Chris Waller summed it up perfectly after watching Via Sistina secure another slice of racing history in the final Cox Plate to be held at the old Moonee Valley circuit before its redevelopment.

“It was a classic Cox Plate,” Waller declared, moments after the champion mare held off stablemate Buckaroo to win the 105th running of Australia’s weight-for-age championship.

The victory marked Via Sistina’s second consecutive triumph in the Cox Plate (2040m), backing up her record-breaking win from last year where she demolished the field by eight lengths.

This time around, she had to fight hard, with James McDonald guiding her to a half-head victory over Buckaroo ($16), while Treasurethe Moment ($5.50) was another 1½ lengths away in third. Sent out the $2.25 favourite, the mare proved once again why she’s the best in the land.

“It was a great race. A classic Cox Plate,” Waller said.

“James had to get going early and everyone could see him. He was five wide turning for home.

“She was great and Treasurethe Moment was awesome and gave her something to chase. And Buckaroo… he’s run out of his skin.”

For Waller, the win was his sixth Cox Plate, equalling Jack Holt and leaving him one short of the legendary Tommy Smith. Yet he said nothing would surpass his first with Winx in 2014.

He credited McDonald’s loyalty and the entire stable’s commitment for the result.

“James works months on this. He’s loyal, so dedicated. He’s only had eyes for Via Sistina and set everything at this race for her and Buckaroo almost undid it,” Waller said.

“Candice and Sebastian, they look after her. They’ve come down from Sydney. I’m so proud of them all.”

For McDonald, the victory was his fourth straight Cox Plate win and his second aboard Via Sistina.

“I’m always toey in terms of nervous energy but I put it to good use,” McDonald said. “How did Hughey do it with Winx? I’m so proud of her. She deserves to be mentioned alongside Sunline and those sort of horses with two Cox Plates.”

The historic race will now shift to Flemington in 2026 while Moonee Valley undergoes reconstruction — a sentimental change not lost on McDonald.

“It’s sad that the Cox Plate won’t be run here for a while, but the race lives on,” McDonald said. “I just hope I’m on as good a mare as I was today.”

Those looking to bet on future Cox Plates can find the best odds at trusted Australian betting sites like Sportsbet, Ladbrokes and TAB.