J-Mac chases Cox Plate history aboard Aeliana

Shayne Hope | October 23, 2026

Champion jockey James McDonald hasn’t allowed himself to think ahead to what an unprecedented fifth consecutive victory in the $6 million Cox Plate would mean.

History is there for the taking, as the star hoop partners master trainer Chris Waller’s leading contender Aeliana in Saturday’s 2040m Group 1 feature.

The kiwi pair famously teamed up for Via Sistina’s back-to-back triumphs in the last two editions of the nation’s weight-for-age championship and Waller is aiming to match T.J. Smith’s record of seven victories as a trainer.

Waller famously prepared Winx for her four straight wins (2015-2018) with Hugh Bowman in the saddle, and McDonald has the chance surge past Bowman’s record aboard Aeliana.

The 34-year-old won his first Cox Plate with Anamoe (2022) before piloting Romantic Warrior (2023) and Via Sistina (2024-2025) to victories.

“I’ll cross that bridge hopefully if it comes,” McDonald said of the prospect of winning a fifth consecutive Cox Plate.

“It’s pretty surreal. I grew up watching the old horses going around, like (1999-2000 winner) Sunline, who was a kiwi, and watched them from back home.

“I’ve idolised the race from day dot and to be able to win it once was unbelievable. I didn’t think it would ever happen.”

The Cox Plate comes with a twist this year, being run at Flemington while its traditional home at Moonee Valley undergoes a major redevelopment.

Aeliana’s barrier 10 would have been a greater impediment at the tighter Valley track and McDonald, who is aiming to add to his record 144 Group 1 victories, believes the wide expanses of Flemington will suit his mare “perfectly”.

“She’s just a bit of a galloper, likes a bit of room and likes to warm into her races,” McDonald said.

“She’s got a good record at Flemington, as well. It’s her home track, so she’s trained there, and I think it will suit her well.

“She’s a three-time Group 1 winner already, she’s had a perfect preparation, she’s up to the level and it’s her time to shine.

“She’s a mature mare now and she’s tough as (nails). You wait and see, she just loves it. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Waller saddles up Aeliana ($4.80) and Birdman ($12) in his bid for another slice of history, putting his faith in McDonald and Ben Melham to get the job done.

“Aeliana’s got the real X-factor with stamina, while Birdman’s got more speed and more brilliance,” Waller said.

“Last year we managed to quinella the race with Buckaroo and Via Sistina.

“This year I’m hoping one can cross the line first, but they are completely different horses.”

Waller said equalling Smith’s Cox Plate record would be a “very special” end to an emotional week, in which his team saw Ohope Wins euthanised as the result of a tragic Caulfield Cup fall.

“It would be something to celebrate, but there’s a big mountain still to climb,” Waller said.

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s Sir Delius ($4.40) is a narrow Cox Plate favourite from Aeliana, with Warwoven ($5.50), Ceolwulf ($7) and Cosmic Crusader ($8) rounding out the top five.

“You definitely need luck, especially early,” McDonald said.

“There looks to be very good pace in the race … and the beauty about that is every horse will get their chance. The best horse will win.

“Honestly, I reckon it’s the most even Cox Plate in the last decade.

“It’s an incredible line-up and the race deserves it. It’s a special race.”