Light Infantry Man lines up for honours in 2026 Cox Plate

Ciaron Maher believes Light Infantry Man can bounce back to his best in Saturday’s $6 million Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley, even if he admits the gelding needs to find a little more to match the country’s elite weight-for-age performers.

The last time the British import raced in Victoria, he captured the Group 1 Australian Cup at Flemington in a gutsy performance over 2000 metres. Maher is hoping for a similar effort on Saturday when the Cox Plate is run for the final time on the current Valley circuit before redevelopment.

“He’s got that toughness you need for this kind of race,” Maher said. “When he’s fit and healthy, he’s a proper Group 1 horse.”

After his Australian Cup triumph, Light Infantry Man was kept in Sydney for his spring campaign, finishing ninth in the Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) last start at Rosehill. Maher conceded the performance was underwhelming on paper but said the horse had valid excuses.

“He didn’t get the right run in Sydney,” Maher said. “It’s not through lack of ability — he just had a big workload leading in and things didn’t fall his way. He’s a very athletic horse, very switched on. He doesn’t need heavy work.”

Maher, mindful of keeping his stable star fresh, chose to skip the Breakfast With The Best gallops at The Valley and instead worked the horse quietly at Cranbourne on Tuesday.

“He’s not the kind of horse you have to do much with. He’s fit, he’s happy, and he’s done everything right at home,” Maher said. “He barely raised a sweat.”

With little natural speed among the Cox Plate field, Maher said there was a chance that Light Infantry Man could take up the running if circumstances allow.

“He likes pressure. His best runs have been in fast races where he can roll into it,” Maher said. “He’s led before, and if it’s a slowly run race, don’t be surprised to see him right up there. He’s not the quickest horse out, but he’s strong and genuine.”

Regular jockey Ethan Brown reunites with the gelding for what will be his first Cox Plate ride. Maher said Brown’s growth as a rider this season gives him confidence going into Saturday.

“Brownie has been brilliant this year — his mindset, confidence, and balance are all where they need to be,” Maher said. “He’s in form and knows this horse inside out. I think we really missed him last time.”

While Maher admits Light Infantry Man isn’t the obvious standout in the 2025 Cox Plate field, he remains confident the horse’s stamina and fighting qualities will make him a contender if the race turns tactical.