Autumn Glow to bypass The Everest for mile targets

Australian champion Autumn Glow will bypass The Everest this spring, with connections confirming the star mare will instead be kept to 1600m before finishing her campaign at Flemington.

The newly crowned Australian Horse of the Year made an emphatic return when winning the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) first-up, prompting speculation she could be aimed at the $20 million Everest in October.

However, owner Arrowfield Stud confirmed on Friday that Autumn Glow’s next two appearances will be over 1600m at Randwick.

The Chris Waller-trained mare will next contest the Group 2 7 Stakes on September 19 before progressing to the $5 million Group 1 King Charles III Stakes on October 17.

A decision on Autumn Glow’s final run of the campaign will be made later, with connections planning to take her to Flemington during Melbourne Cup Week.

Arrowfield Stud confirmed the program following discussions involving Autumn Glow’s connections.

‘’After a meeting between the ownership group and trainer and jockey, the following Spring 2026 program has been confirmed for Autumn Glow:

‘’Saturday, September 19 – G2 7 Stakes 1600m at Randwick.

‘’Saturday, October 17 – G1 King Charles III Stakes 1609m at Randwick.

‘’All going well, her Spring campaign will conclude in a race yet to be decided, at Flemington during Melbourne Cup Week.’’