Chris Waller described the final Cox Plate at the old Moonee Valley track as “a classic”, and it was fitting that his superstar mare Via Sistina delivered another moment for the ages.
In a thrilling finish to the 105th running of the race, Via Sistina held off stablemate Buckaroo to claim her second successive Cox Plate (2040m), providing jockey James McDonald with his fourth straight win in the iconic contest.
Sent out a $2.25 favourite, the champion mare prevailed by a half-head, with Buckaroo ($16) finishing second and Treasurethe Moment ($5.50) third, 1½ lengths away.
“It was a great race. A classic Cox Plate,” Waller said. “James had to get going early and everyone could see him five wide turning for home. She was great and Treasurethe Moment was awesome and gave her something to chase.”
The victory was Waller’s sixth in the race, drawing him level with Jack Holt and just one shy of Tommy Smith’s record. But for the master trainer, it was still Winx’s first triumph that remained his most special.
“James works months on this. He’s loyal, so dedicated. He’s only had eyes for Via Sistina and set everything at this race for her and Buckaroo almost undid it,” Waller said. “I’m so proud of my team.”
McDonald, who previously guided Anamoe (2022) and Romantic Warrior (2023) to success, said Via Sistina’s fighting spirit made her one of the greats.
“I’m always toey in terms of nervous energy but I put it to good use,” McDonald said. “She deserves to be in the same breath as Sunline and those sort of horses with two Cox Plates. The best horse shone through today.”
The Cox Plate will move to Flemington next year as Moonee Valley undergoes major redevelopment — a change McDonald admitted will feel strange.
“It’s sad that it won’t be run here for a while, but the race will go on,” he said. “I just hope I’m lucky enough to ride another mare like her again.”
Betting fans can explore odds and markets for next year’s Cox Plate via leading Australian betting sites such as Sportsbet, Ladbrokes and TAB.