Site crafted and built by Kick Collective
Source: racenet.com.au
There’s an old saying in sport which states that you learn more in defeat than you do in victory.
And it’s an adage expected to ring true in the wake of Autumn Glow’s shock first loss in Saturday’s Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).
The glamour mare, which had won 11 from 11 going into the $5 million blockbuster, had the racing world on her shoulders in the weight-for-age showpiece.
The build up was huge. The anticipation, immense.
Connections took the superstar into uncharted territory for her grand final with the rise to 2000 metres the only question mark hovering over her air of invincibility.
Safer options like the Queen Of The Turf were put to the side.
In the end the 10-furlongs proved a bridge too far but she was brave in defeat.
Despite the petrol tank reading empty in the latter stages, Australia’s newest darling of the turf was only beaten 2 ½ lengths by a bona fide weight-for-age star in Sir Delius.
Had it not been for a failed veterinary scan in the spring, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained import may have gone into Saturday’s QE as a Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup winner too.
This morning, trainer Chris Waller showed enormous humility in putting the defeat largely on his own shoulders.
It was an unnessary move, but not a surprising one either given his standing, electing to shoulder the blame while also acknowledging the winning connections.
“I’m disappointed for the horse, as she gave everything in the race, but I simply got her distance range wrong,” Waller said.
“I apologise to everyone for that — we’ll accept defeat graciously and come back better.”
Most importantly, the champion mentor reported Autumn Glow had come through the stern 2000 metre test in good order.
“She has come through yesterday’s run well, which has been pleasing to see,” he added.
“We will now look ahead to the spring, where Autumn Glow can shine again.
“I’ll speak with the owners, map out an exciting preparation, and keep you updated.
“Congratulations to Sir Delius and their team on a brilliant win as well.”
While Autumn Glow’s unbeaten tag is gone, her spring storyline is going to be engrossing.
With 2000 metres now off the table, where she goes and what she becomes is set to engage the racing public.
And what is for sure is that she lost no fans following Saturday’s loss.
If anything, she gained them.