The next edition of the Ladbrokes Cox Plate runs on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Flemington Racecourse (moved from Moonee Valley for the first time) offering $6 million in total prize money.
The Cox Plate 2026 is gearing up to be one of the most powerful betting events of the spring, and Ladbrokes has your front‑row seat to every major market move. With the latest Cox Plate odds already shifting around proven weight‑for‑age stars, elite internationals and emerging middle‑distance talent, punters are locking in early value before the field takes shape. The move to Flemington in 2026 adds a brand‑new dimension to Australia’s premier WFA contest, creating fresh opportunities for those who read the form, track the tempo profiles and stay ahead of the market. Whether you’re chasing futures Cox Plate betting plays that could reward big come the big race, monitoring firmers that the punters are backing to become the next Cox Plate champion or building a spring multi, Cox Plate betting at Ladbrokes delivers the insights, odds and race stats punters need to strike early and stay in front all carnival long.
The latest Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2026 Betting Odds will be updated below as the lead-up to Australasia’s weight-for-age championship heats up this season followed by the official finishing order after the event.
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 11/09/2026 01:26:57 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
Cox Plate tips flood in during October every year and usually the pro punters and tipsters put three and four-year-olds on top of their selections as this age group won every Cox Plate from 2009 – 2015, the weight-for-age conditions suiting the younger horses.
Tipping a Cox Plate winner also involves looking at the lead-up form with gallopers coming off a top three run the best performed in this spring classic.
A key lead-up races into the Cox Plate is the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington earlier in the month with Winx (2017 and 2018) completing the Turnbull Stakes – Cox Plate double twice in recent history.
Via Sistina (2024) was the last to complete the Turnbull Stakes – Cox Plate double when winning the latter by eight lengths.
Via Sistina returned to defend her Cox Plate title in 2025 improving on a lead-up third in that year’s Turnbull Stakes.
2026 Cox Plate Tips
Our exclusive Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2026 betting tips will be detailed in full below the week of the race so stay tuned to see the horses to back and sack in your exotic Cox Plate selections this season.
Australasia’s weight-for-age championship the Ladbrokes Cox Plate is known as “the race where legends are made” and each year attracts the best WFA horses from both Australia and overseas. Run at Moonee Valley* in Melbourne each spring, the 2040m classic is now worth $6 million in prize money as of 2025 and has been run since 1922 when Violoncello won.
The 2026 Cox Plate will be held at Flemington Racecourse, marking the first time in history the race will be staged away from its traditional home at Moonee Valley. Moonee Valley Redevelopment: The Valley will be closed for at least 21 months from November 2025 to undergo a major transformation, including track reconfiguration and upgraded facilities.
2022 Cox Plate winner Anamoe. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
Named in honour of W.S. Cox who founded the Melbourne Racing Club, the Cox Plate has been won by many turf champions over the years including racing legend Phar Lap (1930-31), New Zealand hero Rising Fast (1954) who also won that year’s Melbourne and Caulfield Cups, and triple Melbourne Cup winning mare Makybe Diva (2005).
The brilliant mare Winx is one of the most famous Cox Plate winners in history. In October of 2018 she successfully defended her three titles, overtaking Kingston Town (1980-82) as the only four-time Cox Plate champion.
Chris Waller won his fifth Cox Plate in 2024 with another champion mare, Via Sistina, who won in a new race record time by an incredible eight lengths to continue her trainer’s legacy in Australia’s greatest race.
Waller claimed his sixth Cox Plate success in 2025 with the successful title defence by his class mare Via Sistina.
The Cox Plate 2026 Race Day Schedule at Flemington will follow a traditional Spring Carnival format, featuring a full program of support races leading into Australia’s premier weight‑for‑age championship. While the finalised race‑day order will be released closer to the event, punters can expect a mid‑afternoon Cox Plate jump time, typically between 4:00pm and 5:00pm, anchoring a blockbuster card of Group and Listed racing.
Gates Open — Early morning entry for members, hospitality and general admission
Support Races Begin — A mix of competitive spring races building momentum toward the feature
Feature Pre‑Race Coverage — Mounting yard insights, market moves, late mail and interviews
Cox Plate 2026 Jump Time — Expected mid‑afternoon slot at Flemington
Post‑Race Presentations — Trophy ceremony and connections’ interviews
Late Afternoon Racing — Remaining races to close out the program
The official 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Race Day schedule will be updated in full below once announced.
Cox Plate Start Time 2026
The Cox Plate 2026 is expected to start in the mid‑afternoon, traditionally between 4:00pm and 5:00pm, aligning with its status as the feature event on the Flemington race card. The exact jump time will be confirmed closer to race day when the full program is released, but punters can safely anticipate a prime‑time slot designed to maximise national and international viewing.
The confirmed Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2026 start time will be updated here as soon as released.
Cox Plate Prize Money Breakdown
The Cox Plate 2026 total prize pool is set at $6 million, with $4 million going to the winner. It increased from $5 million to $6 million in 2025, with an injection of funds from Victoria Racing. It pays back to eighth ($100,000).
Position
Prize Money
1st
$4,00,000
2nd
$800,000
3rd
$500,000
4th
$250,000
5th
$150,000
6th-8th
$100,000
It’s one of the richest races during the Melbourne Spring Carnival, and it’s considered the best weight-for-age race in the world.
2026 Cox Plate Results
The official 2026 Cox Plate Results & Finishing Order will be available in full below once the spring feature takes place on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Ladbrokes Cox Plate Betting
Early Cox Plate betting opens during the winter months before the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival even kicks off and features a list of all-in prices on possible runners. While there is good value on offer in these futures markets many punters prefer to wait until a few days out when the confirmed field is released.
Upsets are not uncommon in the Cox Plate and since 2000 when Sunline (11/8F) saluted for the first of her two victories 11 other favourites have won the race, boosted by the four-peat of Winx (2015-18), and most recently the Japanese raider Lys Gracieux ($2.50 2019) followed by Anamoe ($2.40 in 2022), Hong Kong raider Romantic Warrior ($3.60 in 2023) and Via Sistina ($2.25 in 2025) for her second success.
Winx was the first three-time defending Cox Plate winner to jump favourite in her fourth attempt, which she also won for the punters making the Cox Plate history books.
2025 Cox Plate winner Via Sistina narrowly beat home stablemate Buckaroo to successfully defend her title. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
In the 2021 Cox Plate results, State Of Rest ($7.50) was eventually confirmed the winner denying equal favourites Anamoe and Verry Elleegant who ran second and third at $3.60 each.
Anamoe atoned in 2022 saluting as the $2.40 Cox Plate favourite 12 months after his close defeat the year before.
In 2024 Via Sistina won the Cox Plate by eight lengths at $5 in betting.
Via Sistina returned in 2025 and saluted as the $2.25 favourite in the Cox Plate betting markets.
Cox Plate Field
The Cox Plate race field is released on the Tuesday before the race runs on a Saturday in late October each year as part of the two-meeting Cox Plate Carnival that kicks off on the Friday night with the Moonee Valley Gold Cup race night.
The race has a capacity of 14 starters plus four emergencies and is open to horses aged three years and older.
Many horses come into the race via earlier spring features including the Caulfield Stakes and Turnbull Stakes. Cox Plate nominations, which typically feature over 200 early entries, are taken in August before a number of declaration stages whittle down the line-up to the confirmed final acceptors.
Typical lead-up races into the Cox Plate field include the Group 1 Might And Power, a double recently achieved by Winx (2016) and Ocean Park (2012).
An earlier lead-up into the Cox Plate field is the Group 3 JRA Cup (2040m) held at the same track and distance in late September on Moir Stakes Night.
In Sydney a new early Cox Plate lead-up race is the $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m) held at Randwick in mid-September in place of the George Main Stakes.
The Cox Plate 2026 field will be confirmed during race week, but early contenders include:
Australian Group 1 winners
High‑profile internationals from Ireland, the UK, France and Japan
Emerging three‑year‑olds stepping up to WFA
Proven Moonee Valley specialists
Expect a capacity field with multiple speed influences and tactical complexity typical of Cox Plate racing.
2026 Cox Plate Acceptance Dates
2026 Cox Plate Nominations: Closed on Tuesday August 4th, 2026, attracting 103 entries including 15 internationals.
Champion mare Winx won the 2015 Cox Plate in record-breaking time and saluted for the punters again in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
The 2026Ladbrokes Cox Plate Field of weight-for-age contenders to take each other on in one of the best races on the Australian Racing calendar will be announced and published below the week of the race.
Cox Plate Barrier Draw 2026
The 2026 Cox Plate final field and barriers are announced on the Tuesday of race week, at the Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival breakfast. Connections watch in anticipation to see where their runner will draw, and it’s a good spectacle, which is often broadcast on racing channels.
The 8:00 am draw is packed with interviews from prominent trainers and jockeys, and it helps build up the anticipation for the big Moonee Valley race on Saturday.
Cox Plate Barrier Statistics
With the 2026 Cox Plate shifting toFlemington, the barrier draw takes on a completely different tactical profile compared to Moonee Valley — the wider, more forgiving Flemington circuit means inside gates are no longer as risky, and runners drawn out wide won’t face the same pressure to cross early, giving jockeys far more flexibility to find the right position without being forced into the tight, turning scramble that defined the Moonee Valley 2040m start.
Barrier 5 is the latest barrier to produce a Cox Plate winner with Via Sistina in 2025.
Moonee Valley is a unique track, so the barrier draw couldn’t be more important for the 2040m race. Interestingly, the inside two draws haven’t won a Cox Plate in the last 25 years, so drawing middle or wide is ideal.
Barrier 7 has five wins since 2000, and it’s the perfect draw. Runners can get trapped on the inside, so having room to move around the sweeping turn is advantageous. Barriers 3, 4, 5, 6, and 11 have good records, as they allow the horses to settle into a good spot.
It is widely regarded among trainers that they would rather draw wide than on the inside, so don’t be deterred if your fancied runner gets the outside draw.
2026 Cox Plate Third Acceptances
The Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2026 Third Acceptances are announced in early October as the final stage of acceptances before the field is confirmed the week of the race.
The 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate third acceptances close on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
2026 Cox Plate Second Acceptances
The make-up of the Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2026 Field further takes shape with the 2026 Cox Plate Second Acceptances closing in early September.
2026 Cox Plate First Acceptances
The make-up of the Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2026 Field further takes shape with the 2026 Cox Plate First Acceptances closing in early September.
The 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate first acceptances close on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026.
2026 Cox Plate Nominations
The first hint at the likely Ladbrokes Cox Plate Horses for 2026 are revealed when Racing Victoria take 2026 Cox Plate Nominations in early August, the early entries often attracting in excess of 150 hopefuls.
The 2026 Cox Plate Nominations closed on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
The 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate nominations are now out with 103 early entries, down from 108 last year, including 15 internationals with all-in Cox Plate betting led by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott’s triple Group 1 champion Sir Delius.
Gstaad, Almaqam, Hawk Mountain, Hotazhell among G1 raiders
Japan reps: Cosmo Kuranda & Shin Emperor
Purview returns for Dermot Weld
Map of Stars brings Royal Ascot form
38 Aussie G1 winners, led by Sir Delius
Buckaroo & Treasurethe Moment back again
16 local three‑year‑olds in the mix
Cox Plate Form Guide
The Cox Plate form guide is a key reference for any smart punter wanting to place the winning bet on the race and features all the information you need to determine the chances of the horses in the field. The best form guides feature basic information like saddlecloth numbers, barriers and jockeys as well as more detailed statistics like lead-up form, win / place percentages and records at the track / distance.
The Caulfield Stakes – now known as the Might And Power – is one of the best lead-up races into the Cox Plate with the double most recently achieved by Winx (2016) and Anamoe (2022).
The Caulfield Guineas is also a key lead-up race producing the likes of Shamus Award (2013) and So You Think (2009) in recent years, while the Turnbull Stakes has also produced a number of Cox Plate winners over the years most recently Via Sistina (1st in 2024 & 3rd in 2025).
In 2017 and 2018 the champion mare, Winx, continued to frank the Turnbull Stakes form winning that Group 1 race before her last two Cox Plate triumphs.
The 2022 Cox Plate form was franked with the winner Anamoe returning the following autumn to win the Group 1 Apollo Stakes – George Ryder Stakes double in 2023.
The 2023 Cox Plate winner Romantic Warrior franked the form in Hong Kong that summer winning both the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup and Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup at Sha Tin at his next two starts.
Dual champion Via Sistina franked the form out of the 2025 Cox Plate winning the Champions Stakes at Flemington for the second year in a row in her final run before retirement.
Cox Plate Form Facts
Winx (2016, 2017, 2018) became the first Cox Plate winner older than four to salute since 2008 taking out the race as a 5YO in 2016, 6YO in 2017 and 7YO in 2018; Winx also won the 2015 Cox Plate as a 4YO. Romantic Warrior meanwhile won as a 6YO in 2023 and Via Sistina won as a 7YO mare in 2024and 8YO in 2025.
Only one horse has finished worse than third in the lead-up to a Cox Plate win since So You Think (Caulfield Guineas 5th in 2009) with Romantic Warrior (Turnbull Stakes 4th in 2023).
In the past decade four horses have won multiple editions of the Cox Plate with So You Think (2009-10), Winx (2015-18) and Via Sistina (2024-25).
Three Cox Plate champions from 2011 – 2025 saluted from a double-digit barrier most recently Lys Gracieux (11 of 14 in 2019).
2026 Cox Plate Form Guide
A link to our comprehensive Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2026 Form Guide will be provided for punters below the week of the race.
Cox Plate Records
Last Mare to Win: Via Sistina (2024 & 2025)
Last Filly to Win: Surround (1976)
Last Three-Year-Old to Win: Savabeel (2004)
Last Favourite to Win: Via Sistina ($2.25 in 2025)
Multiple Winners: Via Sistina (2024 & 2025), Winx (2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018); Fields Of Omagh (2003 & 2006); Northerly (2001 & 2002); Sunline (1999 & 2000); Kingston Town (1980, 1981 & 1982); Tobin Bronze (1988 & 1967); Hydrogen (1952 & 1953); Flight (1945 & 1946); Tranquil Star (1942 & 1944); Beau Vite (1940 & 1941); Young Idea (1936 & 1937); Phar Lap (1930 & 1931)
Via Sistina holds the Cox Plate record over the 2040m winning in 2024 in a time of 2 minutes 01.07 seconds.
Past Ladbrokes Cox Plate Results
The Cox Plate race results are known after the classic runs in late October each spring.
As well as listing the complete Cox Plate finishing order the results show the trainer and jockey of each horse as well as the margin between each place, the weight they carried and their starting price in the betting markets.
Recent Cox Plate Winners
Recent Cox Plate winners and placegetters dating back to the year 2000 are detailed in the below table. For more information, see our guide on past Cox Plate winners.
Year
Winner
Runner-Up
Third
Time
2026
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
2025
Via Sistina
Buckaroo
Treasurethe Moment
2:05.03
2024
Via Sistina
Prognosis
Broadsiding
2:01.07 (R)
2023
Romantic Warrior
Mr Brightside
Alligator Blood
2:03.16
2022
Anamoe
I’m Thunderstruck
El Bodegon
2:10.17
2021
State Of Rest
Anamoe
Verry Elleegant
2:06.9
2020
Sir Dragonet
Armory
Russian Camelot
2:08.4
2019
Lys Gracieux
Castelvecchio
Te Akau Shark
2:04.2
2018
Winx
Benbatl
Humidor
2:03.4
2017
Winx
Humidor
Folkswood
2:02.9
2016
Winx
Hartnell
Yankee Rose
2:06.35
2015
Winx
Criterion
Highland Reel
2:02.9
2014
Adelaide
Fawkner
Silent Achiever
2:03.7
2013
Shamus Award
Happy Trails
Fiorente
2:05.2
2012
Ocean Park
All Too Hard
Pierro
2:04.1
2011
Pinker Pinker
Jimmy Choux
Rekindled Interest
2:05.3
2010
So You Think
Zipping
Whobegotyou
2:07.4
2009
So You Think
Manhattan Rain
Zipping
2:03.9
2008
Maldivian
Zipping
Samantha Miss
2:06.9
2007
El Segundo
Wonderful World
Haradasun
2:06.3
2006
Fields Of Omagh
El Segundo
Pompeii Ruler
2:06.9
2005
Makybe Diva
Lotteria
Fields Of Omagh
2:09.3
2004
Savabeel
Fields Of Omagh
Starcraft
2:06.9
2003
Fields Of Omagh
Defier
Lonhro
2:07.6
2002
Northerly
Defier
Grandera
2:06.3
2001
Northerly
Sunline
Viscount
2:05.8
2000
Sunline
Diatribe
Referral
2:07.7
What are the longest priced Cox Plate winners in history?
Leonard (1946) and Mosaic (1939) paid $50 when winning the Cox Plate. However, more recently, Dane Ripper caused an upset at $40 to win the 1997 Cox Plate for Bart Cummings and Damien Oliver.
It’s typically a race for well-backed runners, but Shamus Award won at $20 in 2013, and Pinker Pinker shocked punters with a win in 2011 at $25.
Eight of the last 11 winners have jumped as the favourite, so while upsets happen, Cox Plate betting moves are worth following at Ladbrokes.
FAQs about the Cox Plate
How do I bet on the 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate?
Bet online or via the latest iOS/Android app with race sponsor Ladbrokes.
The first step is to create an account at Ladbrokes. The process is quick and easy!
Once you’ve created your account you can make a deposit via credit card, or any other of our secure payment methods.
Next up, head to the racing page and find the runner that’s right for you.
Ladbrokes have everything you need to place your Cox Plate bets, including win, place, exotics, futures, and more.
Which horse will win the 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate?
The best way to pick which horse will win the Cox Plate is to take into account the form, assess the barriers, and consider the weight the horse will carry (among other factors).
Check out Ladbrokes in the lead up to the race for full form information.
When is the Cox Plate 2026?
The Cox Plate 2026 will be run on Saturday October 24, 2026, as part of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, with the race taking place at Flemington for the first time in its history.
Where is the Cox Plate 2026?
The Cox Plate 2026 will be held at Flemington Racecourse, marking a historic shift from its traditional home at Moonee Valley. The move brings a fresh tactical dimension to Australia’s premier weight‑for‑age contest, with Flemington’s long straight and spacious layout set to reshape how the race is run.
What is the prize money for the Cox Plate 2026?
The Cox Plate prize money is $6 million, with the winner getting $4,000,000. Racing Victoria announced an increase from $5 to $6 million for the first time in 2025.
What distance is the Cox Plate run over?
The Cox Plate is run over 2040 metres, a signature weight‑for‑age trip that demands tactical speed, sustained strength and a sharp turn of foot. Even with the 2026 shift to Flemington, the race retains its traditional 2040m distance, ensuring the same high‑pressure WFA test that has defined the Cox Plate for decades.
How many horses run in the Cox Plate?
The Cox Plate traditionally features a capacity field of 14 runners, plus four emergencies if required. As one of Australia’s most sought‑after weight‑for‑age races, the final line‑up is typically stacked with elite WFA performers, internationals and high‑rating middle‑distance stars all vying for a spot in the 2040m championship.
What horse holds the Cox Plate record time?
Via Sistina (2024) holds the Cox Plate record time with 2:01.07, which is the quickest time on the newer Moonee Valley track. Better Loosen Up, who ran 2:01.05 in 1990, had the record on the prior track.
Which jockey has won the most Cox Plates?
Darby Munro recorded five Cox Plate wins, including Beau Vite in 1941 and Hydrogen in 1952.
James McDonald and Hugh Bowman follow on four wins each.
Which trainer has won the most Cox Plates?
Champion trainer TJ Smith saddled up seven Cox Plate winners, including Kingston Town, who was the first horse to win three consecutive Cox Plates.
Chris Waller follows closely having secured his sixth Cox Plate win in 2025.
What is futures Cox Plate betting?
Futures Cox Plate betting is when punters bet on the race before the final field is released. Cox Plate odds are available for most of the year, which allows punters to get on early.
How do I watch the Cox Plate live?
You can watch the Cox Plate live on Ladbrokes. Other options are available, including Racing.com.
How do I buy Cox Plate tickets?
Fans can purchase Cox Plate 2026 tickets through the Victoria Racing Club’s official ticketing channels, with a range of options available including general admission, reserved seating, dining packages and premium race‑day experiences. Because the Cox Plate is moving to Flemington for the first time, demand is expected to be high, so punters are encouraged to secure their tickets early once they go on sale.
What is the Cox Plate dress code?
The Cox Plate 2026 dress code follows Flemington’s traditional raceday standards, with racegoers encouraged to dress in smart, race‑day attire. For men, this typically means a collared shirt, tailored pants and dress shoes, with many opting for a jacket or suit. Women generally choose race‑day dresses, skirts, tailored outfits or stylish jumpsuits, paired with appropriate footwear and accessories. While the Cox Plate isn’t as formal as some Cup Week days, denim, thongs, sportswear and overly casual clothing are not recommended and may restrict access to certain hospitality areas.
Who won the 2025 Cox Plate?
The 2025 Ladbrokes Cox Plate was won by eight-year-old Fastnet Rock mare Via Sistina who successfully defended her title to go back-to-back for the first time since Winx as the $2.25 favourite for the event's now six-time winning trainer Chris Waller. James McDonald rode his fourth Cox Plate champion jumping from barrier 5 on 57kg to salute by 0.1 lengths on a Good (4) track in a time of 2:05.03.
Who won the 2024 Cox Plate?
Via Sistina created history when winning the 2025 Cox Plate by a massive margin. The Chris Waller-trained mare won emphatically, in what was one of the most impressive wins in recent history.
Who won the 2023 Cox Plate?
Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior was too tough for them in 2023. He raced as the outright favourite when beating a tough field, and he stamped his reputation as a global star.
Who won the 2022 Cox Plate?
Anamoe continued his amazing season with a 2022 Cox Plate win. The four-year-old was the first of three consecutive wins for jockey James McDonald.
