There is a general acceptance that Autumn Glow is not a 2000m horse after her defeat in the brutally run Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.
From perfect to back to the drawing board for the spring, where the Cox Plate might no longer be on the table.
There are better options at a mile for the 11-time winner, beaten just once in 12 starts, who was third behind Sir Delius in her biggest test.
“I should have stuck to my guns, but everyone was telling me that she would get the 2000m,” Arrowfield boss John Messara said. “She has gone for a spell at Hermitage, and we will let the dust settle on the race and look at it in a week’s time.”
“She’ll need a good break after that race, and being a small farm, they will keep a close eye on her.”
“We will sit down in the next month and look at the spring and what she will target.”
Jockey James McDonald, who had been so positive about Autumn Glow running the 2000m, admitted the defeat had changed his thoughts after the fast-run race.
“We had a lovely truck into it and she just felt the pinch in the last furlong,” he said. “In a completely different configuration of the race, you might have seen her get 2000m.”
“But looking back, she is a sharp miler.”
Autumn Glow will undergo the usual veterinary checks in the next couple of days. However, the first indications were that she had recovered well.
“Autumn Glow has come through yesterday’s run well, which has been pleasing to see,” Chris Waller Racing tweeted.
“I’m disappointed for the horse, as she gave everything in the race, but I simply got her distance range wrong.”
“I apologise to everyone for that – we’ll accept defeat graciously and come back better.”
“We will now look ahead to the spring, where Autumn Glow can shine again. I’ll speak with the owners, map out an exciting preparation, and keep you updated.”
Autumn Glow has come through yesterday’s run well, which has been pleasing to see.
I’m disappointed for the horse, as she gave everything in the race, but I simply got her distance range wrong. I apologise to everyone for that — we’ll accept defeat graciously and come back… pic.twitter.com/WA1KS7w0uv
— Chris Waller Racing (@cwallerracing) April 11, 2026
