A total of 103 horses including 15 internationally-trained gallopers have nominated on Tuesday for the $6 million Group 1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m), which is set to take on a new look in 2026 as ‘Australia’s Best Race’ heads to Flemington.
Top class gallopers from Ireland, United Kingdom, France and Japan are amongst the entries including familiar names Aidan O’Brien and Yoshito Yahagi who have already held the W.S. Cox Plate trophy aloft.
Chris Waller, who is looking to equal the record of seven W.S. Cox Plate wins in 2026 set by Tommy Smith, has entered 27 horses headlined by Aeliana, Autumn Glow and Autumn Boy.
James McDonald will also be looking to create history as he strives for a fifth consecutive Ladbrokes Cox Plate after the achievements of Anamoe (2022), Romantic Warrior (2023) and Via Sistina (2024/25).
“When you talk Cox Plates you always get goosebumps, it is pride of place in our household, and if we can get a good ride and to be a part of it is just amazing,” McDonald said.
“Flemington changes the race immensely because Moonee Valley was such a unique track and it’s a race for the legends and the best horse always came out on top.
“You need tactical speed, you need strength and sustained speed and a turn of foot - building the perfect weight-for-age horse.
“We are sitting pretty with the likes of Aeliana heading that way and she will be a strong force and she looks as good as any at this point this time.
“She didn’t put a foot wrong last preparation and this is her time to be a Via Sistina.
“I am hoping she in the one.”
An increase in international entries for 2026 has seen the likes of Group 1 winners Gstaad, Almaqam, Hawk Mountain and Hotazhell amongst the entries.
Cosmo Kuranda and Shin Emperor represent Japan while Dermot Weld has nominated the highly progressive Purview – 27 years on from his first W.S. Cox Plate runner.
Map of Stars who is trained by Francis-Henri Graffard was an impressive last start winner at Royal Ascot in the Wolferton Stakes when ridden by James McDonald.
The champion rider believes he could match with Australia’s best.
“This time last year he ran in the Prince of Wales’s they just thought that much of him, so he’s a very good horse and he showed he’s in good form coming from pretty much last at Royal Ascot to round them up,” McDonald explained.
“10 furlongs is his hitting zone and he’ll handle all ground… he has enough pace to be a nice Cox Plate horse if connections decide to bring him.”
38 individual Australian Group 1 winners are amongst the entries including current Ladbrokes Cox Plate favourite Sir Delius, who is aiming to give Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott a historic first victory in Australasia’s Weight-for-Age Championship.
2025 placegetters Buckaroo and Treasurethe Moment are also amongst the entries, while there are 16 local three-year-olds in contention.
First acceptances close for the 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate at 12 noon on Tuesday 8 September, 2026.
