Champion mare Via Sistina has been named the 2024-25 Australian Racehorse of the Year after a phenomenal season highlighted by seven Group 1 victories.
Trained by Chris Waller, the Yulong-owned mare was recognised at Sunday’s function at ‘The Star’ in Brisbane following a campaign that included her record-breaking eight-length romp in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley and her dominant win in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick.
Via Sistina polled 202 of a possible 204 votes, comfortably defeating Bella Nipotina (75) and Oaks winner Treasurethe Moment (43) to claim the nation’s top racing honour.
She also secured the Champion Middle Distance award with 203 votes, finishing ahead of Mr Brightside (79) and Antino (58).
Other category winners included Golden Slipper heroine Marhoona, who claimed Champion 2-Year-Old, while Treasurethe Moment took Champion 3-Year-Old Filly after wins in both the VRC Oaks and ATC Australian Oaks. Broadsiding was named Champion 3-Year-Old Colt/Gelding.
The Everest star Bella Nipotina was crowned Champion Sprinter, and Melbourne Cup hero Knight’s Choice was awarded Champion Stayer over Caulfield Cup winner Duke De Sessa and Dubai Honour.
Duke Of Bedford collected the Champion Jumper title after dual Warrnambool Carnival wins, while Chris Waller extended his dominance with a 13th consecutive Bart Cummings Award for champion Group 1 trainer. James McDonald was once again named Champion Group 1 Jockey, his fifth straight crown, and Zoustar claimed Champion Sire honours.
The Hall of Fame also saw Black Caviar and Winx elevated to Legend status, with Peter Moody, Zac Purton, John Tapp, Mahogany and Hydrogen inducted as new members.
The Racehorse of the Year awards cover achievements between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025, with judging conducted by a panel of media, handicappers and analysts nationwide.
Punters following Via Sistina and other champions of the turf can check the latest markets at Australia’s leading betting sites.
