The 2015 Cox Plate was won by the pre-race favourite Winx, who broke the track record with a run that saw the mare finish in front by nearly five lengths.
Winx’s time of 2:02.98 smashed the previous record of 2:03.58, set by Might and Power in 1998.
Following behind were Criterion in second and Highland Reel in third. Perhaps true to name, it was Complacent who finished last in the race.
Full finishing order
1. Winx
2. Criterion
3. Highland Reel
4. Pornichet
5. Hartnell
6. Fawkner
7. The Cleaner
8. Gailo Chop
9. Preferment
10. Happy Trails
11. Arod
12. Mourinho
13. Kermadec
14. Complacent
Trainer Chris Waller had 54 group one victories to his name but before today had been yet to claim any of the ‘big four’ races in Australia. Having finally sealed a major victory, he was ecstatic.
“It was a huge thrill. It obviously hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Waller.
“She had a lovely run and when she just put the foot down turning for home, it was shades of Sunline, wasn’t it?”
Jockey Hugh Bowman was full of praise for those involved after riding Winx to victory.
“When I was a little boy, all I wanted to be was a jockey. To be here riding on this stage is one thing, but to win a race like this, I can’t tell you how much it means,” he said.
“I’m so thankful, obviously, to Chris Waller and the connections of the horse… I just can’t believe it to be honest.”
Bowman said he was originally worried that the run would begin too soon, but the final result of course was more than comforting.
“At the 600m when The Cleaner rolled off and went through I didn’t want to be going that early, but sometimes you’ve got to go that early, sometimes you don’t have choices.
“You have to take the cards you’re dealt and I was on the premium mare that was able to capitalise on the run that I wanted.”
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