Just one race after drawing level with the legendary Damien Oliver, champion jockey James McDonald has surged into sole possession of the all-time Group 1 record. The milestone 130th elite-level victory came courtesy of a dominant performance by the Chris Waller-trained Autumn Boy in the 2026 Rosehill Guineas on Saturday.

2026 Rosehill Guineas winner Autumn Boy handed jockey James McDonald a record 130th Group 1 success. Photo: Bradley Photos.

Surpassing Oliver’s benchmark of 129 wins, McDonald reached the historic figure in the $750,000 feature (2000m) on a momentous Golden Slipper Day.

“It’s lovely, but it’s a testament to the horses that I ride because they are phenomenal,” McDonald told Sky Thoroughbred Central while reflecting on the record.

“There’s no two ways about it, that I do ride the best horses and most favourites each race and I’m blessed to have that opportunity.

“To get to a mark like this, it’s obviously special. Especially with how I look up to Damien Oliver.”

McDonald paid an emotional tribute to the man he overtook.

“When I was growing up as a ten-year-old kid, he was riding Melbourne Cup winners,” he said.

“One that comes to mind is Media Puzzle when he went through so much adversity and still had the vivacity to come out on top.

“He’s a phenomenal rider.”

The “immortal” hoop also credited his inner circle, including Mark Guest, John O’Shea—whom he described as a father figure—and various trainers across Australia and New Zealand for their unwavering support even during his leaner periods.

The 2026 Rosehill Guineas results saw Waller win the race for a fifth time and Autumn Boy hand jockey James McDonald his record 130th Group 1 victory!

The victory handed \Waller his fifth Rosehill Guineas trophy.

Autumn Boy ($2.45), a high-class son of The Autumn Sun, returned to the winner’s circle third-up, relishing his first assignment at 2000m.

This adds a second major Group 1 to his resume following his Caulfield Guineas triumph in the spring.

“We wanted to try that (2000m distance),” Waller said.

“I think the most disappointing thing last preparation [was] when I mentioned that he may have a short racing career, because he’s such a wonderful colt.

“[The owners] said, ‘Oh, we’re not in a rush to retire him, we want to keep them racing.’

“So yeah, we ticked the box for 2000 metres. His dad won it. He’s won it. And yeah, we’ll pick out some nice races in the spring for him.”

McDonald produced a signature patient ride, settling Autumn Boy in fifth while the longshot Bingi ($41) set the tempo.

Upon straightening, J-Mac pushed the button at the 250m mark; the colt exploded with a devastating turn of foot to score by nearly two lengths.

The Bjorn Baker-trained Green Spaces ($21) proved the “flashing light” run of the race, storming home from the back to secure second.

Meanwhile, the favourite Observer ($2.10F) saw his four-race winning streak snapped, finishing a credible third.

Jockey Craig Williams noted, “He probably possesses better staying ability rather than the change which probably caught him out and they sprinted better.”

Looking ahead to the Group 1 $2 million Australian Derby (2400m) on April 4, Autumn Boy has firmed from $21 to $15 at Ladbrokes, though Waller may opt for a shorter campaign.

Interestingly, the runner-up Green Spaces has been hammered in the markets, tightening from $6.00 to $3.50 favouritism for the Derby.

Jockey Rachel King issued a stern warning: “He was enormous today. Will only be better when he gets over further as well.”

2026 Rosehill Guineas Results & Finishing Order

Table Credit: Racing Australia.

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