Brief
Autumn Glow wins King Charles III Stakes, earnings top $12.8 million
Chris Waller praised Autumn Glow’s performance as she added a 14th win in the King Charles III Stakes at Randwick.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Champion trainer Chris Waller celebrated a two-and-a-quarter-length victory by five‑year‑old mare Autumn Glow in the $5 million King Charles III Stakes at Randwick on October 17, 2026, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
What happened
Autumn Glow, the Australian horse champion of the previous season and a $1.26 favourite, held off a brief challenge from Ceolwulf to win by a clear margin under jockey James McDonald. The win marked her 14th victory from 15 starts and lifted her career earnings beyond $12.8 million.
What the reports add
The article notes that the race was run over 1,609 metres on a wet track, with Waller having adjusted the mare’s training earlier in the week after front‑running favourite Pride Of Jenni was scratched due to a leg infection. It also mentions that part‑owner Arrowfield celebrated a $2 million Kosciuszko win with Chains Of Love on the same day.
What was said
“I was watching Ceolwulf and I was watching it with Darren [Beadman] and I said, ‘Oh, are we in trouble?’ And he said, ‘No’,” Waller told the SMH.
“Her work’s been fantastic and she’s just an absolute professional,” Waller added.
“We asked to do a little bit more work this week, expecting a wet track, expecting solid speed in the race. She just took it all in a stride, and she’s come out and done that today. But I don’t think it really matters how you train her … she could train herself,” he said.
How it came about
Waller’s preparation for the King Charles III Stakes followed an “interesting week” of training tweaks after Pride Of Jenni’s withdrawal. The victory positions Autumn Glow for a likely start in the Champions Mile at Flemington in two weeks. The day also featured a win by Michael Freedman’s mare Apocalyptic in the $1 million Silver Eagle, and a strong performance by So You Are in the Group 3 St Leger Stakes, highlighting a successful meeting for several top trainers.
Key facts
- Autumn Glow won the King Charles III Stakes by two and a quarter lengths. (smh.com.au)
- The win was her 14th from 15 starts, raising earnings to over $12.8 million. (smh.com.au)
- Chris Waller praised her work ethic and noted a training adjustment after Pride Of Jenni was scratched. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Autumn Glow show goes on as champion cruises past $12 million”
