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Autumn Glow Crowned Australian Horse of the Year

Tara Madgwick - Thursday Aug 27

Defeated only once in 13 lifetime starts, superstar mare Autumn Glow took the top honour when crowned Australian Racehorse of the Year for the 2025-2026 racing season at the star studded Night of Champions awards evening held in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick on Thursday night.

Autumn Glow is officially Australian Horse of the Year for 2025/2026 - image Bradleyphotos.com.au

In a competitive year, the Chris Waller trained Autumn Glow won through with 110 votes ahead of Caulfield-Melbourne Cup hero Half Yours  on 69 votes while Randwick Guineas-Doncaster heroine Sheza Alibi  finished with 67 votes.

Close behind were Via Sistina (IRE) on 66 votes and Sir Delius (IRE) on 65.

In addition to our equine stars, Chris Waller’s incredible season scaled to elite heights breaking his own record of 22 Group 1’s making way for his 14th straight Award for Champion Group 1 Trainer.  The Waller stable’s highlight reel showcased champions like Autumn Glow, Via Sistina, Beiwacht, Joliestar, Autumn Boy and Aeliana.

The audience applauded Australia’s greatest jockey James McDonald who, once again made headlines in the season with 17 Group 1’s in an unforgettable season, taking out Champion Group 1 Jockey for the sixth straight year.

Champion Sire of the Year was awarded to the late Snitzel who’s progeny’s stakes earnings totalled $26,030,662 AUD for the 2025/2026 Season.

Snitzel had six individual Group 1 winners last season with Fireball, Campione D’Italia, Lazzura, Marhoona, Transatlantic and Baraqiel, eclipsing his previous best of four in what was the most successful Group 1 season in terms of individual winners by the one sire since Redoute’s Choice in 2005/06.

The Australian Racehorse of the Year awards acknowledge performances on Australian racecourses, as well as international performances by Australian-trained horses for the period from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2026. The Judging panel is comprised of Racing Media, Handicappers and form analysts from around Australia.

AUSTRALIAN HORSE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Horse of the Year: Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun)

Champion 2YO: Guest House (Home Affairs)

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Champion 3YO Filly: Sheza Alibi (Saxon Warrior (IRE)

Champion 3YO Colt/Gelding: Autumn Boy (The Autumn Sun)

Champion Sprinter: Joliestar (Zoustar)

Champion Middle Distance: Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun)

Champion Stayer: Half Yours (St Jean (IRE)

Champion Jumper: Stern Idol (IRE) (Raven’s Pass)

Bart Cummings Award Group 1 Trainer of the Year: Chris Waller

Group 1 Jockey of the Year: James McDonald

Champion Sire of the Year: Snitzel

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