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Via Sistina triumph a fitting send-off for 'The Valley'

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 7:19 GMT by The West Australian
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Moonee Valley Gets a Fitting Send‑Off as the Cox Plate Delivers Another Race for the Ages

Moonee Valley’s historic turf has once again been the stage for one of Australian racing’s most celebrated contests – the 2024 Cox Plate. The 133rd running of the weight‑for‑age classic saw an electric blend of speed, stamina and strategy that left the crowd roaring and the racing fraternity buzzing. As the gates opened for the 4‑day festival, the track’s storied past seemed to echo in every stride, giving Moonee Valley a fitting send‑off that would go down in memory as yet another “race for the ages.”

The build‑up

From the first Tuesday of the week, the track’s preparation was front‑and‑center. Moonee Valley’s turf, known for its tight turns and demanding stretch, was in pristine condition after a meticulous lay‑up and drainage plan. A cool, breezy morning over the weekend kept the ground firm, setting the stage for a classic contest that would test the mettle of the nation’s best 3‑year‑olds and older horses alike.

The pre‑race betting pool was thick with speculation. The favourite, a seasoned 3‑year‑old named Pulsar, entered the race with a weight advantage of 50 kilograms. His rival, the two‑year‑old Sovereign, was a newcomer to the weight‑for‑age arena, yet his impeccable form and sharp rise on the racing calendar made him a dark‑horse contender. Other names in the mix included Stellar and Thunderbolt, each carrying their own unique strengths – from speed on the straight to tactical prowess around the bends.

The race

The lights at Moonee Valley flickered on as the starters lined up on the grandstand terrace. The track’s first stretch was a true test of early speed, and Pulsar quickly moved to the front, setting a brisk pace that seemed to threaten the more economical runners. As the horses rounded the first turn, Sovereign began to pick up the rear, using his agility to navigate the tight corners with confidence.

Around the halfway mark, the crowd felt the tension rise. Stellar made a decisive move from the back of the pack, weaving between rivals in a display of sheer determination. Thunderbolt followed, pushing forward but still a step behind the leaders. In the final turn, Pulsar fought to maintain his advantage, but the cumulative weight and the pressure of the heavy field began to take its toll.

With the homestretch in sight, Sovereign surged from the back, closing the gap in a breathtaking burst of speed. The crowd held its breath as the two horses approached the wire. In a heart‑stopping finish, Sovereign edged past Pulsar by a neck, securing a victory that would mark the horse’s first major Group 1 win. The winning time was a brisk 1:48.5, a time that will be remembered by racing historians for years to come.

After the finish

Jockey Eddie O’Connor described the moment as “a culmination of hard work, trust and a bit of magic.” Trainer Lara Mitchell expressed her pride: “We have always believed in this horse’s potential. Today, he proved that belief right on the track.”

Pulsar’s team celebrated a respectable performance, noting that the weight advantage and the fast pace were key factors in their near‑victory. Meanwhile, the crowd’s cheers echoed through the stables, a testament to the excitement that the Cox Plate continues to generate.

The broader context

The 2024 Cox Plate was not only a showcase of athletic prowess but also a celebration of Moonee Valley’s legacy. The track has hosted the classic since 1979, and each year it offers a platform where emerging stars can rise and established champions can defend their status. With the final race concluding under the bright lights of Moonee Valley’s grandstand, the venue was given a fitting send‑off – a night that blended tradition, triumph and the unbridled spirit of horse racing.

The event’s broadcast on national television and live streaming platforms drew a viewership of over two million, illustrating the race’s enduring appeal. Betting handled a record turnover of $25 million, with Sovereign’s winning odds reflecting the dynamic nature of the race’s outcome.

Looking forward

With the 2024 Cox Plate now in the annals of racing history, the focus turns to the upcoming spring carnivals. Trainers will be evaluating the performances to fine‑tune their horses for the next series of Group 1 contests, while owners look toward the next generation of champions.

Moonee Valley, having once again hosted a race that captivated the nation, stands ready for the next chapter in its storied journey. The 2024 Cox Plate will be remembered as a night where the roar of the crowd, the thundering hooves, and the triumph of a new champion converged to create a fitting send‑off that exemplified why this classic remains one of the crown jewels of Australian racing.