November 3, 2025Autumn Glow goes 8-from-8 in the Golden Eagle
Newhaven Park bred, raised and sold Autumn Glow was the subject of an avalanche of superlatives when landing the $10 million Golden Eagle at Randwick and taking her record to eight wins from eight starts.
Despite covering more ground than any other runner in the 16 horse field and encountering a Soft 7 track which fully tested her mettle, the exceptional 4-year-old mare came through arguably her sternest test to date by keeping her unbeaten record intact. And taking her earnings to $7,350,000!
Speaking immediately after the victory, winning trainer Chris Waller declared: “She is a star. It is as simple as that. She does it each and every time … That heart and determination and presence that she has is really quite special.”
Likewise, winning rider James McDonald did not hold back on his praise after the race. “I don’t think we’ve seen the best version of her yet either. So just incredible,” J-Mac said in part. “We’re so lucky to have her. She can be out on her feet and she just keeps finding. She’s incredible, I’m telling you. She is fair dinkum.”
Interviewed by Renee Geelen of www.ttrausnz.com.au the day after Autumn Glow’s Golden Eagle success, Newhaven Park principal John Kelly remarked: “She’s Newhaven’s 54th Group 1 winner [following her Epsom Handicap success] and our second this year with Cool Archie [2025 G1 JJ Atkins Plate].
“Autumn Glow was always a lovely foal. She’s a fairly handy horse, isn’t she? We will sit back and watch and try to remain calm as we hope she can continue to put the picket fence together.
“Autumn Glow sold well [as a weanling], and then she made an amazing price as a yearling. Chris Waller has done a great job with her and managed her though a few little issues. They’ve always had a huge opinion of her.”
After trainer Chris Waller confirmed that Autumn Glow would almost immediately be sent for a spell, more than one of the mare’s connections suggested that the 2026 Cox Plate could emerge as a long-term target for the exceptional Newhaven Park graduate.