Gstaad is one of the lead Internationals nominated for the Cox Plate
A total of 103 horses, including 15 international contenders, have been nominated for the 2026 Cox Plate, which will be staged at Flemington for the first time.
The overseas contingent features runners from Ireland, Great Britain, France and Japan, with renowned trainers Aidan O’Brien and Yoshito Yahagi both represented after previously tasting success in Australia’s premier weight-for-age event.
Chris Waller has lodged 27 nominations as he attempts to equal Tommy Smith’s record of seven Cox Plate victories, with Autumn Glow, Aeliana and Autumn Boy heading his powerful team.
The international entries include Group 1 winners Gstaad, Almaqam, Hawk Mountain and Hotazhell, while Japan’s challenge is led by Cosmo Kuranda and Shin Emperor. Irish trainer Dermot Weld has also nominated the progressive Purview.
French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard has entered Royal Ascot winner Map Of Stars, which was partnered to victory by James McDonald in the Wolferton Stakes at its latest appearance.
McDonald will be chasing a remarkable fifth consecutive Cox Plate success after steering Anamoe, Romantic Warrior and Via Sistina to victory between 2022 and 2025.
The local nominations feature 38 individual Australian Group 1 winners, headed by early favourite Sir Delius, while last year’s placegetters Buckaroo and Treasurethe Moment are also among the entries.
A further 16 Australian three-year-olds remain in contention for the $6 million championship, with first acceptances scheduled to close at noon on September 8.
