Plans have now been set for Autumn Glow’s next target, with the unbeaten mare to step out over 2000m for the first time in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on April 11. According to racing.com, confirmation came via trainer Chris Waller, who indicated the decision followed consultation with key connections. “Following discussions with Arrowfield Stud and Hermitage Thoroughbreds, it has been confirmed that Autumn Glow will contest the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Day 2 of The Championships,” the statement read. The move comes off the back of her authoritative victory in the George Ryder Stakes, a performance that further elevated her standing among the country’s elite middle-distance prospects. Waller expressed satisfaction with how the mare had progressed since that win, highlighting both her temperament and recovery. “We’ve been very pleased with how she has come through her George Ryder Stakes victory. James McDonald and I have been particularly taken with her ability to relax in her races, along with her outstanding recovery post-run. We now look forward to her final run of the preparation on April 11.” The step to 2000m represents a new challenge, but one that is increasingly viewed as a natural progression given her racing style. The decision also removes the possibility of a clash with hugely exciting 3YO Sheza Alibi in the Doncaster Mile, shifting the focus squarely to testing her credentials at a longer trip against weight-for-age opposition. Independent assessment has reinforced confidence in that move. Daniel O’Sullivan of The Rating’s Bureau noted that Autumn Glow had reached a new performance peak, producing a rating of 107.5 and extending a sequence of high-level efforts. He pointed to her ability to sustain a strong tempo and still deliver a decisive turn of foot as a defining attribute, particularly in a race that built steadily from the 800m before quickening again. According to that analysis, she travelled well above standard to the 400m before producing a +4-length sprint between the 400m and 200m, a section that separated her from rivals who had conserved more energy earlier. O’Sullivan added that the official margin understated the dominance of the performance, noting James McDonald was able to ease her down over the final stages. That capacity to absorb pressure and still accelerate sharply is widely regarded as a hallmark of elite racehorses, and on that evidence, the transition to 2000m is expected to be well within the scope of the daughter of Arrowfield Stud’s The Autumn Sun.
Autumn Glow wil be looking for her twelfth straight win (pic: supplied)
Judge Enforces Huge Gambling Debt Payment
Wednesday, 25th March 2026
A High Court ruling in London has left a prominent racing figure facing a bill of more than £840,000 after a judge rejected claims that gambling debts were unenforceable because they arose from dealings with an illegal bookmaker. In a judgment that laid bare a murky world of off-the-books wagering, racingpost.com reports Alan Spence was ordered to pay £841,520.25 before interest and costs. Best known in racing as the owner of Group 1 winners Jukebox Jury and Profitable, Spence had argued that sums sought by David Solomon under two separate arrangements between 2018 and 2022 should not be recoverable because Solomon was operating as an unlicensed bookmaker in breach of the 2005 Gambling Act. Stuart Isaacs KC, sitting as judge, accepted that Solomon had indeed been acting illegally in the course of business, but found that fact did not extinguish the debts. In his written judgment, Isaacs said the case “provides a glimpse into the world of unlicensed betting” and one that “involved frequent deception of each other and of third parties which at the time neither party seems to have considered was either legally or even morally wrong”. He was particularly critical of Spence’s conduct during the dispute, noting the 78-year-old had falsely claimed before the hearing that he was insolvent and that creditors were accepting 28.2p in the pound, only to later admit the story had been invented to reduce the amount sought to something more manageable. The debts considered by the court fell into two categories: wagers struck directly between Spence and Solomon, and bets Spence had agreed to place with licensed bookmakers on behalf of third-party punters connected to Solomon. The court heard that, despite sending messages confirming those bets had supposedly been placed, Spence later admitted he had never put them on at all and had instead kept the money, occasionally covering winning returns from his own funds. When Solomon’s clients enjoyed a profitable run in 2022, Spence tried to explain the missing money by claiming he had been placing the bets through an unlicensed bookmaker named George, whom he said he met in the car park of The Bear pub in Esher after being introduced at Glorious Goodwood. That account was dismantled. Isaacs found the story wholly unconvincing, stating: “In short, George did not exist and I find that the defendant’s evidence about George was untruthful.” The judge also dismissed any suggestion that Spence deserved protection as a vulnerable gambler. Instead, he described him as a wealthy and experienced man who had engaged fully aware of the circumstances. “He transacted with the claimant knowingly and without qualms,” Isaacs found, adding that any sanction for Solomon’s conduct lay under criminal law, not in depriving him of his civil claim against a defendant “far from blameless”.
Bennet Commits with One Way Ticket
Wednesday, 25th March 2026
Fresh off a breakthrough stakes success in Dubai, a new chapter has begun for Charlie Bennett, who has arrived in Australia intent on carving out a foothold in a competitive riding ranks. The 31-year-old Englishman brings a strong international résumé, having spent recent seasons as a regular rider for Godolphin in the Middle East and partnering horses for leading trainer Charlie Appleby. His journey to Australia had been on the radar for some time before the pandemic intervened, delaying plans that have now come to fruition following a productive stint abroad. “I’ve always had Australia in my mind and this year I thought I just need to do it,” Bennett said, explaining the decision to finally commit to the move. With friendships already established, including a close connection with fellow rider Fred Larson, the transition has been eased both professionally and personally. “It’s worked out good because I know fellow jockey Fred Larson and I am good friends with Fred. Everything’s just sort of aligned for me to come at this time.” There is a sense of permanence underpinning the move, with Bennett embracing the opportunity rather than treating it as a short-term stint. “I’ve just booked a one-way ticket to be here, hopefully this is where we stay as I’ve no intention to leave and just kick on really,” he said, adding that the success of other international riders in Queensland reinforced his belief that opportunities are there to be seized. That confidence is built on a career shaped across multiple jurisdictions, from the United Kingdom to the Middle East, where he learned to adapt to varying styles and conditions. “I’ve ridden in quite a few different places internationally and you always learn different things when you go to these different places. There’s always things to pick up from the way every jurisdiction seems to differently and I just thought that would be a different angle of riding to come out here.” His arrival comes amid a steady influx of European riders to Queensland, with names such as Harrison Shaw, Damien Boche and Larson already making their presence felt. Bennett has wasted little time settling in, picking up early opportunities including two rides at Dalby, where he partnered Rich And Joyful and Summer Ready. The move follows a particularly timely career highlight, with Bennett landing his biggest win in Dubai aboard Turquoise in a Group 3 contest at Meydan for Abdallah Al Hammadi. The victory came under unusual circumstances, with flight disruptions delaying his departure and opening the door to the ride. “I rode the odd winner for Godolphin over the last few years but was my best winner in Dubai,” he said. “I now come over this season to Australia coming in off the back of a good little stretch. Hopefully we just keep it rolling.” Since arriving, he has been active in trackwork for a range of South East Queensland trainers, including Ryan Tyrell, Phil Bobic and Renita Beaton, quickly embedding himself in the local circuit as he looks to translate international experience into sustained success.
Perfect Pairing Prepped for Australian Cup Prize
Wednesday, 25th March 2026
A proven partnership with an unblemished record will be put to the test at Flemington on Saturday, where Apulia and William Pike combine in pursuit of a breakthrough at the highest level in the Australian Cup. Success together has been immediate and emphatic, reports racenet.com.au, with Pike guiding the Hayes-trained stayer to victory in both the Group 2 Van Heemst Stakes and the Gr2 Perth Cup during last summer's carnival. Those performances established the pair as a formidable combination, though circumstances prevented Pike from taking the reins in Apulia's two runs this preparation. Now reunited, the champion Western Australian jockey is eager to build on that perfect record. "We've been in the mix the whole time but through one thing or another, we haven't been able to get there," Pike said. "But it's nice to be able to get across and have a feel of him and he's looking a fantastic chance as well. I'm two for two on him so we have a good record at the moment. We'll be trying to build on that." Apulia's recent efforts suggest he is nearing peak condition, finishing strongly from back in the field when fifth in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes over 1600m before again closing late to chase home [Australian Cup favourite] Birdman in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes at 1800m. Those runs have pointed toward Saturday's step up to 2000m as a key advantage, with Pike confident the gelding is ready to thrive over the trip. "His runs have been really good and he's been hitting the line and the extra 200m will help him as well," he said. "The blinkers going on too, all signs are looking good for another Group 1." A renowned figure in Western Australia, Pike's record includes 15 riding premierships, while his ventures east have delivered elite-level success with wins in the Caulfield Guineas aboard subsequent star Vinery Stud stallion Ole Kirk and the Caulfield Stakes on Arcadia Queen in 2020. He also claimed the All-Star Mile on Regal Power and finished runner-up in that year's Australian Cup, adding further motivation to secure the race that has so far eluded him. Confidence in Apulia's credentials centres on his ability to finish off his races with strength, a trait Pike believes will be decisive as distances increase. "His biggest strength is the way he's attacking the line at the moment," he said. "He's settling well and really savaging the line. As the distances keep increasing, and he keeps finding the line like he does, it will keep playing into his hands. He's always had good staying credentials and that's where he lies and where he's been aimed at. The Hayes team is on fire so things are all good."
Model Result for Vile's Progressive Stayer
Wednesday, 25th March 2026
A staying test at Trentham provided the perfect stage for a mare long believed to be looking for ground, and Latest Model confirmed those expectations with a determined victory in the Life Direct NZ St Leger (2500m). Prepared at Awapuni by Gary Vile, the five-year-old had hinted at her potential across 24 prior starts, and loveracing.nz reports the step up in trip finally allowed her to showcase the stamina her trainer had always anticipated. Elen Nicholas, maintaining an unbeaten association with the mare, adopted a patient approach through the early stages, content to settle off the speed before making her move from the 700m. Urged forward three-wide, Latest Model surged to the front on straightening, though the timing of that effort briefly raised concern. Nicholas later admitted, "I almost felt like I had gone a bit too soon at the top of the straight, but she persevered the whole way to the line and it worked out perfectly." Under pressure late, the mare dug deep to repel the fast-finishing Freebelle and secure the race by a short half head. The win carried added significance given the effort required to make the ride, with Nicholas explaining, "I got my weight down to 52kg to ride her, which is a tough effort," a commitment rewarded by a performance that underlined both horse and rider's resilience. For Vile, the result validated a long-held view that the mare belonged among his better staying types. He reflected on her progression with satisfaction, noting she had continued to build towards this level after encouraging efforts in open company. "She found the line very well at her last start, her first start in open company, and I knew 2500m wasn't going to worry her," he said, while also acknowledging that earlier campaign decisions may not have fully suited her. In assessing where she sits within his stable's history, Vile placed her alongside notable performers from previous seasons. "I have been blessed over the years to have three good stayers – Jacksstar, who is probably the best I have had, Rock On, and this girl is up with them," he said, a measure of the regard in which he now holds her following the Trentham success. With the St Leger secured, attention will now turn to longer-term planning, though immediate ambitions will be tempered by a short break. Vile indicated the mare would head to the paddock before any future targets are confirmed, allowing time to map out a path that builds on her emerging staying credentials.
Benedetta Addition to Chairman’s a Big Tick
Wednesday, 25th March 2026
Growing anticipation is already building for this year’s Inglis Chairman’s Sale, where one of the most accomplished racemares in the Southern Hemisphere is set to headline a catalogue brimming with elite talent. That honour belongs to Benedetta, whose record, consistency and residual value combine to make her a standout offering as both a racing and breeding prospect. Trained by Ciaron Maher, the daughter of Hellbent has been a force from the outset, winning six of her first eight starts and placing in each of her first nine appearances. Among those early highlights was victory in the $750,000 Inglis Sprint at Flemington, where she accounted for a field featuring 11 individual Stakes winners. Her crowning achievement came in the Goodwood at Morphettville, where she defeated a deep field including Amelia’s Jewel, Skybird, Climbing Star, I Am Me and others, confirming her status at the highest level. Her Group 1 résumé extends beyond that triumph, with four additional placings at the elite tier, including two efforts in the Black Caviar Lightning as well as performances in the William Reid and Robert Sangster Stakes. Across 16 Group 1 starts she has finished in the top five on 10 occasions, while her overall record stands at eight wins and earnings exceeding $2.4 million. Timeform ratings place her alongside some of the most recognised mares in training, underlining her genuine class. Recent form suggests she remains at the peak of her powers, having defeated high-quality opposition such as Giga Kick, Baraqiel, Marhoona and Magic Time at her past three starts. Further elite targets loom before her sale, with connections considering races including the All Aged Stakes, Robert Sangster Stakes and The Quokka. Purchased by Laurence Eales for $75,000 from Mill Park’s draft, Benedetta will be offered through Widden Stud at Riverside on May 7. Eales described her as “an unbelievably good-looking mare’’ and noted that “she has never looked better than she does today, which breeders will see when they inspect her ahead of The Chairman’s Sale.’’ He added that “she’s been a fantastic mare for us… we just feel the time is right to sell her and let somebody else enjoy the fruits of her talent both as a race mare and broodmare.’’ Widden’s Antony Thompson believes her appeal is undeniable, describing high-end Group 1-winning mares as rare commodities and suggesting she would enhance any broodmare band. Inglis Bloodstock Sales Manager Harry Bailey went further, stating she would be “without peer as the best mare to be offered for sale in this part of the world in 2026.’’
Big assignments await Benedetta (pic: inglis.com.au)
Melbourne Cup French Connection Deepened
Wednesday, 25th March 2026
A further international pathway into the Lexus Melbourne Cup has been formalised, with the Victoria Racing Club announcing a partnership with France Galop that elevates the Group 2 Sumbe Prix Kergorlay to Golden Ticket status for Australia’s great staying prize. The move gives the winner of the 3000m Deauville feature a ballot exemption into the $10 million Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup, strengthening the race’s global qualifying framework and reinforcing the Cup’s international reach. Run each August during the Deauville Summer Meeting, the Sumbe Prix Kergorlay is one of France’s most recognised staying tests and now joins the Belmont Gold Cup in the United States and the Ebor Handicap in the United Kingdom as overseas races offering direct entry into the Flemington showpiece. The Melbourne Cup’s domestic Golden Ticket series begins this weekend with the $300,000 Listed Lexus Roy Higgins over 2600m at Flemington on TAB Australian Cup Day. Beyond that, eight Australian races now carry ballot exemption into the Cup: the Lexus Roy Higgins, Lexus Andrew Ramsden, Lexus Bart Cummings, Caulfield Cup, Moonee Valley Gold Cup, Geelong Cup, Cox Plate and Lexus Archer Stakes. The addition of the Prix Kergorlay is more than symbolic. It has long been a recognised Melbourne Cup form reference, with France’s influence on the race deeply tied to the Deauville contest. Americain gave France its first Melbourne Cup in 2010 after winning the Prix Kergorlay earlier that year, with Gérald Mossé aboard, while Dunaden followed in 2011 after contesting the same race. Protectionist later completed the Kergorlay-Melbourne Cup double in 2014, further underlining its relevance as a staying benchmark. VRC chief executive Kylie Rogers said the agreement formalised an already rich connection between the two racing jurisdictions. “France has a storied history and connection with the Lexus Melbourne Cup, and we are delighted to formalise our partnership with France Galop by introducing the Sumbe Prix Kergorlay as a Golden Ticket race,” Rogers said. “The Lexus Melbourne Cup attracts the best stayers from across the world, and this new partnership both incentivises and ensures that the strongest international contenders are competing on the first Tuesday in November.” She added: “We look forward to building on this partnership and the long-shared bond between our two racing nations.” France Galop deputy chief executive officer Henri Pouret said the development marked a significant milestone for the European race. “France Galop is delighted to deepen its partnership with the Victoria Racing Club,” Pouret said, noting the Prix Kergorlay had become the first race in continental Europe, and the first European Group race, to offer a Golden Ticket into the Melbourne Cup. He said the decision confirmed the unique standing of a race already linked to Cup contenders such as Americain, Dunaden, Protectionist and Red Cadeaux, while also helping promote the Melbourne Cup to French and European participants with international ambitions.
Tuxedo Staying Home for WFA Dress Rehearsal
Wednesday, 25th March 2026
Plans for the coming season are already taking shape for a rising Cambridge-trained galloper, with connections confident the best is yet to come once he returns to weight-for-age company. Tuxedo, prepared by Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray, has been sent for a well-earned spell after a demanding four-year-old campaign that hinted strongly at bigger things ahead. The son of Tivaci was briefly considered for a trans-Tasman venture, but the decision was made to resist that temptation in favour of giving him time to strengthen. “We did toy with taking him to Australia, but he had eight runs as a four-year-old and that’s enough,” Ritchie said, explaining the thinking behind the break. “He has gone out on a high and he’ll spend a good six to eight weeks in the paddock and will benefit a lot from that.” Physically, there remains clear scope for development, with Ritchie noting that further maturity could transform his profile at the elite level. “He’s a big-framed horse and he can probably race 50kg or so heavier next spring than he did at four, if that’s the case then he’ll really be a force to be reckoned with at weight-for-age level,” he said. The formline already offers encouragement. Three starts ago, Tuxedo captured the Gr3 Aotearoa Classic over a mile before holding his own in the Gr1 Otaki Maori Classic at the same distance. Most recently, he produced a strong closing effort from the rear to finish third behind Legarto and Waitak in the Gr1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m), a performance that reinforced his credentials at a higher trip. “We were just delighted and that told us he can run 2000m out strongly and is right up with those best weight-for-age horses,” Ritchie said. With several established stars exiting the scene, connections see an opportunity emerging. The retirement of mares such as Legarto and La Crique, combined with the likelihood that older rivals may have reached their peak, leaves the division more open than it has been in recent seasons. Improvement is expected to come naturally with age and experience. Ritchie pointed to the challenges of a four-year-old campaign at weight-for-age level, noting the gelding had already closed the gap on top opposition and continued to progress through the autumn. Another step forward is anticipated as he strengthens into his five-year-old season. Domestic Group 1 targets will form the backbone of his spring preparation, with the Triple Crown series high on the agenda. Opportunities across the Tasman have not been ruled out either, with Ritchie adding, “As long as he’s going really well, we could perhaps look at a hit and run on Melbourne or Sydney at the back end of the spring.”
Tassie Apprentices Can Consolidate Lead
Wednesday, 25th March 2026
A strong showing in Hobart has propelled Tasmania to the top of the National Apprentice Race Series leaderboard, with Lauryn Bingley playing a central role through a standout double on Sunday. Riding with confidence, Bingley partnered the John Keys-trained Native Clan to victory in the NARS BM60 over 1430m and added valuable points with a third placing aboard Street Diva in the 1200m division, enough to secure maximum series points as the first eligible rider home. The success capped a productive day in the saddle, with Bingley also taking out the final race on the six-event program, guiding Royal Detective to victory in a Class 1 over 1100m. The Kelvin Hamilton-trained 4YO was making his first appearance in Tasmania following a stable switch from Queanbeyan trainer Joe Cleary. “It makes things a lot more competitive having the other apprentices in town, as everyone is here and you want to make them proud, and I’ve been lucky that I’ve drawn some nice horses,” Bingley conceded. Apprentices were a dominant force across the meeting, claiming four wins overall. Western Australian riders also made their presence felt, with Cassey Martinan and Lauren Burke producing front-running performances to score aboard Vixen’s Moon and Volkanovski respectively. For Martinan, the experience left a strong impression. “It’s my first time in Tassie. The weather’s lovely, the scenery is nice, and the track is great as well,” she said. Earlier on the card, Beneficiary continued a sharp rise through the grades with victory in a Class 4 over 1600m. The Barry Campbell-trained 5YO has now won five of his six starts and showed resilience when regathering momentum after appearing headed in the straight before finishing over the top of Georgaroni. Campbell was full of praise for the horse’s progression, noting the demanding nature of his preparation. “It’s his first prep. Not many horses have five runs in their first prep, but he’s won five, and he probably should be unbeaten, so he’s done an unbelievable job,” he said. The series now shifts west to Belmont on Wednesday, where Tasmania will look to consolidate its early advantage. Jabez Johnstone will represent the state as they aim to extend their lead at the top of the standings, currently headed by Tasmania on 21 points, ahead of South Australia (16), Western Australia (12), Northern Territory (8), Victoria (7) and Queensland (6).
