Jockeys mark death of mate

Jockeys around Australia wore black armbands as tribute to champion Queensland jockey Stathi Katsidis.

Katsidis, who died suddenly on Tuesday, had been due to ride in the $3 million Cox Plate at Moonee Valley yesterday.

Riders in the first race of the day across Australia, wore black armbands.

Nash Rawiller, who rode Elite Falls to victory in the $250,000 first on the card at Moonee Valley, said Katsidis was on their minds.

Katsidis was to ride AJC Australian Derby winner Shoot Out in the Cox Plate, Australia's weight-for-age championship.

The ride was taken by Corey Brown who wore Katsidis's signature riding pants and goggles. Shoot Out came home fourth.

Victory went to So You Think who made it back to back Cox Plates for master trainer Bart Cummings.

The Moonee Valley Racing Club included a tribute page to Katsidis in its race book.

"On track he was fiercely competitive, always ready to speak his mind and with a passion for the industry," the tribute from the Australian Jockeys Association read.

His funeral is due to be held on Tuesday.

- AAP