Skyhook has claimed the $10 million Golden Eagle at Randwick, delivering a memorable Group 1 victory for trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou and jockey Chad Schofield.
The four-year-old capped off an outstanding preparation with a determined performance, holding off a strong challenge from Decorum to secure one of the biggest wins of his career.
The victory continued a remarkable fortnight for Schofield, who added the Golden Eagle to his recent Everest triumph after picking up the ride aboard Skyhook. For Ryan, it was the reward for a carefully planned campaign that had targeted the race since the Golden Rose.
Here’s what Ryan, Schofield and the beaten jockeys had to say following the 2026 Golden Eagle.
Winning Trainer: Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou (Gerald Ryan speaking)
On the win: “I wish they did when you’ve got a horse like him. He’s had a great prep. We set him for the race after he ran in the Golden Rose. The flaw in his campaign over the last twelve months was taking him to Melbourne. After June, we sat down and mapped out these four races heading into this and nothing has gone wrong.”
Turning point?: “A couple of hurdles. Before the Hawkesbury Guineas I put him over a few hurdles and he’s never looked back since. I haven’t done it since, but he was jumping the hurdles before the Guineas, after he ran in the Arrowfield, and he hasn’t looked back.”
“I might have learned how to train him a little bit too. I switched a few little things at home. He’s a horse who doesn’t cop a lot of work. He doesn’t cop backing up, so I might have just found out a little bit more about him.”
“I said to John Messara, I don’t think he’ll be any good until an autumn four-year-old, so we’ll see what happens. He’s ahead of schedule.”
Competed in Golden Slipper, Golden Rose, Golden Eagle. Only horse?: “Beiwacht did. We’ve raced against Beiwacht five times and beaten him four. The only time he has beaten us home was in the Golden Rose.”
Pick up ride for Chad: “It was good. It was touch-and-go who was going to ride him. I’ve known Chad since he was twelve years old.”
“I’ve watched him all the way through, and he was chasing, chasing (the ride). He rang a couple of owners, which I don’t like jockeys doing, but he did. And I thought, why not? We know him well and I had a good bit of luck with his father (Glyn).”
“I would like to give him an ease-up. Since he came into work in December for the autumn, he’s only had eighteen days off. I’d like to give him a break. It’s a quick turnaround to the autumn. The Apollo Stakes is in February and it’s a Group One race now, so we’ll aim him at that.”
“He’s won his good race now and I think there’s more in him.”
Winning Jockey: Chad Schofield
Pinching himself on the Everest and Eagle: “I am. Amazing couple of weeks. I am lost for words. Just so thankful for the opportunity. Two special horses to help me win those races. I paid homage to Kerrin. This is his horse. He should be here today not me.”
On the run: “We drew really wide. I always thought we could end up one out one back. That is what I told the owners and trainer pre-race. When Regal Award didn’t jump like he can, I rolled across outside the leader but the pace was very slow. Obviously when Apocalyptic went around, that gave me the perfect bit of cover. My horse dropped the bridle and found the most beautiful rhythm. I took the speed out of the race knowing Autumn Boy and Sheza Alibi finish really well.”
On the ending: “I waited as long as I could and he is so game. I felt like Decorum had us a couple of times but my horse pinned his ears back and was in for the fight.”
Beaten Jockeys:
Nash Rawiller (Beiwacht): “He was great. I was so happy with the first 400m. When Tommy slipped around them, it spurred him on again for another furlong. Just a touch keen which took a bit of brilliance out of him late.”
Zac Purton (Autumn Boy): “He was a bit slowly away. Then got himself into a bad position especially the way the race was run. Finished it off nicely. Maybe over further might be better suited but must get the start right.”
Lachlan Neindorf (Regal Award): “It’s the most tractable he’s ever raced in his whole career. Proud of the team. He’s a different horse to his last two runs. Just raced flat. Will go to the paddock and come back a better furnished horse.”
Regan Bayliss (Attica): “Found a lovely spot. Followed the winner. During that middle race shuffle up, he was getting too keen and not finishing off his races.”
Martin Harley (Brave Monarch): “Got into a good spot. It was a bit messy early three deep with cover. I thought I was going to give a big kick in behind them. Little bit disappointing not to find the line a bit better.”
Tim Clark (Decorum): “He was gallant in defeat. Had a great preparation culminating in a close second in his Grand Final.”
Zac Lloyd (Mr Miller): “He went super. Such a big baby still. Still learning.”
Dylan Gibbons (Rivellino): “We found the back of Autumn Boy and Sheza Alibi. Next minute I was trying to get off their backs to find somewhere to go. A bit stiff but good run.”
Sam Clipperton (Estremo): “Super run. He’s picked up some solid prizemoney.”
Andrew Adkins (Platinum Pantheon): “A bit disappointing. Mid-race pressure brought him undone.”
Tom Sherry (Night Agent): “Ran a really creditable race. Will be a nicer horse next prep.”
Saffie Osborne (Amazing Journey): “Draw got him beat. Just was always pitched wider than I wanted to. Didn’t corner that well for home. Ran better than the finishing result suggests.”
Luke Nolen (Sheza Alibi): “Just didn’t get the chance in the second half of the race.”
Tommy Berry (Apocalyptic): “Just too keen in the run. Stuck on OK. Needed more luck from there.”
Rachel King (Within The Law): “She is going super. Just no luck in the straight.”
