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Live sport on SN this weekendBack to back: Via Sistina wins $6 million Cox Plate
Shayne Hope, AAP • October 25th, 2025 8:13 pm
James McDonald willed Cox Plate winner Via Sistina home in a remarkable finish | Photo: James Ross/AAP
Star jockey James McDonald has won a fourth consecutive Cox Plate as Via Sistina became just the fourth mare in history to defend her crown.
It was McDonald's 121st Group 1 triumph, and followed his wins aboard Anamoe, Romantic Warrior and Chris Waller-trained Via Sistina in Australasia's weight-for-age championship over the past three years.
McDonald admitted his overriding feeling was "relief" after he and reigning Australian Horse of the Year Via Sistina dug deep to hold off stablemate Buckaroo in a thrilling finish to Saturday's $6 million feature.
Matt Laurie-trained Treasurethe Moment led in the straight and finished third under grey skies at Moonee Valley.
"I love this place," McDonald said.
"I'm blessed to ride champion racehorses, blessed to be a part of a champion stable and she was trained to the minute."
James McDonald was thrilled to get the win | Photo: James Ross/AAP
McDonald has combined with Waller for almost a half-century of Group 1 victories and described his fellow Kiwi as a "genius".
Waller was again reduced to tears post-race, having won the 2040m classic for the sixth time.
The champion trainer's successive wins with Via Sistina followed the famous four in a row with legendary mare Winx (2015-2018).
"The first one was special. These are bonuses," Waller said.
"It was a great race. It was a classic Cox Plate.
"James had to get going early and everyone could see him going, so he's five wide at the school. 'Don't go before the school' - that's what I'm thinking.
"But she was great."
Via Sistina pipped Buckaroo in an incredible finish at Moonee Valley | Photo: James Ross/AAP
It was the historic last running of the Cox Plate before the famous Moonee Valley track is closed for 18 months for redevelopment.
Via Sistina was a short-priced favourite despite defeats in crucial lead-up races, with her third placings in the Makybe Diva Stakes and Turnbull Stakes.
The Yulong-owned mare's latest victory took her career prize money to more than $18 million; fifth in the all-time list of earnings.
Via Sistina is the first eight-year-old mare to secure the Cox Plate and fifth mare to win it on multiple occasions.
Fans flocked to Moonee Valley to watch Via Sistina win the $6million Cox Plate | Photo: AAP
Earlier, Ciaron Maher's impressive colt Observer galloped into Victoria Derby favouritism by winning the Group 2 Vase (2040m) under Mark Zahra.
Waller's Providence was second and O'Sheamus third.
In Sydney, Godolphin's Attica rattled home late under Adam Hyeronimus to win the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick.
The Joseph Pride-trained colt overran second-placed Shangri La Boy in the $2 million contest, with The Pearls crossing the line third.
