The racing world mourns the retirement of Via Sistina, a champion mare who has dominated the tracks with her 16 victories, including 12 Group 1 wins and over $19.4 million in prize money. But here's where it gets controversial: her trainer, Chris Waller, confirmed her retirement, bringing an end to an illustrious career. Via Sistina, bred by Laundry Cottage Stud, was originally purchased for a modest 5,000gns at the Tattersalls December Yearling Sale in 2019. She went on to win five races for Joe Tuite and George Boughey, including the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes in 2023. Later that year, she was sold to Yulong for 2,700,000gns at the Tattersalls December Mare Sale. The daughter of Fastnet Rock exploded onto the Australian scene with an impressive victory in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes and went on to dominate the country’s middle-distance ranks, winning a further ten Group 1 races, including back-to-back Cox Plates at Moonee Valley. Via Sistina won two Cox Plates during an illustrious career on the track. Chris Waller continued: "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." Yulong described Via Sistina as "a horse of a lifetime" and confirmed she would embark on her second career as a broodmare. "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 on motherhood," the statement read. "In the coming weeks, she will return to the UK and be prepared for a date with Darley’s pre-eminent global sire sensation, Dubawi." To say she has been a horse of a lifetime for Mr Zhang, his family and the entire Yulong team would sell the daughter of Fastnet Rock short. From the moment she stepped on to Australian turf for the first time in the 2024 Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill, Via Sistina has been nothing short of phenomenal, carrying the green and white silks to 11 standout Group 1 victories. "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 $19.5m from 29 starts and capturing the hearts and minds of all who witnessed her in full flight." Our thanks go to Chris Waller and his exceptional team, who have cared for and nurtured this great mare since her arrival on Australian shores, regular jockey James McDonald, who partnered her to nine of her top-level wins, and all who have contributed to her success over the past two seasons. Read more from Australia: Nick Luck joins forces with Gai Waterhouse for unexpected Magic Millions spending spree Coolmore land Winx breeder’s A$2 million Frankel colt as records broken on the Gold Coast How John Warren struck gold while on a ‘busman’s holiday’ at Magic Millions
