Champion hoop James McDonald has officially etched his name alongside the legendary Damien Oliver, equaling the all-time Group 1 winning record of 129 victories following a masterclass aboard Aeliana in Saturday’s 2026 Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill Gardens.

2026 Ranvet Stakes winner Aeliana handed jockey James McDonald his record-equalling 129th Group 1 victory. Photo: Bradley Photos.

The Chris Waller-trained mare saluted as the heavily supported $1.60 favourite in the opening Group 1 of a massive Slipper Day program.

The $1 million weight-for-age feature (2000m) may have seen a compact field of five, but it delivered high-stakes drama as the 2025 ATC Derby winner secured her first turf triumph since her five-length demolition job as a filly last April.

The victory marked a dominant era for the Waller stable, with the four-year-old daughter of Castelvecchio becoming the third consecutive mare from the yard to claim the Ranvet, following the back-to-back success of the now-retired Via Sistina (2024–25).

Arriving at Rosehill fit and third-up, Aeliana’s preparation had been impressive despite being winless, having chased home her undefeated stablemate Autumn Glow in two high-pressure lead-ups.

McDonald allowed the star mare to settle toward the rear, where she switched off beautifully and saved her energy for a late surge.

“She’s just incredible,” McDonald said post-race.

“Her tenacity to find the line was just superb.

“She’s been building to something like that and I’ve got to give credit to the second horse because they made us work.

“I was thinking, this is not how the script’s supposed to go.”

The “script” was nearly upended by stablemate Lindermann ($16), who dictated terms from the front under Nash Rawiller.

As the field turned for home, Aeliana was sitting second-to-last before McDonald stoked her up on the outside.

She ranged up to the leader inside the final furlong, eventually lifting to score by a quarter-length over a gallant Lindermann.

The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Sir Delius ($3) finished a further length back in third.

“She was made to fight for it. He’s (Lindermann) a good horse on his day and I think Nash controlled the race really well,” Waller told Sky Thoroughbred Central.

“It didn’t really matter who won but obviously for James today – it’s a big one; it’d be good to get that (record) out of the way if we can.”

The leading trio gapped the rest of the field, with Waller’s UK import Trinity College finishing seven lengths away in fourth, followed by Alalcance.

Waller indicated that a seven-day backup into the Group 1 $1.5 million Tancred Stakes (2400m) is now a serious possibility.

“Not sure, but the distance is no problem,” Waller noted.

“A seven-day back-up isn’t ideal. I want to see how a few others go today… and then try and map it all out tomorrow.”

Should she head to the Tancred, Aeliana would look to become the first since Avilius (2019) to secure the Ranvet/Tancred double.

Bookmakers at Ladbrokes have already reacted, slashing her futures odds from $4.50 to $2.60 co-favouritism alongside Dubai Honour.

2026 Ranvet Stakes Results & Finishing Order

Table Credit: Racing Australia.

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