Overview
- The defending champion prevailed by a nose over stablemate Buckaroo, with Treasurethe Moment third after a stirring home-straight duel.
- James McDonald became only the second jockey to win four consecutive Cox Plates, matching Hugh Bowman’s streak.
- The race was the final Cox Plate on Moonee Valley’s traditional configuration before a $220 million redevelopment.
- Trainer Chris Waller ran three starters and landed his sixth Cox Plate, with Aeliana also representing the stable under Hugh Bowman.
- Former favourite Sir Delius was ruled a “heightened risk of injury” under Racing Victoria protocols and likely pacesetter Globe was scratched, altering race dynamics.