The 2026 edition of the Randwick Guineas has been run, with Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman’s star filly Sheza Alibi proving too strong for rivals to claim the Group 1 race.
Below is what the winning trainer, winning jockey and beaten riders had to say following the Group 1 feature.
Winning Trainer: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman (Katherine speaking)
On the horse: “She is just something special, this filly.
On the run: “She put the writing on the wall previously, but this has been her hardest test to date and to put a quality field away like that, wowee, I’m shaking.”
On the ambitious plan to take on the boys: “It was. She always put the writing on the wall that she has got that extra quality and I think she is something really special and she deserved her spot here today. And hasn’t she done a good job.”
On what’s next: “We’ll see how she comes through this. The plan always was to have a pretty light autumn because she had such a deep spring preparation. So her and I will be on the road back to Melbourne tomorrow morning. We will see how she comes through it.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we put her away now and save her for the spring.”
On jockey Luke Nolen: “To have him on board today makes it even more special. He’s such a massive part of our team and he rode her perfectly. I’m just so thrilled for him.”
Winning Jockey: Luke Nolen
On winning after suspension: “I took the obscure route. Getting rubbed out for three weeks and having to ride at 54.5kgs first day back. I know I’ve done it now, but she’s more than worth it.”
On the run: “When it was a soft run behind the hardest to beat (Autumn Boy), dragged us everywhere we needed to be and she grew wings at the furlong. She’s an exceptional horse.”
On reaching 2,000 wins: “Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Every time you get close to a milestone your form seems to evade you sometimes. 2,000 (wins) a Group 1 winner in Sydney feels pretty good.”
On the relationship with trainer Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman: “We’ve stuck it out a long time Peter and myself, it goes a long way to show the people we are. Resilient, forgiving and loyal. Three words I would never mind being described for me ever and the two of us have got it in spades. Katherine (Coleman) is a late addition but she’s a welcome one. She hasn’t given me a spray yet but I’m sure it’s coming.”
Beaten Jockeys:
James McDonald (Autumn Boy): “I thought he was fantastic. He tried hard, was gallant.”
Adam Hyeronimus (Attica): “He has run really well. Just struggled to take the bridle up from the 600m to 300m. Once he gets to the 300m he starts to get going so he just needs distance.”
Tommy Berry (Ninja): “He was honest but he was keen without cover over that trip today. So maybe next prep 6/7 furlongs because I do believe he is better ridden off the speed.”
Jason Collett (Rivellino): “He stuck on really well. He found that tempo too strong through the middle. Was chasing a long way out. Wasn’t too bad late. Maybe looking for further now.”
Rachel King (Green Spaces): “Really pleased with him. Had to go back from the slightly tricky gate but pleased with how he hit the line today.”
Chad Schofield (Providence): “He will improve from the run.”
Nash Rawiller (Decorum): No comment
Alysha Collett (Dusty Bay): “He has his wins in him. They were a little bit strong today.”
