in the Gr1 Champions Mile (1600m). Just 40 minutes later, Birdman delivered the trainer's 27th Gr1 success of the year, defeating Cosmic Crusader in the Gr1 Champions Stakes (2000m) and bringing Waller tantalisingly close to the benchmark of 28 established by Irish training powerhouse Aidan O'Brien. Rather than being consumed by the prospect of history, Waller was characteristically generous in acknowledging the contribution of his staff and the quality of his opposition. "I am happy to sit second to Aidan. It would be a great thing. We've got an awesome team and I am so proud of them," he said. According to Andrew Eddy of Racing.com, Waller's immediate opportunity to equal the mark will come in Saturday's Gr1 Orr Stakes at Sandown, where Angel Capital and Beiwacht are expected to represent the stable. The trainer indicated that an overseas campaign was unlikely before the end of the year, with no intended runners in Hong Kong or Japan, although Buckaroo remains a possible visitor to Perth for the Gr1 Northerly Stakes (1800m). The achievements are particularly significant given the remarkable depth of Waller's operation, which has maintained its customary strength in Sydney while repeatedly delivering at the highest level across interstate carnivals. However, the Flemington celebrations also followed one of the more uncomfortable episodes of his spring, with Asterix sensationally scratched from the Melbourne Cup after receiving treatment on race morning in breach of racing regulations. Waller was fined $50,000 by stewards and accepted responsibility for the error, insisting that the embarrassment was more troubling than the financial penalty. "We pride ourselves on that," he said. "It's just a mistake and we all make them but ours was on the wrong day." Waller also defended the staff member involved, emphasising that responsibility ultimately rested with him and expressing hope that the incident would prevent similar mistakes elsewhere.
Evaporate Shines In Five Diamonds Triumph
Weekend, 9th November 2026
A combination of tactical brilliance and genuine determination enabled New Zealand-bred Evaporate to capture Saturday's $2 million Gr3 Five Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill, providing the Lindsay Park training partnership of Ben, Will and JD Hayes with another important feature success and reinforcing the five-year-old's credentials as a potential elite-level performer. Ridden by Nash Rawiller, the son of Per Incanto overcame some familiar quirks to prevail by a neck over the gallant Zambardo, with stablemate Plymouth finishing strongly along the inside to secure third. Rawiller positioned Evaporate prominently after the gelding recovered from an awkward beginning, settling behind leaders Zambardo and Brindavan while favourite Linebacker raced to his outside. Approaching the home turn, Evaporate appeared momentarily vulnerable to being trapped behind runners, but Rawiller seized an opening as Linebacker began to weaken, allowing his mount to challenge Zambardo approaching the final 150m. Although the leader fought determinedly, Evaporate gradually gained the upper hand to claim the lucrative contest, which has developed into a significant target for five-year-old thoroughbreds since its introduction in 2022. Will Hayes was particularly enthusiastic about Rawiller's performance, acknowledging the horse's considerable ability despite his occasionally difficult racing manners. "That was a brilliant ride from Nash," Hayes said. "Evaporate can be sticky away from the gates and we really wanted to make use of the barrier." As detailed by the NZ Racing Desk, Hayes explained that the stable had specifically targeted the Five Diamonds because its set weights and penalties conditions appeared ideally suited to Evaporate, who had previously demonstrated considerable ability without fully realising his potential at Gr1 level. "We do believe he has Group One ability, we've just frustratingly not been able to get there yet. But he's taken the owners on a terrific ride," Hayes said. Rawiller, meanwhile, expressed particular satisfaction at delivering a major victory for the Hayes family, recalling that he had ridden for legendary trainer Colin Hayes during his apprenticeship. Evaporate has now accumulated eight wins and 10 placings from 29 starts, with earnings of A$4,539,525, while his four stakes victories include the Gr2 Stutt Stakes (1600m). Bred by Little Avondale Stud, he is by the stud's successful stallion Per Incanto, a son of Street Cry responsible for nine Gr1 winners and 33 stakes winners. His dam, the unraced Animal Kingdom mare Savanna, is a half-sister to Gr3 winner Belluci Babe, also by Per Incanto. Purchased by Lindsay Park Racing for $330,000 at the 2023 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Evaporate has developed into a significant advertisement for New Zealand breeding, with Saturday's substantial prizemoney success providing further justification for the stable's confidence in his considerable talent.
It was a huge pay day for Evaporate's connections (pic: Bradley Photos)
Angels Halo Delivers Riccarton Classic Upset
Weekend, 9th November 2026
A bold decision to persevere with a carefully planned southern campaign paid handsome dividends at Riccarton on Saturday when Angels Halo produced a tenacious performance to win the Gr1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), delivering Cambridge trainer Hollie Elliot her first elite-level success in her own right. The daughter of Proisir entered the Classic as an outsider following a disappointing eighth in the Gr2 James & Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Rapa, but Elliot remained convinced the filly was capable of substantial improvement and elected to proceed with the Christchurch assignment. A favourable barrier draw and the addition of blinkers proved important factors, allowing jockey Masa Hashizume to secure an economical position behind the early leaders before launching a decisive challenge along the inside approaching the final 300m. Angels Halo established a winning advantage before withstanding a determined late charge from Dashing Dixie, scoring by three-quarters of a length, while another 1.75-lengths separated runner-up Dashing Dixie from the strongly fancied Asturia in third. The Te Akau-trained Asturia, a daughter of Almanzor, had attracted considerable attention ahead of the race but was unable to match the winner's finishing effort. Hashizume revealed that the victory had been anything but straightforward, with Angels Halo missing the start slightly and subsequently becoming distracted by the racecourse's large television screen. "She shied at the big screen, and I thought it was over and she had stopped running, so I was like 'don't stop, don't stop', and she was just tough," he said. According to Racing News, Elliot admitted she had experienced an unusually anxious build-up after several minor interruptions during the preparation, but remained confident the filly could recapture her best form. The decision to replace a tongue tie with blinkers was particularly significant, with Elliot believing the equipment adjustment better suited her relaxed racing temperament. "Masa just gets on so well with my horses, he always rides them well and we seem to be building a really good partnership," Elliot said. Although she had previously celebrated Gr1 success when training alongside Johno Benner, the Riccarton triumph marked an important personal milestone as an independent trainer. Hashizume also acknowledged Elliot's conviction, explaining that he had remained committed to Angels Halo despite receiving another potential riding opportunity. "Hollie was confident that she was going to run top three, so I stuck with her, which is what I was always going to do," he said. Bred by Hospitality Rentals Ltd, Angels Halo is out of the I Am Invincible mare Mongolian Angel and races for a syndicate headed by members of the Hardy family. Her Classic success provided another important Gr1 achievement for Proisir and rewarded a trainer whose confidence in her filly never wavered despite an unconvincing final lead-up performance.
Point Barrow Sets Sights On Royal Ascot Target
Weekend, 9th November 2026
A stunning upset in the $3 million Gr1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday has placed Royal Ascot firmly on the agenda for Point Barrow, whose dramatic victory over a star-studded field included the shock defeat of Everest heroine Tempted. Trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, the four-year-old daughter of Blue Point was sent out at $18 but unleashed a devastating finishing burst under Mark Zahra to defeat the $101 outsider Plaintiff by a neck, with Skybird ($31) another short half-head away in third. Tempted, who had conquered Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising in the $20 million Gr1 Everest (1200m) at Randwick three weeks earlier, started the $1.70 favourite but faded into fifth after briefly threatening to justify her prohibitive odds. As reported by Racing Post, Sam Freedman confirmed that a campaign targeting Britain's prestigious Royal Ascot meeting in June was already under consideration before Saturday's breakthrough, with the Gr1 King Charles III Stakes (1000m) emerging as a particularly attractive option for the Magic Millions graduate. "I had already floated the idea of going to Ascot before the race, so it will probably be on the agenda now," Freedman said. The trainer believes Point Barrow's ability to accelerate along Flemington's straight course could translate successfully to the demanding conditions at Ascot, where Australian sprinters have previously enjoyed considerable success. Freedman also indicated that the ownership group would enthusiastically embrace an international campaign, particularly given previous overseas racing experiences that had not delivered the desired results. "They've got some unfinished business and I think they've got their top hats ready for the trip," he said. Point Barrow's victory completed a hat-trick following successive Gr3 victories at Caulfield, confirming her emergence among Australia's leading sprinting mares. Zahra, meanwhile, produced another expertly judged performance, securing clear running when the field spread across the Flemington straight before his mount surged through late to claim her first Gr1 success. Tempted's defeat was attributed primarily to the cumulative demands of an arduous preparation, with trainer Ciaron Maher acknowledging that her extraordinary Everest triumph may have left its mark.
Confucious Flyer Compared to Nature Strip
Weekend, 9th November 2026
A breathtaking display of sustained speed has established Confucious Flyer as one of South Australia's most exciting emerging sprinters, with the Stuart Gower-trained four-year-old obliterating the Morphettville Parks 1000m track record during an emphatic five-length victory on Saturday. Sent out the $1.22 favourite with Sportsbet, the son of Doubtland overcame a sluggish beginning before charging forward under Noel Callow to engage Super Wonder in a blistering early speed duel, the pair quickly establishing a five-length advantage over their rivals. Despite the furious tempo, Confucious Flyer was travelling effortlessly approaching the home turn, with Callow maintaining a firm hold while Jake Toeroek attempted to establish a decisive advantage aboard Super Wonder. When Callow finally released the brakes approaching the 200m, Confucious Flyer accelerated clear to score with extraordinary authority, stopping the clock at 55.82 seconds and eclipsing the previous course record of 56.71 seconds established by Star Hills in 2020. The performance represented a spectacular turnaround for Callow, who had endured two frustrating runner-up finishes earlier in the afternoon before partnering the exciting gelding to victory. "It's amazing what a good horse can do to your day," Callow told Punters.com.au, describing his mount as a serious talent who had exceeded even his considerable expectations. The experienced international jockey admitted that Confucious Flyer's enthusiasm had made the early stages somewhat uncomfortable, particularly when the gelding refused to settle behind Super Wonder despite the exceptionally fast pace. However, his ability to sustain that speed before accelerating again left Callow drawing comparisons with some of the finest sprinters he had encountered during a decorated career that includes five Gr1 victories. "He's a star in the making. I rode against Nature Strip, and I hope he's a Nature Strip, I'm not saying it yet – but he's doing all the right things," Callow said. Gower was equally impressed, although the Morphettville trainer stressed that Confucious Flyer remained an unfinished product whose raw ability continued to outweigh his racing experience. The gelding will now enjoy a three-week spell before connections determine his autumn programme, with Gower understandably reluctant to rush a horse whose potential appears substantial. Interestingly, a tendon injury prevented a proposed sale to Hong Kong last year, a development that may ultimately prove fortuitous for his Adelaide connections. Gower also revealed that leading trainer James Cummings had expressed interest in the horse, although he now has little inclination to part with his emerging stable star. Elsewhere on the programme, Richard and Chantelle Jolly celebrated their 500th winner as a training partnership when Kalmana captured a Rating 62 Handicap (1400m), adding another significant milestone to a successful afternoon for South Australian racing.
Birdman Wins Gr1 TAB Champions Stakes
Weekend, 9th November 2026
Track: Flemington
Race: Gr1 TAB Champions Stakes (2000m)
Winner: Birdman (Free Eagle-Carol, by Holy Roman Emperor)
Placings: 2nd: Cosmic Crusader, 3rd: Sir Delius
Stallion: Free Eagle (High Chaparral-Polished Gem, by Danehill)
Sales Details: Sold twice — $600,000, 2022 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale, Vendor: Arrowfield Stud; subsequently resold for $1,800,000 (sale-topper), 2023 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Vendor: Silverdale Farm
Point Barrow Wins Gr1 VRC Champions Sprint
Weekend, 9th November 2026
Track: Flemington
Race: Gr1 VRC Champions Sprint (1200m)
Winner: Point Barrow (Blue Point-Take Pride, by Reward For Effort)
Placings: 2nd: Plaintiff, 3rd: Skybird
Stallion: Blue Point (Shamardal-Scarlet Rose, by Royal Applause)
