1986 Cox Plate (Bill Collins version)

[@glenncooper5156]

It never gets old. I must have watched this race 100 times over the years.

[@ozpilotgirl]

RIP champ. I was there that day...still gives me goosebumps.32 is an awesome age for a racehorse,and I knew you were loved and cared for in your retirement. Will never forget you.Run free xx

[@juanos74]

"equine immortality"...that race and that call will stay in my head forever !

[@brendonoconnor4484]

Was fortunate enough to be there that day to witness these 2 absolute champion thoroughbreds, brings back so many wonderful memories, probably the best day at the races for atmosphere and build up. The only unfortunate thing, you couldn't hear Bill Collins call over the noise of the crowd, everyone on the course were cheering when Our Waverley Star and Boncrusher took off at the school, was just a crescendo of cheering until they hit the line. Thanks for the upload.

[@emmelby]

Thanks for posting, this is far and away my favourite childhood memory. Has me in tears every time I watch it and hear the incomparable Bill Collins call it.

[@Pihasanddunes1]

Never tire of watching this, or hearing Bill Collins' great emotional commentary. Unforgettable.

[@noelroberts8199]

Bill Collins you were and are a Legend, R.I.P. Bill..........

[@rimbaud100]

I'm the same. It leaves me in tears. How I miss Bill Collins.

[@kingstontown9260]

Bruce Mcavaney who called this race too thought he did the race justice until later that day when he heard Bill's call and was stunned, just like those 2 great horses Bill gave everything in that race and he left it all on the field. What a marvelous sense of timing to capture this race and add to it, there were 3 champs that day Bonecrusher, Waverly Star and Bill Collins, my opinion the greatest piece of sports commentary in Australian sporting history. Always missed - The accurate one!

[@wayneo1269]

I couldn't agree more the only modern day caller I liken to him would be Rick Macintosh who calls Victorian country and provincials which I find astounding the man is such a talent and very entertaining.

[@Beazle00]

Fantastic call.

[@TheMicturation]

was there that day as an 18 yr old,was my 5th cox plate i went to by 1986 ,2 as an employee @ the MVRC and 3 as a spectator,the Kingston Town 1982 was the most memorable,the year before that as well.

[@davidg.s.hounslow1663]

Now that's what racing is all about. Me old mate Bonecrusher getting Waverly Star right on the line:). Well Bill that call is etched in my memory forever. Truly Superlative.

[@gailcooper6020]

Magical. Unforgettable. Burned into the memory forever. The horses, the occasion, Bill Collins' immortal call. I miss the big WFA clashes of yesteryear, where the fields were stacked with quality, genuine WFA horses. Those days are long gone. Our racing is so weak now, by comparison.

[@Carrots44]

That is truly a classic Cox Plate

[@DAS1962]

Greatest call ever! I miss Bill Collins

[@anthonyclarke7520]

Bill Collins could not have given any more in this call. Just like those two great horses. Great race. Great call!

[@simonperry9102]

The greatest call

[@EJholden]

R.I.P Bonecrusher great horse

[@peterstorck5349]

I've never compared Eras. but I'd have loved to have seen Winx in that race!

[@biggles132]

magic, the start of my horse racing life.

[@markhobson5769]

Did Channel 7 televise this 1986 WS Cox Plate horse race?

[@ozpilotgirl]

Does anyone know if Waverley Star is still alive?

[@pymats]

i'll be on the blue cab, go you good thing!

[@emmelby]

@rorigiles Waverley Star went on to win a group race in Japan leading up to the Japan Cup, where he finished close up in either fifth or sixth (can't remember now, had a few sleeps). He performed very well for another couple of seasons, including breaking NZ track records. Bonecrusher, once he got past his near-fatal illness, came back the year after this race to win the Australian Cup over At Talaq. It was his Australian Cup performance that wore him out, not this race.

[@bobbie-jo9401]

I agree

[@emmelby]

As far as I know he is still alive and living on Lance O'Sullivan's property. He's not listed as deceased on the NZ Racing website at any rate.

[@JohnRobbins-de2vh]

Our Waverley Star wins by many lengths if not ridden so POORLY!

[@MrDraven37]

Sorry to say I cannot agree... 1992 pips it at the post for me... all the drama as this race, plus the all time greatest Cox Plate field lined up in 1992.. this though, Bill's best call.. and like so many others god I miss him!

[@marklulham3148]

The drama in 1992 lasts for 100m. The drama in this one is when they take off 750 out. That's an extra 40 seconds to me. The quality of the field is another story.

[@marknorris1381]

Late reply but I always thought the 1990 race was a cracker as well. Quality of the field, the tearaway front runner catch me if you can leader turning it into an all the way sprint, the winner Better Loosen Up having to come from 30 lengths off the lead at the 1000, and a blistering race time. No place for the faint hearted in the Cox Plate that day.