The superstar mare has done it again, albeit with a few more nervous moments than last year.
12 months after winning the race by eight lengths, Via Sistina has gone back-to-back in the $5 million Cox Plate.
This time around, she had to do it the hard way, repelling a late challenge by stablemate Buckaroo to win by a nose.
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Under champion jockey James McDonald, Via Sistina tracked powerfully around the turn as she set out after leader Treasurethemoment.
After hitting the front, it looked as if stablemate Buckaroo would sweep past, but the eleven-time Group 1 winner was too gritty, holding onto win by the barest of margins with Treasurethemoment boxing on for third.
“Via Sistina lifting … she’s done it! One more legend has been made,” race caller Matt Hill said.
“She’s a special, special horse,” legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney said on Channel 7.
This year’s edition of the famous weight-for-age race holds special significance. It’s the last running of the race before Moonee Valley undergoes a massive $220 million refiguration.
The Cox Plate will take place at Flemington in 2026 before returning to a new-look Moonee Valley in 2027.
It’s the sixth Cox Plate win for trainer Chris Waller (4x Winx, 2x Via Sistina).
McDonald has now won four Cox Plates.
“I think this one is relief,” the jockey said post-race.
“I love this place, I’m blessed to ride champion racehorses, blessed to be a part of a champion stable. She was trained to the minute. I can’t thank Waller team (enough) – they’re just exceptional horse people.
“Even though it wasn’t seven lengths, I’m just over the moon.
“Chris (Waller) is a genius. He’s got a great team and a great horse.”
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