Sir Delius has been cleared to target a major spring campaign after his dominant victory in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), where he comfortably accounted for the previously unbeaten Autumn Glow.
Racing Victoria has given the imported star permission to race in Victoria during the spring, paving the way for a campaign that is expected to peak in the Group 1 Cox Plate at Flemington.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained galloper, purchased for $3 million by Sir Owen Glenn’s Go Bloodstock in late 2024, had already established himself among the elite last spring.
He surged into Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup favouritism following consecutive Group 1 victories in the Underwood Stakes (1800m) and Turnbull Stakes (2000m).
In the Turnbull, Sir Delius defeated champion mare Via Sistina, who went on to claim back-to-back Cox Plates, further underlining his credentials at the top level.
However, his spring ambitions were cut short when mandatory scans of his distal limbs revealed he was at a “heightened risk of injury”, forcing his withdrawal from both the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup.
In a statement released today, Racing Victoria confirmed the gelding will not need to undergo additional scans to compete in the 2026 Cox Plate, where TAB has installed him as a $3.50 favourite.
“We are advised by Racing New South Wales that Sir Delius underwent all the necessary requirements, in accordance with the Rules of Racing and his veterinary embargo, to be cleared to resume racing,” a Racing Victoria spokesman said.
“On that basis, the horse will be permitted to start in Victoria without the need for a further scan, unless of course the horse is seeking to compete in the Lexus Melbourne Cup.”
Sir Delius also sits at $9 equal favouritism with bookmakers alongside last year’s winner Half Yours for the 2026 Melbourne Cup, although it remains uncertain whether connections will pursue a Cup campaign given the requirement for additional veterinary checks.
