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A crowd of 34,617 witnessed Legendary on a New Stage as Andrea Leek became the third female trainer to win the W.S. Cox Plate

Cosmic Crusader conquers the 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate

A crowd of 34,617 witnessed Legendary on a New Stage as Cosmic Crusader claimed the $6 million Group 1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate at Flemington Racecourse.It was a maiden Ladbrokes Cox Plate triumph for trainer Andrea Leek and jockey William Pike, with Cosmic Crusader becoming the first Western Australian horse to win the W.S. Cox Plate since Northerly in 2002.Leek also became just the third female trainer to win the W.S. Cox Plate, joining Deirdre Stein (1985 – Rising Prince) and Moira Murdoch (1994 - Solvit).Cosmic Crusader defeated Birdman by three-quarters of a length, with Aeliana a further head away in third. Ridden by James McDonald, Aeliana was attempting to deliver the champion jockey a fifth consecutive Ladbrokes Cox Plate victory.The wait for a maiden Ladbrokes Cox Plate win continues for Gai Waterhouse, with Sir Delius finishing sixth in what was the legendary trainer's 26th attempt at Australia's Best Race.While the 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate was staged away from The Valley for the first time in the race's history, the occasion retained a familiar Valley feel.Michael Paynter delivered a stirring rendition of The Horses in the traditional pre-race performance, setting the scene for the 106th running.Cosmic Crusader's strapper, Leigh Adamson, was also recognised with the HKJC World Pool Moment of the Day, receiving $8,000 for his part in the Ladbrokes Cox Plate triumph.For the second time in three years, Ciaron Maher claimed the Group 2 Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup, with Juja Kibo securing a golden ticket into the Melbourne Cup.South Australian-based trainer Indianna Weinert celebrated a memorable victory in the Group 2 Cirka McEwen Stakes, with Smooth Chino taking out the race under jockey Austin Galati. Following the victory, Smooth Chino has been offered the Moonee Valley Racing Club slot in The Meteorite at Southside Cranbourne, a race the Club won last year with Jigsaw.Ladbrokes Cox Plate ambassadors Tom Lynch (AFL), Sam Williamson (Olympic swimmer) and Abbey Caldwell (Olympic middle-distance runner) were among the notable guests in attendance at Flemington.The day also celebrated the third year of MVRC's partnership with Myeloma Australia as the Cox Plate Charity Pin Partner, continuing to raise funds and awareness for those affected by myeloma.It was a special occasion for the Moonee Valley Racing Club, with Flemington Racecourse hosting Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day for one year while The Valley undergoes its major redevelopment.Work continues on the racecourse site, with plans progressing towards a return of the Ladbrokes Cox Plate to The Valley in 2027.

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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