![Autumn Glow and James McDonald leave their rivals behind in a record-breaking Winx Stakes victory at Randwick. [Bradley Photos]](https://betsy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2349171.jpg)
Owner John Messara and trainer Chris Waller made the announcement on Friday, ending months of speculation about Autumn Glow’s main spring carnival target.
Autumn Glow, who was crowned Australian Horse of the Year at the Racing Night of Champions ceremony in Sydney on Thursday night, had attracted huge slot-holder interest for the Group 1 $20 million The TAB Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 17.
But on the same day is the Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes over the famous Royal Randwick mile (1600m) course where Autumn Glow has proven so effective.
After a meeting between Messara, Waller and jockey James McDonald on Thursday, it was determined that the most suitable race for Autumn Glow is the King Charles.
Messara said the challenge of taking on Hong Kong’s world champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising in The Everest was “very tempting”.
“We looked closely at The Everest and there was a part of me that wanted to try and beat Ka Ying Rising,” Messara said.
“But the reality is Ka Ying Rising is as good as any sprinter I’ve ever seen and 1200m is his best distance.
“We all feel Autumn Glow is at her best between 1400m and 1600m so it was agreed we should go for the King Charles.”
Autumn Glow is the $1.60 TAB Fixed Odds favourite for the King Charles with Sheza Alibi pressing at $2.80 then two-time defending champ Ceolwulf is on the third line of betting at $8 with Pride Of Jenni.
Autumn Glow is likely to have her lead-up into the King Charles in the Group 2 $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on September 19.
Messara said he is also keen to race Autumn Glow at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival in either the Champions Sprint (1200m) or the Champions Mile (1600m) on November 7.
If Autumn Glow is freshened for the sprint, it will give the mare an opportunity to race down the Flemington straight course ahead of a possible Royal Ascot campaign next June.
With Autumn Glow’s Everest defection, it will cause some changes to betting and although Ka Ying Rising is a dominant $1.50 favourite to go back-to-back in the world’s richest turf race, he is likely to firm in betting.
Autumn Glow has been second favourite for The Everest at $5 ahead of Tempted at $9.
The Everest is less than two months away but remarkably we still do not have one confirmed starter.
Ka Ying Rising, who trialled brilliantly last week, will be selected in the Hong Kong Jockey Club slot but that hasn’t been made official yet.
