Renowned trainer Chris Waller described Autumn Glow as a champion following her dominant victory over a top-class lineup in the Group 1 $1 million George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

“She’s a champion in my eyes,” Waller said.

“I’ve been fortunate to train many good horses, I’m qualified to know what one’s like, and she is something special.”

Waller has guided numerous elite horses throughout his career, such as the legendary mare Winx, Verry Elleegant, Via Sistina, and Nature Strip, yet this marked the initial occasion he bestowed racing’s highest praise upon Autumn Glow, a view shared by all observers.

Autumn Glow, dubbed racing’s “Miss Invincible”, delivered the most polished display of her career, securing her 11th success from an equal number of outings.

The mare issued a powerful declaration by effortlessly handling rivals that featured eight separate Group 1 victors, thereby positioning herself as the frontrunner for Horse of the Year honours.

In front of a solid attendance of 15,070 at Slipper Day, Autumn Glow formed the concluding part of a remarkable Group 1 treble across consecutive events for Waller and McDonald during an unforgettable afternoon that included:

McDonald elevated his lifetime Group 1 victories to a record-breaking 131, surpassing Damien Oliver’s prior benchmark of 129.

Waller’s Group 1 treble elevated his total to 192 career Group 1 successes, bringing him close to the coveted 200 mark achieved solely by icons Bart Cummings and Tommy Smith, both with 246 triumphs.

The Waller-McDonald duo now boasts 56 joint Group 1 wins, exceeding the former record of 54 set by the famed Tommy Smith and George Moore combination.

Autumn Glow matched ex-Perth speedster Barakey with 11 straight wins from the beginning of her racing journey, trailing only Black Caviar, who ended unbeaten on 25 victories, 15 at Group 1 standard.

While this represented merely her third Group 1 conquest – alongside triumphs in the Epsom Handicap and Verry Elleegant Stakes this campaign – the exceptional mare also claimed the Golden Eagle last spring, pushing her earnings beyond $8 million.

Arrowfield Stud owner John Messara has been involved with countless champions across more than five decades in the sport, but he proclaimed Autumn Glow superior to all.

“It’s for others to say whether Autumn Glow is a champion or not but she’s the best racehorse I’ve had anything to do with,” Messara said.”She does things only champions can do. She has just beaten an outstanding field and beat them easily. I’m lost for words.”

McDonald was at his peak at Rosehill, finishing a Group 1 treble aboard Aeliana in the Ranvet Stakes, Autumn Boy in the Rosehill Guineas, and capping with Autumn Glow in the Ryder, a performance for the history books.”It was evident during the week when Chris (Waller) said you’ll see something special in the Ryder, so when he says that, I take notice,” McDonald said.”Her work’s been phenomenal. I truly believe she loves fast ground, because there’s not a horse that could come with her.

“It doesn’t matter what is in the race. She’s just got an amazing sustained speed, it’s quite incredible what we’re witnessing.

“She’s the jockey’s dream – you get nervous on horses but she’s one you don’t.”

Sent off at $1.28 favourite, Autumn Glow delivered Waller his eighth Ryder victory, surging clear by almost three lengths over Gringotts ($19) with Pericles ($16) a short neck further back.

McDonald could have extended the margin to double had he pressed on, instead softening his drive 100m out to savour the occasion.

“Let’s not beat around the bush, she’s 11 from 11, people are here to see her, and she’s got such an amazing following now,” McDonald said.”And it’s growing, it’s incredible. The feeling you get off these horses, it’s special. I thought Anamoe was a big deal. This horse has taken it to a new level.”

Waller, McDonald, and Messara plan an early-week discussion on Autumn Glow’s forthcoming appearance at Royal Randwick during The Championships, targeting either the $4 million Doncaster Mile (1600m) on April 4 or the $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on April 11.

Should prizemoney influence decisions, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes appears probable, as TAB Fixed Odds shortened the mare from $3 to $1.80 favourite.

“We’ll give them (owners) our best opinion of what we think,” Waller said.

“Look, she just does everything so effortlessly and that’ll help her get 2000m.”

Betting enthusiasts can explore the top Australian betting sites for racing odds on events like the George Ryder Stakes.