The Moonee Valley faithful erupted as Via Sistina, the champion mare trained by Chris Waller, stormed to a dominant eight-length victory in the 2024 Ladbrokes Cox Plate.

2024 Ladbrokes Cox Plate winner Via Sistina handed trainer Chris Waller his fifth win in Australia’s best race. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

This remarkable win marks a number of significant achievements including Waller’s fifth Cox Plate success following his four-peat with Winx (2015-18).

Jockey James McDonald etched his name deeper into racing history.

He became the first rider since Brent Thompson (1977-1979) to win the Cox Plate three consecutive years on different horses.

Following his wins with Anamoe (2022) and Romantic Warrior (2023), McDonald guided Via Sistina to a resounding victory, adding another jewel to his impressive 100th career Group 1 win.

“Just so lucky. What this mare’s been through, and she’s just an absolute star. I’m so lucky to be part of it,” McDonald told Racing.com.

“I honestly can’t believe it. I love this race. I love this place. And to win a Cox Plate with Chris Waller, who is my greatest supporter and so special.

“It’s so fitting he’s brought up my 100th and to do it in such a prestigious race like the Cox Plate. I’m blessed, so blessed.”

The victory was even sweeter considering Tuesday’s events.

Via Sistina threw McDonald during a training session at The Valley, raising concerns about her participation.

However, Chris Waller assured fans that the mare would only run if fully fit.

True to his word, Via Sistina demonstrated her resilience and talent, producing a performance reminiscent of the legendary Winx.

“She’s got an unbelievable sustained speed. And I think it’s a huge asset to have in this high-pressure race,” McDonald said.

“The pressure was on from the get-go, and (Pride Of) Jenni didn’t have her peace. This horse has really worked really well here, even though I fell off her on Tuesday.

“She felt like she was gliding around the course really well and I had a quiet first half, and I wheeled her out, kept her happy.

“She seems just to grow a bit of confidence, and it was a Winx like performance. I can’t believe it. I can’t believe it.”

This win marks a triumphant return for Waller in the Cox Plate.

He joins the elite company of Bart Cummings with five Cox Plate victories, placing him third on the all-time trainers’ list in Australia’s best race.

“It was a big week but I’ve just had full support from the owners, my staff, all the team, Moonee Valley. It’s just been overwhelming,” he said.

“There’s not been any negativity, only positive vibes. I’ m so proud of her, so proud of her.

“There’s probably 10 key factors, and it’s not anything else except common sense, simple as that.

“We never lost faith and just followed our instincts.”

Via Sistina’s performance wasn’t just dominant, it was record-breaking.

She clocked a remarkable 2 minutes 01.07 seconds, surpassing Winx’s previous record of 2:02.94 set in 2017.

This win cements her place as a true champion and the 15th mare to claim Cox Plate glory.

The Japanese raider, Prognosis, who started as the favourite, finished a distant but brave second.

Godolphin’s colt Broadsiding rounded out the podium in third place, while Mr Brightside finished fourth in his third go at the Australasian weight-for-age championship.

The 2024 Ladbrokes Cox Plate will be remembered for Via Sistina’s exceptional performance, McDonald’s historic achievement, and Waller’s return to Cox Plate dominance.

2024 Cox Plate Results

Table Credit: Racing Australia.

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