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How to sync SN commentary with TVCosmic Crusader storms home to win $6 million Cox Plate
Shayne Hope, AAP • October 24th, 2026 9:15 pm
Willie Pike has riden Cosmic Crusader to victory in the Cox Plate | Photo: Con Chronis/AAP
Andrea Leek felt like an "imposter" after upstaging some of racing's biggest names when Cosmic Crusader won a historic edition of the $6 million Cox Plate (2040m) at Flemington.
Western Australian visitor Cosmic Crusader stormed home on Saturday with popular jockey Willie Pike on board, winning the nation's weight-for-age championship for prominent owner-breeder Bob Peters.
Master trainer Chris Waller was narrowly denied what would have been a record-equalling seventh Cox Plate victory, with Birdman second by three-quarters of a length and pre-race favourite Aeliana third.
Willie Pike and Cosmic Crusader have won a unique Cox Plate, given it has been run at Flemington | Photo: Con Chronis/AAP
Joseph Pride-trained Ceolwulf was fourth.
Leek became the third female trainer to win the Cox Plate, three weeks after her first Group 1 triumph, while the legendary Gai Waterhouse's pursuit of the elusive major title continues after one-time favourite Sir Delius was overhauled in the straight.
"I feel like I'm an imposter," Leek said.
"To step in and have a horse like this in the early stages of my career, I'm very lucky. I couldn't be happier."
Andrea Leek and Willie Pike enjoying their win in the Cox Plate | Photo: Con Chronis/AAP
Cosmic Crusader's fighting victory drew parallels with fellow WA horse Northerly's back-to-back Cox Plate triumphs in 2001-02.
The six-year-old gelding has enjoyed a dazzling Melbourne campaign with four wins in seven starts, including Group 1 victories in the Turnbull Stakes and Cox Plate.
"A miracle. He's just an iron horse," Leek said.
"What a champion. What a ride by Willie Pike. Thanks to the Peters for giving him to me and trusting in me."
Leek's win came against the backdrop of her husband John Leek's disqualification for attempting to stomach-tube a horse on race day last year.
"It's been terrible for him ... but no one's prouder and happier for me than what he is," Leek said.
Pike, known as "The Wizard", has dominated WA racing for years but had not previously won a spring major in Melbourne.
He is the first WA-based jockey to win the Cox Plate.
"I don't ever dream of winning these races because I always thought it was too far to reach," Pike said.
"I left last week a little disappointed, but he's backed up.
"He's come off their backs and I knew he was a chance.
"I rode better, I was calmer through the first half to the top of the straight and he was strong through the line.
"Thanks so much to the whole team. Look how many runs he's had. He's just so good."
It's a big win for jockey Willie Pike, as well as trainer Andrea Leek and Cosmic Crusader | Photo: Con Chronis/AAP
The 150th Cox Plate was moved to Flemington from its traditional home at Moonee Valley this year while the venue undergoes a major redevelopment.
Pike, who screamed his mount's name as broadcast cameras approached him post-race, admitted he lost a battle in his own mind when he celebrated the famous victory.
"The moment gets the better of you and you stand up and you salute and you carry on, and it's amazing," Pike said.
"It's amazing. Big crowd, iconic day. It's most likely the only ever Cox Plate to be run here so it's nice that we could etch our names in there."
An emotional Peters declared it the most significant triumph of his time in racing.
"This is the biggest win. It's the best race in Australia ... I don't get speechless very often," Peters said.
"I always looked at it as the best race in Australia and I think it's a privilege to have a runner in it.
"It's great to do it with William (Pike) as well because we've been together since he was about 16 (years old) and I feel really good that he's achieved something that he wanted to as well."
Juja Kibo (middle) is into the Melbourne Cup after winning the Moonee Valley Gold Cup | Photo: Con Chronis/AAP
Also on Saturday, leading trainer Ciaron Maher bolstered his Melbourne Cup hand when Juja Kibo claimed a ballot exemption by winning the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m).
Maher trained the first three across the line, with Kings Valley second and Mr Monaco third.
All three are now headed back to Flemington on the first Tuesday in November, along with Maher's Geelong Cup winner Point Of Law.
"It couldn't have worked out any better," Maher told Seven.
"Juja needed to win, Kings Valley needed to get up the order and Monaco was already in.
"I can't thank the team enough. Super job, great rides and bring on the Cup."
