via sistina

Via Sistina: The Champion Mare Writes History at Flemington

The legendary mare Via Sistina has cemented her status as one of Australian racing’s all-time greats with a breathtaking victory in the 2025 Champions Stakes.

In what is being hailed as a farewell performance, the eight-year-old daughter of Fastnet Rock produced a masterclass at Flemington, storming to a dominant win in the Group 1 feature. The victory not only secured back-to-back triumphs in the race but also marked a fairytale conclusion to her Melbourne campaign, leaving pundits and punters alike in awe of her sheer class and durability.

The Final Curtain Call: A Champion’s Victory

The atmosphere at Flemington on Saturday was electric as the racing world turned its attention to the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. All eyes were on Via Sistina, the short-priced favourite, to see if she could replicate her heroics from the previous year.

Jockey James McDonald, who has developed a formidable partnership with the mare, delivered a ride of tactical brilliance. Despite drawing a wide alley, McDonald remained unperturbed, positioning the mare perfectly before unleashing her devastating turn of foot in the straight.

"She's got the class," McDonald said post-race, a sentiment echoed by the crowd as Via Sistina put a commanding gap between herself and the rest of the field. She cruised to the line ahead of Zambardo and Tom Kitten, reminding everyone that true class is permanent.

The significance of this win extends beyond the trophy. It was a "12th Group 1 victory" for the mare, a statistic that places her in the rarest of company in the history of the sport.

Keeping the Trainer Calm

One of the intriguing stories emerging from the race was the psychological preparation of the horse's trainer, Chris Waller. While the pressure of training a favourite in a major Group 1 is immense, it was the jockey who provided the reassurance.

McDonald revealed that he told Waller, "I’ll ride her like Winx." This comparison to the incomparable Winx—another legendary mare who dominated Australian racing—was not made lightly. It was a declaration of confidence, a promise to rely on the mare's elite ability rather than over-complicate the tactics. It was a strategy that paid off handsomely, keeping the legendary trainer calm while the horse did the talking on the track.

A Season for the Ages

To understand the magnitude of Via Sistina’s 2025 campaign, one must look at the broader context of her season. This wasn't just a one-off fluke; it was the culmination of a year of sustained excellence.

Earlier in the spring, Via Sistina achieved a rare double by winning the Cox Plate for the second consecutive year. The Champions Stakes victory was specifically targeted as the perfect bookend to that triumph. In a rare display of equine consistency, she managed to achieve the exact same feat as the previous season: winning the Cox Plate followed immediately by the Champions Stakes.

This form is even more remarkable considering her age. In southern hemisphere terms, Via Sistina is an eight-year-old, yet she continues to compete against—and defeat—much younger rivals. Her victory in the race highlights her incredible longevity and the masterful handling by the Waller team.

The Historical Context: Chasing Ghosts

Via Sistina’s achievements need to be viewed against the backdrop of racing history. She has been making headlines all year, and her performance in the Champions Stakes is just the latest chapter.

Earlier in the year, she claimed her 10th Group 1 victory in the Winx Stakes at Randwick. That win was historically significant in its own right, as she became the first mare aged eight or older to win a top-level race in Australia since Tranquil Star achieved the feat back in 1945.

By adding a 12th Group 1 to her resume on the hallowed turf of Flemington, she has not only defied the biological clock but has rewritten the rules regarding what is possible for an older mare in modern Australian racing. She is drawing comparisons to the greats, and many racing historians are already arguing she is the best mare to ever grace the turf in this country, perhaps even surpassing the legendary Winx in terms of international pedigree and versatility.

The Broader Picture: Champions Stakes Day

While Via Sistina was the star attraction, the day was a massive event for the racing industry. The Champions Stakes was the feature race on a card that included the $2 million Five Diamonds at Rosehill on the same day.

The "Five Diamonds day" is a significant betting event, with bookmakers offering various bonuses and promotions to attract punters. The synergy between the Melbourne and Sydney racing scenes on this day creates a "super Saturday" atmosphere that drives massive engagement across the country.

For the betting public, Via Sistina was the "clear selection" according to many experts. The confidence in her ability meant that she started as a very short-priced favourite. While this makes for less lucrative payouts for win bets, her performance vindicated the faith of the racing public. She wasn't just winning; she was winning with authority, making the $2 million race at Rosehill feel secondary to the history being made down south.

Immediate Effects: The Racing Landscape

The immediate aftermath of Via Sistina's win has sent shockwaves through the industry. Firstly, it validates the ambition of owner Fiona and Paul. They have been open about their desire to race her as long as she remains sound and competitive. This victory proves she is still at the peak of her powers.

Secondly, it elevates the status of the Chris Waller and James McDonald combination. As noted in reports, this duo is on track to become the best trainer-jockey combination in Australian history. Their communication and strategy regarding Via Sistina have been flawless.

From a regulatory and breeding perspective, the value of the mare has skyrocketed. While she is currently in the paddock regarding her racing future, the "farewell" nature of the Melbourne run suggests she may be bound for the breeding barn. However, her performance has sparked debate: does she continue to race in Sydney during the autumn, or does she retire on top?

Future Outlook: What is Next for the Champion?

The burning question on everyone's lips is: What is next for Via Sistina?

The reports suggest that this was likely her "Melbourne farewell." The logistics of campaigning an eight-year-old mare are complex. The physical toll of a spring campaign is heavy, and the decision to retire a horse of her calibre is one that connections must weigh carefully.

However, her dominance in the Champions Stakes suggests she is not done yet. The "Winx Stakes" form earlier in the year showed she loves the Randwick track in Sydney. It is entirely possible that she could target the Queen Elizabeth Stakes or other major features in the autumn.

There is also the question of international competition. As an Irish-bred horse, she has the pedigree to compete in the northern hemisphere. While the "Melbourne Cup" carnival is the pinnacle of Australian racing, the allure of Royal Ascot or the Breeders' Cup might tempt connections.

Regardless of where she races next, Via Sistina has already achieved immortality. She has bridged the gap between European breeding and Australian turf dominance. She has proven that age is just a number. And, most importantly, she has provided Australian racing fans with a hero they can truly rally behind—a mare who refuses to yield.

Conclusion

Via Sistina’s victory in the 2025 Champions Stakes was more than just a horse race; it was a celebration of greatness. It was a demonstration of resilience, tactical genius, and raw athletic power.

For the fans, it was a moment of pure sporting joy. For the industry, it was a reminder that legends still exist on the racetrack. Whether this was the last time we saw her at Flemington or not, Via Sistina has left an indelible mark on the history books.

As the gates opened and the field charged down the famous straight, Via Sistina didn't just win a race; she cemented a legacy that will be discussed for decades to come. She didn't just ride like Winx; she created a legend all her own.