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Racing's Night of Champions Finalists Revealed

Media Release - Friday Aug 7

NSW Racehorse Owners Association is pleased to announce the finalists for Racing's Night of Champions 2026, which will be held at Royal Randwick on Thursday, 27 August.

In a landmark development for the sport, this year's event will feature the Australian Racehorse of the Year awards, alongside the 2025/26 Racing NSW Awards, creating the most comprehensive celebration of Australian racing excellence ever staged.

Autumn Glow is a key contender this year - image Bradleyphotos.com.au

The shortlist of equine finalists for the NSW Racehorse Owners Association (NSWROA) Awards was determined by a points system, with horses predominantly trained in NSW earning points for top three finishes in Group and Listed races across Australia. Horses trained outside NSW only earn points for races in NSW. The Everest carries double points.

The finalists will be judged by a panel of industry experts, including representatives from Racing NSW, Australian Turf Club, racing media, and the NSWROA board. Their votes, in conjunction with the point score, will determine the winners. Champion Country Horse and Champion Provincial Horse are judged by Racing NSW and Queen of the Autumn is decided by Australian Turf Club.

Presented by the NSW Racehorse Owners Association (NSWROA), the black-tie gala event will be held in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick from 6:30 pm and will be broadcast nationally on SKY Thoroughbred Central. Guests will enjoy a premium three-course dinner and beverages while witnessing the crowning of Australia and New South Wales racing's highest achievers.

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Tickets are $345 per person ($3,450 for a table of ten) and are available now.

For ticket sales and event information:

  • Visit www.nswroa.com.au
  • Contact the NSWROA office on 0421 353 871
  • Email owners@nswroa.com.au

PROUDLY PRESENTED BY NSW Racehorse Owners Association IN CONJUNCTION WITH RACING AUSTRALIA Racing NSW

NSWROA 2026 Award Finalists (alphabetical)

AWARD FINALISTS
NSW 2-Year-Old Horse of the Year Sponsored by CEACAM Therapeutics CAMPIONE D'ITALIA, FIREBALL, GUEST HOUSE, STREISAND, TRON BOLT
NSW 3-Year-Old Horse of the Year Sponsored by Inglis APOCALYPTIC, AUTUMN BOY, BEIWACHT, SHEZA ALIBI, TEMPTED
NSW Sprinter of the Year Sponsored by Australian Turf Club CABALLUS, JOLIESTAR, KA YING RISING (NZ), LAZZURA, MANAAL
NSW Miler of the Year Sponsored by Wild Oaks AUTUMN GLOW, CEOLWULF (NZ), IDLE FLYER, SHEZA ALIBI
NSW Middle Distance Horse of the Year BIRDMAN (IRE), BUCKAROO (GB), LINDERMANN, SIR DELIUS (GB), VIA SISTINA (IRE)
NSW Stayer of the Year AELIANA (NZ), ALALCANCE (GB), CHANGINGOFTHEGUARD (IRE), ROYAL SUPREMACY (IRE), SOUL OF SPAIN (IRE)
AWARD FINALISTS
NSW Queen of the Autumn Sponsored by Baumgartners AFTER SUMMER, ARCTIC GLAMOUR, IDLE FLYER, LAZZURA, SAVVY HALLIE
NSW Country Horse of the Year Sponsored by SKY Thoroughbred Central BIANCO VILANO, CHIDIAC, MUSIC TIME
NSW Provincial Horse of the Year Sponsored by SKY Thoroughbred Central CHANGINGOFTHEGUARD (IRE), CHURCHILL'S CHOICE, SAVVY HALLIE
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