Via Sistina Crowned Australian Horse of the Year
Champion mare Via Sistina capped an extraordinary 2024-25 campaign with the title of Australian Racehorse of the Year, announced at a ceremony at The Star in Brisbane Aug. 31.
Prepared by Chris Waller for Yulong, Via Sistina polled 202 of a possible 204 votes to claim the award comfortably ahead of Bella Nipotina on 75 and dual Oaks heroine Treasurethe Moment on 43.
The Irish-bred mare won seven group 1 races during the season, headlined by her devastating eight-length Cox Plate (G1) triumph in record time and her Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) victory at Randwick in the autumn. Via Sistina also secured Champion Middle Distance honors, collecting 203 votes to defeat Mr Brightside and Antino.
Golden Slipper (G1) winner Marhoona was voted champion 2-year-old with 148 votes, narrowly ahead of Cool Archie on 115, while VRC Oaks (G1) and ATC Oaks (G1) winner Treasurethe Moment earned 161 votes to edge Lady Shenandoah and Aeliana for champion 3-year-old filly.
Broadsiding was named champion 3-year-old colt/gelding, while Bella Nipotina collected champion sprinter honors with 200 votes following her Everest (G1) success, and Melbourne Cup (G1) winner Knight’s Choice secured the champion stayer title.
The ceremony also recognized the elevation of Black Caviar and Winx to legend status in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, with Peter Moody, Zac Purton, John Tapp, Mahogany, and Hydrogen inducted as Hall of Fame members.
