Cox Plate Day

Cox Plate Day History

Cox Plate Day is one of the premier events on the Australian racing calendar, held at Moonee Valley Racing Club. This prestigious occasion features the Group 1 W.S. Cox Plate, Australia's leading weight-for-age horse race, renowned for its legacy and history, attracting some of the best racehorses from around the world. With a current prize pool of over AUD$5 million, the Cox Plate race is an essential event for equine enthusiasts and casual observers alike.

The Cox Plate was first held in 1922, named in honour of the Moonee Valley Racing Club's founder, William Samuel Cox. Over the years, this race has garnered a reputation as Australia's premier weight-for-age race horse event, often drawing comparisons to the internationally renowned Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in France. Many iconic Australian horses, including Phar Lap, Tulloch, and Kingston Town, have competed in and won this prestigious race, further adding to its legacy.

On Cox Plate Day, Australian spectators flock to the Moonee Valley Racing Club to witness the race, while others attend various race-themed events and parties across the country. Fashion plays a significant role as racegoers dress up for the day in stylish outfits, often topped off with ornate hats. Cox Plate Day is observed on October 28th this year.

Top facts about Cox Plate Day

• In 2022, jockey James McDonald and Australian thoroughbred Anamoe were the 2022 Cox Plate Race winners.
• In 2022, 19,000 people attended the Cox Plate Race.
• Winx, a legendary Australian racehorse, holds the record for the most consecutive wins in the Cox Plate, having claimed the title four times in a row from 2015 to 2018.
• The race was first run in 1922, making it one of the oldest Thoroughbred horse races in Australia. The first winner of the Cox Plate was a horse named Violoncello.

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Top things to do for Cox Plate Day

• Put on your best racing attire and enjoy the fashion on the field events, where race-goers showcase their finest race day outfits.
• If you can't make it to the racecourse, several pubs and bars in Melbourne screen the race live. Gather with fellow racing enthusiasts to watch and cheer for your favorite horses.
• If you enjoy wagering, place a bet on your favorite horse and experience the thrill of the race.