Chris Waller has announced champion mare Via Sistina has been retired.
Arguably the greatest horse Australia has seen since the wonder mare Winx, Waller announced on Sunday afternoon they had made the decision to retire the eight-year-old following a glittering career, spanning 32 starts across multiple countries.
“The decision has been made to retire Via Sistina,” a statement from Chris Waller said.
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
“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 impressive victory in the Champions Stakes, she hasn’t come back this preparation as her energetic self.”
Yulong also announced they are sending Via Sistina back to the UK in the coming weeks where she will be prepared for a date with Darley’s champion sire, Dubawi.
“To say she has been a horse of a liftime for Mr Zhang, his family and the entire Yulong team would sell the daughter of Fastnet Rock short,” a Yulong statement read.
“She epitomises the dream for many in the sport of kings.”
Yulong purchased the daughter of Fastnet Rock in December 2023 before bringing her over to Australia where she would win 11 times at Group 1 level, including two Cox Plate victories.
“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,” Waller said.
“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 in 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 entire journey she has 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.
“We look forward to hearing what the future holds for Via Sistina in the breeding barn and beyond.”
Via Sistina is set to start her breeding career with a visit to Dubawi, as revealed by owners Yulong.
This article initially appeared on punters.com.au and was republished with permission.
Discussion about this post