Hold on to your hats, folks, because Via Sistina is rewriting racing history! At eight years old, this magnificent mare just stormed to victory in the Group 1 Champions Stakes at Flemington, adding another glittering trophy to her already overflowing cabinet. But here's where it gets controversial... is she the best mare in the world right now?
Master trainer Chris Waller, known for his strategic brilliance, showed unwavering confidence in Via Sistina, even with the track turning into a challenging bog. And boy, did she deliver! With jockey James McDonald in the saddle, Via Sistina unleashed a breathtaking performance, securing a decisive 2 3/4-length win.
Positioned near the back of the pack as they rounded the final turn of the 2000-meter race, McDonald expertly navigated Via Sistina to the outside, finding a clear path for her to unleash her incredible speed. As the field opened up before them, the mare surged forward, leaving her rivals in her wake.
Tom Kitten, who had bravely led the race, fought hard as Via Sistina overtook him, but ultimately couldn't match her electrifying turn of foot. Emerging talent Zambardo, fresh off four consecutive wins and making his stakes debut, also put up a valiant chase, securing a commendable second place. And this is the part most people miss... Zambardo's performance hints at a bright future, potentially challenging Via Sistina's dominance in future races.
"Seeing the Sprint, the Mile, and now this race, it's giving everyone an extra taste of the great horses,” Waller exclaimed, clearly impressed by Via Sistina's performance. "She was tough today. She went back from the draw; James didn't panic, and it was awesome to see her in the straight."
It's truly astounding to witness what this mare has accomplished. Waller himself reflected on the past two years with Via Sistina, marveling at her journey. "We were told she was a very good horse," he recalled. "Her international form was something special, and it's rare for us to get a really high-class horse down here like her, and she was just maturing. We've got her at the right time. They did an amazing job with her over there looking after her. She was a big, raw mare and don't worry about her age. She's just matured."
Waller also praised the owners, Yulong Investments, for their commitment to racing and their decision to keep Via Sistina racing in Australia. "They are great owners, Yulong. They're sportsmen, they love their racing. I knew not to ask because I knew they'd have liked her to race here. It was simple as that."
He continued, "They have given the racing public something to cheer for, and what a great day it's been with Ceolwulf, Giga Kick, and now Via Sistina. Three serious horses on an amazing day of racing. They're tough horses, and when you look after them, they look after you."
This victory also marked a significant milestone for the Waller-McDonald partnership: their 50th Group 1 win together. "It is an honour to be working with him," Waller said of McDonald. "It makes my job and possibly his job that little bit easier. There's no pressure, no pre-race stress, and I didn't even give any instructions."
He humorously added, "He said, 'I'll go and ride her like Hughie used to ride Winx', best horse in the race, give her some clean air, and I said, 'that sounds good to me'."
Waller emphasized the trust and mutual respect that defines their successful partnership. "I don't see it as a milestone. He's great to work with. That's a privilege in itself. The relationship works well. There's less pressure when you trust each other. I'd go to war with him, and he'd do the same for me."
McDonald echoed Waller's sentiments, stating, "We're not far off one of the greatest combinations in racing history. That's something to aim up at. He's been a great supporter of mine, and I'm happy to be a part of his team when you ride superstars like this, it's always a pleasure. It was basically a copy and paste from last year, sit back and let her rip."
A Look at Via Sistina's Pedigree:
Bred by Laundry Cottage Stud in Ireland, Via Sistina's journey began when Stephen Hillen Bloodstock acquired her for a mere 5,000 guineas at the 2019 Tattersalls December Yearling Sale. During her European career, she triumphed in the G1 Pretty Polly Stakes, showcasing her talent on the international stage.
In 2023, she returned to the Tattersalls ring, where Evergreen Equine, representing Yulong, purchased her for a staggering 2.7 million guineas at the December Mares Sale. Interestingly, at the same sale, her unraced dam, Nigh (by Galileo), was sold for 200,000 guineas to Lucky Vega, also a Yulong-owned entity, while in foal to Too Darn Hot. Continuing their investment in the family, Yulong acquired Via Sistina's half-sister, Via Sienna (by Bated Breath), for €400,000 at Arqana's Vente d'Elevage.
Nigh is a half-sister to Kingsgate Native, a champion three-year-old sprinter in Britain. Nigh's most recent foal, documented in 2024, is a colt by Too Darn Hot.
Race Details:
- Race: CHAMPIONS STAKES-G1
- Location: Flemington, Australia
- Date: November 8
- Purse: A$3,000,000
- Distance: 2000 meters
- Going: Heavy
- Winning Time: 2:07.91
- Winner: VIA SISTINA (IRE)
- Sire: Fastnet Rock (Aus)
- Dam: Nigh (Ire)
- Breeder: Laundry Cottage Stud Farm (Ire)
- Owner: Yu Long Investments
- Trainer: C J Waller
- Jockey: J B McDonald
- Margins: 2 3/4 lengths, 3/4 length, Head
- Odds: 0.80, 13.00, 9.00
- Also Ran: Pier (NZ), Light Infantry Man (Fr), Attrition (Aus), Alenquer (Fr), Golden Path (NZ), Point King (Ire), Kovalica (NZ), Benagil (Aus).
So, what do you think? Is Via Sistina a true champion, destined for legendary status? And how far can the Waller-McDonald partnership go? Share your thoughts in the comments below! We're eager to hear your perspectives and spark a lively debate about this extraordinary mare and the future of racing.
