The race is the richest handicap in the world run over a distance of 3200m (two miles) at Royal Flemington where it has been run continuously since its inception when Johnny Cutts guided Archer to win not only the first Melbourne Cup but also the second running. Etienne de Mestre owned and trained Archer in 1861 and collected 710 gold sovereigns. In 2021 when Verry Elleegant crossed the line total prizemoney had reached a staggering $7.75 million.
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All You Need To Know About Australia’s Premier Event
The $5,000,000 Cox Plate is Group 1 weight for age Championship of Australasia at The Valley racecourse run in October during the Melbourne Spring Carnival.
Run over 2040m on the tight turning circuit it is a test for agile horse and fearless riders to navigate the sweeping turn out of the straight the first time and balance their equine athletes to relax for what becomes a testing final 600m from “the school”.
The race was named in honour of the Moonee Valley Racing Clubs founder in William Samuel Cox and first run on Saturday 28th October 1922 with a purse of 1000 pounds.
The first running of the Cox Plate was announced by chairman Alister Clark at the conclusion of the 1920-21 AGM when he said, almost as an afterthought
Ins And Out Of The Everest Racing
Sydney’s Royal Randwick host the world’s richest race on turf in October when it runs the $15 million Everest. Limited to 12 of the fastest horses competing over the 1200m.
First run in 2017 the weight-for-age race for three-years-old and upwards the race is restricted to 12 slot holders who each paid $600K to gain a slot in the race. Once they have secured a slot they are free to pick their own runner in the race or trade, sell or lease the slot prior to entry.
There is not specific criteria to gain a start in The Everest with no races exempt from a ballot as there is no conditions. The slot holder have all the rights to select the best horse to race for them.