Andrea Leek felt like an "imposter" after upstaging some of racing's biggest names when Cosmic Crusader won a historic edition of the $6 million Cox Plate (2040m) at Flemington.
Cosmic Crusader stormed home with popular jockey Willie Pike on board under dark skies on Saturday, winning the nation's weight-for-age championship for prominent owner-breeder Bob Peters.
Master trainer Chris Waller was narrowly denied what would have been a record-equalling seventh Cox Plate victory, with Birdman and pre-race favourite Aeliana filling the minor placings.
Joseph Pride's Ceolwulf was fourth.
Leek became the third female trainer to win the Cox Plate and first from Australia, while the legendary Gai Waterhouse's pursuit of the elusive major title continues after one-time favourite Sir Delius was overrun in the straight.
"This will take a bit of time (to sink in). I feel like an imposter," Leek told Seven.
Cosmic Crusader's fighting victory drew parallels with fellow Western Australian horse Northerly's back-to-back Cox Plate triumphs in 2001-02.
The six-year-old gelding has enjoyed a dazzling Melbourne campaign with four wins in seven starts, including Group 1 victories in the Turnbull Stakes and Cox Plate.
"He just turns up every day," Leek said.
"He'd improved from (finishing fourth in the Caulfield Cup) last week ... and I was a bit worried without the rain, but what a ride from Willie and what a horse."
Pike is the first WA-based jockey to win the Cox Plate.
"I don't ever dream of winning these races because I always thought it was too far to reach," Pike told Seven.
"I left last week a little disappointed, but he's backed up.
"He's come off their backs, I knew he was a chance, I rode better, I was calmer through the first half to the top of the straight and he was strong through the line.
"Thanks so much to the whole team. He's just so good."
The 150th Cox Plate was moved to Flemington from its traditional home at Moonee Valley this year while the venue undergoes a major redevelopment.
Pike, who screamed his mount's name as broadcast cameras approached him post-race, admitted he lost a battle in his own mind when he celebrated the famous victory.
"The moment gets the better of you and you stand up and you salute and you carry on, and it's amazing," Pike said.
"It's amazing. Big crowd, iconic day. It's most likely the only ever Cox Plate to be run here so it's nice that we could etch our names in there."
Also on Saturday, leading trainer Ciaron Maher bolstered his Melbourne Cup hand when Juja Kibo claimed a ballot exemption by winning the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m).
Maher trained the first three across the line, with Kings Valley second and Mr Monaco third.
All three are now headed back to Flemington on the first Tuesday in November, along with Maher's Geelong Cup winner Point Of Law.
"It couldn't have worked out any better," Maher told Seven.
"Juja needed to win, Kings Valley needed to get up the order and Monaco was already in.
"I can't thank the team enough. Super job, great rides and bring on the Cup."
