The Moonee Valley devoted erupted as By way of Sistina, the champion mare educated by Chris Waller, stormed to a dominant eight-length victory within the 2024 Ladbrokes Cox Plate.
This outstanding win marks a variety of important achievements together with Waller’s fifth Cox Plate success following his four-peat with Winx (2015-18).
Jockey James McDonald etched his title deeper into racing historical past.
He grew to become the primary rider since Brent Thompson (1977-1979) to win the Cox Plate three consecutive years on totally different horses.
Following his wins with Anamoe (2022) and Romantic Warrior (2023), McDonald guided By way of Sistina to a convincing victory, including one other jewel to his spectacular one hundredth profession Group 1 win.
“Simply so fortunate. What this mare’s been via, and she or he’s simply an absolute star. I’m so fortunate to be a part of it,” McDonald informed Racing.com.
“I actually can’t consider it. I really like this race. I really like this place. And to win a Cox Plate with Chris Waller, who’s my best supporter and so particular.
“It’s so becoming he’s introduced up my one hundredth and to do it in such a prestigious race just like the Cox Plate. I’m blessed, so blessed.”
The victory was even sweeter contemplating Tuesday’s occasions.
By way of Sistina threw McDonald throughout a coaching session at The Valley, elevating considerations about her participation.
Nonetheless, Chris Waller assured followers that the mare would solely run if absolutely match.
True to his phrase, By way of Sistina demonstrated her resilience and expertise, producing a efficiency paying homage to the legendary Winx.
“She’s acquired an unbelievable sustained pace. And I believe it’s an enormous asset to have on this high-pressure race,” McDonald stated.
“The stress was on from the get-go, and (Pleasure Of) Jenni didn’t have her peace. This horse has actually labored rather well right here, regardless that I fell off her on Tuesday.
“She felt like she was gliding across the course rather well and I had a quiet first half, and I wheeled her out, saved her glad.
“She appears simply to develop a little bit of confidence, and it was a Winx like efficiency. I can’t consider it. I can’t consider it.”
This win marks a triumphant return for Waller within the Cox Plate.
He joins the elite firm of Bart Cummings with 5 Cox Plate victories, putting him third on the all-time trainers’ record in Australia’s finest race.
“It was an enormous week however I’ve simply had full assist from the homeowners, my workers, all of the group, Moonee Valley. It’s simply been overwhelming,” he stated.
“There’s not been any negativity, solely constructive vibes. I’ m so happy with her, so happy with her.
“There’s in all probability 10 key elements, and it’s not anything besides widespread sense, easy as that.
“We by no means misplaced religion and simply adopted our instincts.”
By way of Sistina’s efficiency wasn’t simply dominant, it was record-breaking.
She clocked a outstanding 2 minutes 01.07 seconds, surpassing Winx’s earlier document of two:02.94 set in 2017.
This win cements her place as a real champion and the fifteenth mare to say Cox Plate glory.
The Japanese raider, Prognosis, who began because the favorite, completed a distant however courageous second.
Godolphin’s colt Broadsiding rounded out the rostrum in third place, whereas Mr Brightside completed fourth in his third go on the Australasian weight-for-age championship.
The 2024 Ladbrokes Cox Plate might be remembered for By way of Sistina’s distinctive efficiency, McDonald’s historic achievement, and Waller’s return to Cox Plate dominance.
2024 Cox Plate Outcomes
End | No. | Horse | Coach | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Penalty | Beginning Value | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 7 | VIA SISTINA (IRE) | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 4 | 57kg | $5 | |||
2 | 2 | PROGNOSIS (JPN) | Mitsumasa Nakauchida | Damian Lane | 8L | 5 | 59kg | $3.40F | ||
3 | 8 | BROADSIDING | James Cummings | Ms Jamie Kah | 10L | 8 | 49.5kg | $6.50 | ||
4 | 1 | MR BRIGHTSIDE (NZ) | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Craig Williams | 10.3L | 2 | 59kg | $7.50 | ||
5 | 5 | DOCKLANDS (GB) | Harry Eustace | Blake Shinn | 11.05L | 1 | 59kg | $26 | ||
6 | 3 | KOVALICA (NZ) | Chris Waller | Mark Zahra | 11.8L | 9 | 59kg | $26 | ||
7 | 4 | ROYAL PATRONAGE (FR) | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Michael Dee | 12.55L | 3 | 59kg | $41 | ||
8 | 6 | PRIDE OF JENNI | Ciaron Maher | Declan Bates | 15.8L | 7 | 57kg | $4.40 | ||
9 | 9 | EVAPORATE (NZ) | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Karis Teetan | 17.55L | 6 | 49.5kg | $21 |
Desk Credit score: Racing Australia.
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