Winx wins Cox Plate for third straight year

In her latest moment of Australian racing history, Winx became the second horse to win three consecutive runnings of the Group 1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley Racecourse in Melbourne on Saturday.

Winx edged Humidor to win the $2.3 million Cox Plate by a half-length for her 22nd consecutive win.

Ridden by Hugh Bowman, Winx (2-11) challenged for the lead with more than a quarter-mile remaining before taking the lead with more than a furlong remaining. Humidor (30-1) rallied from the back of the field of eight to pose a threat in the final furlong but could not close the gap.

Folkswood (25-1) finished third.

The Cox Plate drew a sellout crowd of more than 32,600.

Winx joins Kingston Town as the only three-time winner of the Cox Plate. Kingston Town won from 1980-82.

The Cox Plate win gave Winx her 15th Group 1 win, equaling the famous sprinter Black Caviar on Australia’s all-time list.

Trained by Chris Waller, Winx is by far Australia’s most popular horse and Horse of the Year for the last two years. Winx has won five races since returning from a four-month break in mid-August. She has won nine races this year.

The Cox Plate is Australia’s leading weight-for-age race. The Melbourne Cup, a two-mile handicap at Flemington Racecourse on Nov. 7, is that nation’s most popular race.