Half Yours, Autumn Glow, Via Sistina, Sheza Alibi and Sir Delius have been shortlisted for the 2025/26 Australian Racehorse of the Year award ahead of Racing’s Night of Champions at Royal Randwick on August 27.
Racing Australia unveiled the finalists on Thursday, with the annual awards recognising performances on Australian racecourses as well as international achievements by Australian-trained horses throughout the season.
The finalists for Champion Two-Year-Old are Campione D’Italia, Fireball, Guest House, Streisand and Tron Bolt.
Champion Three-Year-Old Colt/Gelding finalists are Autumn Boy, Beiwacht, Green Spaces, Observer and Tentyris, while Apocalyptic, Marhoona, Ohope Wins, Sheza Alibi and Tempted will contest the Champion Three-Year-Old Filly category.
The Champion Sprinter award will be decided between Autumn Glow, Jigsaw, Joliestar, Tempted and Tentyris.
Champion Middle Distance finalists are Aeliana, Autumn Glow, Sheza Alibi, Sir Delius and Via Sistina, while Aeliana, Changingoftheguard, Dubai Honour, Half Yours and Royal Supremacy have been nominated for Champion Stayer.
The Champion Jumper finalists are Highland Blaze, Instigator, Mr Waterville, Sing For Peace and Stern Idol.
Chris Waller has already secured the Bart Cummings Award as Group 1 Trainer of the Year after a record-breaking 22 elite-level victories during the season.
James McDonald has claimed the Group 1 Jockey of the Year award for a sixth consecutive season after riding a record 17 Group 1 winners.
The late Snitzel was crowned Champion Sire for the fifth time, with his progeny amassing $25.9 million in Australian prizemoney during the 2025/26 season.
Racing Australia chief executive Paul Eriksson said the awards reflected an outstanding year of Australian racing.
He described the eight national equine awards as “very hotly contested after a phenomenal racing season” and welcomed the opportunity to present them as part of Racing’s Night of Champions.
Hosted by the NSW Racehorse Owners Association in conjunction with Racing NSW, the event will honour Australia’s leading horses, trainers and jockeys at the Winx Stand ballroom at Royal Randwick.
