Autumn Glow suffered the first defeat of her career at start number twelve, upstaged by Sir Delius in Saturday’s Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Sir Delius settled just off the speed which was set by Light Infantry Man before taking control early in the straight, delivering a dominant win for jockey Craig Williams.
GAI TOLD US – HE’S THE BEST 2000M HORSE IN AUSTRALIA 👑
Sir Delius has won an electric Queen Elizabeth! Autumn Glow’s unbeaten run ends at 11, she loses no admirers 👏@cwilliamsjockey @gaiwaterhouse1 pic.twitter.com/DAeRctzINN
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) April 11, 2026
There had been questions around whether Williams would retain the ride after a quieter steer in the Ranvet Stakes, but he answered those critics emphatically with a more positive approach that brought out the best in the star gelding.
Autumn Glow was sent around a $1.15 favourite on the World Pool, with Sir Delius the second pick at $7.
Speaking post-race, co-trainer Adrian Bott conceded connections had given Craig Williams a “rev up”.
“We were a little bit negative last start (3rd in the Ranvet). Sir Owen gave Craig the rev up he maybe needed today and he’s come out and responded like champions do and he’s given a beauty.”
“This is the one that counted.”
“We kept focus and this was the goal that we really wanted to be able to achieve, today was the right set-up and Craig (Williams) executed it perfectly. I’m delighted for all the owners that are involved and the team that’s made it possible.”
Sir Delius had been controversially withdrawn from last year’s Melbourne Cup by Racing Victoria vets after scans revealed the horse was at a “heightened risk of injury”.
Asked about Sir Delius being ruled out of the Cup, Bott was diplomatic.
“We move forward, you’ve got to look at those targets in front of you. I’m delighted he’s been able to get back to the top level. He’s executed really well and can’t wait for the spring again.”
Autumn Glow settled back in fifth and, when James McDonald presented her at the top of the straight, there was an expectation she would sweep to victory. However, stepping to 2000m for the first time, she was found wanting late and had to settle for third, with her stablemate Lindermann finishing over the top to run second. Dubai Honour was back in fourth.
It was Sir Delius’ third Group 1 win after he claimed the Underwood and Turnbull Stakes during the Spring Carnival.
More to come…
