McEvoy praises ‘champion’ Autumn Glow after Group 1 triumph
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy was full of admiration for Autumn Glow after her dazzling Group 1 victory in Saturday’s Epsom Handicap at Randwick.
The unbeaten mare overcame a wide draw, a hefty 54.5 kilograms, and her first attempt at a mile to record her seventh win from as many starts. Adding to the merit of her performance, Autumn Glow lost a shoe mid-race.
McEvoy admitted he was briefly concerned when she appeared to flatten out on the home turn before finding another gear. “She pulled a shoe, so that might have been part of it,” McEvoy said.
“For a hundred metres or so I was a bit worried, but then she was good. She changed onto her fresh leg on straightening and away she went. She is a champion in the making, I think. I don’t like calling them champions too early, but she has gone to a new level today.”
Trainer Chris Waller echoed McEvoy’s admiration, though he was quick to focus on the bigger picture. The win brought back memories of Winx (Street Cry), who claimed the same race a decade ago, though Waller was careful not to draw direct comparisons.
“Yes, it has [reminded me of Winx]. But there’s a long way to go,” Waller said. “We’ll just place her right. It’s all about Group 1s for me. Probably one more run this prep — maybe the Golden Eagle, or if not, the Empire Rose. They’re both great races and mean a lot to me.”
Meanwhile, Arrowfield Stud’s John Messara admitted that Autumn Glow could be on her way to earning a similar status as that of Arrowfield’s five-time Group 1-wininng mare Miss Finland.
“It’s hard to beat what Miss Finland did 20 years ago, but Autumn Glow is working her way towards getting to that level,” Messara said.
“She’s well and truly on her way. It’s early days for her, she’s only had the seven starts, but she’s unbeaten and today was very, very tough. She met all the challenges.”
“I was very nervous, but she’s got enormous depth. She’s very game, and she’s got a good cardio vascular system and a great stride. And losing a shoe 300 metres from the finish wouldn’t have helped.
“We don’t know what the bottom for her is really, because she’s met every challenge we’ve put before her. She’s very, very exciting.”