Via Sistina scores a gritty win in the 2025 Cox Plate

Chris Waller and James McDonald etched their names further into racing folklore as Via Sistina captured her second straight Cox Plate at Moonee Valley — the final running before the famous track’s redevelopment.

“It was a classic Cox Plate,” Waller said after watching his stable stars fight out the finish, with Via Sistina narrowly edging Buckaroo ($16) by a half-head. Treasurethe Moment ($5.50) finished third, 1½ lengths away.

The $2.25 favourite, already a record-breaker in last year’s renewal, once again proved her class over 2040m as McDonald guided her to an historic win — his fourth consecutive Cox Plate victory and Waller’s sixth overall.

“James had to get going early and everyone could see him. He was five wide turning for home,” Waller said. “She was great and Treasurethe Moment was awesome and gave her something to chase. And Buckaroo... he’s run out of his skin.”

For Waller, the occasion brought back memories of Winx’s glory days, with the trainer admitting his first Cox Plate win would always remain the most special.

“James works months on this. He’s loyal, so dedicated. He’s only had eyes for Via Sistina,” Waller said. “Candice and Sebastian look after her. They’ve come down from Sydney. I’m so proud of them all.”

McDonald, who has now won the race aboard Anamoe (2022), Romantic Warrior (2023) and Via Sistina (2024–25), said he was overcome with pride after another emotional success.

“I’m always toey in terms of nervous energy but I put it to good use,” McDonald said. “She deserves to be in the same breath as Sunline and those sort of horses with two Cox Plates. Best horse shone through, and she deserves all she gets.”

The Cox Plate will temporarily shift to Flemington while Moonee Valley undergoes a major rebuild, a fact not lost on McDonald.

“It’s sad that it won’t be here, but it’s still the Cox Plate, and it’s going to be run and won,” he said. “I just hope I’m lucky enough to be on another mare like her next year.”

Punters can find betting markets for the next Cox Plate at top Australian betting sites including Sportsbet, Ladbrokes and TAB.