28/10/2023
Australia
Moonee Valley
Cox Plate Day
Cox Plate Day in 2023 will long live in the memory as a meeting filled with remarkable moments and thrilling races.
Not only did Romantic Warrior give Hong Kong its first ever victory in the Cox Plate - and its first success in Australia in almost 20 years - but superstar Kiwi sprinter IMPERATRIZ justified her odds-on price in winning her fifth Group 1 of the year in sensational fashion in the Manikato Stakes.
As a result, the Mark Walker-trained mare is now the most prolific G1 winner of 2023, surpassing the now-retired Paddington (four) while a host of big names - among them Equinox, Auguste Rodin, Golden Sixty, Lucky Sweynesse and a trio of Cox Plate runners in Mr Brightside, Alligator Blood and Militarize - all sit on three.
That milestone saw Imperatriz's victory recognised as the World Pool Moment of the Day, with her groom Jason Levin rewarded with an A$8,000 prize.
"She means the world to me," Levin said. "She's such a treasure to look after, a delight all around. She'll always be a star to me no matter what else she does, but she is incredibly special.
"Thank you to the Hong Kong Jockey Club as well, it means a lot to be recognised - especially on a day where they have had such success too. It only adds to the celebrations."
Levin is now in the running to win a trip to Hong Kong next year should his victory be selected as the World Pool Moment of the Year.
The final World Pool Moment of the Day of 2023 will be selected at Flemington on Saturday, with all nine races from Victoria Derby Day to be available for betting.
Strapper of Manikato Stakes winner Imperatriz, receives the World Pool Moment of the Day award with the elite sprinter.
