English import Gilded Water on Cups path following his impressive Randwick win to remain unbeaten in Australia

His Majesty King Charles III became the first ruling British monarch to win a race at Royal Randwick following Gilded Water’s victory and a Group 1 is now the aim.

Dylan Browne McMonagle guides Gilded Water to victory at Randwick. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Gilded Water, raced by King Charles III, created history becoming the first winner for a ruling British monarch at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

The Ciaron Maher-trained Gilded Water was clearly classes above his rivals in the Precise Air Handicap (2400m).

Therefore, it was fitting that The King’s racing manager, John Warren, was trackside to watch Gilded Water scoring his second win from as many starts in Australia.

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“We are very excited about his prospects which is really nice for the King,” Warren said.

“I think the King wanted to be connected with Australia and this horse does that job for us.

“So many racing people are fanatics here and I think it is lively for the King to have that connection.”

Gilded Water, ridden by Irish jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, started $2.20 favourite and didn’t give his backers any real cause for concern, enjoying a good run midfield before ambling up to the leaders coming over the rise then racing clear to win by more than three lengths easing down.

Be Real ($9) was no match for the winner but the grey mare tried hard to finish second, with another two-and-a-quarter lengths to Good Banter ($18).

Warren said Gilded Water showed staying promise when trained by William Haggas in England before the gelding was identified as a suitable type for Australian racing.

“Gilded Water only raced four times in the UK and the last time he ran at Royal Ascot, he had an injury,” Warren said.

“But Ciaron has done such a lovely job getting the horse to this point, taking his time and getting him acclimatised.

Gilded Water makes it Australian win number two for the king! 👑@cmaherracing | @aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/iBImVxBmU2

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 21, 2024

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“The horse has come along really nicely and we learned a bit today – staying is his forte. The way he moved along this ground was nice to see.

“Now it is up to the maestro (Maher) to see what he can conjure up to give the King and Queen a thrill in this country which is the objective.”

The lightly-raced Gilded Water is a half-brother to another Maher import, Circle Of Fire who won the Sydney Cup earlier this year.

Maher suggested the Sydney Cup is the likely aim for Gilded Water next autumn and long-term the Melbourne Cup, too.

Circle Of Fire also ran in the Melbourne Cup last month, finishing sixth to Knight’s Choice.

“Gilded Water is very, very progressive,” Maher said.

“It was the way he did it, he ‘bridled’ up and looked to have them covered a long way out.

“There are a couple of two mile (a3200m) races (Sydney Cup, Melbourne Cup) that are quite prestigious we can think about but he is a horse that has to get through his grades first and foremost.”

Gilded Water is the first horse Maher has trained for the King and is obviously a stayer loaded with natural ability.

“We’re very excited about his prospects which is really nice for the king”

Get the latest on Gilded Water after his impressive Randwick win today!@cmaherracing | @aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/rsuq1nndRD

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 21, 2024

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“The Sydney Cup would be our first aim but where his rating is at, he probably has to win his way in,” Maher admitted.

“But it is one step at a time, there is no pressure on him. He arrived over here in beautiful condition and is learning his craft while he is winning. I thought his win today was better and with a lot more authority that it was at Kembla.”

Brown McMonagle was wearing the King’s famous racing colours of purple, gold braid, scarlet sleeves, black velvet cap and gold fringe, for the first time when legged into the saddle to ride Gilded Water.

“This is the first time I’ve worn these colours,” Brown McMonagle said.

“It is a great honour to wear them and to ride a winner is very special.

“Gilded Water is a very talented horse. He’s straight forward, has a great temperament, and all the right attributes to be a really good stayer.”

■ Randwick is one of the very few racetracks in the world to have the “Royal” prefix.

England’s famous Ascot only has the “Royal” prefix for five days annually during the prestigious “Royal Ascot” carnival in June.