Every year, we hear and read the same stories: too many drunken teenagers at Caulfield, too many internationals in the Cup and too many C-grade soap actors on the Channel Seven coverage.
And last but not least, that Moonee Valley is unfit to host Group 1 racing so let’s move the Cox Plate to Flemington.
Moonee Valley is a unique circuit with tight turns and a short straight. The grandstand sits high in the air and provides a cauldron-like atmosphere for horses and jockeys.
My first visit was as a 15-year-old when I witnessed Makybe Diva’s glorious Cox Plate victory. The beauty of the eight horses across the track was matched by the roar of the crowd, and as the noise lifted so did the champion mare as she cemented her place in the history books.
The Cox Plate is a real experience for the audience and is what makes it the best two minutes of sport.
Even the distance of 2040 metres is unique. There have been plenty of strong 2000-metre runners who have failed to see out that final 40 metres. Jockeys toe a very fine line.
Overall, the current MVRC carnival works well, with the Manikato on the Friday night and the Cox Plate on Saturday. While there are some questionable fields on both days, these simply increase the build-up to the Group 1s.
For a club which only hosts four major races, they do a fantastic job promoting them and it highlights the importance of attracting quality Group 1 fields.
Both Group 1s on the weekend featured high-class gallopers coupled with blanket finishes. The Manikato was amazing, you just didn’t know where to look all the way up the straight. The Cox Plate had it all too – a tough Tasmanian front runner, Leviathan Lloyd with the favourite and the world’s best trainer adding another crown to his CV.
It was another great carnival at Moonee Valley and if you’re still not convinced it’s fit for racing, book a ticket next year and you’ll change your mind in (just over) two minutes.
michael steel
Guest
I didn't know that there was an issue with the Cox plate at the Valley. Probably a beat up. However I'd like to see the Valley have a decent race in the Autumn. 2040 WFA eiither Group 1 or Group 2. Most of the Cox Plate runners have never been to the track. On the other hand we've had 2 Group 1 sprints so far this spring the Moir and Manikato both at Moonee Valley , none at Caulfield as usual and there's the Patinack Farm Classic ( Whatever) at Flemington. It's a shame that Salinger was down graded to Group 2 as I thought it was a great sprint. I'd also like to throw in the mix that The Turnbull/ Caulfield Stakes and Cox Plate or the Caulfield Stakes Cox Plate and Mackinnon get a Triple Crown billing and bonus because either achievement means the horse has won 3 x 2000 metre Group 1 races at different tracks.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Your last point sums it up perfectly!
Sam James
Roar Guru
Based on the hard work of the race club, I believe it does deserve the status. The QEII definitely now challenges it and hopefully it is here to stay as both races compliment each other beautifully. Thankfully, the MVRC changed the entertainment schedule and became more considerate of the horses. It was embarrassing to see Braithwaite blast out 'Horses' as the runners entered the track. In addition, they regularly allow horses to gallop on the course proper in the lead up, including the Tuesday beforehand. Let's not forget, the club revived night racing, which was a basket case only a few years ago. The only thing I would like to see is a bit more guts from the committee when deciding the Cox Plate field - nothing wrong with an 8 horse field if they are all top class even if its not as financially rewarding.
sheek
Roar Guru
I agree the Valley deserves the Cox Plate. But does it deserve to have Australia's premier WFA race, & therefore technically best race, run at twilight as second last race on the program, following another full round of races the previous day? The track did look good from a distance, but nevertheless, is this in the best interests of the finest thoroughbreds? Several years ago Bart Cummings was being interviewed after So You Think won the Cox Plate. Just then the brass band started up, causing SYT to buck disapprovingly. "They never think of the horses", Bart replied angrily. By 'they', I presume he meant the committee & corporate suits with all the sideline entertainment provided. When William Samuel Cox constructed the Moonee Valley racecourse & created the race named after him, it was in honour of the thoroughbreds. Do the committee members & corporate suits ever think of the legacy left them as they rabidly chase the next dollar?
peeeko
Roar Guru
good points, especially the c list soap actors
rock
Guest
Agreed, the Valley is what makes the Cox Plate so special. As much as I love Flemington, why do we need another 2000m race with a long straight. Jockey's generally have to be a hell of a lot more tactical on the Valley circuit, and c'mon who does not love to see that wall of 8+ horses when they start shooting for home past the school. Generally the people who whinge about the Valley talk through their kick and pick horse that aren't suited to the tight track, to win the Cox Plate at the Valley takes a special horse.
Syd
Guest
The Valley makes the Cox Plate the special race that it is. Moving it to Flemington would take a lot of the gloss and novelty off a fantastic event. We don't need another Flemington raceday filled with drunken imbos and tarts. Keep the race at the Valley.