The aura of invincibility surrounding Chris Waller’s superstar, Autumn Glow, was shattered at Royal Randwick on Saturday, as the distance proved a bridge too far for the previously unbeaten mare.

2026 Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Sir Delius was huge posting his third Group 1 win by over two lengths. Photo: Bradley Photos.

In a statement of pure stamina, the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Sir Delius claimed the 2026 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in dominant fashion.

Entering the Group 1 $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) as the prohibitive $1.30 favourite, Autumn Glow was chasing her 12th straight victory.

However, the dream run came to a halt on Day 2 of The Championships when she was outstayed by two rivals.

Stepping up from a 1500m George Ryder win, Autumn Glow had to settle for third, with the hardy stablemate Lindermann ($31) flashing home for second behind the victorious Sir Delius ($6).

“This is the one that counted,” co-trainer Bott told the press.

“Obviously it was difficult those first parts of the preparation, he had a little bit of expectation on him from what he was able to achieve in the spring, but we kept focus and this was the goal that we really wanted to be able to achieve.”

While the post-race post-mortem focused on the favourite’s defeat, the spotlight belonged to the Frankel five-year-old.

Under a masterful on-pace ride by Craig Williams, Sir Delius secured his third Group 1 victory by putting the field to the sword in the final stages.

“Today was the right set-up and Craig (Williams) executed it perfectly,” Bott added.

“I’m delighted for all the owners that are involved and the team that’s made it possible.”

Williams positioned the eventual champion in second behind the leader, Light Infantry Man, before seizing control at the top of the straight.

While Autumn Glow loomed into second, she appeared to be under heavy pressure while Sir Delius was still finding.

Inside the final furlong, the bay entire opened a two-length lead.

Despite the late pursuit from Lindermann and a tiring Autumn Glow, the result was never in doubt.

Sir Delius had peaked at the perfect moment, returning to the winner’s circle after game thirds in the Verry Elleegant and Ranvet Stakes earlier this autumn.

“We were a little bit negative last start (3rd in the Ranvet),” Bott explained.

“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.

“I’m delighted he’s been able to get back to the top level… can’t wait for the spring again.”

The final margin of 2.21 lengths over Lindermann highlighted the winner’s superiority.

Bott ranked the victory among the partnership’s greatest achievements.

“It’s got to be right up there… Coming here today against a champion mare as well, it’s one of the biggest races we’ve been able to win as a partnership,” he said.

For Williams, the win added another chapter to his successful history with the horse, having partnered him in last spring’s Underwood and Turnbull Stakes double.

“It was great,” he said.

“I was lucky enough to get invited to this horse when they first purchased him… Then brought him back in the autumn, the trainers and owners had so much challenges.”

Jockey James McDonald remained full of praise for the beaten favourite despite the loss.

“She was so brave in defeat,” he said of Autumn Glow.

“They really stretched it from basically the 1400m.

“She relaxed and travelled into it beautifully.

“Credit to the winner; he sustained that speed.

“He was up there fighting and too good on the day.”

2026 Queen Elizabeth Stakes Results

Table Credit: Racing Australia.

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