Robbie Dolan to perform Daryl Braithwaite’s Horses at the Cox Plate

Daryl Braithwaite has sung Horses at The Valley for the better part of 13 years – but he’ll be handing the mic to an unexpected performer this year.

Jockey and singer Robbie Dolan will perform Horses at the Cox Plate this year, in the race’s centenary year.

Multi-talented jockey Robbie Dolan will sing Cox Plate anthem Horses trackside at next month’s race day, taking the reins from rock royalty Daryl Braithwaite.

Braithwaite has delighted crowds at The Valley with the Aussie classic for the better part of 13 years – but this year, he had already committed to playing Coffs Harbour’s Sounds of Rock on the same day as the race.

Dolan appeared on The Voice this year.

He’s also a Group 1-winning jockey. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Dolan has been juggling racing and singing since making waves on The Voice earlier this year, but has decided to take up the mic rather than the whip as the W.S. Cox Plate celebrates its centenary year on October 22.

“When I got the call up to perform, it was a no-brainer,” he said.

“Obviously it’s hard to get off a ride, there’s never a good time in racing, but I couldn’t miss out on an opportunity like this.”

The Group 1-winning jockey has assured race and rock fans alike he’s up to the task of belting out Horses, noting: “I am sure I have sung it at the pub a few times over the years.

“It’s not only Daryl’s anthem, but the anthem for the whole sport of racing.”

RELATED: Sporting greats come together to celebrate 100th year of the Cox Plate

Daryl Braithwaite will still be part of the Cox Plate lead up. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The Moonee Valley Racing Club has teased that Braithwaite will still be a part of the Cox Plate Carnival festivities in the week leading up to the $5m race.

Ricky Ponting, Jonathan Brown and Craig Bellamy will be among the stars trackside at the Cox Plate next month, as crowds return in full for the first time since 2019.

The grandstands will be full and The Valley roar will be well and truly back,” Troy Ratcliffe, general manager marketing and communications, said.