The 2026 edition of the Tancred Stakes has been run, with Chris Waller’s star mare Aeliana 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: Chris Waller
On taking on the overseas runner: “It’s hard to beat a (William) Haggas horse when they’re being set for a race as Mr. Haggas does. He shows us what training’s all about when he comes down here. We knew we had to be on top of our game.”
On the horse and race set-up: ”Full credit to Aeliana, she’s a proper horse. She puts herself in the race, never let Dubai Honour get out of our sights. He threw the task at the 600 metre mark, probably a little bit earlier than what we liked but James (McDonald) just cuddled her and fortunately she was just strong to the line and we just got there in time.”
On the quick backup: “Just trusting your gut instinct more than anything. Her winning the Derby was a big plus, so she’s won over the distance (2400m), so you’re not having to tick boxes. The only box we had to tick was the seven day backup. She’s eaten well, it’s been well publicised that she wasn’t a mature horse in the spring and she’s come back a different horse now.”
On what’s next: “She’s had two solid runs, we’ll see how the Queen Elizabeth fits in. She’ll be here for another two years so that’s a lot of races to still look forward to.”
Winning Jockey: James McDonald
On the ride: “I had to be pretty patient on her because I learned a bit on her the other day. I wanted to learn from what I felt the other day. I thought even though it wasn’t ideal letting them get so far in front I had confidence that the mare would pick up. Once she balances up, and then she’ll find. Last time Nash (Rawiller on Lindermann) rode a terrific race and had me a little bit disorganised and I didn’t want that to happen today. Lucky we were on a superior horse and credit to the runner-up (Dubai Honour), he gave us one hell of a fright.”
On riding winners for Star Thoroughbreds: “She puts a lot of time and effort and a lot of money into the game. She brings a whole new bunch of people, as does all the syndicates. Star Thoroughbreds just do a wonderful job. We’ve been lucky to have a great partnership, I respect Denise (Martin) greatly and really appreciate riding for her. She’s got a wonderful mare on her hands and she’s going to have so much fun with her. ”
On the tactics: “Probably would have loved to have a bit of cover but it didn’t work out that way. She was so brave, it wasn’t my plan to give him so much of a headstart. I just waited and waited for her to be ready and when she was ready she just exploded.”
On when he decided to set after the leader: “About the 300, I could feel her really building underneath me. I just felt if I went earlier and chased her I would’ve been just out of my comfort zone. It was a chance I was willing to take and I’m glad it paid off.”
Beaten Jockeys:
Tom Marquand (Dubai Honour): “We thought we’d try something different today. We kind of knew what would happen if we just sat and did what we normally do. We tried it. It nearly worked. The filly is very good. She ran him down and probably had no right to really.”
Tim Clark (Vauban): “He has run fantastic. Just felt the tempo. He was a tiny bit stretched. No knock on him behind those two horses in front of him. He is going well.”
Tommy Berry (Soul Of Spain): “That was a bit of weight for him to carry at WFA. Going back to a Sydney Cup where he can get 53.5kg, he is going to be better suited there. Obviously the step up in distance will suit. He is ticking along nicely.”
Kerrin McEvoy (Valiant King): “He feels in good order. Will go out in trip to Randwick and that will suit better back to handicap as well.”
Sam Clipperton (Zarir): “He is not racing at his best.”
Jason Collett (River Of Stars): “Good lead up toward the Sydney Cup. She was strong the last furlong and last horse to pull up.”
Zac Lloyd (Piggyback): “Really good. She has been set the hardest task coming from last and she ran on gamely. Ready for the Sydney Cup.”
