Cox Stakes History
14 December, 2015
Thoroughbred
The Cox Plate was first run in 1914 and won by Radnor who defeated Artesian and Saturate.
Previously known as the Grandstand Cup, it held Group 2 status from 1979 when won by Asian Beau.
Notable winners included Melbourne Cup champions Tawrrific (1989) and Piping Lane (1972).
WA Racing Hall Of Fame inductee, Eurythmic, was successful in 1920.
Multiple winners included Old Cobber (1997 & 1999), Haulpak’s Image (1983 & 1986), Tropical Chief (1975 & 1976), Royal Coral (1965 & 1966), Gay Balkan (1939 & 1940), Maple (1927 & 1928) and Erace (1925 &1926).
Cox Stakes-Perth Cup double: Lords Ransom, Cats Fun, Palatious, Mirror Magic, Saratov, Phizam, Royal Coral, Bay Count, Gay Prince, Lilypond, Jolly Cosy and Eurythmic.
Last mare: Elite Belle (2014).
Last filly: Old Money (2000m).
Since 2000 five of the past 15 winners have been successful in their final lead-up races and five have been placed.
Alan Mathews holds the best modern day training record with five winners: Mirror Magic (1991), Palatious (1993) Bold Mirage (2002) Free At Last (2004) and Daka’s Gem (2006).
He also placed on five occasions: Free At Last (2003), Tumeric (2002), Lottila Bay (2001-2000-1999).
Lindsey Smith is next with four: Old Cobber (1997-1999), Old Money (2000m) and Celtus (2003).
Adam Durrant with Lords Ransom (2009) and Mr Moet (2012), while Ross Price with Never Blue (2001) and Colour Correct (2010), have two wins apiece.
Peter Knuckey combined with Old Cobber (1997-1999) and Celtus (2003) to hold the best modern day riding record.
On two wins each are Steven Parnham with Ihtsahymn (2013) and God Has Spoken (2011), Paul Harvey on Colour Correct (2010) and Never Blue (2001), Jason Whiting aboard Lords Ransom (2009) and Early Express (2005), Pat Carbery, who partnered Daka’s Gem (2006) and Gilded Venom (2008) while Troy Turner enjoyed success guiding Bold Mirage (2002) and Beau Heed (1996).
David Hayes, who has Extra Zero engaged in the 2015 edition of the Cox Stakes, can join his late father, Colin, who prepared Yashmak (1980) and Brechin Castle (1981) and late brother, Peter, a winner in 1995 with Dark Ksar.
David Hayes placed twice in successive years with Largo Lad (2009) and The Fuzz (2008).
In the past 15 years no horse has won the Cox Stakes from barriers 1, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15 and 16.
Gate four the most successful with three wins, followed by barriers 2, 3, 6,7,10 and 13 with two wins apiece.
Julio Santarelli