International interest strengthens Cox Plate nominations

A total of 103 horses, including 15 overseas-trained gallopers, have been entered for the 2026 Group 1 Cox Plate as the $6 million weight-for-age championship prepares for its first running at Flemington.

The overseas entries include horses from Ireland, Britain, France and Japan, with leading international trainers Aidan O’Brien and Yoshito Yahagi among those represented after previously winning the race.

Champion trainer Chris Waller has entered 27 horses, headed by Autumn Glow, Aeliana and Autumn Boy, as he bids to equal Tommy Smith’s record of seven Cox Plate victories.

The international nominations include Group 1 winners Gstaad, Almaqam, Hawk Mountain and Hotazhell, while Japan is represented by Cosmo Kuranda and Shin Emperor and Irish trainer Dermot Weld has nominated the progressive Purview.

French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard has entered Royal Ascot winner Map Of Stars, which was ridden to victory in the Wolferton Stakes by James McDonald at its most recent start.

McDonald is seeking a fifth consecutive win in the race after partnering Anamoe, Romantic Warrior and Via Sistina to victory between 2022 and 2025.

Among the domestic entries are 38 individual Australian Group 1 winners, headed by early favourite Sir Delius, while last year’s placegetters Buckaroo and Treasurethe Moment have also been nominated.

A further 16 Australian three-year-olds remain in contention for the Cox Plate, with first acceptances due to close at noon on September 8.