Lonhro returned as a 4yo in the Missile S-Gr3 (1,100m) at Rosehill. This was the first race where he was ridden by Darren Beadman, and it was his eighth consecutive victory as he won by four lengths. As the short priced favourite, Lonhro was expected to have no problem taking out the Warwick S-Gr2 (1,400m) at his next start but was beaten a half head by Defier. Two weeks later, he won the Chelmsford S-Gr2 (1,600 m) at Randwick by three lengths. At his next start, only six horses lined up for the George Main Stakes-Gr1 (1,600m) but it was described as a mini Cox Plate with Sunline, Defier, Lonhro, Excellerator and Shogun Lodge entered. Lonhro was pocketed on the fence for much of the race and only saw daylight in the last 50 m, sprinting home to finish fourth. Sunline set a moderate pace in front from Defier, then Shogun Lodge outside Lonhro with Hey Pronto and Excellerator at the rear.