High-class quintet up for Australian Racehorse of the Year title
Half Yours, Autumn Glow, Via Sistina, Sheza Alibi and Sir Delius have been named finalists for the 2025/26 Australian Racehorse of the Year award, with Racing Australia unveiling the nominees ahead of Racing’s Night of Champions at Royal Randwick on August 27.
The Australian Racehorse of the Year awards recognise performances on Australian racecourses, as well as international performances by Australian-trained horses, for the past season.
Champion Two-Year-Old finalists 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 the Champion Three-Year-Old Filly contenders are Apocalyptic, Marhoona, Ohope Wins, Sheza Alibi and Tempted.
Champion Sprinter finalists are Autumn Glow, Jigsaw, Joliestar, Tempted and Tentyris, while the Champion Middle Distance category features Aeliana, Autumn Glow, Sheza Alibi, Sir Delius and Via Sistina.
Champion Stayer finalists are Aeliana, Changingoftheguard, Dubai Honour, Half Yours and Royal Supremacy, while Highland Blaze, Instigator, Mr Waterville, Sing For Peace and Stern Idol will contest the Champion Jumper award.
Chris Waller has already secured the Bart Cummings Award as Group 1 Trainer of the Year after a record 22 elite-level wins, while James McDonald has claimed the Group 1 Jockey of the Year title for a sixth consecutive season following a record 17 Group 1 victories.
Snitzel has been crowned Champion Sire for a fifth time, with the late stallion’s progeny earning $25.9 million during the season.
Racing Australia chief executive Paul Eriksson said the eight national equine awards had been “very hotly contested after a phenomenal racing season” and welcomed the opportunity to present the awards alongside Racing’s Night of Champions.
Hosted by the NSW Racehorse Owners Association in conjunction with Racing NSW, the awards will celebrate Australia’s leading horses, trainers and jockeys at Royal Randwick’s Winx Stand ballroom.
