‘Written in the stars’: Outsider Cosmic Crusader wins Cox Plate
Cosmic Crusader has won the 2026 Cox Plate, taking home a purse of $6m after beating out Birdman and favourite Aeliena.
Racing at Flemington Racecourse for the first time in its history, the six-year-old gelding, ridden by Western Australian William Pike, won over 2040m and handed trainer Andrea Leek her first Cox Plate.
Cosmic Crusader wins the Cox Plate. Seven
“It was written in the stars,” said caller Matt Hill on Seven.
The iconic Bruce McAvaney added: “For Andrea, it is an absolute crowning moment, this horse has had a preparation like nothing else, he’s as tough as nails and needed all of that today,” said on Seven.
“The Wizard of the West (Pike) is on top of the mountain tonight.”
Leek is the female trainer to win the Cox Plate after Deirdre Stein in 1985 with Rising Price and Moira Murdoch nine years later with Solvit.
Cosmic Crusader went into the race as a $9.50 outsider with Sir Delius ($5), Aeliana ($4.20) and Warwoven ($4.60) the heavily backed favourites.
Leek admitted the title of Cox Plate winning trainer would take time to sink in.
“I feel like an imposter,” she smiled.
Leek’s six-year-old came into the race with slight concerns after finishing fourth in the Caulfield Cup a week ago but Leek explained there were enough positive signs going into the big event.
“He (Cosmic Crusader) just turns up every day. He improved from last week, I may have done a touch too much on the Tuesday and I said to (owner) Bob (Peters) this morning, he’s better, he’s better than last week.
“I was a bit worried about the rain but what a ride by Willie and what a horse.”
Pike was overjoyed with his success, screaming “Cosmic Crusader” when asked about the win.
“Sorry, I couldn’t help myself,” he continued.
“I really don’t know what to say, I don’t ever dream of winning these races because I always thought it was too far to reach.
“... I left last week a little disappointed, but he’s backed up, he’s turned up. I knew I was a chance, I rode better, I was calmer through the first half of the top of the race. Thanks very much to the whole team that gave me a run, he’s just so good.”
Chris Waller’s Birdman and Aeliana finished second and third.
