The Final Race of a Champion: Via Sistina's Legacy
The racing world witnessed the end of an era as Via Sistina, the legendary mare, bid farewell to the track. In a quiet trial at Randwick, Chris Waller made the decision to retire the eight-year-old, marking the end of her illustrious career. But it was her final race that truly showcased her enduring legacy.
The Last Stand: A Champion's Farewell
Via Sistina's last appearance was a testament to her greatness. Despite finishing seventh in a barrier trial, her late surge through the line hinted at the dominance she had displayed throughout her career. Waller's instinct, as always, proved correct, and he knew it was time to retire the mare before she faded.
Dominance in Her Own Right
While Via Sistina will forever be linked with Winx, she carved her own path to greatness. Her first Cox Plate victory set a new track record and equaled Winx's record-breaking margin of eight lengths. Under Waller's guidance, she dominated Australian racing, claiming 11 Group 1 victories in just 20 months. Her wins were not just a matter of luck; she consistently delivered when it mattered most.
A Journey of Excellence
Breeding and Sale:
Via Sistina's journey began at Laundry Cottage Stud, Knebworth, where she was bred by Colin and Melba Bryce. Her Australian connections were strong, as she was by the top sprinter Fastnet Rock, a son of Danehill. Her dam, Nigh, carried the renowned staying influence of Galileo. Sold as a yearling for 5000 guineas ($10,000), she caught the eye of Stephen Hillen Bloodstock.
Early Success in the UK:
Via Sistina's talent was evident in the UK, where she posted 13 starts with five wins, three seconds, and a third. She began her career under trainer Joseph Tuite and later transferred to George Boughey, graduating to a Group 1 victory in the Pretty Polly Stakes at The Curragh. Her success led to a sale at the Tattersalls December Mare Sale in 2023 for 2.7 million guineas ($5.4 million) to Yulong Stud, who then sent her to Chris Waller in Sydney.
2024: Arrival and Ascent
Her Australian debut showcased her class, as she finished strongly to win the Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill. She followed this with a second-place finish in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, where she closed the gap from 16 lengths to 6.25 lengths on the line. In the spring, she won the Winx Stakes, but her performance in the Makybe Diva Stakes on a heavy track was below par.
However, her remarkable surge began with the Turnbull Stakes, followed by the Cox Plate and the Mackinnon Stakes. The 2024 Cox Plate was a demolition job, as she set a new track record and equaled Winx's and Sunline's eight-length winning margin.
2025: Relentless Standards
Via Sistina resumed her winning ways with a third-place finish in the Apollo Stakes behind stablemate Fangirl. She then won the Verry Elleegant Stakes, followed by the Ranvet Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. After a spell, she returned with a win in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, but her performance in the Makybe Diva Stakes was less impressive, finishing third to Mr Brightside.
The 2025 Cox Plate saw Via Sistina and James McDonald rely on their fighting spirit. They fought off challenges from Treasurethe Moment and Buckaroo, with Via Sistina prevailing to become a multiple Cox Plate winner, joining an elite group of champions.
A Champion's Legacy
Via Sistina's final race at Flemington completed the Cox Plate-Mackinnon Stakes double for the second year in a row, solidifying her status as a champion. Her retirement was a testament to her enduring legacy, as she bowed out on her terms, leaving an indelible mark on Australian racing.
