The rise and rise of Newhaven Park bred, raised and sold Autumn Glow, who continued at Randwick on Saturday as the power-house four-year-old secured her first Group One victory in the $1.5 million Epsom Handicap (1600m), cementing her status as a genuine spring star.
McEvoy Hails “Champion in the Making”
Top jockey Kerrin McEvoy was effusive in his praise, declaring the unbeaten mare a potential champion after partnering her to a decisive 1.25-length win. Autumn Glow ($1.75 fav) faced several significant hurdles—a wide draw, a testing 54.5kg handicap, and her first attempt at the mile distance—but overcame them all with rare determination.
“She is a champion in the making, I think. I don’t like calling them champions too early, but she has gone to a new level today,” McEvoy stated, visibly thrilled in the winner’s enclosure.
The win was made all the more meritorious by a mid-race scare. McEvoy confirmed the mare lost a shoe during the run, which he believes contributed to a brief ‘flat’ spot she experienced on the home turn. “She pulled a shoe, so I don’t know if that is part of the reason,” McEvoy explained.
“For one hundred metres or so, I was a bit worried, but then she was good. She changed onto her ‘fresh’ leg on straightening and away she went. That turn of foot when I asked her was explosive.”
Waller Sets Sights on Golden Eagle
Autumn Glow remains unbeaten after seven starts, but trainer Chris Waller maintained his focus is on adding major wins, not preserving the perfect record.
“It’s all about Group Ones for me,” Waller said, acknowledging that the victory revived fond memories of the same afternoon ten years ago when Winx claimed the Epsom as a four-year-old mare.
“Yes, it has. But there’s a long way to go [to make those comparisons].”
Waller indicated the mare will likely have just one more run this preparation, nominating two lucrative targets. “We will just place her right, and probably one more run is enough for this prep. I would say it’s the Golden Eagle, but if it’s not the Golden Eagle, it will be the Empire Rose Stakes. They’re both great races and they mean a lot to me,” Waller confirmed, setting up a thrilling finale to her spring campaign.
Honest Efforts from Placegetters
The Epsom proved a strong test, with the placings secured by two gritty performances. Fully Lit ($31) led the field and fought gamely to hold down second, while the James Cummings-trained Pericles finished a half-head away in third after a troubled start.
Jockey Josh Parr felt Pericles’ chances were hampered at the gates. “He just stumbled as the gate opened. Just tried to anticipate the start too much,” Parr said. “It allowed Autumn Glow and Pier to have the wood on us early. A very good effort in the end.”
Last year’s winner, Ceolwulf, finished sixth, with jockey Chad Schofield suggesting the firm track may have dulled his finish. “The pace did come out of the race mid-race. I felt like he just wanted a bit of give in the track. He was good, though. He was genuine.”
Autumn Glow’s victory confirms the mare’s star quality and sets the stage for a blockbuster final act of the Spring Carnival.
– Tully Potts
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