Saturday July 22 marked 97 days out from the 97th edition of the W.S. Cox Plate, the ‘Race Where Legends Are Made’ and the excitement is starting to build!
The Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival on October 27-28 is 24 hours of unmissable sporting action as The Valley comes alive with 18 races and over $6 million in prizemoney on offer. This year the Ladbrokes Cox Plate will celebrate the 97th running of this time-honoured race, while the Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes will reach it 50th milestone.
Not since 1982 has the anticipation been greater heading into Australasia’s Weight-For-Age Championship and the buzz is growing each day as we count down to the ‘best two minutes in sport’. The back-to-back champion in Winx has broken all the records before her and currently holds the biggest winning margin (8 lengths in 2016) and fastest time (2:02:98 in 2015) in our LEGENDARY race. This year adds another dimension as Winx aims to equal the record of three consecutive wins set by the immortal Kingston Town in 1980, 1981 and 1982.
Winx is now back in training at the Chris Waller stables in Sydney for her tilt at a record equalling third W.S. Cox Plate and with the arrival of spring just over a month away, the jungle drums are beating for what will be an amazing event.
“Throughout the 96 editions of the W.S. Cox Plate we have seen greatness time after time, but this year has the script to be one of the richest chapters in the race’s history,” says Moonee Valley Racing Club CEO Michael Browell.
“Dining and hospitality sales have been incredibly strong and we can’t wait to see Winx return on August 19 as the story builds to its peak at The Valley on October 28,” Browell explained.
The Ladbrokes Cox Plate will cap off an unforgettable 24 hours of sport, beginning on Friday night when The Valley showcases itself under lights for the richest night race in Australia. The $1M Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes has an honour roll that is unsurpassed with equine greats such as Vain, Rubiton, Miss Andretti, Hay List, Sepoy and in more recent years Buffering, Lankan Rupee and Chautauqua all etching their names into its 49 years of history.
Entertainment will be at its very best both on and off the track with many Cox Plate Carnival week events to be held at The Valley. Tickets are selling fast so get in early to join us at Australia’s premier racing carnival by visiting coxplate.com.au or calling 1300 THE VALLEY.