Via Sistina has gone on to win back-to-back in the 2025 Group 1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate, the final race to be held on the current track ahead of its redevelopment.

Via Sistina Wins 2025 Ladbrokes Cox Plate

A sell-out crowd of 22,000 witnessed a moment of history at The Valley on Saturday as Via Sistina went back-to-back in the 2025 Group 1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate, the final race to be held on the current track ahead of its redevelopment.The 105th running of the W.S. Cox Plate was the 10th and last race on a strong card that reflected the quality and atmosphere for which The Valley is known, and the $6 million feature proved a most fitting finale.An eight-length winner in 2024, this time it was by a nose, as Via Sistina showed all her fighting spirit to edge out Buckaroo. It was a milestone moment, as jockey James McDonald made it four consecutive wins in the race, matching Hugh Bowman’s record.For trainer Chris Waller, it marked a sixth Ladbrokes Cox Plate triumph, with four won by Winx and now two by Via Sistina.The result was met with a defining roar from the crowd, filling The Valley’s famous cauldron-like atmosphere and underscoring why the Ladbrokes Cox Plate holds such a special place in Australian racing.Light rain didn’t dampen the colour and excitement at The Valley, as racing fans, members and high-profile guests gathered to be part of the occasion. Among those in attendance were Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival Ambassadors Jack Gunston and Jordan De Goey with their partners Dani Shreeve and Aisha Jade McKinnon, along with Melbourne Vixens netballer Rudi Ellis and Miss Universe Australia Lexie Brant.Familiar names from The Valley’s history also returned trackside, reflecting on the races and moments that have defined the venue for generations, among them were Brent Thomson, Gary Stewart, Glen Boss, Damien Oliver, connections of Winx, members of the Cox family, and Danny Shum.Daryl Braithwaite once again had the crowd in full voice with the traditional pre-race rendition of The Horses. As the racing ended, the celebrations continued with a performance by Australian Rock Collective (ARC). Kram (Spiderbait), Mark Wilson (Jet), Darren Middleton (Powderfinger) and Davey Lane (You Am I) entertained the crowd with a set of Australian and New Zealand favourites to close out the day. Racegoers were able to enjoy the celebrations on the track, with a few taking the opportunity to secure a memento.Across the two-day Carnival, a combined total of 30,000 attended Ladbrokes Gold Cup Night and Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day. On Friday night, the Group 2 Ladbrokes Gold Cup was taken out by Onesmoothoperator. The Brian Ellison-trained raider stormed home from back in the field under Mark Zahra to claim the $750,000 feature by ¾ of a length. For the first time, the race offered a Golden Ticket to the Melbourne Cup for the winner.Throughout the Carnival, funds were raised for Myeloma Australia, the official Cox Plate Carnival Charity Pin partner, as part of the second year of a three-year partnership.The 2025 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival captured the spirit of The Valley and its proud racing tradition. As work begins to deliver The Valley of Tomorrow, the memories of this year’s Carnival will hold a special place in the Club’s history.

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The Valley will once again play host to a leg of the National Pony Racing Series, with the Victorian event set to take place on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day, Saturday 22 March.A collaboration between Pony Club Australia and Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC), the series is designed to educate young riders on careers in the racing and breeding industry, giving them a taste of professional competition on major racedays.The series features six race meetings across Australia, culminating in the national finals in June. Before the Victorian leg, Ballarat hosted a Jumpstart weekend, where participants received riding instruction, horse health education, career insights, and rider fitness training.&nbsp;In preparation for their big moment on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day, competitors will also take part in a training day at The Valley to familiarise themselves with the track.On Saturday, two pony races will be held for state finalists aged 9 to 15. The first, over 450m at 11:30 am, is for ponies not exceeding 12.2hh, while the second, over 700m, is for ponies not exceeding 14hh. That event will take place following Race 3 on the card at 1:30 pm.&nbsp;Moonee Valley Racing Club has enjoyed its association with TIC and Pony Club Australia, providing young riders with the opportunity to gain experience on a major racing stage. The Valley hosted a leg of the first National Pony Racing Series in 2023, and last year on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day held a Shetland Pony Race.With the next generation of riders set to take centre stage once again, The Valley looks forward to another thrilling chapter in this growing series.

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Via Sistina went on to win back-to-back in the 2025 Group 1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate, the final race to be held on the current track ahead of its redevelopment.

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