The Autumn Sun up there with the world’s best, says Ferguson

The breathtaking manner of The Autumn Sun’s Randwick Guineas triumph left even seasoned racing observers shaking their heads and talking about him as one of the best in the world.

Former Godolphin boss John Ferguson is enjoying a long stay in Australia and was trackside as The Autumn Sun picked up five lengths in the final 200 metres to snatch a stunning win.

As if he didn’t quite believe his eyes, Ferguson immediately found a TV screen so he could watch the end stages again.

“It was just exceptional,” Ferguson said. “You just don’t see a horse do that. He is by a champion stallion in Redoute’s Choice from one of the best Aga Khan family, which is a truly international pedigree.

“That was an international standard win and he wouldn’t be out of place anywhere in the world.”

Ferguson said the racing he had seen in the past couple of weeks was up there with an English summer. And the best is yet to come.

“It is York, Royal Ascot and Goodwood rolled into one, it is amazing racing,” he said. “I can’t wait for the next month, it is great to be there.”

David Hayes, the co-trainer of Fundamentalist, watched from Melbourne as his filly was consigned to a fifth group 1 placing, and a third by less than a head.

“I have to say I never thought I would have a group 1 won like that and have it taken away from me like that,” Hayes said. “She just ran into a champion colt, one of the best performances by a three-year-old I have seen. It just had to pick myself up over the ground.”

Fundamentalist will be given her chance to finally get a group 1 win in the Doncaster Mile, where she has 49kg.