Via Sistina Crowned Australian Racehorse Of The Year

Via Sistina winning the 2024 Cox Plate. (Moonee Valley Race Club/X)

Racing Australia Release

MELBOURNE, Vic.—Reigning Queen of the turf and crowd favourite, Via Sistina was officially crowned Australian Racehorse of the Year after her trail blazing season in which she amassed seven Group 1’s, proving her sheer dominance on the track and widespread admiration with the judges.

‘The Star’ Brisbane played host to Racing’s premier event yesterday, with the Yulong super mare claiming a resounding 202 votes out of a possible 204. Via Sistina was in esteemed company with her nearest rivals in the overall Champion Racehorse of the Year category with Everest sensation Bella Nipotina on 75 votes and dual Oaks heroine, Treasurethe Moment on 43 votes.

To rousing applause, Via Sistina the also took out the coveted Champion Middle Distance Category which was no surprise after James McDonald steered her to emphatic victories in the Cox Plate, the Champions and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the Autumn.

Masterfully trained by Chris Waller, who also clinched his 13^th straight Champion Group 1 Trainer Award, Via Sistina wrote herself into the history books with a commanding 203 votes in the Middle-Distance category over the much-loved Mr Brightside on 79 votes and Doomben Cup winner Antino on 58 votes.

Golden Slipper winner, Marhoona garnered huge support with 148 votes to take out Champion 2-Year-Old for the season edging out Queensland’s own Cool Archie who has established his own impressive fan base on 115 votes. Vinrock was third in the Juveniles on a tally of 59.

In a hotly contested category, the Champion 3-Year-Old Filly results were neck and neck during the voting process. Vinery, ATC & VIC Oaks winner Treasurethe Moment’s brilliance was rewarded by drawing away to win on 161 votes against powerhouse supremo Lady Shenandoah (136) who in her own right has asserted her dominance in the G1 Flight and Surround Stakes as well as the G1 Coolmore. ATC Derby winner, Aeliana came in at third place on 73 votes.

Last season’s champion 2-year-old, and newly retired Broadsiding amassed a stunning 173 votes to take out the Champion 3-Year-Old Colt/Gelding award after his superb efforts in the Group 1 Golden Rose and Rosehill Guineas with undefeated, Group 1 Galaxy winner, Private Harry also gaining impressive support from the judges on 115 votes and Switzerland third on 52 votes.

Drawing from a very large and talented field of contenders in the Champion Sprint Category, it was none other than Ciaron Maher trained Bella Nipotina whose consistency all season and extraordinary feats in The Everest and The Russell Balding made her a clear standout on 200 votes with her closest rivals Joliestar (67) and Jimmysstar (60) who both had phenomenal seasons respectively, with Joliestar garnering support for her runs in the G1 Newmarket and Kingsford Smith Cup, and Jimmysstar’s G1 All Aged and Oakleigh Plate victories.

Competition was fierce in the Champion Stayer award with votes right down to the wire with Melbourne Cup Winner, Knight’s Choice taking out the top prize in the narrowest of defeats with 124 votes over Caulfield Cup winner Duke De Sessa on 109 votes and Dubai Honour well supported on 91 votes.

In the Champion Jumps horse (Victorian voters only), Duke of Bedford eclipsed two-time winner Stern Idol as a clear favourite with the judges garnering 39 votes over Stern Idol’s 32 with The Cunning fox on 21.

In addition to our equine stars, Chris Waller had an incredible season with a grand tally of 19 group 1’s making this his 13^th straight Award for Champion Group 1Trainer with his highlight reel showcasing the greats: Via Sistina, Lady Shenandoah, Aeliana, Fangirl and Autumn Glow.

Champion hoop James McDonald continues to dominate amassing 15 Group 1’s for the 2024 / 2025 racing season taking out the title of Champion Group 1 Jockey for the fifth straight year.

Widden Stud’s Zoustar has ended I am Invincible’s reign as Champion Sire with his progeny’s stakes earnings at just over $26M for the 2024/2025 Season.

The Racehorse of the Year awards acknowledge performances on Australian racecourses, as well as international performances by Australian-trained horses for the period from 1 August 2024 to 31 July 2025. The Judging panel comprises of Racing Media, Handicappers and form analysts from around Australia.