Photo:
Courtesy Sky Racing World
The spotlight of the Australian Autumn Racing Carnival returns to Royal Randwick Racecourse this week, with The Championships set for Friday night and next Friday night. Across two electrifying days and more than US$16 million in purses, the event stands as Australia’s equivalent of the Breeders’ Cup, drawing elite talent and global attention.
This year, the narrative gets an added dose of star power. Matt Damon has joined the ownership group of emerging Australian Derby contender Are You Kidding alongside Australian sporting icons Steve Smith and Tom Hawkins. The colt’s rise from maiden grade to a Group 1 start already has turned heads, but with that ownership trio expected to be trackside, he now brings mainstream attention well beyond traditional racing circles.
Matt Damon trackside supporting Autumn Glow ?? pic.twitter.com/WKoZCRbhY1
— Australian Turf Club (@aus_turf_club) March 21, 2026
Australian Derby, race 9: The classic test
The Australian Derby stands as one of the true staying tests in Australian racing, run over 1 1/2 miles where stamina, timing and composure are everything.
Observer, winner of the Victoria Derby, headlines a deep and competitive field. But the form line was shaken up in the Rosehill Guineas, where Green Spaces (by Street Boss) turned the tables to set up a fascinating rematch between the two Godolphin colts.
Adding intrigue is Are You Kidding, whose rapid progression through the grades has earned him a shot at classic glory. With Damon and his high-profile co-owners watching closely, the colt becomes one of the most talked-about runners of the carnival.
The Championships: Day 1 highlights
Beyond the Derby, day 1 is anchored by four elite Group 1 contests:
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Doncaster Mile, race 8: Australia’s premier handicap mile, run at a relentless tempo where class and weight-carrying ability are crucial. The 16-horse field is led by Sheza Alibi, the Randwick Guineas winner, who carries just 108 bounds, giving her a significant weight advantage against a deep roster of seasoned milers, including Gringotts and Pericles.
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Sires’ Produce Stakes, race 6: A key seven-furlong test for 2-year-olds, often revealing future stars. Streisand, runner-up in the Golden Slipper Stakes, brings top-level form and looks well placed to capitalize over the extra distance.
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TJ Smith Stakes, race 7: Australia’s premier autumn sprint includes the nation’s best speedsters. Defending champion Briasa returns to defend his crown, and high-profile challengers Tentyris and Jimmysstar sit prominently in local betting. With Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising absent, the race shapes as a defining moment in the race to crown Australia’s best sprinter of 2026.
Late Pick 4 pool guarantees
A $20,000 late Pick 4 pool guarantee adds wagering appeal to the card, beginning in race 7 with the TJ Smith Stakes.
FanDuel TV will deliver on-site coverage featuring Jessica Stafford and Jason Witham reporting live from Randwick. The Championships also will be broadcast live in Spanish via DRF en Español.
The Randwick card will be broadcast live this Friday night with first post at 9:25 p.m. EDT / 6:25 p.m. PDT alongside cards from Caulfield, Wyong, Eagle Farm, Gold Coast, Oakbank and Ascot.
Fans can access free live streaming, past performances, and expert picks for all races at SkyRacingWorld.com.