The 2026 edition of the Australian Guineas has been run, with Ciaron Maher’s talented colt Observer proving too strong and adding another Group 1 to his resume.
Below is what the winning trainer, winning jockey and beaten riders had to say following the Group 1 feature.
Winning Trainer: Ciaron Maher (rep by Jack Turnbull)
Firstly on Ethan Brown almost dying in this race three years ago and where he is now: “He’s a good friend. I see him sometimes more than my fiancee Tian during the week. He’s a big part of our team.
“He’s there two or three mornings a week, trials, gallops and he’s one of the blokes you can ring up at any time and have a chat about the horses. Credit to him, credit to the team, credit to Godolphin. He’s a special horse and he’s got a special rider and it’s special we got the job done today.”
How race set up?: “Initially I was happy to have cover and travel up ever so sweetly behind which was nice to see. It’s a representation of our this horse has matured and developed this preparation.
“You hold you breath for a stride or two as they straighten and that bell rings, but for a horse to go up inside and travel up so effortlessly because you know he has the stamina, he’s a classy animal and it was a good watch.”
A Hitotsu kick: “He’s probably the closest thing we’ve liken likened to Hitotsu in terms of his racing style. He’s probably not as dynamic, but his ability to be winning a Derby and coming back to be a Group 1 mile Guineas winner at his next preparation is hard to do. You never often see it. It’s a credit to the horse, and to Godolphin as an organisation.”
Next?: “It’s the million dollar question. You’ve got the Australian Cup, Rosehill Guineas, Doncaster, if you waited a little bit longer. Winning this race really allows us to pivot and target races against the older horses if Godolphin desires. We’re in a lovely position and we can savor the moment and really enjoy the win.”
Winning Jockey: Ethan Brown
On winning the Australian Guineas: “Unreal. I was just say thank you to the owners, Andy (Makiv) and the Godolphin team. Ciaron Maher for his support and the horse. He has hum humming.”
On the horse: “He found again today second-up at a mile and I’m pinching myself.
“Down to the fence wasn’t ideal for him especially as short as he was. I’m sure the punters were thinking ‘what’s going on here’.
“The main thing with him is getting him to relax and settle. That meant having to go down to the fence and riding a cool, patient race on him. From there on in, the track is fair, we stuck to the fence and he did the rest.
“He’s a superstar.
“Mark (Zahra) has done a lot of work on this horse and it is unfortunate that he is out injured but he will be back bigger and better than ever. He’s a beauty, this horse.”
Beaten Jockeys:
Jamie Melham (Planet Red): “He ran fantastic and if he drew a gate, he wins, and if there was a bit more tempo. We had to take our medicine from that gate and he ran well again.”
Ben Allen (West Of Swindon): “Very good. I still think the horse has some improvement. We were only a few strides off the winner but he found the pinch late.”
Damian Lane (Sixties): “Good run. Very honest.”
Luke Cartwright (Bingi): “I thought he was super. I thought he boxed on well and didn’t get beaten far by some handy horses.”
Ben Melham (Officiate): “He ran ok but I just feel he may be better as a gelding.”
Daniel Stackhouse (Romantic Encounter): “He flew the gates. He was in a nice tempo, comfortable an happy. When we straightened up, he went with them and he just got tired late.”
Zac Spain (Victorious Spirit): “He ran super. He showed fight again and every time you ask him to step up he keeps stepping up.”
Thomas Stockdale (Onavuitton): “Still working into his fitness. Rode him cold because of that today. It became a bit of a sit-and-sprint which didn’t suit him. He let go really well and showed a nice turn-of-foot. He’ll be aided by this run ready for the next one.”
Patrick Moloney (Express Class): “He was honest. First time drawing the inside and asking him to extend inside horses. It was new to him and he got exposed today and he didn’t have that same turn-of-foot that he had from the outside.”
