| Unbeaten superstar Autumn Glow capped an incredible day for graduates of the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale when she scored an arrogant win in the Group One George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday. |
| One of three former sale graduates to win black type events of the day, Autumn Glow continued on her merry way, pushing her unbeaten run to 11 and adding another elite level to her growing resume. The Chris Waller trained champion, who carries the famous Arrowfield colours for that operation and partners Hermitage Thoroughbreds, has quickly become one the country’s most loved racehorses. Waller was quick to declare the unbeaten mare a “champion” in the moments after the race when talking to reporters. “Yeah, in my eyes she is (a champion) – I’m qualified to know what one’s like,” Waller said. “So, yeah, she’s a very talented horse. Obviously, longevity is the key now. If she keeps doing that, she’ll be a champion for sure.” Waller indicated he would let the dust settle on the latest success before deciding where Autumn Glow might go next – the Doncaster and Queen Elizabeth are both in contention. “We’ll give them our best opinion of what we think. Look, she just does everything so effortlessly. That’ll help her get 2000. It’d be so good to get some feedback from James.” After capturing his third Group One for the day and rewriting the history books champion jockey James McDonald was also searching for the right superlatives. “It was evident in the week when Chris said you’ll see something special, so when he says that, I take notice because her work’s been phenomenal. I truly believe she loves fast ground, because there’s not a horse that could come with her.” “It doesn’t matter what is in the race. She’s just got an amazing sustained speed. It’s quite incredible what we’re witnessing. She’s the jockey’s dream – you get nervous on horses, certain horses throughout your life, and she’s one you don’t.” McDonald wasn’t shocked to learn of Waller declaring Autumn Glow a champion. “Did he? Yeah, well, he knows what a champion looks like. And for him to say that, he doesn’t take it lightly. I’m sure she is. And he’s a champion too.” The record breaking hoop wasn’t wanting to get involved in making future plans for the superstar mare. “I’m sick of bloody pointing where she goes. I’ll let him (Waller) decide, and John will decide and we’ll go from there. Put it this way, I wouldn’t be shying away from any horse in the country.” “She’s important. Let’s not beat around the bush, she’s 11 from 11. People are here to come out and see her, and she’s got such an amazing fanfare now – it’s growing. It’s incredible.” “The feeling you get off these horses and it’s special to witness people pin their eyeballs on her. I thought Anamoe was a big deal. This horse has taken it to a new level.” Autumn Glow’s days in the headlines started early. At the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale she was the headline act – the sale topper – when selling for $600,000. She was presented by her breeder Newhaven Park and purchased by Silverdale Farm and Brian McGuire’s Shrone Bloodstock. The rest they say is history. Completing a race to race Group One winning double at Rosehill for her superstar sire The Autumn Sun (Redoute’s Choice) after Autumn Boy’s Guineas win, Autumn Glow saw her prizemoney haul sail over $8 million. Autumn Glow is the second Group One winner from three runners for the former crack South African racemare Via Africa. Her three quarter brother is In the Congo (Snitzel), a winner of the Golden Rose Stakes and young Newgate Farm based sire whose first yearlings have been selling this season. Via Africa, a daughter of Var, was the Champion Sprinter of South Africa in 2013-14. She was a three time winner at the elite level among 10 lifetime successes. Autumn Glow was one of three stakes winners on Saturday sold at the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale. Earlier the classy filly Getta Good Feeling, a $400,000 buy from Phoenix Broodmare Farm won the Group Three Alexandra Stakes at Caulfield, while Platinum Attack, a $37,000 buy from Glastonbury Farms won the Listed Lightning Handicap at Trentham. Winner: Autumn Glow Breeding: The Autumn Sun-Via Africa (Var) Race: ATC George Ryder Stakes G1 (1500m) Sold for: $600,000 Sale: 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale Earnings: $8,169,000 Breeder: Newhaven Park Stud Vendor: Newhaven Park Buyer: Silverdale Farm & Shrone Bloodstock Owners: Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd (Mgr: JM Messara) & Hermitage (Mgr: Ms SM Clarke) Trainer: Chris Waller (Rosehill) |
