Via Sistina Claims Back-to-Back Cox Plate Victories
Elle
Nov 7th 2025
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One of the closest finishes in very recent memory was the 2024 Cox Plate, which saw Via Sistina, a fan favourite, by the thinnest of margins, repelling the advances of stablemate Buckaroo to record her second consecutive triumph in the elite race.
After the mare, whose training was handled by Chris Waller, etched her name alongside such legends as Winx, Flight, and Sunline, she became one of the very few multiple Cox Plate winners to make a name list. Her consecutive victory was also the last event to be held at Moonee Valley Racecourse before the closure for redevelopment, thus giving the place a proper goodbye full of racing heritage.
In the final metres, Via Sistina edged ahead by 0.1 lengths, holding on just long enough to secure her second Cox Plate crown. The close finish had fans, punters and connections alike holding their breath as the judge confirmed the result.
For many in attendance the result felt poetic, the reigning champion defending her crown in the last-ever Moonee Valley Cox Plate before the redevelopment begins.
While the racing world celebrated Via Sistina’s back-to-back triumph, one comment from trainer Wayne Hawkes stirred conversation in the aftermath.
Speaking on SENTrack and RSN’s Giddy Up, Hawkes didn’t hold back when discussing what might have been had Buckaroo claimed consecutive victory over his stablemate.
“No disrespect to you Johnny, and I’m being deadly serious about this because I’d love to own Buckaroo and I’d love to train him,” Hawkes said to part-owner John O’Neill, “but it would’ve been shizenhousen if Buckaroo had have won.”
Hawkes explained his reasoning, suggesting that history has always seen the Cox Plate won by the “best horse” in the race.
“The Cox Plate always has the best horse win the Cox Plate, very rarely does the best horse through history not win,” he said. “I’m not bagging Buckaroo, but Via Sistina deserves to win two Cox Plates. Buckaroo is not a Cox Plate horse.”
The remarks didn’t sit quietly with O’Neill, who was quick to challenge Hawkes’ claim about Buckaroo’s class.
“He just got beaten a nose by the best horse in the world,” O’Neill replied.
Hawkes, however, stood by his opinion. “I don’t care what he just got beaten by!” he fired back.
O’Neill pressed further, asking, “How is he not a Cox Plate horse?”
Hawkes’ response was blunt. “Well you know what, go back next year and see if he can win it! At the end of the day, for the actual race, the best horse won the Cox Plate. Via Sistina was the right horse to win the race.”
The exchange quickly made headlines, highlighting the passionate opinions that surround the Cox Plate and the sport’s biggest moments.
For trainer Chris Waller, Via Sistina’s win further cements his place among the modern greats of Australian racing. Known for preparing champions like Winx, Waller now has another mare etching her name in Cox Plate history.
Over the last two years, Via Sistina’s consistency and determination have earned her the affection of the fans. Her tactical versatility, her ability to endure under high-pressure situations, and her great finishing power are what have distinguished her from her competitors.
Racing experts were quick to label the consecutive victory as one for the ages , not just because of the narrow margin, but because of what it symbolised: a farewell to Moonee Valley in its current form, and the continuation of a champion’s legacy.
As the racecourse prepares for its redevelopment, attention now shifts to what lies ahead for both Via Sistina and Buckaroo.
There are already discussions about whether Via Sistina will return next year to attempt an unprecedented third Cox Plate victory when racing resumes at the revamped venue. In the meantime, Buckaroo’s play has quieted most of the skeptics, showing that he is worthy of the top level of competition, in spite of the comment made by Hawkes.
It is one of those events that will be talked about for a long time. The 2024 Cox Plate will live in people’s memories for its riot of drama, tear-jerking moments, and an anniversary of sorts. The departure of Moonee Valley was marked appropriately by a hero who went all the way to the end.
For Hawkes, Waller, O’Neill, and racing fans alike, the debate over Buckaroo’s credentials may continue, but for now, Via Sistina’s name is firmly written in Cox Plate history.
