Chris Waller issues welfare warning as Cox Plate hopes work at Moonee Valley

The sun has yet to rise and there are already more than 1,000 people at Moonee Valley to watch Cox Plate and Manikato contenders let rip in a gallop at the unique course on a morning billed Breakfast With The Best.

Sadly not all the glorious aspects of racing have been hitting the headlines in Australia in the last week. An exposé by television channel ABC on Thursday shocked the nation by uncovering the inhumane treatment of many ex-racehorses and leading trainer Chris Waller is adamant action needs to be taken.

Waller, best known for his exploits with wondermare Winx, says: “I’m glad the documentary brought the issue to light. You can’t just stop once a horse has been rehomed and this is a big challenge for the industry, but we’ve got some great measures to build on, including the Equine Welfare Fund.

“It’s our duty to provide these horses with good retirements but if a few people let the sport down it has a massive effect. If we want the sport to be welcomed by the community for the long term, those scenes cannot be seen again. As an animal owner and trainer we all need to be responsible.”

An alarm call will have been set for everyone who made the trip to ‘The Valley’ but late nights and early starts have been a regular occurrence for high-profile owner Brae Sokolski in recent days.

Brae Sokolski: chats with Jason Richardson at Breakfast With The BestCredit: Racing Photos

Sokolski enjoyed one of his best days in racing when Yes Yes Yes, in whom he holds a share, won the A$14m (£7.39m/€8.55m) The TAB Everest at Randwick on Saturday. The celebrations have only just come to a close.

Sokolski says: “I can’t remember what it’s like to put my head on the pillow. It was a real watershed moment and a day I’ll never forget. The Cox Plate has always been number one on my bucket list though.”

Waller has landed the last four Cox Plate runnings with Winx, scaring off all but seven rivals last year, but there has been no such field issues for the weight-for-age championship contest this time.

Waller and Sokolski team up with Kings Will Dream and Verry Elleegant on Saturday but the owners' hopes to run 2017 runner-up and last year's third Humidor have been dashed as he is first reserve.

The scene at Moonee Valley at 6.15am as those present find a vantage point to watch the morning gallopers

Sokolski previously stated he would be "livid" if Humidor were not granted a run but somewhat mellows once the field and draw is confirmed.

He says: “I’m disappointed. We felt he deserved a place but will have to accept the verdict and there’s still a chance he might run if one comes out.”

Of the British and Irish hopes, the David Menuisier-trained Danceteria is likely to be in stall nine once the reserves come out and Magic Wand, trained by Aidan O’Brien, in stall two, while favourite Lys Gracieux is set to start from stall 11. Fourth reserve Dream Castle will be rerouted to the Schweppes Crystal Mile on the same card.

Menuisier, who could run Chief Ironside in the Crystal Mile, says: “I walked the track the other day and thought between stalls six and ten would be fine so I’m pleased. It’s very hard to gauge the opposition but I think Danceteria will run a big race.”

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