Waller’s Cox Plate ‘bonus’ as Via Sistina defends crown
Shayne Hope |
Master trainer Chris Waller has described his sixth Cox Plate victory as a “bonus” after champion mare Via Sistina defended her crown in an enthralling instalment of the Australasian weight-for-age championship.
In the historic final race run at Moonee Valley before the famous track is reconfigured, Via Sistina fought off stablemate Buckaroo by a half-head to become the fourth mare in 105 editions of the 2040m classic to go back to back.
It gave Waller a rare Cox Plate quinella, with Matt Laurie-trained Treasurethe Moment third under grey skies on Saturday after leading in the home straight.
Waller was again reduced to tears post-race, having posted successive wins with Via Sistina after his famous four in a row with legendary mare Winx (2015-2018).
Only the great TJ Smith (seven) has won the Cox Plate more times as a trainer than Waller, who is now equal second with Jack Holt.
“The first one was special. These are bonuses,” Waller said.
“It was a great race. It was a classic Cox Plate.
“James had to get going early and everyone could see him going, so he’s five wide at the school. ‘Don’t go before the school’ – that’s what I’m thinking.
“But she was great.”
Star jockey McDonald has combined with Waller for almost a half-century of Group 1 victories and described his fellow Kiwi as a “genius”.
The 33-year-old’s 121st Group 1 winner was his fourth consecutive Cox Plate triumph; his tally equal-second behind record-holder Darby Munro, who won the last of his five in 1952.
McDonald also piloted Via Sistina to victory last year, after wins aboard Anamoe and Romantic Warrior.
“I love this place,” McDonald said.
“I’m blessed to ride champion racehorses, blessed to be a part of a champion stable and she was trained to the minute.”
Reigning Australian Horse of the Year Via Sistina was a short-priced favourite despite defeats in crucial lead-up races, with her third placings in the Makybe Diva Stakes and Turnbull Stakes.
The Yulong-owned mare’s latest victory took her career prize money to more than $18 million; fifth in the all-time list of earnings.
Via Sistina is the first eight-year-old mare to secure the Cox Plate and fifth mare to win it on multiple occasions.
“I’m so proud of her,” McDonald said.
“She deserved to be in the same breath as Sunline and those sort of horses with two Cox Plates.”
Mark Zahra almost upstaged McDonald and Via Sistina aboard Buckaroo but “just couldn’t get past her”.
“He was courageous, followed the winner everywhere, but I just never got in front at any stage,” Zahra said.
“She just finds a head the minute you come up to her. She’s a good mare but he ran well.”
The Cox Plate will be run at Flemington in 2026 while Moonee Valley undergoes a major redevelopment.
“It’s going to be sad next year, but in saying that, the Cox Plate is still on and it is going to be run and won,” McDonald said.
“I just hope I’m on as good a mare as I was today to ride in the race next year.
“Just so many sentimental things; last Valley under this circumference, four in a row, three champion racehorses.
“God I’m blessed. I’m so lucky.”
Rowdy punters claimed pieces of memorabilia when they tore down parts of the Moonee Valley railing, with some of it taken into the members’ bar.
Earlier, Ciaron Maher’s impressive colt Observer galloped into Victoria Derby favouritism by winning the Group 2 Vase (2040m) under Mark Zahra.
Waller’s Providence was second and O’Sheamus third.
In Sydney, Godolphin’s Attica rattled home late under Adam Hyeronimus to win the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick.
The Joseph Pride-trained colt overran second-placed Shangri La Boy in the $2 million contest, with The Pearls crossing the line third.
AAP
