Group 1

Cox Plate

"The Weight-for-Age Championship"

Sat, 24 Oct 202659 days to go

Race Details

Distance2040m

Prize Money$6,000,000

TrackFlemington

StateVictoria

Race TypeGroup 1

ConditionsWeight for Age

About This Race

The Cox Plate is a weight-for-age race over 2040 metres, traditionally held at Moonee Valley. Named after William Samuel Cox, founder of the Moonee Valley Racing Club. The 2026 edition will be held at Flemington due to Moonee Valley renovations.

History

First run in 1922, legendary winners include Kingston Town (three consecutive wins 1980-82), Sunline (2000), Winx (four consecutive wins 2015-18), and Phar Lap (1930, 1931).

On the Calendar

It is the richest of 10 feature races on the Flemington card that day.
It is the 2nd richest of 59 feature races scheduled at Flemington in the 2026-27 season.
It is one of 22 Group 1 races run in VIC in 2026-27.
Run over 2040m, it is a middle-distance test and one of 3 races at that trip at Flemington this season.
It falls in October 2026, alongside 59 other feature races in VIC that month.

Track Information

Flemington Racecourse

Home of the Melbourne Cup, Flemington is Australia's most famous racecourse. Its distinctive straight six and sweeping turns have hosted racing since 1840. The Melbourne Cup Carnival draws international attention each November.

CityMelbourne, VIC

Established1840

Circumference2312m

Straight450m

SurfaceTurf

Capacity120,000

Major Races at this Track

Melbourne CupVictoria DerbyVRC OaksAustralian Guineas

Last Run Results (2025)

PosHorseJockeyTrainerOdds

1stVia SistinaJames McDonaldChris Waller$2.25

2ndBuckarooMark ZahraChris Waller-

3rdTreasurethe MomentDamian LaneMatt Laurie-

4thAttritionCraig WilliamsMitchell Freedman-

Winning Time2:03.12

TrackGood 4

Field Size9 runners

MarginPhoto finish

Recent Winners

2025Via SistinaJames McDonaldChris Waller

2024Via SistinaJames McDonaldChris Waller

2023Romantic WarriorJames McDonaldDanny Shum

2022AnamoeJames McDonaldGodolphin

2021State Of RestJohn AllenJoseph O'Brien

Track Record

2:01.07Via Sistina (2024)

Race Facts & Statistics

Via Sistina: Back-to-back Cox Plate winner (first since Winx)
Via Sistina: Oldest mare (8yo) to win the Cox Plate
James McDonald: 4 consecutive Cox Plate wins on 3 different horses
Chris Waller: 6-time Cox Plate winning trainer
2026 Cox Plate to be run at Flemington due to Moonee Valley renovations