Sir Delius Claims Queen Elizabeth Stakes in Stunning Upset Over Autumn Glow
In a dramatic turn of events at Randwick, Sir Delius has handed the previously unbeaten mare Autumn Glow her first defeat, securing a commanding victory in the Group 1 $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes over 2000 metres. The race, held on Saturday, saw Craig Williams expertly guide Sir Delius to an upset win, overshadowing the heavily favoured Autumn Glow, who had been the raging favourite.
Race Highlights and Key Moments
Craig Williams positioned Sir Delius, priced at $6, forward in the early stages, seizing third place and staying ahead of James McDonald on Autumn Glow, the $1.30 favourite. As the field approached the home bend, McDonald attempted to challenge by pulling off Sir Delius's tail at the 400-metre mark. However, Sir Delius accelerated powerfully, quickly opening up a two-length lead that Autumn Glow could not close, ultimately finishing four lengths astern.
Lindermann, usually a pace-setter but dropped to last in this race, made a late surge down the outside to claim second place. Despite his effort, he could not get within two and a quarter lengths of Sir Delius, who ran out a ready and impressive winner.
Post-Race Reactions and Insights
After the race, Craig Williams shared his thoughts on Sir Delius's performance. "I came and partnered him two weeks ago in his piece of work. I said, 'the horse is going really well but he isn't fast enough'," Williams recounted. "A week later, I came back on Tuesday morning and sat on him, I said to the team, 'you've done a fantastic job'. In the spring, he was flying. The only time I'd felt that since then was Tuesday morning." He added a light-hearted note, "In the gates, he had Autumn Glow next to him, and he went to check her out. I said, 'mate, if you win this, you've got a chance of dating her'."
Other Notable Races and Results
Earlier in the day, Changingoftheguard, a $51 outsider, delivered a gutsy front-running display to win the Group 1 Sydney Cup over 3200 metres. Ridden by James Collett, the seven-year-old Galileo gelding was briefly headed by Newlook at the 800-metre mark but recaptured the lead on the home corner, holding off a late charge from Soul Of Spain to win by a half-neck.
In other racing news, WA mare Machine Gun Gracie, priced at $7.50, faded from the turn and failed to beat a runner home in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. However, Sandgroper racing fans had better fortune in Adelaide, where Super Smink won the Group 3 R N Irwin Stakes over 1100 metres at Morphettville. The Super One five-year-old, ridden by Jacob Obberman, was last around the final bend but revved up strongly to take the lead by the 100-metre mark, holding off Watchme Win by a long head.
This event marks a significant moment in the racing calendar, with Sir Delius's victory highlighting the unpredictability and excitement of elite horse racing.
