Coldest Cox Plate in history set to chill racegoers

Racegoers are set to face the coldest Cox Plate in the race’s 94-year history as rain and thunder arrive at Moonee Valley this afternoon.

Up to 15mm of rain and chances of thunder are expected to keep temperatures below 13 degrees at the track, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) reported.

The coldest day on record for the race was in 1970, when the barometer reached just 12.9 degrees.

“We will know if the record has been broken by 5pm,” BoM senior forecaster Stephen King told 9NEWS.com.au.

South westerly winds clocking up to 45km/h will bring the chill factor down to single digits, according to BoM.

Despite the brisk conditions, thousands have arrived at the track ahead of the 5pm race, expected to be a showdown between defending Cox Plate champion Winx and her main contender, Hartnell.

A $1.8 million dollar prize is up for grabs for the 2040 metre event.