CHAIR ADAM LENNEN CHAIR’S WELCOME HELLO AND WELCOME TO 2026 LADBROKES COX PLATE DAY AT FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE. This year, Legendary has a new stage. For the first time, the W.S. Cox Plate will be run away from its home at The Valley, with Flemington providing a fitting stage for the 106th running of Australia’s Best Race while Moonee Valley Racecourse undergoes its redevelopment. I extend my sincere thanks to Victoria Racing Club Chairman Neil Wilson, VRC Chief Executive Kylie Rogers, and the entire VRC Board and staff for their generous support and hospitality in hosting us today. The $6 million Ladbrokes Cox Plate promises to be a fascinating contest, with a wide-open field and history on the line. James McDonald is chasing a fifth consecutive victory, Chris Waller could equal T.J. Smith’s record of seven wins as a trainer, while Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have a leading contender in Sir Delius as Waterhouse seeks her first Cox Plate triumph. The race headlines a superb nine-race program, including the 144th Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup, with a coveted Golden Ticket into the Melbourne Cup awaiting the winner. The supporting card also features the Group 2 Drummond Golf Vase and the Cirka McEwen Stakes, with World Pool available across all nine races. I would also like to thank our Principal Partner, Ladbrokes, along with our valued sponsors, partners and members for their continued support and loyalty throughout the redevelopment. Twelve months on from the commencement of works, The Valley of Tomorrow is taking shape, with the project on schedule for a return to racing in the 2027/28 season. As we celebrate this unique chapter in the history of the W.S. Cox Plate, I thank you for joining us at Flemington and hope you enjoy a wonderful day of racing.
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