One of Australia’s greatest horses, Via Sistina, has been retired.
The dual Cox Plate champion will not race on in 2026, instead is likely heading to the breeding barn after not returning to work “her normal, highly energetic self.”
The Yulong mare, a 12 time Group 1 winner, was also named the Australian racehorse of the year for 2024/25.
“The decision has been made to retire Via Sistina.”
“Via Sistina has performed consistently well across many seasons and has become a talking point around the world. Not only within racing, but sport in general.”
“We feel that following her second Cox Plate win and her impressive victory in the Champion Stakes, she hasn’t come back this preparation as her normal, highly energetic self.”
ONE LAST MASTERPIECE 🫡
Two for Via Sistina. Four for James McDonald. Six for Chris Waller.
The Cox Plate. There is nothing else like it in sport. @cwallerracing @mcacajamez @YulongInvest pic.twitter.com/PP3Uk21zdX
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 25, 2025
Via Sistina was cleverly purchased from the UK by Mr Zhang and his team, having already been a Group 1 winner and performing at the highest of levels in England, France and Ireland.
“She won the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes at her first Australian start which was something special and I think we shook our heads that day at the tremendous way she won and little did we know, it was just the start of multiple Group 1 race wins and her becoming the current Australian Horse Of The Year.”
“I would like to thank Via Sistina for the journey she has taken us all on from her first-up wins over short distances, to her back-to-back Cox Plate victories which is something we will always remember. She is tough, determined and a beautiful mare to work with.”
“The entire Chris Waller Racing team need to be congratulated for the time and effort they have put into Via Sistina, as do the spelling and pre-training farms, the farriers, vets and physios – I want to applaud you all on her amazing career.”
“I would like to congratulate Mr Zhang, Jun and April Zhang, Sam Fairgray and the team at Yulong for their support and congratulate them on the success of Via Sistina’s racing career as well as her management. We look forward to hearing what the future holds for Via Sistina in the breeding barn and beyond.”
“Thank you Via Sistina.”
WOW! The superstar of Australian racing Via Sistina dominates the $3 million Group 1 TAB Champions Stakes. JMac with a perfect 10 ⭐
🎥 @wwos | #StakesDay | #MelbCupCarnival pic.twitter.com/wd6nRG1qhA
— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) November 9, 2024
Yulong on Sunday released their own statement, calling Via Sistina ”a horse of a lifetime” for owner Yuesheng Zhang.
”From the moment she stepped onto Australian turf for the first time in the 2024 Gr.1 Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill, Via Sistina has been nothing but phenomenal, carrying the green and white silks to 11 standout Group 1 victories,” the statement said.
”She epitomises the dream for many in the sport of kings; a true underdog sold for a mere 5,000gns as a yearling, who ultimately transcended the sport, accumulating just shy of $19.5 million in 29 starts, capturing the hearts and minds of all who witnessed her in full flight.
”From winning the Winx Stakes over a mere 1400m on seasonal debut, to bouncing back from the brink of disaster to notch that record-breaking win in the first of two Cox Plates, Via Sistina’s versatility, toughness and immense heart has set her apart from many.
”Our thanks go to Chris Waller and his exceptional team who have cared and nurtured this great mare since her arrival to Australian shores, regular jockey James McDonald who partnered her to nine of her top-level wins, and to all who have contributed to her success across the past two seasons.
”The closing of one chapter leads to the opening of another, and while there is a tinge of sadness that we will not see her on the racetrack again, we are excited to follow Via Sistina’s journey as she embarks into motherhood. In the coming weeks, she will return to the UK and will be prepared for a date with Darley’s preeminent global sire sensation, Dubawi.”
”The last two years have brought everyone at Yulong excitement, joy and incredible pride.”
