The Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) announced on Tuesday that 137 horses are nominated for the 104th running of the $5 million Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley on Saturday, October 26.
This year’s nominations boast an impressive lineup, including 32 Group 1 winners, 34 three-year-olds (22 from the southern hemisphere and 12 from the northern hemisphere), 20 international contenders, 13 previous winners at The Valley, and 42 trainers.
Horses from five countries are represented.
Australian-trained entries dominate with 114 horses, followed by 12 from Ireland, five from the United Kingdom, three from Japan, and three from New Zealand.
Returning to Moonee Valley are three previous Cox Plate competitors, including last year’s close runner-up Mr Brightside from Lindsay Park.
He is joined by Chris Waller’s Fangirl and Danny O’Brien’s Young Werther.
Australia’s local stars feature several Group 1 winners such as Pride Of Jenni, Via Sistina, Without A Fight, Riff Rocket, Broadsiding, Southport Tycoon, Amelia’s Jewel, Atishu, Zardozi, Zougotcha, and Tropical Squall.
Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien, who made history in 2014 with Adelaide’s win, has nominated 12 horses, including the highly rated Auguste Rodin, Luxembourg, Opera Singer, and Diego Velazquez.
Japan is back in the Cox Plate after a hiatus since 2019’s win by Lys Gracieux. Their 2024 nominees include Mitsumasa Nakauchida’s Prognosis, Hishi Iguazu, and Killer Ability.
The UK’s five entries are led by John Murphy’s White Birch. Harry Eustace has Docklands ready for the trip, and Charlie Appleby has entered Nations Pride and Measured Time. Brian Meehan’s Royal Ascot winner Jayarebe completes the UK contingent.
New Zealand’s nominees, all past winners in Australia, are Sharp ‘n’ Smart, Legarto, and Mark Twain, continuing their strong tradition in the Cox Plate.
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