Autumn Glow named Australian Horse of the Year

Champion mare Autumn Glow has been crowned the Australian Horse of the Year for the 2025-26 season. Following a dominant campaign that included victories in the Winx Stakes and the $10 million Golden Eagle, she secured the title with 110 votes, surpassing rivals such as Half Yours and Sheza Alibi.

Connections, including owner John Messara, trainer Chris Waller, and jockey James McDonald, have confirmed that Autumn Glow will bypass the $20 million The Everest at Royal Randwick. Despite the temptation to challenge Hong Kong sprinter Ka Ying Rising over 1200 metres, the team decided to target the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) on October 17, noting the mare is best suited to distances between 1400m and 1600m.

Her upcoming spring program is expected to include the Group 2 7 Stakes on September 19, with potential appearances at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival in November.