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In the 105th and final edition of the race in its current form, with the track set to undergo a major redevelopment, jockey James McDonald claimed his fourth Cox Plate and trainer Chris Waller his sixth in a sensational race. Watch live coverage of the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival events with Racing.com available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. “Via Sistina has done it,” Matt Hill said on Channel 7. “Via Sistina has beaten Buckaroo. “What a race.” Via Sistina was well back halfway through the 2040m race, but slowly worked her way in front and held off stablemate Buckaroo in the closest of finishes. Watch the finish in the video player above “It’s the most extraordinary finish,” Bruce McAvaney gushed. “Incredible champion, horse and trainer and rider combine to win “The genius of Waller, the magic of McDonald and the heart of Via Sistina. “Extraordinary ending to the most magnificent dash up the straight. “It’s the perfect finale. It can’t have been better.” Waller was interviewed by Channel 7 shortly after the race and couldn’t hide his emotion. “Little bit emotional, yeah,” he said choking up. “It was a great race. It was a classic Cox Plate “James had to get going early and everyone could see him going, she was great. “I’m glad via won, but Buckaroo is a real favourite (of mine).” Asked about winning his sixth Cox Plate, the training great said: “The first one was special, these are bonuses.” McDonald then capped it off by expressing his gratitude at being entrusted to ride the great mare. “I think this one’s relief,” he said. “I love this place, I’m blessed to ride champion racehorses and be part of a champion stable. “Even though it wasn’t seven lengths, I’m just over the moon.”
