First run in 1922 and won that year by Violoncello, the race carries the name of William Samuel Cox, who founded the Moonee Valley Racing Club. It was held at the Valley every year until 2026, when redevelopment of the course moved it to Flemington for one year.
Its honour roll reads like a list of Australia's best gallopers. Phar Lap won it in 1930 and 1931, Kingston Town took three in a row in the early 1980s, and the 1986 duel between Bonecrusher and Our Waverley Star is still talked about as one of the great finishes. Winx went further than anyone, winning four straight from 2015 to 2018.
Recent years have been just as memorable. State Of Rest was awarded the 2021 race in the stewards' room after a long hearing, Anamoe made amends in 2022, and Romantic Warrior became the first Hong Kong-trained winner in 2023. Via Sistina won in 2024 and again in 2025 for Chris Waller and James McDonald.