Message From Michael Browell, CEO Moonee Valley Racing Club
The 2022 Ladbrokes Cox Plate has reinforced its position as ‘Australia’s Best Race’ following today’s publication of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) annual list of Top 100 Group 1 and Grade 1 races.
With a race rating of 120.25, the time-honoured Group 1 WFA Ladbrokes Cox Plate ranked at =23rd, the highest Australian race reflected in the rankings. Twelve countries comprise this year’s list, representing the foremost racing events throughout the world across 40 different racecourses.
Compiled using the annual race ratings; calculated on the first four finishers, Anamoe 121; I’m Thunderstruck 120; El Bodegon 120 and Zaaki 120, saw the 2022 Ladbrokes Cox Plate uphold its position as ‘Australia’s Best Race’ with the overall race rating of 120.25.
A running total of seven Group 1 victories and over $10 Million in prizemoney saw reigning champion Anamoe become international giant Godolphin’s most successful horse since their inception in 1992. I’m Thunderstruck, El Bodegon and Zaaki share a further seven Group 1 wins between them, further highlighting the strength of the 2022 Ladbrokes Cox Plate.
2022 marked a first Ladbrokes Cox Plate win for Team Godolphin, twice second to the mighty mare Winx with Hartnell in 2016 and Benbatl in 2018, and third to Northerly in 2002 with Grandera.
It was also a first for head trainer James Cummings, grandson of the legendary Bart Cummings who won the race five times, and for last year’s IFHA World's Best Jockey James McDonald who soared past 70 Group 1 wins in 2022.
Moonee Valley Racing Club CEO Michael Browell was pleased with today’s results, commenting the following earlier:
“The 2022 Ladbrokes Cox Plate produced a high-quality field and a high-quality finish in its historic centenary year. We are honoured to be recognised as Australia’s Best Race for the second year running and the equal 23rd best race in the world. We look forward to building on this success in 2023 and will continue to do everything we can to ensure the Ladbrokes Cox Plate continues to be acknowledged on a global scale.”
Source:
International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) annual list of Top 100 Group 1 and Grade 1 races.
Michael Browell
Chief Executive Officer