W.S. Cox Plate Legend - Fields of Omagh

For a horse to be at the barriers awaiting a start in the Cox Plate, is a lifetime of work for a trainer, and the thrill of a lifetime for connections.

So, what about participating in five W.S. Cox Plates? It's an extremely rare feat that was achieved by one of the most consistent gallopers the race has ever seen, with Fields Of Omagh not only competing in five editions of the race, but he also won two of them and placed second, third and fifth. Truly remarkable from this durable and resilient son of Rubiton who cost only $50,000.

His Cox Plate record is only matched by a champion of the turf in Tranquil Star, who also contested the race five times in 1941-45 for a similar record of two wins.

Affectionately known as FOO, Fields of Omagh twice overcame significant ligament injuries and was initially trained by legendary trainer Peter Hayes before he tragically died in a light plane accident, which saw the horse move under the guidance of Lindsay Park foreman turned Head Trainer Tony McEvoy.

Many remember FOO's 2003 victory as a result of the race call by Bryan Martin, who also happened to be the managing owner of the horse. Up against red-hot favourite Lonhro, Fields Of Omagh pounced from behind the leaders on the turn to stay on strongly in soaking conditions. Martin called his winner over the line then sprinted down the stairs from the grandstand's race caller's box to be with the winning connections.

"I beat the owners out of the stand and beat the chief steward into the enclosure, and I had come down from the broadcast box and six flights," Martin recalls with a laugh.

The 2006 Cox Plate arrives and at the odds of 20-1 Fields Of Omagh would write his name in the record books as a dual-winner, this time under trainer David Hayes who had returned from Hong Kong to take over Lindsay Park Racing. Jockey Craig Williams was this time in the saddle for his first Cox Plate win, with David recording his second win after Better Loosen Up 16 years earlier.

It was one of the tightest finishes the race has ever seen, with Fields Of Omagh, favourite El Segundo and leader Pompei Ruler battling it out to the very end, with FOO persisting after the judge called for a photo. It was a remarkable win, this time bathed in sunshine, and Martin again calling the race from high-above.
Before the race connections had decided whatever the result in the race Fields of Omagh would be retired after an amazing career. Little did they think he would go out on top as one of the best and most consistent horses the Weight-For-Age Championship race has ever seen.

Fields of Omagh has recently turned 23 and enjoys his retirement out at Living Legends in Sunbury, where he is a much-loved favourite amongst staff and visitors.