West Australian star Cosmic Crusader has stunned Flemington — and broken some hearts — with an epic victory in the Cox Plate.
History hung thick in the air at this year’s running of the $6 million event, with storylines everywhere you looked.
Superstar trainer Chris Waller was chasing a record-equalling seventh Cox Plate crown, champion jockey James McDonald was hunting a fifth consecutive victory, Craig Williams was shooting for his third Cox Plate, and racing icon Gai Waterhouse was desperate for her first.
Add to the mix that Rachel King and Jamie Melham were out to become the first female jockeys to win a Cox Plate, and it was the first time the famous weight-for-age race was run at Flemington, it all made for a drama-filled event.
But Cosmic Crusader, with West Australian jockey William Pike on board, stormed home to shock the field, with Birdman second, McDonald on Aeliana in third place, and Ceolwulf in fourth.
Cosmic Crusader, Pike and prominent WA owner-breeder Bob Peters are affectionately known as the ‘Wizards from the West’.
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And now, Cosmic Crusader joins the legendary Northerly as a Cox Plate winner from the west, with Northerly claiming consecutive Cox Plates crowns in 2001 and 2002.
But once again it is disappointment for Waterhouse, with her early favourite Sir Delius finishing in sixth place.
More to come ...