Bet The Cox Plate
The Cox Plate is one of the most prestigious races in the world. Held annually every October at Moonee Valley Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia, the Group 1 event is open for three-year-olds and upward and is contested at the distance of 2040 meters or roughly just over a mile and a quarter. As is all of the top tier racing in Australia, the race is run on turf. The purse is currently $3 million, the second richest race in the country.
The race was inaugurated in 1922 and the distance has varied slightly over the years. It was originally contested at ten furlongs and converted to 2000 meters in 1972. Several years later, the distance increased to 2040 meters and then again in 1980 to 2050 meters. In 1988, the distance was changed yet again to 2040 meters and it remains at that distance currently. The race was awarded coveted Group 1 status in 1979.
The race has been the showcase of some of the finest racehorses in the history of Australia. Among the great champions to win the race include Phar Lap (1930, 1931), Kingston Town (1981, 1982, and 1983) and Sunline (2000, 2001).
Bet the Cox Plate Online!
Bet the Cox Plate and other classic Australian horse races through one of these recommended racebooks.
* REMINDER! - you must be of legal age in your state or province to legally wager on thoroughbred or harness horse racing. Please bet responsibly!
2016 Cox Plate Contenders
Continuing the long history of mares being successful against male rivals in the Cox Plate, Winx stormed to victory in 2015. She went into the race as the favorite after a gallant victory in the Epsom Stakes despite significant interference in the stretch and carrying the highweight against male competitors.
In the Cox Plate, she was not without serious opposition. There were contenders from around the world including Highland Reel, Arod and Gailo Chop. Under a rail-skimming ride by jockey Hugh Bowman, she saved all the ground and was able to open up on the field as they approached the straightaway. She drew off confidently to win by four and three-quarter lengths. She continued on to have a successful year and ended her remarkable racing career with thirteen wins from nineteen starts and over $6.6 million in earnings.
Check back closer to the race for a list of 2016 Cox Plate contenders!
